Tribology – friction, wear, release, lubrication

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  1. Danish Technological Institute
  2. Services
  3. Materials and surface technology
  4. Advanced PVD coatings
  5. Tribology – friction, wear, release, lubrication
Henrik Horup Reitz

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Tribologisk overfladebehandling af gevind snittappe

Tribology – friction, wear, release, lubrication

Coatings solve problems related to wear, galling, release, corrosion and much more

The life span of tools and machine parts largely depends on the wear they are exposed to - but this wear can be substantially reduced with protective surface treatments.

The right surface treatment, combined with optimal material selection, can minimize or even eliminate wear. In many cases, lubricants can be dispensed with altogether - a PVD coating can, for example, often replace problematic hard chrome plating.

PVD coatings can be applied to a wide range of materials, including steel, stainless steel, titanium, aluminium, ceramics, plastics, and glass. The PVD process takes place without hazardous or environmentally harmful chemicals, and typically adds only a very thin layer (usually 1–10 μm), meaning component dimensions and tolerances are only minimally affected.

We provide coatings for nearly all types of production tools, machine parts, and finished components - to prevent wear, corrosion, friction, galling, adhesion, and ensure easy-release surfaces.

Udsnit af slidt værktøjsdelWear

Wear issues can almost always be solved with the right surface solution. For example, the service life of production tools in the metal and plastics industries, as well as a range of machine components, can be increased by more than a factor of 10. Hard chrome for wear protection, which is being phased out for health reasons, can often be replaced by PVD coatings.

We have extensive knowledge and experience with all types of wear and how each can be minimized or eliminated.

Billede af påklæbninger på lokkenålGalling and adhesion

Galling or adhesion - where two surfaces slide against each other - can be destructive to the surface. Whether it’s galling between a tool and the workpiece or between machine components (e.g., made of stainless steel), the Tribology Center has the right solution for you.

 

Udsnit af plastformværktøjRelease

Demolding and release in injection molding can be significantly improved. At the same time, mold wear and corrosion resistance are enhanced, and the quality of molded parts remains high throughout the lifetime of the mold.We have solutions for nearly all plastic types and tool materials (steel, aluminum, copper alloys).

 

Billede af tandhjulMinimization or elimination of lubrication needs

The reduced use or elimination of lubricants in moving mechanical parts can often be achieved with our specialized self-lubricating, low-friction coatings - such as so-called Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coatings. Dry lubricating coatings can be used both with and without conventional lubricants and are also effective in vacuum and outer space.

 

En detalje af et måleværktøjDimension correction

Our chromium nitride coating (CrN-SD) can be used for dimensional corrections during the repair of injection molding tools or in case of machining errors. Coatings can be locally applied in thicknesses up to 30 μm and are ready for immediate use without further processing.

 

Billeder der viser korrosionsskader på værktøjKorrosion

PVD coatings provide highly wear-resistant corrosion protection for tool surfaces, etc. The coating prevents direct contact between the substrate and the environment, significantly reducing the risk of corrosion. PVD coatings are extremely hard and scratch-resistant, as well as highly resistant to oxidation and chemicals.
 

SEE OUR COATINGS

Pin-on-Disc (POD) wear testing

Pin-on-disc tests are a well-established method for assessing the tribological properties of materials. In the test, a pin is pressed against a rotating disc under controlled conditions, allowing friction and wear to be measured between different materials under varying loads, speeds, atmospheric, temperature, and lubrication conditions.

Benefits:

  • Reliable and reproducible results
  • Tests can be performed under various environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, atmosphere)
  • Both dry and lubricated contacts can be tested
  • Results can be applied directly to material selection, optimization, and lifetime estimation

Our pin-on-disc tests are adaptable to a wide range of requirements and can be run at both low and high temperatures to simulate arctic and tropical environments.

We help you assess your material’s wear and friction characteristics under realistic operating conditions.

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