Tribology – friction, wear, release, lubrication

   In Danish

Coatings solve problems related to wear, galling, release, corrosion and 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, and a PVD coating can, for example, often replace problematic hard chrome plating.
PIN-ON-DISC WEAR AND FRICTION TESTING

PVD coatings can be applied to a wide range of materials, including steel, stainless steel, copper, titanium, and aluminium alloys, ceramics, plastics, and glass. The PVD process takes place without hazardous or environmentally harmful chemicals and typically adds only a very thin layer (usually 1–5 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.

In addition, we offer wear and friction testing ("Pin-on-disc") on a wide range of materials and surfaces, and under various conditions.
SEE OUR COATINGS

Wear

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.

Galling and adhesion

Galling or adhesive wear - when 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 parts, sliding on each other (e.g., made of stainless steel), the Tribology Center has the right solution for you.

Release

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

Minimization or elimination of lubrication needs

Reduction 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 without and and in combination with conventional lubricants and are also effective in vacuum and outer space applications.

Dimension 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 most often ready for immediate use without further processing.

Corrosion

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 corrosive chemicals.