Paul Boughton
German company, STE Dichtungstechnik, has significantly improved its special multi-layer powder coating process as a result of working closely with Victrex.
STE is a global leader in the development and application of high quality PEEK coatings that are marketed under the brand name multislide. STE provides customer-specific solutions for key markets such as automotive, electronics, cookware and medical.
Victrex assisted STE to achieve performance gains by deploying a number of VICOTE Coating powder types in the manufacture of multislide. Previously, STE’s powder coating process had a tendency to form pinholes during processing under certain conditions. This has now been overcome due to VICOTE’s combination of properties and the use of new manufacturing equipment.
The need for a sound surface quality without pinholes or stress cracks is not only a ‘cosmetic’ consideration but also a necessity to provide a metallic substrate with a dependable seal against chemical and electrical influences. These benefits become particularly apparent with difficult geometries, such as edges.
When compared to fluorocarbon polymer systems such as ‘Teflon’, adhesion to the substrate has been significantly improved so that the coating does not flake off instantly when damaged. Representatives of STE have commented that “the continuous temperature resistance of VICOTE of 500 °F/260°C to 572°F /300°C, and even up to 644°F/340°C for brief periods, is a distinct advantage over other plastic coatings”.
A particular benefit that multislide coatings have over ceramic coatings is their ductile, non-brittle behaviour that virtually eliminates the danger of coating flake-off. Moreover, the wear resistance which the new coatings deliver makes them an excellent fit for many tribological-pairs and can be adapted to specific requirements by STE.
Thicker coatings of VICOTE enhanced multislide, up to 0.2 to 0.4 mm, can now be applied to fulfil more stringent demands regarding corrosion protection, electrical or chemical insulation and simultaneous exposure to high temperatures, mechanical loads or steam.
Further advantages are, high volume parts with difficult geometries can now be cost-effectively coated whilst maintaining the quality of the uncoated component. Moreover, specific surface properties such as non-stick and sliding properties can be produced with the new multislide coating system.
VICTREX PEEK-based polymers
STE is a global leader in the development and application of high quality PEEK coatings that are marketed under the brand name multislide. STE provides customer-specific solutions for key markets such as automotive, electronics, cookware and medical.
Victrex assisted STE to achieve performance gains by deploying a number of VICOTE Coating powder types in the manufacture of multislide. Previously, STE’s powder coating process had a tendency to form pinholes during processing under certain conditions. This has now been overcome due to VICOTE’s combination of properties and the use of new manufacturing equipment.
The need for a sound surface quality without pinholes or stress cracks is not only a ‘cosmetic’ consideration but also a necessity to provide a metallic substrate with a dependable seal against chemical and electrical influences. These benefits become particularly apparent with difficult geometries, such as edges.
When compared to fluorocarbon polymer systems such as ‘Teflon’, adhesion to the substrate has been significantly improved so that the coating does not flake off instantly when damaged. Representatives of STE have commented that “the continuous temperature resistance of VICOTE of 500 °F/260°C to 572°F /300°C, and even up to 644°F/340°C for brief periods, is a distinct advantage over other plastic coatings”.
A particular benefit that multislide coatings have over ceramic coatings is their ductile, non-brittle behaviour that virtually eliminates the danger of coating flake-off. Moreover, the wear resistance which the new coatings deliver makes them an excellent fit for many tribological-pairs and can be adapted to specific requirements by STE.
Thicker coatings of VICOTE enhanced multislide, up to 0.2 to 0.4 mm, can now be applied to fulfil more stringent demands regarding corrosion protection, electrical or chemical insulation and simultaneous exposure to high temperatures, mechanical loads or steam.
Further advantages are, high volume parts with difficult geometries can now be cost-effectively coated whilst maintaining the quality of the uncoated component. Moreover, specific surface properties such as non-stick and sliding properties can be produced with the new multislide coating system.
VICTREX PEEK-based polymers
