Dicronite® Southwest brochure
Overview & Markets Served
A Quality, Performance and Service Driven Organization
DicroniteSouthwest.com
Overview
Developed as part of NASA’s space exploration program, Dicronite® dry lubrication is the trusted dry lubrication technology for the aerospace, plastic molding, medical device, mechanical equipment, semiconductor and food processing industries.
The key to Dicronite dry lubrication’s wide range of applications are its:
- Ultra-low coefficient of friction
- Precision film thickness of 0.5 micron maximum (0.000020 inches)
- Wide functional temperature span: -188º C to +538º C / -360°F to 1000°F) and up to +1316º C / 2400°F in vacuum
- Near ambient temperature (max 35º C / 95°F) application process
Based on these key values, Dicronite dry lubrication is proven world-wide for:
- Friction and wear reduction
- Anti-seizing/anti-galling and anti-fretting
- Plastic mold release
- Co-lubrication enhancement in combination with oils and greases
- Very low outgassing in high-vacuum/temperature situations
Applications
Aviation
Dicronite dry lubrication is valued by the aviation industry for its ultra-low friction, precision tolerances (maximum 0.5 micron thickness) and wide temperature range (188°C to +538°C / -360° F to 1000° F), as well as its low temperature application process which does not affect the more exotic metals used in cutting-edge aviation and defense applications. Companies including Boeing, EADS, General Dynamics, Parker Hannifin, Northrop, Eaton, Sargent, Moog and Honeywell use Dicronite dry lubrication for:
- Hydraulic valve and connector lubrication
- Anti-galling/anti-seize protection for connectors, fasteners and rivets
- Flanges and couplings in fueling systems
Space
Dicronite dry lubrication’s low outgassing, precision tolerance and functionality under wide temperature and vacuum ranges have lead to it’s widespread use in space applications. The Mars Rover Explorer and the US Space Shuttle rely on Dicronite dry lubrication for sliding and rotating components. Examples of Dicronite dry lubrication are used on the linear the linear and rotational actuators operating at cryogenic temperatures.
- Instrument deployment device lubrication on the Mars Explorer Rover
- Precision roller bearings in satellites
- Linear and rotational cryogenic actuators in infrared detectors
Vacuum Environments
Widely used for its high performance under vacuum conditions (μ stable under vacuum), wide temperature range (cryogenic to +1316°C / 2400° F at 10-14 torr) and precision thickness (0.5 micron maximum), Dicronite is the vacuum equipment industry’s top dry lubrication technology. Companies including NASA, General Dynamics and Lockheed rely on Dicronite dry lubrication for:
- Vacuum pump bearing lubrication
- Linear and rotational motion devices in satellites and space vehicles
- Lubrication and fretting reduction - titanium and stainless electron microscope components
- Actuators and valves
Mechanical Equipment
Dicronite dry lubrication is used within the industrial/mechanical equipment industry for applications where reducing friction and heat and improving performance are critical.
- Rotating and linear bearings (steel and ceramic)
- Gears and rotating pump components
- Fasteners for anti-seize and torque reduction
Medical/Pharmaceutical
With its compliance to ISO 10993 biocompatibility and USP Class 6 standards, and resistance to aggressive sterilization procedures, Dicronite dry lubrication provides reliable, proven performance for the medical and pharmaceutical industry.
- Producing sophisticated precision molded drug delivery devices
- Increasing production line throughput by reducing container sticking in sorting and filling equipment
- Decreasing friction in endosurgery tools and insertion devices
Semiconductor
With its precise lubrication tolerances, superior performance under vacuum conditions and strong adhesion (non-contaminating), Dicronite dry lubrication is valued for its ability to meet the stringent performance requirements of the semiconductor equipment industry.
- Linear bearings
- Micro-gears
- Vacuum pump equipment
- Fasteners
Automotive
Dicronite dry lubrication is valued by the automotive industry for its ultra-low friction, precision tolerances (maximum 0.5 micron thickness) and wide temperature range (-188°C to +538°C / -360° F to 1000° F). As a result, Dicronite is used to reduce friction and heat and increase performance in a broad range of automotive applications, such as:
- Gears
- Valves
- Camshafts and Crankshafts
- Bearings
- Drive train components
Food Processing
Dicronite dry lubrication’s biocompatibility per ISO-10993 and FDA repeat use and USDA incidental contact approvals have lead to it’s use in the food processing industry.
- Seaming and forming equipment to minimize wear and increase preventative maintenance intervals
- Food packaging equipment to minimize equipment jams and increase production rates
Plastics
Dicronite dry lubrication’s proven ability to increase flow and speed-up release, resulting from its high lubricity and precision tolerance (0.5 micron maximum), coupled with low application temperature and non flaking properties, make it the plastics industry’s key dry lubrication technology.
- Reducing reject rates for low draft or undercut parts such as caps and closures
- Reducing cycle times due to improved release
- Increasing uptime due to less wear on pins, bushings and mold surfaces
- As a co-deposit to improve the performance of TiN, CrN, CrC, and other surface treatments
Wind Turbines
Wind turbine applications represent a significant part of our coating work. We regularly support customers in this industry with Dicronite® dry film lubrication for precision mechanical components. Our tungsten disulfide (WS₂) coating reduces friction between contacting surfaces, helping address sliding wear, galling, seizing, and fretting.
- Reduce friction and sliding wear
- Address fretting
- Help prevent galling and seizing
- Maintain precision tolerances
Functional Properties
- Temperature Range: Lubricates from -188°C to +538°C / -350°F to +1000°F normal atmosphere
- Load Capacity: same as the substrate, to approx. 350,000 psi (approx. 2,450 MPa)
- Lubricates up to +1316°C / +2400°F under 10-14 torr vacuum
- LOX Compatibility: insensitive to detonation by or in the presence of liquid and gaseous oxygen
- Chemical Stability: inert and non-toxic, compatible with all metals
- Distortion/Stress: will not distort existing surfaces or create additional stresses
- Corrosion Resistance: minor delay of corrosion, not corrosion inhibitor, does not induce corrosion
- Biocompatible: USP (United States Pharmacopoeia) Class 6 and ISO-10993 tested, US-FDA approved
- As a Substrate: accepts most paints and is compatible with most solvents, fuels and oils
- Very Low Outgassing (ASTM E-595)
Physical Properties
- Hardness: 1.0 – 1.5 Moh’s scale
- Magnetism: non-magnetic
- Thickness: 0.000020 inch (0.5 micron) maximum
- Conductive: does not affect surface electrical properties
- Appearance: silver-gray, polished rhodium
- Substrates: bonds to metals, platings and most man made materials
- No binders, adhesives or solvents
- Application temperature 20 – 35°C / 68 – 95° F
- Cure Time: no cure time required
Dicronite is available throughout the world. For more information:
DicroniteSouthwest.com1-909-982-5100rfq@dicronitesouthwest.com
© Dicronite Southwest
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