CNC machined parts with PTFE impregnated hard anodizing: ALTEF/ANO-LUBE/Hardcoat/SLF 74/16 COATING
CNC machined parts with PTFE impregnated hard anodizing: ALTEF/ANO- LUBE/Hardcoat/SLF 74/16 COATING
CNC machined parts with ALTEF/ANO-LUBE/Hardcoat/PTFE Anodizing Finish/SLF 74/16 COATING
When one surface of machinery moves over the another surface, resistance to relative motion of the surfaces arises. When we look at the solid surface it appearss mooth to naked eye , but this smooth surface shows irregularities of projections and cavities when viewed under high power microscope.
When one such surface is placed over another, its projections fall into the cavities of the other and get interlocked (Pic. 1). Due to this
interlocking , there is resistance to the relative motion of the surfaces.This is called the frictional forces or frictional resistance or friction.
In due course of motion,the old projections get broken and deformities arise.
interlocking , there is resistance to the relative motion of the surfaces.This is called the frictional forces or frictional resistance or friction.
In due course of motion,the old projections get broken and deformities arise.
(Pic 1)
The frictional forces oppose the relative motion between the moving parts of a machine. Therefore extra energy has to be spent to overcome the friction , which increases expenses of energy .The friction between the moving parts of machines also produces heat which causes damage to the machinery. Thus friction causes wear and tear of the moving parts of machinery in contact and due to this cause, the machines lose their precision and become useless.
To reduce the friction and prevent corrosion, people use lubrcants on the moving parts of a machinery (Pic 2 and Pic 3).
(Pic 2) (Pic 3)
Pic 4 shows the principle of lubricating. We can see the situation of two moving parts with and without lubrican
Pic 4 shows the principle of lubricating. We can see the situation of two moving parts with and without lubrican
(Pic 4)
Grease and oil are the most popularly used lubricants in the machinary. However, there are some disanvantages:Contamination and cleaning issues: Oil leakage or splashing may contaminate sensitive components of precision equipment,
such as optical elements, electronic circuits, and sensors. This contamination can affect the accuracy and performance of the equipment.
Flammability: Lubricating oil is flammable, posing a fire risk, especially in environments with sparks or open flames.
Easily contaminated: Lubricating oil can easily become contaminated with external impurities, such as moisture, dust, and metal particles, which can reduce its effectiveness and potentially increase wear on mechanical parts.
Increased cost and complexity: Using lubricating oil requires establishing and maintaining lubrication systems, including oil pumps, filters,
and cooling devices. This increases the complexity and cost of the equipment.
Oil degradation: Lubricating oil can oxidize, deteriorate, or become contaminated during use, reducing its lubricating properties and
potentially producing corrosive or abrasive by-products that can damage precision components.
Difficult application and replacement: Applying and replacing lubricating oil can be very challenging, especially in enclosed or hard-to-reach areas. Adding or replacing oil requires special tools and techniques.
Grease and oil are the most popularly used lubricants in the machinary. However, there are some disanvantages:Contamination and cleaning issues: Oil leakage or splashing may contaminate sensitive components of precision equipment,
such as optical elements, electronic circuits, and sensors. This contamination can affect the accuracy and performance of the equipment.
Flammability: Lubricating oil is flammable, posing a fire risk, especially in environments with sparks or open flames.
Easily contaminated: Lubricating oil can easily become contaminated with external impurities, such as moisture, dust, and metal particles, which can reduce its effectiveness and potentially increase wear on mechanical parts.
Increased cost and complexity: Using lubricating oil requires establishing and maintaining lubrication systems, including oil pumps, filters,
and cooling devices. This increases the complexity and cost of the equipment.
Oil degradation: Lubricating oil can oxidize, deteriorate, or become contaminated during use, reducing its lubricating properties and
potentially producing corrosive or abrasive by-products that can damage precision components.
Difficult application and replacement: Applying and replacing lubricating oil can be very challenging, especially in enclosed or hard-to-reach areas. Adding or replacing oil requires special tools and techniques.
To solve these issues in lubrication, scientists developed a technology called PTFE impregnated hard anodizing on aluminum alloys.
It is also called in their brand names Altef or Ano-lude. There are other trade names like Hardcoat,,SLF74/16 coating, Tufram,Nituff,Hardlube,
It is also called in their brand names Altef or Ano-lude. There are other trade names like Hardcoat,,SLF74/16 coating, Tufram,Nituff,Hardlube,
Magnadize,Keronite etc.
NASA Process Specification PRC-5011 Rev. B has detailed introduction of this technology.
NASA Process Specification PRC-5011 Rev. B has detailed introduction of this technology.
Pic 5 demonstrates PTFE Anodizing Process:
Step 1: CNC Machining
→ Precision machining of aluminum parts to final dimensions
Step 2: Surface Preparation
→ Cleaning, degreasing, and etching to ensure coating adhesion
Step 3: Hard Anodizing (Type III)
→ Electrochemical process creates hard aluminum oxide layer (50–75 μm)
Step 4: PTFE Impregnation
→ PTFE particles are embedded into the porous anodic layer
Step 5: Sealing
→ Hot water or nickel acetate sealing locks in the PTFE
Step 6: Quality Inspection
→ Coating thickness, hardness, and dimensional verification
Step 7: Shipping
→ Parts packed and shipped via DHL/FedEx/UPS
(Pic 5)
The hard anodizing process involves immersing the pre-treated aluminium parts in an electrolytic solution and applying a direct current.
The current causes the aluminium oxide layer to grow on the surface of the metal. This process causes the formation of a thicker and more durable oxide layer with pores on the surface of the aluminium, which provides increased corrosion resistance, improves
durability, and enhances the appearance of the metal. With controlled infusion of PTFE particles.sealed into the pores, the entire surface
seems be like covered with a layer of PTFE film which can last long period of working time.
The current causes the aluminium oxide layer to grow on the surface of the metal. This process causes the formation of a thicker and more durable oxide layer with pores on the surface of the aluminium, which provides increased corrosion resistance, improves
durability, and enhances the appearance of the metal. With controlled infusion of PTFE particles.sealed into the pores, the entire surface
seems be like covered with a layer of PTFE film which can last long period of working time.
Compared with lubricant, this PTFE film will not cause contamination, no flammable risk, and it is clean and easy to maintain.
The ALTEF® treatment can significantly improve the properties of aluminum. In many cases, the improvements make it possible to
replace steel and other metallic materials
The ALTEF® treatment can significantly improve the properties of aluminum. In many cases, the improvements make it possible to
replace steel and other metallic materials
The affect to dimensions:
During the process, the growth of anodic aluminum oxide increases the dimension of the CNC machined parts.
Roughly half of the coating thickness penetrates into the surface of the parts while the other half builds up on the surface. Therefore,
for a typical 0.002” thickness requirement, there is 0.001” dimensional change per surface.
Roughly half of the coating thickness penetrates into the surface of the parts while the other half builds up on the surface. Therefore,
for a typical 0.002” thickness requirement, there is 0.001” dimensional change per surface.
Pic 6 and Pic 7 show the comparison of the dimensions before and after coating.
(Pic 6) (Pic 7)
Aerospace/Astrospace/Aviation– wear resistance, dry lubrication, longevity and electrical insulation
Firearms/Ordnance– corrosion and wear resistance
Machinery– abrasion resistance for high-speed machine parts
Electronics– uniform emissivity and a high dielectric
Marine/Naval– corrosion resistance in salt-water environments
Molds and Dies– improved release properties and abrasion resistance at high temperatures
Food & Agriculture– long service life, easy-to-clean surface and release on molds
Chemical Industry– corrosion resistance in extreme environments
Weaponry optics – provides lubricious, wear-resistant coating for rotating and telescoping optical sight housings and dials
Automation equipment – paper printers and rollers, robotics and semiconductor assembly equipment
Pneumatic cylinders and valve spools – resists wear from contact with piston seals; PTFE permits use without additional wet lubricants
Pump components – resists erosion for liquids that may contain sand or other abrasive media
Plasma etching equipment – PTFE-sealed anodize protects the aluminum from erosion in the process
Firearms/Ordnance– corrosion and wear resistance
Machinery– abrasion resistance for high-speed machine parts
Electronics– uniform emissivity and a high dielectric
Marine/Naval– corrosion resistance in salt-water environments
Molds and Dies– improved release properties and abrasion resistance at high temperatures
Food & Agriculture– long service life, easy-to-clean surface and release on molds
Chemical Industry– corrosion resistance in extreme environments
Weaponry optics – provides lubricious, wear-resistant coating for rotating and telescoping optical sight housings and dials
Automation equipment – paper printers and rollers, robotics and semiconductor assembly equipment
Pneumatic cylinders and valve spools – resists wear from contact with piston seals; PTFE permits use without additional wet lubricants
Pump components – resists erosion for liquids that may contain sand or other abrasive media
Plasma etching equipment – PTFE-sealed anodize protects the aluminum from erosion in the process
Eastmaster has long experience in providing machining parts with PTFE impregnated hard anodizing. We are located in Shenzhen China.
• Email: info@eastmaster.com
• Phone: +86 755 22676100
• WhatsApp / WeChat available on the right side.
• Phone: +86 755 22676100
• WhatsApp / WeChat available on the right side.
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