Electroless Nickel Plating with PTFE

PEN-TUF®/EN (Co-Deposited Electroless Nickel with PTFE) or Electroless Nickel Plating with PTFE

Electroless Nickel Plating with PTFE or PEN-TUF®/EN is an Electroless Nickel Composite coating containing particles of PTFE evenly dispersed in a Nickel Phosphorus matrix. During the plating process the PTFE particles are suspended in the Electroless Nickel bath creating a uniform co-deposit.

By combining the lubricity of PTFE with many features of Electroless Nickel, PEN-TUF®/EN is able to meet a broad range of engineering applications. PTFE is one of the most lubricious materials available and when co-deposited with Electroless Nickel it provides a superior wear coating with a coefficient of friction around 0.1. The Electroless nickel content of our PEN-TUF®/EN coatings ensures uniform coating thickness, corrosion resistance, and durability. Typical thicknesses of the coating range between .0001-.0004”. If a thicker coating is required an undercoat of Electroless Nickel can be applied.

Co-Deposited PEN-TUF®/EN

This Electroless Nickel plating with PTFE product is created through the suspension of PTFE particles in the EN bath, ensuring their uniform distribution throughout the EN matrix. Both elements are co-deposited during the plating process, yielding a tough, corrosion and wear-resistant material with a very low friction coefficient, ideal for a large and growing range of engineering applications.

Infused PEN-TEF®/EN

AST has pioneered the use of PTFE/EN coatings with our proprietary Infused PEN-TUF®/EN coating. This Electroless Nickel composite is a Mid-Phosphorous Electroless Nickel coating that is sprayed with PTFE which is then baked into the pore structure to give exceptional release properties. Typical coating thickness is 0.0005″-0.002″.

Benefits of Electroless Nickel Plating with PTFE

The homogenous distribution of PTFE particles and EN provides a continuously renewing source of PTFE during normal wear, giving this powerful material a number of engineering benefits, including:

  • Improved release qualities in molding operations, eliminating the need for mold release sprays, and extending the lifespan of the mold itself
  • Reduced noise and lengthened lifespan for cutting tools and dies
  • Improved fuel management when applied to pistons, rings, valves, and other automobile or truck parts – sometimes eliminating the need for additional lubricants
  • Electroless Nickel plating with PTFE is dark gray in appearance, making it an appropriate, non-reflective coating option for military applications

Our PTFE/Electroless Nickel Composites can be applied over a variety of substrates, including stainless steel, copper, aluminum, or brass. As with standard EN plating, the autocatalytic chemical reaction ensures a dependably uniform and repeatable deposit, making possible the coating of irregularly shaped parts, and otherwise difficult to plate internal surfaces and cavities, or complex geometries.

4 Decades of Leadership in Electroless Nickel Plating Services

Our state of the art facility includes:

  • 8 substrate- and size-specific EN process lines
  • Recipient of the Colorado Environmental Leadership Award for innovative hazardous waste recycling programs
  • Meets virtually any requirement for Electroless Nickel plating with PTFE
  • On Time Every Time Delivery pledge

Advanced Surface Technologies is a national leader in the design, fabrication, and finishing of quality parts for the oil and gas, aerospace, solar, electronics, automotive, and other industries.

Call us today for high quality, price competitive, responsive turnaround surface plating services, and allow us to exceed your expectations.

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Specifications

PEN-TUF®/EN can be applied to a variety of substrates, including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, copper, magnesium and brass to improve the performance of moving parts used in high speed/moderate load carrying applications.

Composition:

Nickel 84% – 85% by weight
Phosphorus 9% – 11% by weight
PTFE 8% – 9% by weight (23%-25% by Volume)
PTFE Particles 0.3 – 0.4 micro meter diameter
Density 6.5 g/cm3

 

Hardness:

As plated 32-35 RC
Heat treated 42-46 RC (300°C/4 hrs)

 

Coefficient of Friction:       

Wet (white oil) 0.07-0.10
Dry 0.1-0.2

 

Other Physical Properties:

Wear Resistance High speed/low load
Slow speed/moderate load
Abrasion Resistance (Tabor Abrader Test) CS-10 Wheel; 1000 g load
Weight loss, 20 mg/1000 cycles
Corrosion Resistance (ASTM B-117 Salt Spray) 0.0002″ thickness (96 hrs)
Electrical Resistance 0.06 Ohms per square inch
0.00084″ thickness

Advanced Surface Technologies Infused PEN-TUF®/EN is an ideal coating for mold release and corrosion resistance applications. It is a MidPhosphorus Electroless Nickel coating that is sprayed with a Fluorocarbon PTFE that is then baked into the pore structure of the Electroless Nickel giving exceptional release properties.

Properties:

Thickness .0003-.002”
Hardness 54-58 RC
Phosphorus 7%-9% by Weight
Corrosion Resistance 100 hours Salt Spray at .0003”

 

Additional Information:

Applications Electrical Components
Structural Components
Consumer Electronics
Medical
Industries Served Automotive
Aerospace
Communications
Computer
Electronics
Solar
Household Appliances
Oil & Gas Equipment
Medical Equipment
Recreational Equipment
Tool & Die
Pharmaceutical
Certifications ISO 9001:2000 Certified
Quality System Features
  • Dedicated to company-wide continuous improvement
  • In-house laboratory facilities
Environmental System Features State-of-the-art, computer-controlled waste treatment system
Professional Associations and Awards
  • Charter member of the Strategic Goals Program, a cooperative effort between the metal finishing industry and EPA
  • National Association of Metal Finishers (NAMF)
  • American Electroplaters and Surface Finishers Society (AESF)
  • Recipient of the Colorado Environmental Leadership Award
Service Features
  • Production scheduling and production flexibility that minimize turnaround time
  • A staff that understands the importance of quick response for our customers