Unique electrophoretic dry film lubricants from LVH

Citation

(1999), "Unique electrophoretic dry film lubricants from LVH", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 51 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/ilt.1999.01851dad.009

Unique electrophoretic dry film lubricants from LVH

New products and materials

Unique electrophoretic dry film lubricants from LVH

Keywords Lubricants, Coatings

Until recently, some 80 per cent of Tektor electrophoretic finishing materials, manufactured by LVH Coatings Limited, were exported. Following a positive decision to increase the UK sales, a new, specialised range of electrophoretic coatings was developed and is now being made generally available following a series of successful evaluations in a variety of industries. New polymer technology, the result of an LVH sponsored university programme, and other, in-house, development work made it possible to produce these unique electrophoretic coatings. Prominent among the new products is a range of advanced engineering dry film lubricants, which will deposit at an even, and controlled, film thickness on any conductive surface including the inside of awkward recesses or on screw threads. These Tektor coatings currently provide lubrication in various, often demanding, environments and are currently in use on internal engine parts at film thicknesses as low as five microns. Their many potential applications include solenoids, valves, nail guns, rivet guns, bearings, locks and pistons, and have already been successfully tested on several of the these products. Applied electrophoretically from an aqueous suspension, the lubricants, which vary depending upon technical requirements, are bound by a suitable polymer and require a short stoving cycle after application. By combining the benefits of dry film lubrication with the advantages of electrophoretic application, it is anticipated that Tektor lubricants will provide engineers in most industries with a unique and invaluable process. Other recent electrophoretic products from LVH, for example, include a completely new generation anodic EP finishing paint, that meets the specific requirements of the architectural aluminium market. There is also a high performance exterior finish for use on steel and a UV-cured coating. The latter has enormous potential for use on conductive (metallised or plated) plastics or other applications where a high curing temperature is not possible. In addition, although not unique, an electrophoretic "barrelling black" provides high quality coatings where thousands of small parts, such as fasteners, are involved and racking is not practical.

Further information from LVH Coatings Limited, Station Road, Coleshill, Birmingham B46 1HT. Telephone +44 (0) 1675 466888; E-mail lvh@dial.pipex.com