Aalberts surface technologies Tamworth

The PlasmaCoat® method can combine the outstanding hardness and wear resistance of thermally sprayed metal or ceramic coatings with the non-stick and sliding properties of polymers (both fluoropolymers and other polymers). By choosing the right combination of plasma coating and polymer, we are able to achieve very good traction characteristics. PlasmaCoat® is an Aalberts Surface Treatment coating family name and does not necessarily describe the thermal spray process used.

Special polymers (fluoropolymers, such as PTFE) are used to reduce the surface energy of the substrate surface and that effectively prevents many substances – e.g. foods, adhesive, rubber or plastic – from sticking. The choice of non-stick coating from the hundreds available to Aalberts Surface Treatment Tamworth is made based on experience and knowledge on how different fluoropolymers behave in different applications. For example, we have over two dozen different PTFE formulations each with unique non-stick and release properties. Trade names include Xylan®, Teflon® and Greblon®.

FEP coatings are using fluoropolymers that create excellent non-stick properties and are especially useful in food production. FEP stands for Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene and is of the same family of coatings as PTFE. It is a copolymer of hexafluoropropylene and tetrafluoroethylene.

PTFE is the original fluoropolymer. A fluoropolymer being a compound with a Fluorine atom in it. PTFE has excellent low friction properties and non-stick properties.

Although PTFE does have more porosity than other coatings in the fluoropolymer family as a rule, it does have a long and successful track record. Dry lubrication is a key performance area, either on its own or mixed with other dry lubrication coatings such as Graphite or Molybdenum Disulphide. PTFE is harder than its sister fluoropolymers PFA and FEP.