Nickel Teflon Nico PTFE

NicoPTFE is a composite plating process that incorporates Electroless Nickel and DuPont Teflon® (EN/PTFE). This unique process is designed to deposit a consistent amount of evenly dispersed Teflon ® throughout the hard Nickel matrix.

NicoPTFE has the same benefits of other electroless nickel plating processes with 100% uniformity over the entire surface, excellent bond strength to the base material and a surface hardness between 62 to 68 Rockwell C, but has the added benefit of the Teflon ® giving it unmatched qualities.

A notable feature of NicoPTFE is its dry lubricating surface providing very, very low friction values. This is far superior to any other plating process and with its excellent release or "anti stick" ability NicoPTFE makes it an ideal coating for plastic injection moulds helping the release of parts and eliminating the need for silicon release sprays.

NicoPTFE is used in many different areas such as Automotive, Food Processing, Medical, Textile, Electronics and Engineering just to name a few.

NicoPTFE can be plated onto a wide range of base materials such as all High and Low Carbon steels, Aluminium, Copper and Copper Alloys, Brass, Hardened steels including Nitrided Steels, Stainless Steel and many more.

Due to NicoPTFE awesome lubricity factors and high hardness it is far superior to any existing Teflon® treatments.

Some of the properties of NicoPTFE are:

  • High hardness. Between 62 to 68 Rockwell C. ( Even on Aluminium)
  • Excellent wear resistance.
  • Self lubricating property, providing excellent release and anti stick properties.
  • Completely uniform deposit.
  • No corner or edge build up.
  • Replaces exotic and more expensive materials.
  • The deposit is ductile so NO chipping or flaking will occur.
  • Free from porosity, lamination, cracking and other defects.
  • Can be polished for moulding operations.
  • Eliminates post machining and minimises handling.
  • Improves equipment performance and reliability.
  • Reduces investment and operating costs.

Teflon® is a registered trademark of the DuPont Company.

The surface of the deposit is continually being renewed throughout its service life to provide continued lubricity and giving long life performance.

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PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF NICO PTFE

Teflon Content 20 to 25 % by volume
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 13 to 15 um/m/°C
Coefficient of Friction, ASTM D-2714 Dry 0.2 or less
Wet 0.1 or less
Bond Strength (Ring shear method) Carbon Steel 40,000 - 60,000 psi.
Aluminium 15,000 - 35,000 psi.
Surface Finish, Ra 0.5 micrometers or better
Hardness Rockwell C 75 um - 50g load, deposit, steel
As plated 58 R C - 62 R.C
Heat Treated @ 1 hr., 300°C 66 R C - 69 R.C
Wear Properties

Taber Abrasion Wear Test
1000 cycles, CS-10 wheel 1000 9. load.
As plated 2 to 4 mg Wgt
loss /1000 cycles
Heat Treated @ 1 hr., 300°C 1.5 to 2 mg Wgt
loss /1000 cycles
Wear Resistance Sliding surfaces Low load/moderate speed, or Medium load/moderate speed
Corrosion Related Properties Salt Spray Test* (ASTM B 117 or AS2331.3.1)
35°C, 5% NaC1, 25 um deposit
Hours to first corrosion spot 2024 Aluminium 650 hours
1010 Carbon Steel 650 hours

*Test is performed on a flat panel. More complex or rough parts may show initial spotting in fewer hours. Salt spray test is primarily a porosity test and is only effective as a screening tool to show the differences afforded by alternative processes. It is not, however, a quantitative corrosion test.

The above properties listed are typical values. Depending on the application, the deposit composite may be modified to optimise specific properties and requirements.

If you require any further information regarding this process or any of Electromold Australia's plating processes, please contact us on +61 3 9464 0922 and one of our technical staff will be able to assist you.

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