NANOSLICK DT-100 APPLICATION METHODS
There are various NanoSlick DT-100 Dry Lubricant application methods, each varying in complexity and use. NanoSlick DT-100 Dry Lubricant is extremely lubricious, it does however need to be forcefully applied to a substrate to adhere properly. Maximum film thickness possible is 0.5 micron (0.00002″ or 0.02 thou), as one particle of Tungsten Disulfide does not stick to another particle of Tungsten Disulfide. There are four different methods for applying NanoSlick DT-100 Dry Lubricant, each method is listed below:
- Spray Coating – this is one of the most acceptable methods and most reliable, however it is also a method not readily available to everyone. It must be done in an enclosed area so that the powder dust can be contained.
- Clean and degrease the part. The cleaner the part, better the coating adhesion.
- Spray coat the part with 5 micron Alumina (Aluminum Oxide) powder. Only light coating is necessary.
- Thoroughly clean the part with soft cloth/tissue and completely remove Alumina dust from the part.
- Spray coat the part with NanoSlick DT-100 Dry Lubricant @ 120 psi with clean and cold pneumatic air. Spray coat the part till color changes to silver gray.
- Lightly dust off powder dust with clean soft cloth/tissue.
- Buffing with Alcohol/WS2 paste – This method too works but takes time and is laborious. Speed and friction determine how effectively the material bonds to the part. The greater the speed and the pressure of application, the greater the bond. For best results use a power tool. A buffing wheel, Dremel tool or even a hone can be used.
- Clean and degrease the part.
- Mix NanoSlick DT-100 Dry Lubricant with Isopropyl (also know as Industrial) Alcohol to make paste.
- Apply the paste on part and also on cotton buffing wheel and let it dry.
- When paste is dry start buffing the part with buffing wheel.
- Continue buffing/Honing till a silver gray coating is seen.
- Tumbling or Vibratory Bowl – This method is ideal for bullets and other small parts. Speed and friction determine how effectively the material bonds to the part. The greater the speed and the pressure of application, the greater the bond.
- Clean and degrease the part.
- Take 5-6 small empty plastic bottles (empty aspirin bottles will do). Put few parts in the bottle and fill the bottle (up to 75%) with NanoSlick DT-100 Dry Lubricant. Fill all bottles likewise.
- Put the bottles in vibratory bowl/tumbler with sand or vibratory media.
- Vibrate/Tumble for 4-5 hours.
- Empty the bottles (you can reuse WS2) and wipe clean the parts with soft tissue/cloth.
- Use NanoSlick Lubricant Grease Products – Our lubricants already contain the precise amounts of Tungsten Disulfide to provide the maximum effective performance. This is the least labor intensive method and is the most effective. Tungsten Disulfide will slowly be coated on mating surfaces (by pressure rubbing) as parts move.
- Clean and degrease the part.
- Use either NanoSlick Lubricant Grease products on parts.
- Tungsten Disulfide will slowly get coated on mating surfaces (by pressure rubbing) as parts move.
AMS2530 / DOD-L-85645 Tungsten Disulfide (WS2) Application
AMS2530 is an aerospace material specification that outlines the application of Tungsten Disulfide (WS2) thin lubrication film coating in a binder less impingement applied method that does not require a curing process. Tungsten Disulfide (WS2) has historically been used on metal components and some non-metallic items such as thermoplastics and thermosetting polymers where an extremely thin coating of 1/2 micron in thickness is needed to reduce friction, wear, galling, seizing, and fretting. Tungsten Disulfide (WS2) is compatible with lubricants such a hydraulic fluid, oils, and greases.
- Raw Material: Must be finely powdered Tungsten Disulfide (WS2) free from contaminants such as graphite, molybdenum disulfide, binders or other materials so as to be compatible in liquid oxygen systems and hard radiation environments. Micro Surface uses the highest quality North American sourced and USA produced Tungsten Disulfide (WS2) in its coating application.
- Cleaning: Prior to application the components to be coated must be thouroughly cleaned to remove all external substances such as oils, greases, dirt as well as any oxidation and must be handled to prevent re-contamination during the coating process.
- Application:Tungsten Disulfide (WS2) is impinged on the component at ambient temperature.
- Adhesion Verification: Verify the adhesion of Tungsten Disulfide (WS2) by using a pressure sensitive film backed tape that is applied to the sample and rapidly removed in accordance with ASTM D 2510 to confirm that no flakes or particles of the coating are removed exposing the base metal.
- Thickness: The thickness must be less than or equal to 0.00002 inch (0.5 micron).
- Thermal Stability: The coating must be able to withstand temperatures in the range of -300°F to 900°F.
- Appearance: The coating color must be a uniform silver gray color that does not have cracks, pinholes, blisters, or other surface imperfections when viewed under a microscope.
- Corrosion Resistance: Anodized aluminum panels must not show signs of discoloration or pitting after 500 hours of exposure from ASTM D 2649 testing.
- Quality: Parts are inspected to ensure proper application, adhesion, & appearance. The coating must be uniform in color, smooth and free from surface imperfections.