CERAMIC NICKEL
The ceramic nickel (Cer-Ni) coating is a complex technology which co-deposits ceramic nano-particles with nickel on a duplex layer of high phosphorous nickel.
The (Cer-Ni) coating addresses all three fundamental reasons for coating precision parts: adhesive, abrasive and corrosive wear.
This composite coating has many applications across several industries, including but not restricted to: automotive, chemical, petroleum, food, printing, molds, dies, textile, etc.
Its characteristics include:
- Lowest coefficient of friction (COF) of all composites tested (decreases with increased load);
- Uniform particle distribution;
- Unlike PTFE (teflon), the Cer-Ni coating is very hard and resistant to temperatures up to 3000oC;
- Excellent release characteristics;
- Numerous wear and low COF applications;
- Very easy to clean;
- Not ideal for moderate or high-impact applications;
- Excellent for slide applications;
- Reduces galling; and
- Self-lubricating.
For plastic mold coatings, ceramic nickel can be the ideal solution. Its applications include:
► Injection Cores
The wear resistance and release properties of Cer-Ni coating outperforms chrome deposit.
► Neck inserts
The Cer-Ni coating greatly improves the ejection of wide-mouth pre-forms in horizontal injection molds.
► Thin wall container molds
The Cer-Ni coating has an extremely low tendency to stick, thereby ensuring excellent release. The mold is very easy to clean. It has a very good wear resistance and highly improved corrosion protection. The deposit protects both cooling channels and water lines, rendering the mirror-finish polish option possible.
Field trials show that Cer-Ni lasts for over 6 years in high-speed injection molding applications with the possibility of reducing the cycle time by 25-30%, as the mold can be opened before the complete cool down.
► Blow mold application
PET leaves residue on stainless steel molds. The Cer-Ni coating reduces the mold surface oxidation and gives surface release, resulting in less frequent and faster cleaning.
Benefits of the blow molds coated with Cer-Ni improves production by offering:
- Better surface reproduction;
- Easier maintenance of cavities, as they stay clean longer;
- Improved venting, as vents plug up less frequently;
- Good wear;
- Excellent lubricity; and
- Good corrosion protection on water channels.