Dry film lubricants offer a solution for companies that need their equipment and parts to withstand a wide range of conditions and environments. Does your company have machinery that operates in extreme conditions? Do you want to ensure your industrial equipment lasts as long as possible?
Keep reading our guide to learn more from the experts at Coating Systems.
What Is a Dry Film Lubricant?
Dry film lubricants form a thin barrier on your parts’ surface to minimize direct contact, reduce friction, and repel dust and debris.
How Are Dry Film Lubricants Different From Traditional Lubricants?
Traditional lubricants include wet oils and greases, which may require additional applications later. However, some applications are not appropriate for oils or greases due to environmental factors or the conditions in which the equipment operates.
Dry lubricants can be applied in several ways, depending on the substrate, shape, and size of the part or equipment. After applying, the coating must dry completely to be 100% effective.
- Spray coating is when technicians spray the lubricant onto the surface before it dries completely.
- Dip coating is ideal for uniform applications on small parts.
- Electrostatic application works well for metallic components.
- Vacuum deposition is perfect for thin-film lubricants that need excellent adhesion and durability.
- Burnishing occurs when a technician rubs a lubricant onto a surface to create a thin, uniform layer.
What Are the Benefits of Dry Film Lubricants?
Dry lubricants deliver a range of performance-enhancing benefits, from reducing friction and wear to extending the lifespan of critical components. They’re a reliable solution for improving efficiency, minimizing maintenance, and ensuring consistent operation in even the harshest environments.
High Resistance to Dust and Debris
If you have an industrial operation that requires cleanliness, a dry film lubricant effectively resists dust and debris.
- The low surface energy of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) make it difficult for small particles to accumulate on the surface.
- Many have an inert chemical composition.
- The thin, even coat reduces roughness to give dust and debris fewer places to latch onto.
- Some dry film lubricants reduce static electricity, which can reduce dust and debris buildup.
Dry Film Lubricants Withstand High Pressures
These advanced lubricants can also withstand high pressures.
- The layered, crystalline structure of molybdenum disulfide or graphite allows layers to slide over each other easily while distributing the load across the surface.
- Because these are solids, they prevent the lubricant from being squeezed out, unlike greases or liquid lubricants.
- Dry film lubricants are bonded to their substrates, which can prevent them from peeling or flaking off under stress.
- Even under high temperatures, dry films remain stable.
- Some dry films are reinforced with ceramic or metal particles that can enhance pressure resistance.
Other Benefits of Dry Film Lubricants
These lubricants offer more than just friction reduction—they enhance performance, extend the life of components, and minimize maintenance requirements. By optimizing how equipment functions, they help streamline operations and reduce costly downtime. These coatings are especially valuable in demanding environments where reliability and longevity matter most.
Key advantages include:
- Improved production efficiency – Equipment runs at optimal levels, allowing for faster turnaround.
- Anti-galling protection – Prevents metal-on-metal tearing and seizing.
- Anti-aging properties – Help components last longer and resist wear over time.
- Permanent lubrication – Reduces or eliminates the need for reapplication.
- Release and non-stick qualities – Prevent buildup of residue or gumming on moving parts.
- Minimal outgassing – Limits the release of VOCs for cleaner operation.
- Dielectric capabilities – Reduce static electricity buildup for better electrical performance.
- RFI shielding – Helps prevent wireless communication interference in sensitive equipment.
- Static bleed reduction – Maintains coating integrity and prolongs lubricant effectiveness.
- Chemical resistance – Protects components exposed to harsh substances.
- Corrosion protection – Shields metal parts from rust and environmental damage.
What are Some Common Applications?
These lubricants are a versatile solution suitable for a wide range of parts and components across multiple industries. By reducing friction and wear, they help extend the service life of critical elements while maintaining consistent performance under demanding conditions.
- Static seals
- Dynamic seals
- O-rings
- Gaskets
- Bearings
- Brushings
- Hinges
- Fasteners
- Latches
- Bolts
- Pistons
- Cylinder walls
- Valve steams
- Valve seats
- Slides
- Rails
- Threaded connections
What Industries Utilize Dry Film Lubricants?
These lubricants are trusted across a wide range of industries where performance, reliability, and longevity are critical. At Coating Systems, we partner with companies in sectors like aerospace, automotive, medical, and manufacturing to enhance part durability, reduce friction, and keep operations running smoothly.
Automotive
Automotive engines need to perform at their highest while withstanding high temperatures. Dry film lubricants are appropriate for fasteners, sliding parts like pistons and cylinders, gears, bearings, O-rings, and other moving components.
Military
We help the military with dry film lubricants for equipment, knife blades, and firearms. Dry film lubricants are often the only ones that can prevent firearms and artillery systems from jamming and ensure they last.
Aerospace
Aerospace parts must perform at high levels and in extreme conditions. Look for dry film lubricants to protect O-rings, sliding parts, fasteners, and more.
Industrial
Reduce downtime and maintenance for some parts with dry film lubricants on your industrial machinery. We can apply these functional coatings to gears, bearings, and O-rings where traditional lubricants may fail.
Petroleum
Petroleum equipment must endure harsh environments and withstand chemicals during extraction and refinery operations. Dry film lubricants can keep seals, gaskets, and O-rings intact underground and underwater for offshore and onshore drilling.
Choose Professional Coating Services From Coating Systems
Coating Systems, located in Greater Cincinnati, Ohio, can help your parts and equipment last longer with functional coatings and dry film lubricants. Talk to us about your needs by calling 513-367-5600 or contacting us online.