Chris Lord is the segment leader for Teflon™ applications in the Automotive industry. We sat down and talked to him about applications of Teflon finishes in the automotive world. Read on to find out about current and future uses of Teflon coatings within this industry
Q: What are the most common problems within the Automotive industry?
Chris: A main reason automotive manufacturers and suppliers consider Teflon™ products is to resolve noise, vibration, and hardness (NVH) situations which are common with automobiles. NVH are sources of complaints or results of premature wear that can greatly affect quality ratings and future sales of automotive manufacturers.
There are also opportunities to create efficiencies in the automotive plants where tooling maintenance is frequent. Reducing this maintenance can lead to increased plant safety and cost savings.
Q: How do Teflon™ coatings solve these problems
Chris: Flagship Teflon™ S products such as 958G-303 and 958G-203 provide inexpensive options that are a perfect fit for intricate automotive components produced in high volumes. For in-car parts, OEM’s are looking for coatings with high lubricity, thermal stability, and durability that can be applied in a relatively simple manner. Our one-coat Teflon™ S products fit these requirements.
Q: What is one specific coating or coating system that provides lubricity with great abrasion resistance?
Chris: Our PTFE dry lubrication line is very robust with a variety of thick and thin film options to choose from. 958G-303 is an industry standard and has been used for dry lubrication for many years. In 2016, Intech Services began offering the abrasion resistant version of 958G-303 called 958G-313, and the response to this coating has been very favorable. For thicker film applications, we recommend using 958G-414. This coating system would be the ultimate option for applications that allow 2 mils dry film thickness (dft) or more.
Q: What trends are you seeing in the automotive industry?
Chris: CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards continually push automobile manufacturers to improve miles per gallon (mpg), which is why Ford transitioned to using aluminum (lighter metal) for the F-150. By 2025, automobile manufacturers are required to average 54.5 mpg across their fleet of vehicles. Because of these standards, more and more alternative fuel vehicles are being introduced into the market. Additionally, improved resistance to corrosion will always be stressed within the automotive market.
For further information on Teflon coatings in the automotive industry, contact market segment leader Chris Lord at (302) 366-8530 x 104 or clord@intechservices.com.
