February 23, 2017
What Are Dry Lubricants?
Dry film lubricants, also known as solid film lubricants, are specifically designed to reduce friction between two surfaces moving against each other. The coating offers corrosion resistance while reducing the risk of galling and seizing as surfaces move against each other. When you need permanent lubrication, dry film lubricants are the best option.
What Are the Benefits of Dry Film Lubricants?
One of the biggest advantages is that dry film lubricants eliminate the need for oil and or grease. This provides a much cleaner option as oil and grease are well known for collecting dirt and debris. Also, this provides permanent lubrication at increased capacity for loads and pressure in comparison to oils and grease.
What Happens If Dry film Lubricants Are Not Used Properly?
When surfaces are not treated properly prior to the coating application, the coating may not adhere, losing some of the lubricating benefits. Some dry film lubricants offer greater chemical resistance than others. Therefore, it is important to ensure the accurate dry film lubricant is utilized for each application.
8 Circumstances When Dry Film Lubricants Should Be Implemented
Dry film lubricants can provide an ideal solution when:
- Metals will be exposed to corrosive atmospheres: In environments with salt spray, humidity, or chemical exposure, dry film lubricants form a protective barrier that resists corrosion while maintaining lubrication — without attracting the contaminants wet lubricants collect.
- The metal parts will be stored for a long period: Unlike oils and greases that can migrate, oxidize or degrade during storage, dry film lubricants remain stable and effective, keeping components ready to perform the moment they’re needed.
- Lasting lubrication is necessary and metals will rarely be lubricated once they depart the factory: Once applied, dry film lubricants bond directly to the substrate, providing a durable, self-contained lubrication solution that requires no re-application intervals or maintenance access after installation.
- Operating pressures are greater than ordinary oils or greases can handle: Solid film lubricants like MoS₂ and tungsten disulfide withstand extreme contact pressures. This helps maintain a protective layer between surfaces, even when conventional fluid films collapse under load.
- Parts may need to be disassembled often: Dry film lubricants reduce friction and prevent galling during repeated assembly and disassembly cycles, protecting threaded fasteners, mating surfaces and precision components from wear that accumulates over time.
- “Clean operation” is preferred: Unlike oils and greases, dry film lubricants leave no liquid residue to attract dust, debris or particulates. They are ideal for clean room environments, medical applications and contamination-sensitive processes.
- A protective layer and sacrificial break-in lubricant are needed: Applied before initial operation, dry film lubricants provide critical surface protection during the break-in period. They help reduce friction and prevent damage until mating surfaces achieve their optimal running fit.
- Fretting and galling, such as with keyed bearings and splines, are common issues: Fretting and galling accelerate under high loads and repeated micro-motion. Dry film lubricants reduce friction at these contact points, preventing adhesive wear and significantly extending component service life.
Dry Film Lubricants and Extreme Temperatures
Conventional oils and greases maintain lubricity within a narrow temperature range. Outside that window, fluid lubricants oxidize, burn off or congeal entirely, leaving metal components vulnerable to wear, galling and seizing.
Dry film lubricants solve this problem. Solid-state materials like MoS₂, tungsten disulfide and graphite maintain their lubricating properties well beyond the thermal limits of most liquid counterparts. PTFE-based coatings extend reliable protection in cold-environment applications where oil viscosity becomes unreliable.
Why Choose Us?
RIE’S mission is to be the clear supplier of choice by providing superior customer service, responsiveness, quality, innovation and products. We apply coatings to many surfaces and substrates, such as stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, zinc plating, composites, brass, plastics, copper, rubber, and additional ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
Our technical staff is committed to helping educate our customers on what coatings can offer. If you are new to coatings, we’re here to help. Every project has unique challenges. We can help find the best solution to fit your needs, so call (320) 592-6325 or fill out our contact form today.
