Haptics
The psycho-sensory aspect of materials is playing an increasingly important role in the industry and is no longer reserved for the design community alone. Thus, it is possible to divert technical coatings from their primary use and give them new functionalities. For example, some fluoropolymer coatings provide a slightly silky touch, much more pleasant than the cold feel of stainless steel.
Examples of potential applications:
• Handles, handling elements
• Instruments and tools for the medical, electronic and watchmaking industries
Anti-fouling and hygiene
This is a particular application of the non-stick properties of technical coatings, especially those based on fluoropolymers (PTFE, FEP or PFA) or silicones. Indeed, this property minimizes the deposit and facilitates or eliminates the maintenance of oily deposits, limescale, scale, bacterial films, various types of pollution, etc., wherever a certain level of cleanliness or hygiene is required.
Examples of potential applications:
• Bins, cleaning basins, tanks, hoppers
• Miscellaneous tools
• Elements for transporting or storing waste (household waste, medical waste)
Noise reduction
The self-lubricating properties of fluoropolymer coatings (PTFE, FEP or PFA) are used to reduce noise. In many applications where a part is sliding, the noise emitted is undesirable and must be reduced. Since noise is a difficult concept to define, it is important to distinguish between two types of noise:
Mechanical noise, which is not related to friction, but to shocks that occur between moving parts. However, in the case of high-frequency movements, this type of noise can be similar to a squeaking noise.
Squeaking, which is due to friction and is related to the coefficient of friction. As a general rule, it can be said that if the dynamic coefficient of friction is higher than the static coefficient of friction, the movement between the two surfaces may be discontinuous (jamming effect, otherwise known as stick-slip). Noise is perceived as squeaking when this phenomenon occurs at a high frequency.
Examples of potential applications :
• Gears, transmission elements
• Conveyor elements, transfer rails, guides
• Joints, ball joints
• Springs
