FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SOLID FILM LUBRICANTS

Q. What are Solid Film Lubricants?
A. Bonded Solid film Lubricants (SFL’s), also called Dry Film Lubricants, start out as high performance "paint-like" coatings consisting of very fine particles of lubricating pigments blended with a binder and other special additives. After application and proper curing, these lubricants bond to the surface of the ware and form a solid film which reduces friction and greatly increases wear life. Many Sandstrom Solid Film Lubricants also contain special rust inhibitors which offer exceptional corrosion protection in harsh environments.

Q. How do they work?
A. Sandstrom SFL’s contain special pigments that reduce friction and wear by preventing surface-to-surface contact between mating parts (i.e., a shaft and its bearings). Performance properties vary depending on the specific lubricating pigment used. Some offer excellent lubrication and corrosion protection, while some operate at high temperatures. Others are formulated for use in extreme environments and can withstand nuclear radiation.

Q. How thick is the film?
A. Most of our SFL’s yield a film thickness of .0002 to .0005 inches (5 to 13 microns). Usually engineering tolerances will permit necessary minimum film build without interference. If excess buildup does occur, the part may be burnished lightly.

Q. How are they applied?
A. SFL’s can be sprayed, dipped, or in some cases brushed, to a properly prepared surface.

Q. What are some typical uses?
A. Sandstrom SFL’s offer excellent solutions to these problems:

Parts that will be operated in corrosive atmospheres
Parts that may be stored for long periods of time
Where permanent lubrication is desired (such as inaccessible parts)
Where operating pressures exceed the load-bearing capacities of ordinary oils and greases
For parts that are subject to frequent disassembly
Where "clean operation" is desired (SFL’s will not collect dirt and debris like greases and oils)
Where a protective coating and sacrificial break-in lubricant is needed (like a jet engine)
Where fretting and galling is a problem (such as splines, universal joints and keyed bearings)
Where easy release is desired (such as fasteners and PVC and other plastic molds)