Niflor - The coating process developed by Surface Technology

It is over 20 years since Surface Technology invented and developed the "Niflor" process.

The coating fulfilled the demands of customers who required a lubricious, hard, uniform coating that could be accurately deposited. Electroless Nickel / PTFE composite offers a coating which combines the low friction, release properties of PTFE with the functional wear resistant hardness of electroless nickel. Its self-lubricating properties make it an ideal surface treatment for components and assemblies that cannot use conventional lubricants.

How does the Electroless Nickel PTFE process work?

Sub micron particles of PTFE are added to the plating solution and are co-deposited with the electroless nickel; this ensures an even distribution of the PTFE particles throughout the plated layer. The amount of PTFE can be varied in the solution to give the performance characteristics required depending on the final application of the plated component.

The coating uses the electroless application method as conventional electroless nickel plating and therefore offers the advantages of highly accurate, uniform deposits available for a wide range of substrates. The plating layer is typically 5 to 10 microns thick, meaning it can be applied to components without the need to change tolerances and/or costly machining prior to plating. The corrosion resistance of the electroless nickel / PTFE composite layer can be enhanced with a layer of High Phosphorous nickel as a base layer.

The PTFE in the plated layer provides excellent release from calcium found in hard water areas and this, in combination with the corrosion resistance of the layer, offers a solution to the age old problem of scale build up on heating elements and spray nozzles.