For many types of metals used in a variety of applications from automotive components to aerospace parts or even for medical instruments and devices, providing full corrosion resistance is essential.
By utilizing specific types of metal coatings on the surface, corrosion can be eliminated, allowing for less wear and tear as well as greater durability for the part or component. For medical devices, dental implants or other types of specialty products, the use of corrosion preventing coatings may also be critical for the safety of the patient.
Fretting Corrosion
Many people assume that corrosion is only an issue with metals. For these materials and alloys, rusting and discoloration can be evident signs of oxidation. However, it is also possible for polymeric substrates to experience fretting corrosion, and using the correct metal coatings will be critical to the safety and long-life cycles of these materials as well.
Fretting corrosion occurs at the surface, particularly uneven or rough surfaces, where two or more parts or components are in contact. This is more of a wear and tear corrosion and is most evident in parts such as ball bearings or with artificial joints or other similar types of applications.
Options to Consider
When selecting metal coatings for oxidative or fretting corrosion, it is essential to consider the environment where the part or component will be used. In most applications, the coating must be within specific regulations and standards. It will need to be applied to the highest tolerances for uniform thickness and application processes.
In most applications, the coating selected will also serve the purpose of either reducing friction between the surfaces or to increase lubricity. Various options from polymers to extremely fine layers of metals or ceramic film can be used to add these desired characteristics to any component or device.
At N2 Biomedical, we offer a full spectrum of metal coatings for parts and components in all industries, including metal and polymeric substrates. To find out more, see us online at www.n2bio.com.
