Coating of silicone or graphite onto stainless steel surface 2

[Annika]

Does anybody have experience to share regarding silicone or graphite coating of stainless steel surfaces?

Interesting areas are production methods for coating, optimal thickness of coating layers in production versus time for drying, fast methods to dry the coating, i.e. all practical input regarding process.

Technically, the coating is there to provide gas sealing between two sheet metal parts with a mechanical joint.

 

[coupling]

We have developed an electrolytic process which allows silicon graphite to be coated upon secondary substrates. We utilize this process for manufacture of sealing components on mechanical seals, where a pure silicon graphite seal is too expensive to use. If you need more info, please let me know.
Dirk

 

i would like to know about more details regarding the electrolytic process to coat graphite in high carbon steel washers

m.kathirvel

 

[coupling]

I apologize for any confusion that I may have caused, but I misspoke. We can deposit either silicon CARBIDE or graphite or any other secondary particles such as teflon, silicon nitride, aluminum oxide, or PEEK resin in the Composite Electro Coat.
The initial development of this product was to provide a lower cost to pure silicon carbide counterseats used on mechanical seals. What we are finding is that this plating is also ideal against other dynamic sealing applications, such as C seals or other. Advantage here is extreme hardness and therefore long life.
By dispersing graphite (or teflon) in the nickel-base plating, we get excellent dry running capabilities, as carbon is considered "self lubricating". Depending on your application, it may be possible to combine two or more secondary particles.

The plating thickness is directly related to the length of time in the bath. Most of our platings have been in the 0.025mm to 0.06mm range prior to grinding. Higher thicknesses are possible as well.

Depending on your application, the high carbon steel washers may need to be ground. We have found the initial coating to be somewhat uneven, and needs to be ground to an acceptable level.
If you would like more information, please advise.

 

WHAT IS THE EXPECTED LEVEL OF SURFACE FINSH IS REQUIRED INTERMS OF Ra VALUE

 

[coupling]

Due to the nature of this plating, surface roughness varies with varying plating thickness (which is controlled via length of time in bath). An approximate Ra value is 100. Depending on the application, the surface must be ground.
For further details, please view

http://www.precisionseal.com/cec.html

 

We are one of the leading Chinese Manafacturers and Exporters of Pure Graphite Rolls & Sheets,such as:Flexible Graphite Sheets & Rolls, Graphite Belt, Graphite Packing,Reinforced graphite sheet with SS316/SS304 inserted etc. For more information, please visit:

http://www.china-xucheng.com

 

i would like to know how i can do electroplating for rubbers and how to electroplate graphite .any help from you will be appppreciated,.sincerely yours

 

[coupling]

Your questions warrants a clarification: I believe the initial thread was meant to ask for "coating of silicon_ (carbide or SiC) or graphite onto stainless steel surface)...
I am not aware of a method to electroplate rubber compounds. Electroplating requires conductivity; this is given in typical metals, but more difficult in non metallic materials. With any non-metallic materials, it is necessary to first place a layer of nickel on the substrate to warrant conductivity. This is possible with hard plastics, but I am not aware of a method to apply to rubber compounds. My guess is that due to the flexibility of rubber compounds, the plating will flake off immediately. Borough, a plastic e-plater in Europe (find them on the web) states "The rule of thumb is that if it has to bend, don't plate it".
Here is my question: If you are attempting to coat (or imbed) graphite into rubber compounds, why don't you approach the manufacturer about this? This is successfully done in many applications without use of e-plate. I may be able to help you if you have difficulties finding a source.

 

[ncmech]

I am interested in SiC coatings on SS and Aluminum substrates. Can you point me to someone who can perform this?

Thanks.

 

[coupling]

For SiC coatings on SS substrates, try Precision Seal of Spring Lake, MI (

http://www.precisionseal.com).

Aluminum substrates are a bit trickier.
Hope this helps.