Low friction protective coatings for forming tooling
IBC Materials and Technologies offers advanced low friction coatings to reduce wear and metal particle generation in forming tooling, achieving TRL 9. These coatings extend tooling life and improve component quality by minimizing friction and wear.
Overview
IBC Materials and Technologies introduces cutting-edge low friction protective coatings designed for forming tooling applications. These coatings are engineered to significantly reduce wear both on the tooling and the formed components, thereby minimizing the generation of metal particles. This innovation is rooted in over 25 years of research in friction and wear, and is currently implemented in millions of parts, offering a proven solution to extend the life of manufacturing tools and enhance component quality.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Hard, low friction coatings significantly reduce wear and metal particle generation.
- Proven effectiveness with over 25 years of research and application experience.
- Tailored coating solutions can be recommended for specific operations based on real-world friction testing.
The coatings are validated through comprehensive testing, including friction testing under conditions simulating real-world environments. The data collected helps in refining the coating material to ensure optimal performance and durability.
Technology readiness level
This technology is at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 9, indicating it is fully mature and ready for commercial deployment. The coatings have been validated extensively and are used widely in production settings.
About IBC Materials and Technologies, LLC
IBC Materials and Technologies, LLC is an innovative surface engineering firm founded in 2002 and headquartered in Lebanon, Indiana. The company specializes in the research, development, and application of advanced surface treatment technologies, including Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO), Ultrasonic Activated De-Painting (UADP), and various low-friction coatings like Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC). By leveraging these technologies, IBC provides precision machining, testing, and surface enhancement solutions designed to address complex wear, corrosion, and erosion challenges in critical components. Their technical expertise is rooted in extensive research and development, often supported by Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) awards from the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of Energy to develop high-performance materials and environmentally friendly processes.
The company serves a diverse range of sectors, including aerospace, defense, military, automotive, medical, and semiconductor industries. By customizing their surface treatment solutions, IBC helps customers extend component lifespan, reduce equipment downtime, and improve overall system performance. A key example of their impact is their work with the U.S. Air Force, where IBC-developed PEO and DLC coatings have been successfully implemented to increase the durability of critical aircraft weapons systems components. These innovations have not only solved specific operational issues but have also led to standardized maintenance and manufacturing requirements, proving the practical efficacy and economic value of IBC's proprietary technologies for high-stakes industrial and defense applications.
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