Eliminate Friction in Automotive Assembly with DryFilm
From the Assembly Line to the Showroom
Proper lubrication is critical to the performance of automobiles. Automotive assembly is a complex process and assembly aid lubricants are necessary to keep the process running smoothly. Once assembled it is lubrication that keeps the thousands of moving parts in a car functioning properly. Squeaking, rattling, and buzzing during operation can often be attributed to poor lubrication and is a nuisance for drivers.
DryFilm Dispersions from Chemours are extremely stable, PTFE based, dry film lubricants. The low coefficient of friction provided by DryFilm makes it particularly well suited for applications where smooth, repeated movement is essential but a traditional grease or lube is too messy. This combination of lubricity and clean application makes DryFilm the ideal dry lubricant for use in automotive assembly and for reducing squeak, buzz, and rattle in automotive interiors.
Automotive Assembly Aid
Automotive assembly is a highly complex process with many fully automated steps. Excessive friction can be troublesome in many of these steps and can cause damage to equipment and delay in production. To overcome this friction, lubricants are often used as assembly aids to allow for components to more easily slide together. In order to be effective as an assembly aid, a lubricant must be compatible with the components it is applied to, be easily applied with robotic spraying equipment, not adversely affect performance after assembly, and resist flaking off or transferring during shipping and handling. DryFilm RA/IPA checks all of the boxes for being an outstanding automotive assembly aid. The exceptional lubricity provided by DryFilm RA/IPA allows for smooth, easy assembly of metal, elastomer, and plastic components. In addition, once cured DryFilm RA/IPA will not migrate or transfer from the substrates surface. It comes conveniently dispersed in isopropyl alcohol and can be diluted and applied to automotive components via robotic spraying equipment.
Automotive Interior
Buzzing, squeaking, and rattling noises in the cabin are often caused by vibration of plastic clips that hold instrument panels together. The noise harshness gets worse as these clips experience heat expansion. Application of a DryFilm Dispersion to the clips prior to assembly reduces the amount of noise produced from vibration and increases the longevity of the vehicle. Additionally DryFilm Dispersions can be used to lubricate moving parts where maintaining appearance is a concern. Unlike messy and dark colored oils and greases, DryFilm Dispersions go on and dry clear and will not transfer from the surface. This makes them perfect for lubricating parts in car interiors where cosmetic appearance is of utmost importance.
DryFilm Dispersions can be applied in a variety of ways including dipping, wiping, brushing, or spraying onto a prepared surface. Surfaces should be clean and dry prior to application of DryFilm. DryFilm Dispersions can be diluted with additional amounts of the base solvent in order to customize the dispersion for adequacy of coverage and ease of application. Coatings of DryFilm can be air dried, or if greater adhesion is required DryFilm can be heat-fused to the surface by elevating the temperature of the surface to 305-310 °C for 5-10 minutes.
Dipping
Dip coating is a useful application method for DryFilm Dispersions when small parts, coils, or items with varied shapes need to be coated. Coating weight is determined by solids content, rate of withdrawal, and number of applications. A single dip into DryFilm is adequate for most applications.
Wiping & Brushing
Wiping and brush coating of DryFilm Dispersions is used primarily when coating continuous surfaces or when selected areas of a larger part must be coated. Flood coating with DryFilm followed by wiping is also acceptable.
Air Spraying
Dilute dispersions of DryFilm can be spray applied using conventional spray equipment. Using a solvent with a low volatility to dilute the dispersion is recommended as highly volatile solvents evaporate quickly and produce deposits of DryFilm with poor adhesion. Air spraying is used for high volume operations where speed of production is critical.
Airless Spraying
For many large scale, professional applications airless spraying of DryFilm dispersions is recommended. DryFilm can be applied with hand-held airless spray guns or with automated spray heads operated either intermittently or continuously. It is recommended that a succession of thin coats of DryFilm be applied, allowing the surface to dry between applications. The number of applications is determined by the end use requirements of the component that is being treated.
Conclusion
The application of DryFilm Dispersions allows for smooth repeated motion with minimal friction. Many aspects of the automotive manufacturing process as well as the overall experience of the automobile benefit from exceptional lubrication. The nature of DryFilm Dispersions to provide long lasting lubrication in a clear, mess free film makes them ideally suited for use as an automotive assembly aid and lubricant for moving parts in automotive interiors.
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