Non-Stick Release Coatings Are Not Just for Pots & Pans: A Look at Automotive & Manufacturing Applications

Automotive

A latch component with a non-stick coating applied

A major OEM was having issues with the latch mechanisms on the rear liftgate of their newest truck model during cold cycle testing. Condensation and water would freeze on the plated components, ultimately preventing the liftgate from functioning. We applied Henkel’s GP 1904, a PTFE and graphite based coating with a low cure temperature so the plating would not be impacted. This non-stick coating prevented the ice from adhering to the component, allowing the liftgate to operate in the cold with no issues.

A silicone poppet seal with a non-stick PTFE coating

In another instance, a Tier I automotive supplier was experiencing failures in their emission system sensor assembly due to a silicone poppet – the silicon rubber was sticky and attracted contaminates that caused an ineffective sealing surface. We applied Henkel’s two-part, phenolic resin-bonded PTFE coating Emralon 310 (now called Bonderite S-FN 310). This low cure coating prevented dust and contaminants from sticking to the silicon sealing surface, ultimately resolving their failure mode.

Manufacturing

A furniture producer was experiencing excessive downtime due to the length of time it took to clean the glue off of the fixtures, blades, and machine components they used in their seating and table manufacturing area. We applied Henkel’s Emralon 333 (now called Bonderite S-FN 333) and its non-stick release qualities significantly reduced the time it took to remove the glue.

Numerous high-volume metal fabrication companies contact us to see if there is a more robust solution to prevent weld spatter from sticking to their fixtures other than spraying it every other cycle with a silicon aerosol. In these instances, we apply Whitford’s Xylan 8870 – a non-stick release coating that is also high-temperature resistant – allowing weld spatter to be simply brushed off.

Plastic injection mold with Xylan 1840

A large rubber injection molding company was looking for a durable coating that not only aided in the release of their components from the mold after processing but also expedited routine cleaning. We applied Whitford’s Xylan 1840 – what they claim to be their best non-stick coating matrix – and solved both of their challenges.