1-800-874-4319 (US & INTL)
RFQ

Dicronite®

Anti-Galling Coating

Submit RFQ
Trial Coating

What is galling?

Galling refers to a type of adhesive wear that occurs when two surfaces slide along one another. Galling most typically occurs in metal-on-metal contact, however this type of wear can occur on any surface contact with sliding motion.

The relative motion between the surfaces creates friction and shear stress that results in pieces from the microscopic structure of the surfaces to break off.

Galling can result in increased friction, accelerated wear, and even seizing or catastrophic failure of the components involved.

Preventing and mitigating galling is crucial in many applications to ensure optimal performance, longevity, and reliability of mechanical systems.

Dicronite® Coating

The implications of galling

  • INCREASED FRICTION AND WEAR - This increased friction can accelerate wear and damage the surfaces involved. It can cause surface roughening, loss of material, and the generation of debris or particles that further exacerbate the wear process.
  • SIEZING AND FAILURES - As galling progresses, the adhesion between the surfaces can become so severe that the components may seize or stick together completely. This can result in catastrophic failures, especially in critical machinery or equipment.
  • COMPROMISED PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY - The increased friction and wear can lead to decreased functionality, reduced operating speeds, and compromised energy efficiency. It can also cause fluctuations in system performance, resulting in inconsistent or unreliable operation.
  • MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR COSTS - Repairing or replacing damaged components, conducting inspections and tests, and implementing preventive measures can all contribute to increased expenses. Additionally, unexpected failures and downtime can result in productivity losses and additional financial burdens.
  • SAFETY RISKS - In certain applications, galling can pose safety risks. Seized or failed components can compromise the integrity of equipment, leading to accidents or injuries. For example, galling-related failures in critical machinery or structural components can result in sudden collapses or malfunctions that jeopardize the safety of operators and nearby personnel.

Industries Served

To prevent galling:

  • REDUCE INSTALLATION SPEED – slowing installation speed can reduce the likelihood of galling.
  • STOP WHEN YOU FEEL RESISTANCE – if you are installing a bolt or a screw be sure to avoid further tightening it when it comes to a halt. There may still be a chance to remove it before it completely seizes.
  • USE DIFFERENT GRADES OF METALS – using two different grades of metals for sliding components will help further prevent breakdown of materials due to differing hardness ratings. This makes it harder for both materials to break down one another and fuse together.
  • CHECK FOR DAMAGE PRIOR – checking for damaged threads or materials prior to use will help avoid galling.
  • LUBRICATE – lubrication is one of the very best ways to prevent galling because it helps reduce friction and ensure components are sliding efficiently.

Importance of an anti-galling coating

Lubrication plays a critical role in preventing galling in applications. By reducing friction, lubrication helps minimize adhesion and the risk of galling.

Proper lubrication practices are essential in maintaining optimal performance, extending component life, and mitigating the negative consequences of galling.

a galling bolt

What to use as an anti-galling coating?

Several types of lubricants can be used to prevent galling in various applications. However, the choice of lubricant depends on factors such as application requirements, operating conditions, material compatibility, and load levels.

It is important to select the appropriate lubricant based on these considerations to effectively prevent galling and ensure optimal performance of the components.

How Dicronite® can help:

Dicronite® is a dry film lubricant (tungsten disulfide) that has been used as an anti-galling coating in various industries and high precision applications.

  • The coating works to prevent galling on all types of threads.
  • Dicronite® can be applied to all metals. It is a great solution for preventing galling in troublesome materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium.
  • The parts can be masked so only the area the customer specifies receives the coating.
  • This thin lubricating film is ideal for systems requiring tight tolerances with its half micron thickness.
  • The coating won’t attract dirt or debris like typical anti-seize compounds

Anti-galling coating for 65+ years. 

Join countless engineers who use Dicronite® to prevent galling. 

Request a quote and lead time. 

Not quite ready for a quote?

Ask a Question

Request a Trial

© Lubrication Sciences International, Inc., 2023. Dicronite® and DL-5® are registered trademarks of Lubrication Sciences International, Inc.

Linkedin Youtube

Contact Info

Links

Downloads

Scroll to Top
two surfaces sliding blue icon


Sliding Wear

Sliding wear occurs when two surfaces slide against one another causing material loss to one or both surfaces. Over time, this can result in component failures, additional maintenance, and costly down time.  

Coating components with Dicronite® can help minimize this wear and reduce the need for maintenance and down time.

TRY DICRONITE®

Ready to improve performance? Tell us about your application today.  

Speak with an expert
precision tooling equipment icon


Tight Tolerance Lubrication

Extremely tight tolerances can present challenges when lubricants or coatings are needed to reduce friction. Many products are available to help reduce friction, but in the case of very tight tolerances, few can be integrated without the need for adjustments.

Dicronite® has an average thickness of 0.5 microns (0.00002 inch) or less. This precision thin film allows users to incorporate Dicronite® on designs with tight tolerances without the need for design or manufacturing changes.

TRY DICRONITE®

Ready to improve performance? Tell us about your application today.  

Speak with an expert
vacuum environments blue icon


Vacuum Environment Lubrication

Vacuum environments present a challenge for lubrication. Many conventional lubricants aren’t effective under vacuum and are largely vaporized.

Dicronite® can be used in vacuum to reduce friction where other lubricants can’t function. The outgassing of Dicronite® under vacuum conditions is well below screening levels for spacecraft materials per ASTM E595.

TRY DICRONITE®

Ready to improve performance? Tell us about your application today.  

Speak with an expert
lightening bolt power output icon


Energy Lost to Friction

Friction is wasted energy! Systems with critical mechanical power output need to be extremely efficient.

Dicronite® optimizes mechanical efficiency by reducing friction losses and can even work in tandem with existing lubrication to further optimize efficiency.

Dicronite® is especially useful in precision systems, extreme environments, or where minimizing size and weight is vital.

TRY DICRONITE®

Ready to improve performance? Tell us about your application today.  

Speak with an expert
multiple blue gears icon


Fretting

Fretting is a unique form of sliding wear that occurs when contact surfaces oscillate over a very small range of motion. Although it may seem minor, this surface wear can ultimately lead to fatigue cracking and devastating damage.

Dicronite® helps remedy fretting by providing lubrication at contact surfaces. This effectively reduces the wear and surface stresses that cause so much damage.

Dicronite® can be integrated into existing designs and assemblies without any other adjustments for seamless reduction of fretting wear.

TRY DICRONITE®

Ready to improve performance? Tell us about your application today.  

Speak with an expert
sun and snowflake blue icon


Extreme Temperature Lubrication

Extreme low or high temperatures can be challenging environments for lubrication. At low temperatures, conventional lubricants may be too viscous to be effective, while extreme high temperatures can result in breakdown of the lubricant.

Dicronite can be used in extreme environments to ensure effective lubrication while also being used in combination with oils and greases.

Dicronite is stable across a wide temperature range:

  • up to approximately 538°C (1000°F) in air
  • up to approximately 1316°C (2400°F) in vacuum
  • down to approximately -188°C (-305°F)

TRY DICRONITE®

Ready to improve performance? Tell us about your application today.  

Speak with an expert
blue flame icon


Excessive Heat from Friction

As friction in an assembly generates heat, elevated temperatures can result in unwanted operating conditions.

This can cause overheating and accelerate the breakdown of materials, resulting in costly maintenance and down time or destructive failure.

Proper lubrication can help minimize friction, reduce heat, and increase mechanical efficiency. Coat parts with Dicronite® to avoid excessive maintenance and ensure components will run as efficiently as possible.

TRY DICRONITE®

Ready to improve performance? Tell us about your application today.  

Speak with an expert