Dycro-Tuff® Lubricated Tool Coating Services
While hard chrome is one of the most economical surface treatments for reducing friction, Dycro-Tuff® provides an even better solution for tool and die surfaces. Itcombines a mirror-finish hardened surface with a seize-free lubricant to deliver the most cost-effective coating option.
Hale Performance Coatings developed a proprietary application that adds chemical polymers to hybrid electroplating, impregnating the micro-crack structure using low heat. The result is a shiny, non-stick, dry-lubricated work surface that prolongs the service life of your tools.
How Dycro-Tuff® Reduces Maintenance Costs
Dycro-Tuff® can extend tool life by 15% to 25% over any hard chrome surface-treated compound. This wear-resistant coating is ideal for tools and equipment surfaces as it provides a protective barrier that slows degradation caused by abrasion, corrosion and surface fatigue. Minimizing wear-related damage reduces the need for extensive maintenance and associated costs. You also don’t have to worry about costly downtime due to tool or equipment failure, allowing you to keep your machinery running longer.
The Dycro-Tuff® Coating Process
Surface Preparation
Proper surface prep ensures optimal coating adhesion, which is crucial for Dycro-Tuff®. We remove oils, grease, dirt, and old coatings before cleaning and drying your equipment. Abrasive blasting roughens the surface, which helps pretreatment bonding coats hold.
Coating Application
The electric current that’s applied via an electrolyte bath creates a uniformly bonded layer. The plating thickness varies based on your application needs. We use a dry film lubricated topcoat that includes fluoropolymers to support chemical resistance. The equipment is cured in an oven to bond the polymer.
Finishing
The finishing process optimizes the Dycro-Tuff® process by enhancing the coating’s appearance and performance. Thermal curing strengthens the bond’s adhesion to the metallic surface while polishing and buffing smooth away micro-roughness. That prevents surface friction and functional wear.
Quality Inspection
A final analysis helps our team assess the integrity of the coating process. We use non-destructive methods to confirm that your equipment functions properly and can resist mechanical wear properly. Visual inspections are also essential to ensuring optimal Dycro-Tuff® coating adhesion.
Benefits of Using Lubricated Tool Coatings
Dycro-Tuff®’s mirror finish eliminates the need for extensive grinding and polishing. Surfaces treated with Dycro-Tuff® create hardened surfaces that reduce galling, seizing, metal pickup, sticking, erosion, and corrosion.
Additional benefits include:
Reduced friction for smooth operation: Using lubricated tool coatings can decrease the amount of friction in your application and extend the life of your equipment. You’ll experience less drag during movement and contact, which is ideal for high-speed productions.
Increased wear resistance: Dycro-Tuff® forms a strong, wear-resistant barrier that protects tools from abrasion and impact damage. You can expect your equipment to maintain its sharpness, structural integrity, and precision, even in aggressive applications.
Seizing and galling prevention: Metal-to-metal adhesion is the most common cause of seizing and galling. The dry lubrication provided by Dycro-Tuff® coatings keeps components in close contact from getting stuck, especially during repetitive motion.
Environmental friendliness: Dycro-Tuff® coating reduces the need for lubricants, resulting in a cleaner, more environmentally friendly process. Less maintenance also lowers the amount of oils and lubricants needed to keep your tools operating smoothly.
Dycro-Tuff® vs. Traditional Hard Chrome
Dycro-Tuff® enhances system productivity in ways conventional hard chrome surface treatment cannot. It stands up to the most rigorous manufacturing stresses without chipping, flaking, cracking, peeling, or separating. Dycro-Tuff® is also easily removed in an electrolytic bath, allowing you to make repairs and engineering changes on the original substrate.
When compared to traditional hard chrome, Dycro-Tuff® offers:
Better durability: While hard chrome can be brittle and sustain micro cracks under stress, Dycro-Tuff®’s electroplated alloys provide stronger bond strength. That reduces the risk of cracks and improves reliability in dynamic environments.
Enhanced lubricity: Hard chrome requires an external lubricant, but Dycro-Tuff® has a dry-film lubricated top layer that prevents friction. That eliminates the need for additional oils and greases.
Improved smoothness: Grinding and polishing are almost always necessary for hard chrome applications. Dycro-Tuff® achieves a mirror-like finish without excessive post-production polishing.
Get a Quote
Contact our team to schedule a consultation or request a quote for Dycro-Tuff® coating services.
FAQs
How long does Dycro-Tuff® coating last?
It depends on the application, substrate, and mechanical demands. In a standard industrial application, Dycro-Tuff® can last up to three years.
Can it be applied to all types of metals?
Dycro-Tuff® is compatible with steel, stainless steel, aluminum and its alloys, brass and copper alloys, cast iron, and nickel-based alloys.
How does it compare to Teflon or DLC coatings?
Dycro-Tuff® is best for tools, fasteners, and components in high-friction environments. Teflon is a non-stick coating that’s better suited for low-abrasion operations. DLC’s extreme hardness and thin application make it ideal for precision tools and equipment used in severe conditions.