A new dry coating has been developed specifically for use in high-throughput packaging and manufacturing plants, aimed at reducing friction and wear. Friction in these applications leads to wearing of chutes and guides as well as snagging of transfer points, leading to increased maintenance requirements and reduced productivity.

Engineered polymers manufacturer igus is introducing its newly developed iglidur coating technology to companies in South Africa that require continuous manufacturing and packaging operations. The tribologically engineered coating uses a special polymer layer that allows standard metal components to become low-friction, self-lubricating surfaces that are able to operate continually.

“This removes friction from the equation without introducing maintenance complexity. The coating allows operators to upgrade existing steel components into engineered sliding surfaces that run clean, dry and predictably over long cycles,” says igus South Africa MD Ian Hewat.

Hewat explains that many industries face the challenge of products sliding down chutes being oriented towards, and transitioning between, conveyors in contact with steel. Over time this interaction drives abrasion and leads to material build-up and eventually impacts the smooth flow of the items. 

Applied as a powder and baked onto conductive metal surfaces, the coating is engineered to form a durable, uniform layer with a defined coefficient of friction. It prevents wear and buildup by embedding solid lubricants within a polymer matrix to deliver a controlled sliding interface that operates without oils, greases or any other lubricant. 

Components are first prepared and cleaned to ensure proper adhesion, and the powder is then applied electrostatically, allowing it to evenly coat complex geometries. Once coated, the component is cured in an oven where the material bonds to the substrate to form a robust tribological surface. This process can be offered as a value-added service by powder coaters to industrial clients.

The coating is suitable for a range of applications including transfer plates in conveyor systems, chutes in production or distribution centres, vibratory and spiral conveyor systems, food packaging and sorting equipment. The company offers a variety of coating options engineered for specific operating conditions – from general-purpose wear resistance to high-temperature and chemically aggressive environments. Food-grade options are available with blue-coloured variants to enable visual detection in sensitive processing lines.

Existing systems can be retrofitted using coated plates or flexible coated mesh, allowing operators to upgrade performance without replacing hardware, helping operators to extend equipment life and stabilise ongoing processes.