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Spinoff story

Lubricant Coating Process

A real-world story of NASA technology finding a life beyond the mission.

About this technology

Overview

Peen Plating a NASA developed process for applying molybdenum disulfide, is the key element of Techniblast Co.'s SURFGUARD process for applying high strength solid lubricants. The process requires two machines -- one for cleaning and one for coating. The cleaning step allows the coating to be bonded directly to the substrate to provide a better anchor." The coating machine applies a half a micron thick coating. Then a blast gun using various pressures to vary peening intensities for different applications fires high velocity "media" -- peening hammers -- ranging from plastic pellets to steel shot. Techniblast was assisted by Rural Enterprises Inc. Coating service can be performed at either Techniblast's or a customer's facility."