What is the differences between hard anodising and Rotometal’s ANTIFRICTION polymeroxid®-LF4 coating?

ANTIFRICTION polymeroxid®-LF4 coating is a novel special anodised coating that focuses on surface smoothness and frictional characteristics. ANTIFRICTION uses a completely new polymeroxid®-matrix that modifies the structure of the oxide layer by cross-linked polymers. This results in a smoother, harder, and more flexible coating than conventional hard anodising.

One of the main advantages of ANTIFRICTION is that it has less dimensional changes than hard anodising. Hard anodising grows out of the base material by 50% of its total thickness, which means that a 50µm surface layer increases the dimensions by 20µm (or 40µm on diameter). ANTIFRICTION, on the other hand, grows out of the base material by 40% of its total thickness, which means that a 25µm surface layer increases the dimensions by 10µm (or 20µm on diameter). This makes ANTIFRICTION more suitable for applications that require high dimensional accuracy and tight tolerances.

In conclusion, hard anodising and ANTIFRICTION polymeroxid®-LF4 coating are both effective ways to protect and enhance your Print Cylinders, but they have different characteristics and advantages. Hard anodising is more suitable for applications that require high wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and electrical insulation, while ANTIFRICTION polymeroxid®-LF4 coating is more suitable for applications that require high surface smoothness, low friction, and dimensional accuracy.