The Armoloy TDC coating will achieve hardness values of up to 78Rc, with results ranging from 72 to 78Rc. Standard hard chrome typically ranges from 68 to 72Rc. The higher rate of hardness is due to the increased density of the coating and lack of a micro-cracked surface. The hardness of the coating is not as applied to the part surface. Due to its incredibly thin nature, hardness readings taken directly on part surfaces measure a combination of the coating and part surface hardness. Coating hardness must be measured on a specially prepared coupon and tested per ASTM E384.
industry solutions
industry solutions
Automation and Linear Motion Coatings
Armoloy coatings for linear motion applications reduce friction on bearing steels, enhance wear resistance, and extend operational efficiency.
smooth movement
The Advantages of Linear Motion Coatings
Armoloy specialized coatings are ideal for automation and linear motion applications requiring smooth movement over rolling surfaces. Our nodular thin dense chrome's corrosion resistance matches that of 440C stainless steel, making it a cost-effective alternative for linear motion components like guides and screws, offering a precise deposit thickness of .0001/.0002″.
Armoloy also ensures maintained machining tolerances and facilitates the smooth reassembly of linear motion components. Tested extensively, it outperforms hard chrome in corrosion and endurance by nearly 50%, simulating seven years of real-world use. Armoloy guarantees consistent, 100% coverage with a satin silver appearance, making it an optimal choice for linear guides, ball screws, and geared racks and pinions.
Linear Motion Coatings & Surface Treatments
By choosing Armoloy coatings, manufacturers can ensure that their components withstand the demanding conditions, resulting in smoother operation, reduced maintenance, and improved reliability.
An Armoloy application engineer can assist you in finding the best coating solution for your linear motion application. Request a sample today.
Benefits of Plating Services from Armoloy
Metal failure mitigation
Armoloy protective coatings have helped mitigate risk from a wide range of metal failures
Improve performance
We produce solutions that prevent metal failure while increasing cycle times
Reduce downtime
Armoloy helps protect your metal assets by reducing the need for maintenance and making maintenance more predictable
Decrease costs
In addition to reduced downtime, Armoloy coatings are a cost-effective way of meeting performance requirements instead of using an exotic or expensive base metal
Regulatory compliance
Select Armoloy locations are certified to NADCAP, AS9100, and ISO 9001—with plating lines compliant to industry standards including AMS 2438 and AMS 2460
Long-lasting solutions
Our performance for over 65 years and constant innovation provides continual value for your business
Global reach
Armoloy operates a total of 10 processing facilities across 8 U.S. states, as well as 6 international facilities located in individual countries spread throughout 3 continents
Turnkey partnership
We’re with you throughout the entire process, acting as a single point of contact for all deliverables
Why Choose Armoloy?
Start-to-Finish Surface Solutions
- Armoloy stands out with our fully staffed metallurgical laboratory dedicated to research and development. We offer comprehensive surface coating services, guiding you from initial consultation through design, application, and final quality checks to ensure optimal results for your project.
Innovative Process Development
- Our innovation center focuses on developing and validating repeatable and reliable processes, which we can then implement at any process fulfillment location. This ensures consistent, high-quality coatings no matter where your project is completed, maintaining the same high standards across the globe.
Global Fulfillment and Logistics
- With fulfillment centers located around the world, we optimize logistics to ensure your coatings are delivered on time and maintain consistent quality, no matter where you are. Our extensive global network allows us to efficiently serve clients worldwide.
Process Accreditations
Armoloy coatings have passed the rigorous testing standards for the following accreditations:
- AS9100D
- ISO 9001:2015
- ISO 14001:2015
- NAPCAP
- RoHS Compliance
- WEEE
Coating Specifications at Armoloy
Armoloy linear motion coatings comply with most customer-specific standards throughout the chrome coatings industry. We operate processing tanks dedicated to AMS 2438 requirements, and our coatings can be applied to nearly all ferrous and non-ferrous base materials.
- AMS 2438
- AMS 2406
- ASTM B117
- AMS 2403
- AMS 2404
- ASTM B650
- ASTM B578
- AMS 2460
- ASTM B733-22
- ASTM A967
- MIL-C-26074
- ASTM D4060-10
Automation & Linear Motion Coating Applications
Armoloy coatings enhance the functionality of various linear motion components and applications, including:
- Ball, swivel, universal & slip joints
- Bearing surfaces
- Bushings
- Clean room applications
- Cylinders
- Data processing equipment
- Electronic components
- Gears & sprockets
- Hydraulic valves, pistons & housings
- Linear motion guides
- Medical instruments & devices
- Mobile medical devices
- Pistons rings & rods
- Power transmissions systems
- Robotic joints
Learn More
Some Common Metal Failures and Solutions that affect Linear Motion and Automation Applications.
Armoloy’s different metal coating solutions help industries avoid costly metal failures and unplanned downtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
High-performance coatings like TDC are applied in very thin layers (typically between 0.0001 to 0.0005 inches), ensuring they do not alter the dimensional tolerances of components, making them ideal for applications requiring precise fits, such as bearings and guide rails.
Yes, coatings such as electroless nickel or chrome plating can significantly improve corrosion resistance, protecting linear motion components from moisture, chemicals, and other corrosive elements. This is especially important in industries like food processing and packaging, where equipment is exposed to washdowns or harsh environments.
Common coatings include thin dense chrome (TDC), electroless nickel, and fluoropolymer coatings. TDC is particularly valued for its hardness, low friction, and wear resistance, while electroless nickel provides excellent corrosion protection. Fluoropolymer coatings, like PTFE, offer excellent lubricity, which reduces the need for external lubrication.
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