PFAS, or poly- (or per-) fluoroalkyl substances – widely used in different industrial sectors – are now coming under increasing scrutiny due to their long-lasting presence in the environment. A possible European ban on PFASs, based on REACH, might come into force as early as 2027 for specific industrial segments.
A part from PTFE, a fluoropolymer currently classified as a ‘polymer of low concern’ by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), NOF METAL COATINGS GROUP does not use any other PFAS in its products. In fact, regardless of potential restrictions imposed by environmental authorities on PTFE, NOF METAL COATINGS GROUP has taken this as an opportunity to develop a new PFAS-free topcoats range with worldwide availability.
PFAS-free PLUS® Series
The ambitious objectives of NOF METAL COATINGS GROUP’s new PFAS-free PLUS® Series is to be able to offer customers a new range of more environmentally friendly products, while guaranteeing the same tribological performance as its current PLUS® range, including its most popular topcoat range:
- PLUS® XL 2 Silver: COF 0.06 – 0.09 (ISO 16047)
- PLUS® VLh 2 Silver: COF 0.09 – 0.14 (ISO 16047)
- PLUS® ML 2 Silver: COF 0.10 – 0.16 (ISO 16047)
“Applied on top of the GEOMET® waterborne zinc flake basecoat, the PFAS-free alternative to PLUS® VLh satisfies the requirements of VW 011 31 and MBN 105 44 and will have the same outstanding properties, such as behaviour in loosening tests (including at
high temperature), multi-tightening and high-speed tightening, stick slip avoidance, as well as compatibility with various counterpart materials (eCoat, aluminium and steel),” explains NOF METAL COATINGS GROUP.
Improved aesthetics of coated parts
To offer customers the best products on the market, NOF METAL COATINGS GROUP has also taken this opportunity to enhance the aesthetics of the products in this new range by adding aluminium pigments, thus obtaining a uniform silver colour. This enhancement will improve the visual appearance of assemblies where fasteners are visible by customers.
On the road to a greener future
Meanwhile, in NOF METAL COATINGS GROUP’s R&D laboratories its teams are continuing to work on PFAS-free coatings and GEOBLACK® systems, with the addition of black topcoats to the PFAS-free PLUS® range to be ready before the end of the year.
Biog
Will joined Fastener + Fixing Magazine in 2007 and over the last 15 years has experienced every facet of the fastener sector - interviewing key figures within the industry and visiting leading companies and exhibitions around the globe.
Will manages the content strategy across all platforms and is the guardian for the high editorial standards that the Magazine is renowned.
