Dry Film Lubricants for Automotive Engineering: A Product Series Guide
Oil and grease can drip, migrate, or attract dust, and they often fail under heavy contact pressure. For many automotive mechanisms, a dry film lubricant gives a cleaner, more stable alternative. These coatings cure into a thin, solid lubricating layer that stays on the part.
This series covers six XYC dry film products. They fall into two groups: metal and mechanical coatings for latches, slides, fasteners, and high-load parts, and elastomer and seal coatings for weatherstrips and body seals.
The Series at a Glance
|
Product |
Type |
Cure |
Operating Range |
Main Automotive Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
XYC C 220 |
Moisture-curing MoS₂ coating (inorganic binder) |
Ambient humidity |
-180 °C to +450 °C |
Anti-seize fasteners, high-load pins |
|
XYC TM 06-111 |
Heat-cured MoS₂ coating (solvent-based) |
30 min at 180 °C |
-40 °C to +220 °C |
Locks, seat tracks, linkages |
|
XYC TP 03-111 |
Water-based, low-VOC MoS₂ coating |
30 min at 160 °C |
-40 °C to +200 °C |
Safety belt latches, hinges, guides |
|
XYC TP 18-810 N |
Water-based, air-drying seal coating |
24 h at room temperature |
Elastomer seal range |
Flocked seals, weatherstrips |
|
XYC TP 22-1310 A/B |
Two-component, water-miscible seal coating |
Room temperature or on hot parts |
Body seal range |
Window channels, door and sunroof seals |
|
XYC TP 39-311 A/B |
Two-component, heat-cured coating |
30 min at 170–180 °C (part temperature) |
-40 °C to +200 °C |
Seat belt latches, seat adjusters, door locks |
Group 1: Metal and Mechanical Coatings
XYC C 220: Anti-Seize for High-Load Fasteners
C 220 is a moisture-curing coating that forms a dry barrier and does not rely on oil. It is especially useful where fluid lubricants would evaporate or contaminate the surrounding area.
In automotive work, C 220 suits high-clamp-load fasteners, where thread seizing and galling are a risk, and pins and hinges that need maintenance-free lubrication. Its very wide temperature range makes it a fit for exhaust-adjacent and extreme-temperature hardware.
Application note: Degrease and blast or etch the surface before coating. The coating cures from ambient humidity, so the workshop environment matters.
XYC TM 06-111: Heat-Cured MoS₂ for Structural Parts
TM 06-111 is a solvent-based MoS₂ coating that cures through heat to form a hard, dry film. It holds up well under high contact pressure and provides corrosion protection on phosphated surfaces.
It suits automotive locks, seat track adjustments, latch assemblies, and control linkages. The product is a flammable liquid, so storage, handling, and ventilation must follow the safety data sheet.
Application note: Use a 125–150 µm filter before spraying. Target a cured film of 5–20 µm. Cure for 30 minutes at an object temperature of 180 °C.
XYC TP 03-111: Water-Based MoS₂ with Lower VOC
TP 03-111 offers similar heat-cured MoS₂ performance with a water-based carrier. This can reduce solvent handling and the need for heavy exhaust equipment on production lines.
It is well suited to safety belt latch elements and seat adjusters, as well as hinges and guides where oil vapors could affect nearby electronics or sensors.
Application note: Thin only with demineralized water. Cure for 30 minutes at a minimum object temperature of 160 °C.
XYC TP 39-311 A/B: Two-Component Coating for Safety-Critical Mechanisms
TP 39-311 A/B is a two-component, water-miscible system designed for safety-critical mechanisms. It cures into a hard, low-friction film that resists stick-slip behavior under load.
It is a good match for seat belt latches and buckles, where low and consistent click forces matter, as well as seat adjusters and door locks.
Application note: Stir Component A thoroughly before mixing, and mix the two components in the specified ratio. Cure for 30 minutes at an object temperature of 170–180 °C, measured on the part itself, not the oven air.
Group 2: Elastomer and Seal Coatings
XYC TP 18-810 N: Air-Drying Weatherstrip Coating
TP 18-810 N is a single-component, water-based coating that dries at room temperature. It is designed for rubber profiles that must flex with the vehicle body without cracking or peeling.
It is used on flocked seals around door openings, sunroofs, and trunk lids, as well as on sponge rubber and door and window runners. The coating aims to reduce noise and vibration from seal contact and to limit seal freezing in winter conditions.
The "N" in the name indicates an integrated UV tracer. Under a 366 nm UV light, technicians can check coverage and placement on the production line.
Application note: Ensure the surface is clean and free of mold-release agents. Filter through 150–200 µm mesh. Allow 24 hours to fully dry at room temperature, or flash-dry on a substrate above 60 °C.
XYC TP 22-1310 A/B: Low-Noise Coating for Body Seals
TP 22-1310 A/B is a two-component, water-miscible system designed for body seals. It includes graphite and other solid lubricants to reduce friction against glass and limit squeaking and shudder.
It suits window channel seals, door and sunroof seals, and folding top seals. It can be applied to hot seals, up to 180 °C, straight from extrusion, which can shorten line cycle time.
The product also includes a UV tracer for inspection.
Application note: Stir Component A thoroughly. Spray with oil- and water-free air at about 2 bar, using a 0.5–0.8 mm nozzle, targeting a 5–10 µm cured film. For difficult surfaces, plasma treatment or the primer XYC G 02-104 is recommended.
Choosing the Right Product
-
High fastener clamp loads or extreme temperatures: C 220
-
Locks, seat tracks, and linkages with heat-curing capability: TM 06-111 or TP 03-111
-
Lower-VOC production: TP 03-111 or the water-based seal coatings (TP 18-810 N, TP 22-1310 A/B)
-
Safety-critical latches and buckles: TP 39-311 A/B or TP 03-111
-
Weatherstrips and flocked seals, air-drying: TP 18-810 N
-
Body seals on hot extrusion lines: TP 22-1310 A/B
Process Essentials for All Products
-
Clean and prepare the surface. Degrease, then sandblast or chemically etch or phosphate the metal. For elastomers, remove release agents and dust.
-
Stir thoroughly. MoS₂ particles settle. Re-disperse fully before use.
-
Filter the mix. Pass the product through the specified nylon mesh before spraying.
-
Apply within the target film thickness. Thin films perform best. Check thickness with a suitable gauge.
-
Cure as specified. Heat-cured products require the stated object temperature, and two-component products require the correct mixing ratio.
-
Inspect. Use UV inspection on tracer-containing products.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a dry film lubricant, and how does it differ from grease?
A dry film lubricant is a solid coating that cures onto the part. It does not drip, migrate, or attract dust the way grease can, and it stays in place under high pressure.
2. Which product is best for seat belt latches?
TP 39-311 A/B and TP 03-111 are the main options. Both are designed for latches and buckles that need low, consistent click forces. Confirm the choice against your latch material and cure capability.
3. Can I use these coatings on rubber seals?
Yes, but use the elastomer coatings: TP 18-810 N for air-drying weatherstrips and flocked seals, and TP 22-1310 A/B for body seals. The MoS₂ coatings are designed for metal and mechanical parts.
4. Why does surface preparation matter so much?
These coatings bond to the surface. Oil, dust, or release agents can prevent proper adhesion, and a poorly prepared surface can flake or wear off early.
5. Do the heat-cured products need an oven?
Yes. TM 06-111, TP 03-111, and TP 39-311 A/B need a forced thermal cure at the specified object temperature, not just oven air temperature. Measure the part temperature to confirm the cure.
6. How do I know the coating is applied evenly?
Products with the "N" tracer, such as TP 18-810 N and TP 22-1310 A/B, can be checked under 300–400 nm UV light. For other products, use the film thickness gauge specified in your quality procedure.
7. Are these products safe to handle?
Handle all products according to their safety data sheets. TM 06-111 contains flammable solvents and needs good ventilation, fire-safe storage, and suitable protective equipment. Water-based products still need appropriate handling precautions.
8. Can these coatings handle exhaust-area temperatures?
C 220 has the widest range, up to +450 °C. TM 06-111, TP 03-111, and TP 39-311 A/B are rated to 200–220 °C, and the seal coatings have their own ranges. Check the specific data sheet for your part's environment.
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