When discussing a non-stick coating in an industrial context, we are not referring to a simple surface treatment, but to a technical solution capable of improving production continuity, protecting surfaces and reducing the adhesion of critical materials during processing. In particular, in processes involving metals, high temperatures, wear and contact with molten materials or processing residues, non-stick performance becomes a decisive property for reducing scrap, preserving tools and maintaining a high-quality finished product.
A non-stick coating is applied to components, equipment or operating surfaces to limit wettability and the adhesion of the processed material. In practice, it creates a functional barrier that helps the substrate withstand the working environment more effectively and perform its function more reliably. This is particularly important in foundries, forging, extrusion and all applications in which contact with metals, oxides, slag or high-temperature materials can compromise the surface and slow down production.
What Is a Non-Stick Coating?
A non-stick coating is a formulation designed to reduce adhesion between a surface and the material with which it comes into contact during a process. Its purpose is not only to prevent material from sticking, but also to help protect the substrate against wear, thermal attack and progressive deterioration. In industrial applications, this makes it possible to operate with greater stability, cleanliness and repeatability. In the metal industry, non-stick properties are useful for preventing build-up, deposits, localised adhesion, material drag or defects caused by direct contact between a technical surface and the processed metal. An effective coating can therefore facilitate release, protect the component and improve the efficiency of the entire production cycle.
Why Are Non-Stick Coatings Used in the Metal Industry?
In industrial processing, productivity does not depend solely on the quality of the machinery or the accuracy of process temperatures. It also depends on the ability of surfaces to maintain consistent performance over time. This is why non-stick coatings are used strategically: they help reduce unwanted interaction between the processed material and the technical component.
When molten metal, a billet or process residue adheres to a surface, practical problems arise. Downtime for cleaning and maintenance increases, component wear accelerates, the quality of the finished part deteriorates and, in many cases, the risk of defects or scrap also rises. The use of a non-stick coating for metals helps keep surfaces cleaner, facilitates material release and protects operating components such as moulds, ladles, channels, funnels, pipes, extruders and other parts exposed to demanding conditions.
Another important factor is service life. When a surface is properly protected, the component can retain its efficiency for longer, directly reducing maintenance costs and improving production continuity. Choosing the right coating is therefore not a secondary consideration, but a technical decision that affects process quality, reliability and profitability.
What Should a Good Industrial Non-Stick Coating Provide?
Not all coatings are suitable for the same applications. In metallurgy and high-temperature processing, an effective product must combine several performance characteristics. First of all, it must provide genuine non-stick performance, meaning that it must prevent or significantly reduce the adhesion of material to the treated surface. Secondly, it must retain its effectiveness under thermal stress, repeated cycles, abrasion and complex production conditions.
Ease of application, compatibility with substrates, formulation stability and adaptability to the process are also important. In many cases, companies seek water-based products that are easy to apply by brush, spray or dip coating and that can be incorporated into operating routines without complications. When these features are combined with the ability to improve surface finish, extend the service life of moulds and components and reduce wettability by molten metals, the coating becomes a valuable production asset.
ATP Europe Non-Stick Coatings for Industrial Applications
For companies operating in metal processing, ATP Europe offers a range of Boron Nitride non-stick coatings developed to protect surfaces and components under demanding operating conditions. These formulations are designed for specific industrial applications and offer different characteristics depending on their intended use, the level of wear, the application method and the type of process involved.
The products examined are ATP R20, ATP R70, ATP R10B2 and ATP R33: four solutions that share the same non-stick and protective functions but address different technical requirements.
ATP R20: A Versatile Non-Stick Coating for Multiple Applications
ATP R20 is a cost-effective, water-based Boron Nitride non-stick coating formulated to protect metals, glass, ceramics, composites and plastics. It is a versatile solution suitable for a variety of production environments and is particularly useful for companies seeking an effective product for general industrial applications.
Its applications include release coatings, casting channels, ladles, troughs and pipes, casting funnels and spouts, feed trays, casting fittings, dross press heads, electric heating elements and welding protection. The product can be applied by brush and, when necessary, can be adjusted for dipping or spraying by diluting it with water. It is therefore a suitable choice when an industrial non-stick coating is required for multiple processes, offering good coverage and thermal resistance suitable for demanding applications.
ATP R70: The Specific Solution for Aluminium Extrusion
ATP R70 has been specifically formulated for the aluminium extrusion process. This makes it particularly valuable for companies operating in a sector where material adhesion to the extruder surface can cause significant production and quality problems.
The coating is used as a release agent to prevent aluminium billets from sticking to the extruder. It also helps prevent billet tearing or flanging, contributes to extending die life and provides better release performance than graphite. Another practical advantage is that it can also be applied to dirty or greasy surfaces, improving operational management on the shop floor. ATP R70 is therefore a product to consider when the objective is to improve material behaviour during extrusion, achieve a better surface finish and protect the equipment involved in the process.
ATP R10B2: A Cost-Effective, High-Visibility Non-Stick Coating
ATP R10B2 is a ready-to-use, water-based Boron Nitride non-stick coating formulated to protect metals, glass, ceramics, composites and plastics. It is characterised by its cost-effectiveness and light-blue colour, which improves visibility during application. It is formulated for brush application but can also be adapted for dipping or spraying by diluting it with water. The technical data sheet also indicates an approximate coverage area of around 28–56 m², which is useful for companies assessing product yield and consumption planning. For businesses seeking a practical, flexible and cost-effective non-stick coating, ATP R10B2 provides a concrete solution for a range of metallurgical applications.
ATP R33: The Non-Stick Coating for High-Wear Applications
When an application requires superior mechanical resistance, ATP R33 is the most advanced of the solutions considered. It is a ready-to-use, water-based hard Boron Nitride non-stick coating formulated to protect metals, glass, ceramics, composites and plastics.
Its main strength is its abrasion resistance. The formulation is designed for durability and to remain effective even under conditions in which other Boron Nitride coatings may prove insufficient. This solution makes surfaces non-wettable by molten aluminium, magnesium and their respective slags, an essential characteristic in the most demanding applications. ATP R33 is suitable for die-casting operations, metal troughs, moulds, funnels, stalk tubes, ladles, skimmers and screens, and does not require dilution.
How Do You Choose the Most Suitable Boron Nitride Non-Stick Coating?
The choice of the most suitable non-stick coating depends on the application. The type of process, the material involved, the operating temperature, the level of wear and the application method required on the shop floor must all be considered. In some cases, a versatile solution suitable for multiple uses is required; in others, a product developed for a specific process is preferable; in still others, the main priority is abrasion resistance and the durability of the protective film.
For this reason, it is useful to consult a technical specialist who can guide the selection process. A properly selected product does more than improve non-stick performance: it can make a concrete contribution to process quality, plant protection and the reduction of indirect costs associated with downtime, reworking and maintenance.
If you are looking for a non-stick coating for the metal industry and want to identify the most suitable solution, the best approach is to consult ATP Europe directly. Based on the process, temperatures, materials and application method, the team can help guide you towards the most effective product. Contact ATP Europe to receive further technical information, learn more about the characteristics of Boron Nitride non-stick coatings and evaluate the solution best suited to your production requirements!