Anti-Seize Products
CRC is well known for its production of high-quality industrial lubricants, including a range of anti-seize products.
But what makes anti-seize so special?
Let us answer some of the most common questions we get asked about our anti-seize products.
What is Anti-Seize?
Unlike conventional lubricants, anti-seize is designed to function under extremely high pressures, and at extremely high temperatures.
The base ingredient of anti-seize is grease. This grease serves as a lubricant up to a temperature of around 176°C, but its primary function is to act as a carrier for the main filler ingredients in the product.
Anti-seize fillers are metal based, and provide superior lubricating properties under high pressures and extreme temperatures of up to 1426°C.
What Should Anti-Seize Be Used For?
Anti-seize should be used to protect and lubricate close fitting metal-to-metal components,
to prevent seizing and galling caused by high temperatures, heavy loads, vibration and corrosion.
The product will separate and lubricate the surfaces of jointed interfaces during operation, reducing wear and loosening of parts.
An application of anti-seize will reduce corrosion of interfaces by preventing water ingress and chemical attack.
As well as lubrication and protection, an application of anti-seize will aid later disassembly of equipment and machinery.
Bolts, bushings, fittings, flanges, gaskets, headers, manifolds, nuts, packings, pipes, plugs, screws, studs, threaded surfaces and wire rope, are some of the components that will benefit from an application of anti-seize.
What is the Best Method for Applying Anti-Seize to a Surface?
Firstly, all surfaces should be clean and free from oil, grease or contamination. This can be achieved using an industrial degreaser and parts cleaner like CRC Brakleen.
Some parts are supplied pre-oiled to prevent corrosion in storage. It is recommended that this is removed before application of an anti-seize.
Many will apply a paste formulation with a gloved finger, but a brush will provide a more even application.
The brush used for application should be clean, and never cross-contaminated with other formulations of anti-seize, since this will implicate performance.
Anti-seize also comes as an aerosol which is easy to use, just spray a thin coat of product onto component surfaces.
Does Anti-Seize Need to be Reapplied?
Once applied, anti-seize is designed to last until a service or disassembly of parts is required.
Prior to reassembly, it is best practice to clean each component with an industrial degreaser and parts cleaner, and to re-apply a new thin layer of anti-seize product.
What's the Difference Between Copper and Nickel Grade Anti-Seize?
A copper grade anti-seize, like CRC Copper Anti-Seize and Lubricating Compound is a general purpose anti-seize lubricant, safe for use on both ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
A copper formulation is electrically conductive, and will not insulate or interrupt current flow.
The copper grade anti-seize is a good choice for soft metal applications, because it won’t compromise their integrity.
Copper anti-seize functions in temperatures of up to 982°C.
However, copper is a chemically reactive substance, and its use is prohibited in some instances.
A nickel grade anti-seize, such as CRC Nickel Anti-Seize & Lubricating Compound is recommended when a copper application is not permitted.
This formulation is chemically inert, and has an even higher temperature resistance of up to 1315°C.
Like the copper formulation nickel grade anti-seize is electrically conductive, and will not insulate or interrupt current flow. It too is a good choice for soft metal applications, and won’t compromise integrity.
A nickel preparation is especially recommended when resistance to corrosive, acidic, and caustic solutions is required. It will not poison catalyst beds, reaction chambers, or special alloy fittings.
To Conclude…
Anti-seize is a specialised lubricant designed to handle excessively high loads in components which have high levels of contact and pressure.
It protects machinery from seizure at extremely high temperatures.
We hope you finish reading this article, with a bit more knowledge of the different anti-seize formulations offered by CRC Industries Australia, and when and how these products should be used.