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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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What paintball gun coatings for lowest coefficient of friction

Hi

I know pretty much nothing about different types of finishing for metal, but here it goes. I'm starting a small business, where I make upgrades for tippmann procarbine paintball guns, what I am wondering is, what has the lowest coefficient of friction and is resistant to wear. The body of the gun come anodized, so what could be applied that is better than anodizing, now the rear bolt is steel, it is just polished, can something be applied to this, or can only one of the surfaces be coated? Ok well theres my question, I'd appreciate an answer, and maybe an estimate of how much what you suggest would cost?

Tyler Titus
custom carbines - Transfer, Pennsylvania, USA
2004

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Many people have been cryogenically treating their gun barrels and other firearm components for years. The benefits include longer life (e.g. increased resistance to wear) and improved accuracy. It is well known that carbon steels benefit from cryogenic treatment as eta-carbides are precipitated and the carbon matrix is modified. This is the primary mechanism that promotes wear resistance. Accuracy is enhanced due to the relief of residual stresses in the barrel as well as increased projectile speed. We know that cryogenically treated metals demonstrate a capability for "micro-smoothing" which results in a reduced coefficient of friction. This is undoubtedly what accounts for the increased velocity. Thus, I would think it may be worthwhile to investigate cryogenic treatment of your paint gun componenets in order to secure the enhanced performance characteristics that you are seeking.

Robin Rhodes
Worcester, Massachusetts
2004