Topic: WPC Metal Surface Treatment

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I, too, want to believe.  I am a wee bit at a loss as to how an unlubricated coating can be that slippery.  The micro-dimples would provide a plausible explanation IF lubricant were applied, but I thought the demo videos showed clean, dry metal that had been only surface treated. 

[knowsnothing]

I, too, want to believe.  I am a wee bit at a loss as to how an unlubricated coating can be that slippery.  The micro-dimples would provide a plausible explanation IF lubricant were applied, but I thought the demo videos showed clean, dry metal that had been only surface treated.

Could be an air cushion from trapped air. 

Cal beat me too it...

[FunJimmy]

I didn't ask for an explanation of the demo video, but if I were to speculate, I suspect the dimples create an air pocket for the 2 parts to be separated just enough to eliminate friction. But I don't know, and perhaps they were oiled prior to video?

That combined with smooth radius edges are the reason you get such a compelling (dry) demonstration. Purely a magicians trick. Oil will cause drag and deminish the effect.
Another consideration is accelerated wear as a result of reduced surface contact. PSI rating will increase proportionately as surface area is reduced.

Nikasil is nothing like micro-dimpling. Nikasil is a trademarked electrodeposited lipophilic nickel matrix silicon carbide coating for engine components, mainly piston engine cylinder liners.

[Retro Rocket]

Well I just hope that the little balls they are using aren't dyna beads.....

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I, too, want to believe.  I am a wee bit at a loss as to how an unlubricated coating can be that slippery.  The micro-dimples would provide a plausible explanation IF lubricant were applied, but I thought the demo videos showed clean, dry metal that had been only surface treated.

I didn't ask for an explanation of the demo video, but if I were to speculate, I suspect the dimples create an air pocket for the 2 parts to be separated just enough to eliminate friction. But I don't know, and perhaps they were oiled prior to video?

They sent me some more technical data that supports their technology, including some lab reports. I'm not a metallurgical expert so I am uncertain of the meaning of the data, only enough to understand the results.

As for treating the bores of my R90, I liken it to Nikasil in many ways. There's little dispute over its improvements yet we see little rebuking of it. In the end, it may just be a "newly arrived" process that has finally become available to the public in a small scale. It seems they (WPC) claim to have numerous Auto manufacturers that use their process on production engines, so it may be completely suitable. What the heck, its only 2 cylinders 

What will the process cost to treat your twin? 

[afkrejci90]

I've got a Hi-Po engine waiting to be put back together, may just have everything done if the cost isn't too crazy.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Let us know if you do and what it costs.