Coblast pro-release dry ambient-temperature release coating technology
A dry, ambient-temperature coating technology that bonds polymer dopants directly to metal surfaces via coincident abrasive bombardment, eliminating wet chemical binders and PFOA/PFOS. Validated for mold release in medical device manufacturing with FDA approval for breast implants, offering lower release forces and improved durability over conventional Teflon coatings.
Overview
CoBlast Pro-Release is a dry, ambient-temperature surface coating technology designed for mold release applications. It works through the coincident bombardment of an abrasive media and a polymer dopant onto metal surfaces. The energy of bombardment creates a tribo-chemical bond that deposits the active dopant directly onto the metal, eliminating the need for wet chemical binders. The process contains no PFOA or PFOS materials, making it a more sustainable and environmentally compliant alternative to conventional release coatings.
The technology is particularly suited to industries requiring high-performance release surfaces, including medical device manufacturing, rubber and polymer molding, and industrial production. Testing on molding tools for implantable medical devices has demonstrated lower release forces, better adhesion, and improved damage tolerance compared to conventional Teflon coatings. The technology received FDA approval in 2021 for use in the manufacture of breast implants.
Technical specifications
- Dry coating process operates at ambient temperature, removing the need for wet chemistry and associated hazardous waste
- Tribo-chemical bonding deposits polymer dopants directly onto metal surfaces through controlled abrasive bombardment
- No PFOA or PFOS materials are used, supporting REACH compliance and environmental sustainability
- Surface texturing can be precisely controlled by adjusting impact energy and abrasive media selection
- Material recapture and reuse allows abrasive media and powder to be collected and reused for subsequent coating cycles, reducing waste and operating cost
- Validated performance through linear wear testing, 10,000 compression release cycles, adhesion testing (ASTM D359), damage tolerance evaluation, and toxicology testing
- Broad metal compatibility with ongoing testing across a range of metal substrates
Technology readiness level
The technology has been in development since 2013 and has reached commercial readiness for specific mold release applications. It received FDA approval in 2021 for breast implant manufacturing tools, representing a significant regulatory milestone. Industry testing has been completed for targeted molding applications, confirming performance advantages over conventional Teflon coatings. Future validation efforts are focused on extending durability over longer molding cycles with relevant polymers, improving scratch and abrasion resistance at operational temperatures, exploring lubricious additives for enhanced durability, and confirming adhesion across a broader range of metal surfaces.
About ENBIO Limited
ENBIO Limited, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is a materials technology company that developed the patented CoBlast process. CoBlast is a versatile surface-enhancing technology that allows for the modification of metal surfaces to improve performance, functionality, and value. By utilizing this platform, ENBIO creates sustainable, REACH-compliant solutions that serve as alternatives to hazardous wet-chemistry processes. The company provides these advanced metal surface treatments through both direct coating services and technology licensing, catering to diverse sectors such as aerospace, automotive, industrial manufacturing, and medical devices.
ENBIO initially gained recognition for its work with the European Space Agency, qualifying mission-critical thermal control coatings for space applications, including the Solar Orbiter mission. Beyond the space sector, the company develops various specialized applications, such as anti-galling treatments for fasteners, mould release solutions for rubber and polymer manufacturing, and high-performance primers. By offering these innovative surface technologies, ENBIO helps its partners address complex material challenges, reduce environmental impact, and improve product durability and manufacturing efficiency. The company maintains an active R&D facility with extensive characterization capabilities to support its collaborative projects and product development.
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