A coating can give your engine that extra boost. Do Line2Line and Ceramic Crown Coating mean anything to you? Our specialists discuss the five most special coatings in our range!

Coatings have become indispensable for pistons. Almost every performance piston nowadays has a black-colored piston skirt coating to prevent wear and friction. However, this coating is one of many choices in the product group, as various options are also made for specific performance applications. Not only for the resistance and service life of the piston but also for other purposes, such as improving performance.

In this blog, we discuss a selection of coatings from our brands that can help the professional achieve his goals and requirements for his performance engine.

WPC treatment

With the WPC coating, the piston is more resistant to friction and wear caused by foreign particles against the piston or piston pin. In addition, oil is also retained longer. The coating is applied to the entire piston, strengthening the surface and providing better resistance and durability.

One of the benefits is that the entire piston is treated. This also includes the piston pinhole, which is one of the areas with the highest wear load. Another plus is that the size of the piston does not change after the application of the coating, which means that any piston (including off-the-shelf pistons) of the same size can be installed.

Click here for an example of a WPC coating

Why?

Our specialists give the following three reasons for choosing a WPC treatment from CP Carrillo:

• Retaining oil for longer;
• The entire piston is more resistant to friction and wear;
• An off-the-shelf piston can be installed with the same size after treatment.
  

Line2Line coating

One of the most striking piston skirt coatings is the Line2Line coating, which is for example applied to the 'Extreme' series of ICON pistons. The coating ensures optimal oil durability and less friction, resulting in better performance.

This coating is exceptional because there is almost no play during installation. This may be scary for many professionals, but practice shows that it certainly works without problems.

Click here for an example of a Line2Line coating

Why?

Our specialists give the following three reasons for choosing a Line2Line coating from UEM Pistons:

• Creates the optimum oil film;
  
• The load is distributed over the entire piston skirt.
  
• Less play and friction and the perfect fit.
  

Anodising 

The spring grooves and the entire piston can be anodized; therefore, the service life will be increased, and the risk of wear will be reduced. MAHLE, UEM Pistons, and CP Carrillo offer these options.

Click here for an example of anodising

Why?

Our specialists give the following three reasons for anodising:

• A longer service life;
• Less probability of wear;
• Very suitable for applications that demand a lot from the engine block.
  

Piston head coating

These coatings are usually applied to influence thermal conduction and ensure a better piston service life and performance. For example, MAHLE offers thermal barrier coating, CP-Carrillo ceramic crown coating, and UEM pistons for the ultratherm CM.

Without a coating, the heat around the piston head is neglected as the internal components or the cooling system absorbs the heat. However, the coating transfers the heat to the combustion chamber, reducing piston temperatures. The service life, performance, and combustion are improved in this way.

Click here for an example of a Ceramic Crown Coating

Why?

Our specialists give the following three reasons for choosing a piston head coating:

• Improved thermal conduction;
• A longer service life;
• More efficient operation and better performance.
  

ASF treatment

The ASF (Accelerated Surface Finishing) coating reduces carbon build-up and contributes to shedding oil from underneath the piston. This coating is applied to the entire piston or certain sections and provides a smooth and shiny surface.

Suitable for various types of performance applications.

Click here for an example of an ASF coating

Why?

Our specialists give the following three reasons for choosing an ASF treatment from CP-Carrillo:

• Reduction of carbon accumulation;
  
• Helps shed oil from the piston underside;
• A smooth and shiny surface.
  

Are you interested in one of these coatings? For more information and the right advice, contact our specialists at performance@wilminkgroup.com.