What is Np3 Coating?

NP3 is the most advanced weapon coating available, delivering the ultimate in corrosion resistance and durability.

A uniform finish on all sides of each part eliminates texture irregularities and gives longer life to the finish itself.

This makes NP3 ideal for use as a self-lubricating coating on firearms that are used in high-humidity conditions.

NP3 is a type of coating used on metal surfaces. It is typically used on the slides of pistols, although it can be found in other places.

The coating is made from a combination of nickel and Teflon, which gives it its different qualities.

NP3 is a cross between Nickel Boron (NiB) and electroless nickel (EN). NP3 uses the benefits of both NiB and EN in its composition to create the ultimate metal coating.

NP3 has PTFE embedded into the nickel matrix at the molecular level which provides self lubrication throughout the entire coating.

This is why this coating does not wear off or become gummy like other coatings may do.

NP3 has more lubricity than other Nickel based finishes such as Electroless Nickel or Nickel Boron because of this unique process.

The nickel in this finish provides corrosion and abrasion resistance while the PTFE provides incredible lubricity and reduces friction.

NP3 has TEFLON also known as PTFE co-deposited in the nickel matrix. This is an extremely hard and durable coating that will provide years of service in even the harshest environments.

NP3 is a finish that is applied over stainless steel. It provides both corrosion resistance and self lubrication.

The self lubrication is not provided by Teflon® but by a lubricity enhancement created by the combination of the nickel in NP3 with the Teflon® polymer.

The combination of nickel and Teflon® can be applied to various substrates including steel, aluminum, titanium, copper and various plastics.

The most important aspect of this coating is the combination of properties that it offers (Corrosion Resistance and Lubricity).

The lubricity of NP3 is achieved by the PTFE (Teflon®) being co-deposited into the coating. The lubricity is a result of the PTFE particles and the electroless nickel matrix.

Advantages of Np3 Coating

NP3 ® is the ultimate in wear resistance and corrosion protection. The Nickel, Chromium and Polymer formula is engineered to provide virtually frictionless slide performance and greater reliability, service after service, in the most demanding environments.

NP3 is applied to internal parts and external surfaces of firearms, knives, machine tools and equipment used by military and law enforcement personnel, in firearm production and assembly plants, as well as in industrial applications where a superlative anti-abrasive finish is desired.

Teflon, one of the world’s best known trademarks for polytetrafluoroethylene has been added to the NP3 formula.

Teflon  is an inert material that does not support combustion. It provides self-lubrication for smooth operation during extreme high temperature or humid conditions.

NP3  combines the benefits of Nickel plating with advanced polymers resulting in reduced friction, wear and corrosion over conventional Nickel plating.

NP3® has a unique blend of lubricity agents that allow parts processed using this coating to function smoother under higher pressures and temperatures than would otherwise be possible with conventional Nickel plating.

The properties listed below are offered by NP3 as a result of its unique formulation:

Corrosion Resistance, Self-Lubricating, Abrasion Resistance, Uniform Finish, Controlled Corrosion Rate, Exceptional Electrical Conductivity and Excellent Lubricity.

When compared to other competing products in this class, NP3 has been proven to offer the best combination of these properties.

Final summary

Nickel-based coatings are the most common since they provide good corrosion resistance and are available in a variety of surface finishes. Nickel is a harder material than blued steel, so it provides better wear resistance.

Nickel is sometimes used for firearms that see hard use, such as police service revolvers or high-volume autoloading pistols.

Nickel is also popular for rugged applications like industrial bolt action rifles and shotguns, since it provides long term durability and is less prone to rust.

The most common finish for nickel-plated guns is known as “blued” or “black oxide.”

This finish provides fairly good corrosion resistance but isn’t very durable in most applications due to its softness.

Another finish commonly used on firearms is called “Nickel Plate” but this term actually refers to a specific process rather than a specific type of finish.

The process involves electroless nickel plating followed by an acid etch to remove any areas that would turn blue during subsequent bluing.

This results in a bright silver appearance on the exterior (and usually also true of the interior), with a darker “straw” color underneath.”