MIL-PRF-46010 is a military performance specification, established by the U.S. Department of Defense, which details requirements for a specific type of corrosion-inhibiting, heat-cured solid film lubricant. This lubricant is designed to reduce friction and wear between metal surfaces, especially in environments where traditional lubricants are ineffective due to extreme temperatures or the need for long-term, low-maintenance solutions. Commonly used in aerospace components such as bearings or fasteners and on a range of metals including copper, aluminium and steel. This spec of lubricant requires curing at specific temperatures to ensure proper adherence and performance. The most recent version of the spec is MIL-PRF-46010H which was established in 2013.
MIL-PRF-46010 applies to solid film lubricants used to create a dry, low-friction, corrosion-inhibiting coating on metal surfaces. These products are commonly used where long-term lubrication, wear resistance, and performance in demanding aerospace, defence, and industrial environments are required.
MIL-PRF-46010 sets the performance a solid film lubricant must meet, including friction reduction, corrosion resistance, and curing behavior. For help matching these requirements to a specific application, users can contact Silmid’s technical team for support.
The MIL-PRF-46010 specification outlines performance expectations for heat-cured solid film lubricants used to reduce friction, support corrosion resistance, and protect metal components in demanding aerospace, defence, and industrial environments. The key features below summarize the main properties, applications, and curing requirements users should understand when reviewing MIL-PRF-46010 products.
Environmental Resistance: This lubricant is designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures, moisture, salt spray, and other corrosive elements. It can maintain its lubricating properties in temperatures ranging from -68°C to 204°C.
Applications: Commonly used in military vehicles, aircraft, and other defense equipment, MIL-PRF-46010 is also used in industrial and aerospace applications. The coating is intended for use on various metals including aluminium, copper, steel, bearings and other components that require long-lasting, low-maintenance lubrication.
Load carrying capacity: MIL-PRF-46010 has a minimum load-carrying capacity of 11120 N (approximately 3000 lbf). This means it can effectively reduce friction and wear under significant loads, making it suitable for various demanding applications.
Endurance Life: The endurance life of the MIL-PRF-46010 lubricant refers to its ability to withstand prolonged use and maintain its lubricating and protective properties over time under specified conditions. Products conforming to the spec should have an average endurance life at 1000 pounds load (lbf) of 450 minutes.
Purpose and Application: MIL-PRF-46010 is used to provide a solid, low-friction, and anti-corrosion coating on metal surfaces. It is typically applied in scenarios where lubrication is critical for moving parts, but standard lubricants would either evaporate, break down, or attract contaminants like dust or dirt. It must be suitable for application by brushing, dipping, or spraying. Once applied, the film shall meet all performance requirements after curing for 1 hour at 204 ± 15°C or 2 hours at 150 ± 15°C.
Material: The lubricant is manufactured using component materials comprising finely powdered lubricating solids dispersed in a suitable liquid binder. The lubricant formulation shall not include lead or lead-containing compounds, ozone-depleting substances, graphite, powdered metals, carbon black, charcoal, or any other form of inorganic carbon.
MIL-PRF-46010H Is the most recent version of the spec where MIL = Military, PRF = Performance Specification, 46010 = Unique Identification Number, H = Version. This version was established in November 2013
MIL-PRF-46010F and MIL-PRF-46010G were earlier revisions that preceded version H. Revision F was established in August 2000 and G in August 2008.
MIL-L-46010E Was established in April 1997 in lieu of MIL-L-46010D, established December 1994, where L = Lubricant.
Colour I: Natural product colour
Colour II: Black colour
The Nato Code for MIL-PRF-46010 is S-1738
MIL-PRF-46010 is used for corrosion-inhibiting, heat-cured solid film lubricants that help reduce friction and wear on metal components. It is commonly relevant for aerospace, defence, military vehicle, industrial, bearing, fastener, and other metal component applications where traditional lubricants may not be suitable.
MIL-PRF-46010 helps define the performance requirements a heat-cured solid film lubricant coating must meet, including friction reduction, corrosion resistance, and curing expectations. Users can review the specification details on this page and contact Silmid’s technical team for application-specific support.
MIL-PRF-46010 coatings must be suitable for brushing, dipping, or spraying. The film should meet performance requirements after curing for 1 hour at 204 ± 15°C or 2 hours at 150 ± 15°C. Users should still review the manufacturer’s technical documentation before application.
