ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) is the project for the world first international thermonuclear experimental reactor that is under construction by the efforts of the international community. The task of the Project is to demonstrate scientific and technical practicability of using thermonuclear energy on an industrial scale for peaceful applications.
The basic participation of the Sides consists in making and supplying high-tech equipment to the ITER International Organization. The United Europe invests 45% from the facility constructing cost while the other countries including Russia contribute 9% each. The Russian specialists have been entrusted to produce 25 unique systems for the future facility; more than 30 leading scientific and technical institutions, enterprises, and complexes in many cities of our country are engaged into this process.
The Russian MODENGY anti-friction solid-film coatings technology has demonstrated excellent results within holding tests for the vacuum equipment that is supplied for the ITER largest international experiment on thermonuclear fusion.
Due to using the solid lubrication technology, they managed to solve an important problem: to provide smooth sliding of the equipment along the guideways at heavy load.
Without using the coating, significant difficulties arose at equipment starting at the load of 48 tons. Besides, damages appeared on the mated surfaces what caused premature failure of the equipment.
MODENGY coating has provided low friction coefficient which enabled to do useful load initial shifting without jerks, to completely prevent damages (scuffing) what is the key requirement.
This product has a very high load-carrying capacity and anti-scoring properties which has enabled it to successfully solve the given task in the equipment for thermonuclear fusion, and to provide standard operation of the vacuum equipment.
So, MODENGY coatings application has proved its highest efficiency under extreme conditions. By having solved the issue of starting and prevented scuffing at a huge load, the Russian technology has affirmed its status of a reliable and proved solution. This successful experience opens new perspectives for using MODENGY not only in this project but also in other advanced industries where the highest reliability and precise movement of the mechanisms are required.