The NP3 Cam Pin for the AR-15 bolt carrier group by JTF Consulting is a quality, cost effective upgrade for your rifle or carbine. Nickel Teflon or NP3 is robust and functional, offering increased wear resistance and lubricity. It also features better corrosion resistance for those working in a maritime capacity or areas with high humidity. The PTFE (Teflon) is evenly distributed throughout the co-deposit electroless nickel and teflon layer of plating.
Many companies offer NP3 or nickel teflon on a variety of parts, companies like Scionics, Forward Control Designs and Bravo Company. Common parts like trigger and bolt carrier components and even our very own NP3 Cam Pin kit benefit from the properties of this great finish. The even coating across the part adds a smooth surface for other parts to come in contact with, making it a great choice for triggers, disconnectors, sears and hammers. It also makes cleaning a part during maintenance much easier and generally wipes clean with a rag or cloth and makes it a favorite finish on our Nickel Teflon Bolts.
So how does nickel teflon or NP3 actually work?
Technical Terms:
NP3 is a surface treatment for steel and metal alloys that combines sub-micron particles of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), otherwise known as Teflon, with electroless nickel. The application of NP3 is auto-catalytic, that is, not requiring any form of electricity. This process is preferable to standard electrolytic plating as all active surfaces are evenly plated, which is crucial when working with firearms. Coating thickness can be maintained to within .0002″ or two ten thousandths of one inch, guaranteeing consistent quality coatings. With the PTFE evenly distributed and locked into the nickel-phosphorus matrix, NP3 is a true composite. If wear occurs, fresh particles of PTFE are exposed to keep the opposing surfaces lubricated throughout the life of the coating, which produces a true dry film self-lubricating finish.
Gun Guy Terms:
NP3 will adhere to aluminum, steel, and stainless steel. NP3 is Electroless Nickel with embedded TEFLON. The TEFLON is bonded to the particles of Nickel at the molecular level providing self lubrication throughout the entire coating. The Nickel in this finish provides corrosion and abrasion resistance. NP3 is a soft metallic gray color, somewhat similar to bead-blasted stainless steel or titanium.
- NP3 has a micro hardness of 48-51 Rockwell as plated (nickel matrix).
- NP3 has a coefficient of friction as low as .07-.1 according to test standards LFW-1 and ASTM D-2714
- NP3 has PTFE also known as Teflon® co-deposited in the nickel matrix. As wear occurs new PTFE particles are exposed and the self lubricating properties continue.
- NP3 is easy to clean for the same reason that a pan with Teflon® is easy to clean. Teflon® is non-stick and easy to wipe down, therefore carbon does not adhere to the surface.
- NP3 Permits firing for longer periods of time between cleaning, as dirt and powder residue has no wet or oily surface to cling to.
- NP3 has great corrosion resistance, a 1 mil (.001) coating exceeding a 240 hour salt spray test. Twice that of Nickel Boron.
- No lubrication is needed on opposing surfaces.
- NP3 has a high lubricity and low friction co-efficient; therefore, the life expectancy of a firearm will be greatly increased due to reduced friction wear.
- NP3 plated onto stainless steel guns will prevent galling, a problem common with stainless steel.
- NP3 is a satin gray, non-reflective color ideal for all firearms.
- NP3 can be plated to all internal parts giving a smoothness to the action not found with any other coating.
- NP3 is guaranteed against corrosion, peeling or flaking for the lifetime of the firearm.
NP3 cannot be applied to Titanium, Scandium or ‘pot metal’. Previously plated surfaces like nickel, hard chrome or anodizing must be stripped prior to plating.
So if you’re thinking about a replacement part or upgrade, NP3 or Nickel Teflon are worth taking a look at. JTF Consulting LLC is in the process of trying to offer this service directly to our customers for their parts, but that service is currently unavailable at this time. In the meantime, check out our other parts HERE.