Kashima coating is a feature currently only found on Fox forks and shocks*. It's easy to spot because of its distinctive goldish-brown color. But what is it and why do they use it?
First, a quick definition:
Anodizing is a process by which a metal part (normally aluminum) is electrically charged and submerged in a chemical bath. This creates an oxide layer that penetrates the metal and changes the microscopic texture and the crystal structure of the metal near the surface. After a part is treated, it can be dyed to give it color before it is sealed to increase durability. Hard anodizing is a similar procedure that penetrates further into the metal. This increases the surface hardness of the material making the surface even more durable and corrosion resistant. It does not make the metal part stronger, it affects the durability of the surface of the metal.
Kashima coating is a type of hard anodizing that involves a lubricating treatment as well. This not only substantially decreases friction, it also increases the hardness of the surface of the part, making it as much as three times more durable than chrome plating. The process also increases the corrosion resistance 4-5x over normal anodizing. Kashima coating is a process that is only done by one company in the world, Miyaki in Japan. Fox ships all component parts to Japan where Miyaki treats them with the Kashima coating. The parts are then sent back to Fox to be assembled.
Currently Fox is the only bicycle company using Kashima coating. It's a feature found on their Factory Series forks and rear shocks. It increases the durability of the upper legs of a suspension fork and the shaft of rear shocks. This makes them more scratch resistant than hard anodized finishes found on other shocks, including Fox's Performance Series. It also gives them a lubricating property that decreases friction between upper legs/shaft and the seals. The result is a very smooth feel to the suspension and exceptional durability.
See the Kashima Coating website for more information about anodizing in general and technical specs on Kashima coating. I encourage everyone to visit ridefox.com to see all Fox has to offer, including the updates to their 2021 product.
Please note: the above article is a simplification of a very complex process that (I hope) makes it easier to understand without getting overly technical.
*Kashima Coating is used in other industries, primarily in shocks for off road equipment, some machinery, and on pistons in some high performance automobiles. Fox is the only company in the bike industry using Kashima coating on their products.
note: this is a re-post of an article that I wrote in 2015 on my other blog: thebikehive.blogspot.com
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