Chrome-free is the industry standard for the pre-treatment of aluminum prior to powder coating in the architectural industry. Titanium- and zirconium-based systems have successfully replaced chrome(VI) in the majority of the world. But, compared to chrome(VI)-systems, chrome-free systems are invisible, they have much tighter operation windows and they are quickly moving towards borderline performance in respect to filiform corrosion and paint adhesion, especially in case of ageing or contamination of the bath.
SurTec 643 combines SurTec’s long-term experience in running and operating chrome-free technologies in regions like France, Middle East or North Africa with the well-founded understanding of our technical community to improve specific characteristics of metal pre-treatment processes. The result is a product, which uses the traditional skeleton of zirconium and polymer, but, the choice of a brand new polymer in combination with the optimal zirconium ingredients leads to an innovative and unique product. The technology also features easy and robust bath management which also enables a very simple bath analysis as well as accurate coating weight tracking. In addition, it shows a significantly improved performance in respect to filiform corrosion and paint adhesion, especially when it comes to contamination and ageing effects. On top, the uniformity of the coating weight along a profile, especially in vertical lines, could be optimized.
To cut it short: SurTec 643 brings comfort and safety to aluminum coaters to run and control a chrome-free process.
