The new GardoFlex pretreatment technology by Chemetall offers manifold benefits to the automotive industry: It is suited for multi-metal treatment at unlimited throughput of aluminum substrates and high cost efficiency in production. As the technology is easy to implement, many automotive customers have already benefited from the high flexibility of GardoFlex.
To meet today's demands for a cost efficient, low temperature process with unlimited throughput of aluminum substrates, Chemetall has launched the advanced GardoFlex pretreatment system to the global automotive industry. GardoFlex combines the benefits of a conventional zinc-phosphate technology with optimized process components. The advantage of the multi-metal pretreatment system lies in its' large number of high-performance modules available for the entire process – from cleaning and degreasing to activation and phosphating through to the last rinsing step. These modules are specifically combined to suit each individual production line, allowing an increased process efficiency.
Modules allow for process economics
With the GardoFlex system, significant process cost economics can be achieved, for example by reducing the temperature down to 35 °C in the zinc-phosphating bath. Field experiences have shown that – depending on the throughput and plant location – energy costs in the six-digit range can be saved. All process elements are optimally aligned and together with a distinctly longer bath service life, meaning lower water consumption and smaller effluent volumes, contribute to the resource-saving aspect of this technology.
No limit for aluminum
GardoFlex is suited for multi-metal applications without limitations. The modern zinc-phosphate technology can be used for all standard metal materials used in the automotive industry. There are no limits with regard to the throughput of aluminum substrates. And on high-strength steel GardoFlex can significantly improve the corrosion resistance.
Another benefit of the GardoFlex technology is the deposition of a uniform thin phosphate coating on the aluminum substrate. With only a zirconium passivation, surface irregularities resulting from car body construction or pressing could lead to visible problems for the subsequent application of the cataphoretic paint (E-Coat) which could only be remedied by way of extensive manual work. These inconveniences can be reduced with the GardoFlex technology.
Advanced multi-metal pretreatment
No matter whether the target is an improved performance of the phosphate coating, an increased throughput of aluminium substrates or simply significant process cost savings, with GardoFlex automotive customers can benefit from a tailor-made, flexible and easy-to-operate pretreatment system.
For more information: www.chemetall.com
Gardo®Flex is a registered trademark of Chemetall.