For pretreatment of steel and aluminum parts, Quality Paint and Coatings (QPC) offers applications of zinc phosphate and trivalent chromium through the use of dipping tanks, large containers that objects can be dipped into.
Prior to the dipping process, pieces go through:
- degreasing to remove heavy soiling
- cleaning to remove residual dirt and surface impurities
Components and parts are then ready to be dipped into an alkaline cleaning solution, and finally processed through the corrosion resistant applications:
- Zinc phosphate for steel parts – application of a zinc coating to steel by immersing the material in a bath consisting primarily of ionic zinc. Zinc phosphate coatings are the treatment of iron or steel by immersion in a solution of phosphoric acid and other additives. The resulting chemical reaction provides a surface of the metal which is chemically converted to a protective layer of insoluble zinc and iron phosphate crystals. This galvanizing forms a bond between the zinc and the steel, providing a vital element for protection from corrosion. Zinc is used in applications which require reduced light reflection, or for appearance characteristics.
- Trivalent chromium for aluminum parts – application of a chromate coating to aluminum to achieve maximum protective properties. This application provides an ideal pretreatment for priming and coating since it provides a clean, essentially inert surface.
To aid in these processes, QPC is equipped with a floor-based dip crane system, including 3 half-ton carriers which convey the parts through the dip-tank processes. The crane system connects the individual dipping processes, facilitating:
- the pretreatment
- the draining off
- the drying of parts
At this point, components are virtually free from impurities, and are in an ideal state for priming, painting or coating to meet our customer’s needs.
All applications are in accordance with health and safety regulations and are free from health-threatening substances such as hexavalent chromium.
