3/9/2010
Automakers Approve Metal Coating International’s Chromium-Free Coatings
Metal Coatings International Inc. introduced a new finish for corrosion protection to ferrous metals and powdered metal parts for the automotive, construction and wind energy markets.
Development of Geomet 321 grew out of the European End-of-Life Scrap Vehicle Directive, which banned hexavalent chromium in automotive applications by July 2003. Metal Coatings’ Geomet finish met the deadline a year early.
When Europe extended the deadline to 2007, NOF Metal Coatings Group members developed an improved formula Geomet 321.
In 2006 Chrysler specified the first North American use of Geomet 321 for one fastener trial application in a production vehicle.
Geomet 321 is a chromium-free, water-based coating, containing metallic zinc and aluminum flakes. The zinc and aluminum platelets align in multiple layers forming a metallic silver film.
The Plus line of silicate sealers can be added to meet torque tension requirements for fasteners or increase corrosion protection.
For Chrysler finish approval, production quantities of bolts and nuts in diameters ranging from M6 to M16 were coated for a variety of tests, including torque tension, corrosion, salt spray, mechanical damage resistance and patch compatibility. The testing included point-of-assembly to evaluate performance after handling.
The Chrysler M6-M16 production coated parts were tested before and after USCar 32 mechanical damage testing.
Chrysler’s transition to Geomet 321 was completed in 2008. Ford, General Motors and Tier One suppliers have subsequently approved Geomet 321.
“A clear advantage of our chromium-free coating systems is their performance after mechanical damage,” Metal Coatings technical director Terry Dorsett said. “By choosing high performance, chromium-free coatings now, suppliers avoid potential issues relate to chromium enhanced product in the future.”
Metal Coatings International, part of NOF Metal Coatings Group, develops and manufactures proprietary corrosion resistant coatings, sealers and topcoats.
Metal Coatings originated as the developing and licensing division of Diamond Shamrock Corporation.
Nippon Dacro Shamrock opened in 1973 to market in Asia and the Pacific Rim, including the first automotive licensee, Toyota, in 1978. Dacral started supplying MCII coating systems to Europe and Africa in 1976. Metal Coatings Brazil started in 1978.
In 1998, MCII contracted with hi-fil pinturas to serve the OEMs in Mexico.
In 1984, MCII became a subsidiary of NOF Corporation, a worldwide diversified paint and chemicals company. In 1986 MCII formed Michigan Metal Coatings Company in Rochester Hills, MI; in 1990 MCII opened a manufacturing facility adjacent to its offices; and in 1996, MCII formed Georgia Metal Coatings Company in Norcross, GA.
Metal Coatings is headquartered at 275 Industrial Pkwy., Chardon, OH 44024-1083. Tel: 440 285-2231 Fax 440 279-1483 E-mail: sales@metal-coatings.com Web: metal-coatings.com
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