Optimum corrosion protection inside and out: ZM EcoProtect and ZM PrimeProtect from ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe set new standards for hot-dip galvanized automotive materials

Optimum corrosion protection inside and out: ZM EcoProtect and ZM PrimeProtect from ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe set new standards for hot-dip galvanized automotive materials

With ZM EcoProtect and ZM PrimeProtect, ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe is the first steel producer in the world to offer two highly effective zinc-magnesium-based corrosion protection solutions. These solutions meet not only the high surface requirements for exposed body panels, they also permit a 30 percent reduction in coating thickness compared with pure zinc coatings. These zinc-magnesium products in outer skin quality can be seen at Blechexpo 2015 from November 3 to 6 in Stuttgart, hall 4, booth 4308.

Improved processing quality and sustainability compared with pure zinc solutions

The significantly higher corrosion protection offered by zinc-magnesium coatings allows the coating thickness of ZM EcoProtect and ZM PrimeProtect to be reduced by a third. That helps protect the environment, conserves resources and lowers costs. For a mid-size car the zinc saving is two kilograms and more. The improved corrosion protection applies not only to flat surfaces, but above all to cut edges and creep around scratches, both of which are high-risk areas. As a result, the new zinc-magnesium coatings are ideal for components exposed to particularly high corrosion risks. The enhanced processing properties of sheets with the thin zinc-magnesium coatings are a further advantage. Thanks to the hard surface, there is less abrasion in the die, which means more parts can be produced on the press between cleaning intervals. The thinner coating also makes body parts easier to weld. As a result, OEMs benefit from optimized production processes. Moreover, the auto industry can switch to these new corrosion protection solutions without difficulty. Parts with ZM EcoProtect coatings offer the same surface finish as high-quality hot-dip galvanized parts. So it is no problem to start by just producing a few parts with the new coating and fitting them in the body. Car buyers will see no difference in the paintwork.

ZM PrimeProtect goes a step further, offering an even better finish. Press plants and paint shops benefit from improved long waviness and a higher peak count. Combined with good forming behavior in the press plant this results in a premium paint finish – if necessary even without filler; the paint is applied directly to the primer. That saves time and money and benefits the environment.

With the development of ZM EcoProtect and ZM PrimeProtect, ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe is the first steel producer capable of offering all common automotive coatings also in outer skin quality.

Visit us at Blechexpo 2015 from November 3 to 6 in Stuttgart, hall 4, booth 4308.