Plaforization and Ecophor

A. Hi. One of the more intriguing ideas behind this technology is that (at least in theory) the oil on the parts is plasticized by the solvents and becomes part of the topcoat, so oil doesn't have to be skimmed and the process can run in equilibrium. Another is that, since it is water-free, the issue of flash rusting is minimized. Youtube video www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwGnyqmg75Q introduces the process. A potential downside, but I just don't know, is whether the secret solvent may eventually be found to not be so safe and environmentally friendly after all -- that has pretty much been the history of solvents for many decades :-) There are a number of one-step proprietary pretreatments claiming the same advantages, and which may or may not be based on the same technology (who can say when everything is held as secret?), including products from International Chemicals, Sanchem, and Chemetall. Let's try to keep the discussion generic rather than trying to compare one secret proprietary mix to another. Regards,

A. There is an article on page 60 in "Products Finishing" (January 2001). We ourselves have just purchased a new phosphate line, and wish I was aware of this process prior. I'm sure that there are some limitations to this process depending on what type of product and its specifications that are required. The article gives a brief summary of the company that has instituted this process and how it has accounted for absolutely no waste water discharge. Almost sounds too good to be true. If you come across any more relevant information on this coating process, please list it so that I may be able to research it further. Hope this helps.