By pretreatment, we mean all processes that take place before the actual coating process. The purpose of this is to remove impurities and thus guarantee optimal adhesion of the coating. Furthermore, proper preparation significantly reduces the risk of corrosion and contributes to the durability of the final result.
Depending on the application, various pretreatment techniques can be combined to achieve the best possible protection and finish.
During this step, grease, oils, dust, and other contaminants are removed without damaging the metal surface. Thorough cleaning forms the basis for optimal coating adhesion. By eliminating even the smallest residues of contamination, the risk of adhesion problems and premature corrosion is significantly reduced. This step is therefore essential to guarantee a durable and high-quality finish, regardless of the chosen coating technique.
Prior to the coating process, certain zones can be masked in advance and kept free of coating. ALMAPLAST has a wide range of options and materials at its disposal to achieve the best possible result in this regard as well.
In our preparation zones with central dust extraction, parts can be carefully roughened. This increases the surface tension and guarantees maximum adhesion of the final coating.
At the same time, minor irregularities and surface contaminants are removed, creating a smooth substrate for further finishing. This meticulous preparation contributes to a uniform end result and a longer lifespan of the coating.
Blasting, also known as grit blasting, is a technique in which fine abrasive material is applied to the surface under high pressure. Depending on the material and the desired roughness, we select the appropriate abrasive, such as corundum or steel grit, and fine-tune the settings. In this way, we remove rust, mill scale, old paint layers, and other impurities, creating an ideal surface for further work.
This method is often applied to heavier materials such as thick plates, pipes, and castings. ALMAPLAST has two automatic blasting machines and two manual blasting cabinets with which parts up to 6 meters in length can be treated efficiently.
In chemical pretreatment, a strong conversion layer is formed by a reaction between the metal surface and active ingredients in a liquid solution. This layer not only improves the adhesion of the coating but also increases the corrosion resistance of the material.
ALMAPLAST is equipped with both an automated spray tunnel and various dipping baths, allowing for a flexible response to different types and dimensions of parts.
Depending on the production line, we use products from MAVOM or SURVENTIS (OXSILAN).