Click here 👉🏼 and watch the full process on our youtube channel

ALIT’s response with Fastrip T5 and T5 Multitank immersion systems 

The chemical paint stripping process for alloy wheels is one of the most delicate operations in the regeneration of automotive components. By their very nature, alloy wheels require highly controlled and specific processing conditions: when it comes to paint removal, it cannot be reduced to the simple concept of stripping, but must take into account the overall balance between material, geometry and surface treatment. 

Alloy wheels are mainly manufactured from aluminum alloys, sometimes with the addition of magnesium or other metals to improve mechanical strength and reduce weight. Compared to steel wheels, they are lighter, offer better heat dissipation and feature greater aesthetic and geometric complexity. 

For this reason, surface treatments must be extremely controlled and application specific. Alloy wheels are generally protected by multi layer coating systems (primer, base coat, color and clear coat), do not tolerate aggressive methods such as uncontrolled blasting and require dedicated chemical stripping solutions capable of removing the coating without attacking the metal or generating surface defects.

Immersion paint stripping as a process choice 

Within the scope of this article, chemical immersion paint stripping represents one of the most controllable and effective solutions for alloy wheel treatment. Fastrip T5 and Fastrip T5 Multitank tanks operate according to this principle, allowing wheels to be treated by immersion in dedicated baskets inside a chemical bath specifically formulated for light alloys. 

This approach ensures uniform action even on complex geometries and multi layer coatings, reducing the risk of localized attacks or surface defects. The use of a dedicated stripping agent such as the Metalstrip Wheels product line, specifically developed for alloy wheel paint removal, allows selective action on coated surfaces while preserving the characteristics of the metal substrate. 

The combination of immersion technology, controlled process management and dedicated chemistry makes this type of system particularly suitable for regeneration and recovery applications in the automotive sector. 

Operational sequence of the paint stripping process 

The chemical paint stripping process for alloy wheels using T5 and T5 Multitank tanks begins with the definition of the most suitable stripping solution for the specific application. Before starting the treatment, the Metalstrip Wheels product is selected and validated through laboratory tests carried out on samples provided by the customer, in order to adapt the formulation to the type of coating, number of layers and wheel alloy to be treated. Only after this validation phase is the stripping solution used in the industrial process. 

Once the correct formulation has been identified, the tank is filled with the stripping solution and started up, bringing the bath to the set operating temperature. The insulated and sealed tank ensures the thermal stability required for effective treatment. Once operating conditions are reached, the wheels are placed inside dedicated baskets and fully immersed in the stripping bath. The tank is then closed and the cycle begins. 

During the treatment phase, the combined action of dedicated chemistry, temperature and internal agitation acts selectively on the multi layer coatings, promoting paint detachment without compromising the metal substrate. Cycle duration depends on several factors, including the type of coating, coating thickness, operating temperature and the Metalstrip Wheels formulation used. 

At the end of the stripping cycle, the basket is removed from the tank and the wheels are free of coating and ready for subsequent rinsing operations. In the Multitank configuration, the basket is handled via a lifting system and immersed in a water filled rinsing tank, representing the first stage of chemical residue removal. This is followed by a draining phase and a final rinse performed using a mobile pump unit, used to remove any more persistent residues and complete surface cleaning. In the base T5 configuration, the process focuses exclusively on the immersion stripping phase, while rinsing and handling operations are managed separately. 

Advantages of the immersion stripping process 

Adopting a chemical immersion paint stripping process using T5 and T5 Multitank tanks provides a range of operational advantages related to process control and stability. Complete immersion of the wheels in the chemical bath ensures uniform action even on complex geometries, reducing the risk of partial or uneven stripping. 

Control of process parameters, such as temperature and treatment time, allows the cycle to be adapted to different coating types and wheel configurations, improving result repeatability. The use of dedicated baskets simplifies part handling during loading, treatment and unloading phases, while the integration of rinsing stages in the Multitank configuration enables more orderly and controlled management of post stripping operations. 

Overall, the process is compatible with alloy wheel regeneration requirements, reducing the risk of substrate damage and preparing the component for subsequent finishing stages. 

Final considerations 

Alloy wheel paint stripping requires a structured process approach in which each phase is clearly defined and controlled. The use of immersion systems such as T5 and T5 Multitank makes it possible to address this operation in a way that is consistent with the complexity of the component, integrating dedicated chemistry, parameter control and orderly management of operational phases. 

More than simple paint removal, the treatment becomes a technical phase within the regeneration cycle, designed to preserve wheel integrity and ensure repeatable results. In this context, chemical immersion paint stripping confirms itself as a solution aligned with the needs of the automotive sector, where precision, control and process reliability are fundamental requirements. 

Paint stripping, also known as paint removal, is an essential process in the metalworking, automotive, and industrial sectors. It removes coatings, paints, or powder layers from metal surfaces, restoring them for reuse or preparing them for a new finishing cycle. This operation plays a key role in maintenance and sustainability, extending the life of metal components and production tools.

👉 Discover our complete guide to chemical paint stripping

What is Paint Stripping?

Paint stripping is the process of removing paint or coating layers from materials such as steel, aluminum, zinc, or magnesium.
While paint stripping and paint removal are often used interchangeably, the difference lies in the method and application:

• Paint stripping refers to physical, chemical, or thermal removal of paint;
  
• Paint removal can also include surface preparation or cleaning procedures.
  

It is a critical step for maintaining hooks, fixtures, and metallic parts used in coating or painting lines.

Benefits and Risks of Paint Stripping

Benefits

• Surface recovery and reuse: stripping allows components to be reused, reducing waste and replacement costs.
  

• Preparation for new coating: a properly stripped surface ensures uniform and durable adhesion for the next finishing layer.

Risks

• Toxic substances: traditional stripping agents may contain hazardous solvents or vapors if not handled with proper safety systems.
  

• Surface damage: using the wrong method for the material may compromise its structural or aesthetic integrity.

Safety and Ecology

Modern technologies allow safe and eco-friendly paint removal.

Low-impact solutions, free of chlorinated solvents and equipped with fume containment systems, represent the most advanced path for sustainable industry.

Paint Stripping Techniques

Chemical Paint Stripping

Chemical paint removal (or chemical stripping) uses specially formulated products to dissolve paint without damaging the metal substrate.
It’s the most common technique for hooks, masking tools, and complex components.
👉 Learn more about chemical paint stripping and its benefits

Mechanical Paint Stripping

Mechanical paint stripping uses abrasion, blasting, or brushing. It’s effective on robust materials but can be too harsh on light alloys.
👉 Compare mechanical and chemical stripping methods

Thermal Paint Stripping

Thermal paint stripping (or heat stripping) applies high temperatures to carbonize the coating, making removal easier.

Immersion Paint Stripping

Dipping paint removal or immersion paint stripping uses heated tanks to process large batches of components uniformly.

Ultrasonic Paint Stripping

Ultrasonic paint stripping uses high-frequency sound waves to enhance the chemical bath’s efficiency, reducing treatment time.

Fluidized Sand Bed Paint Stripping

Fluidized sand bed paint stripping combines heat and suspended sand to remove cured coatings, effective but suitable only for durable materials.

Powder Coat Paint Stripping

Powder coat paint stripping focuses on removing powder coatings (epoxy, polyester, polyurethane) from metal parts such as frames and wheels.

Paint Stripping on Metals and Coatings

Metals

Metal paint stripping and chemical metal stripping are used on steel, iron, aluminum, zinc, and light alloys. The chemical method is the most precise and controllable.
👉 Guide to metal paint stripping

Aluminum

Aluminum paint removal requires specific formulations that protect the metal’s brightness and surface integrity.
👉 How to safely remove paint from aluminum

Alloy Wheels and Rims

Alloy wheel stripping or rim paint stripping is widely used in the automotive aftermarket, where the aesthetic finish is crucial.
👉 Techniques for alloy wheel paint stripping

Coatings

Coating stripping applies to polyurethane, epoxy, or polyester coatings, each requiring a customized approach for optimal performance and substrate protection.

Applications and Sectors

Automotive

Automotive paint stripping regenerates frames, rims, and components, ensuring efficiency and safety in production and maintenance.

Industrial

Industrial paint stripping supports maintenance and recovery of structures, machinery, and production lines.

Commercial

Commercial paint stripping is used in furniture manufacturing, design, and light construction industries.

Conclusions

Paint stripping is more than just paint removal, it’s a key technology for productivity, sustainability, and surface quality.
Choosing the right method, chemical, thermal, or mechanical, depends on the material, precision required, and desired environmental impact.

👉 Explore our related sections:

• Chemical paint stripping
• Safe and eco-friendly paint removal
• Metal paint stripping
• Industrial applications

The aesthetics of those components have always been a key element in the automotive world. They are the detail that catches the eye and defines a vehicle’s personality. But keeping them flawless requires dedicated solutions, ones that combine care, precision, and tangible results.  

After an intensive development phase, ALIT introduces Metalstrip® Wheels: a range of products developed exclusively for alloy wheel stripping. These formulations were created from scratch to meet a clear need, ensuring impeccable surfaces ready for a new life. A direct response to a market where quality and aesthetics are inseparable. 

Metalstrip® Wheels is the ideal solution for those seeking reliable, safe, and efficient results. Its formulations are designed to respect the delicacy of the alloys and ensure a clean, repeatable process. With Metalstrip® Wheels, every wheel regains its original beauty, ready to be enhanced once again. It represents ALIT’s ongoing commitment to technologies that combine quality, innovation, and attention to the future. 

This launch marks another step forward in our mission: to provide the automotive industry with tools that improve daily processes and meet increasingly complex challenges. With Metalstrip® Wheels, we aim to set a new standard, a reference point for professionals who work with alloy wheels and accept no compromises. 

Want to discover the potential of the Metalstrip® Wheels range? 

Fill out the contact form specifying your interest in a customized lab trial based on your needs with Metalstrip Wheels.

The final issue of 2025 is online 

The latest issue of UNCOATED is here 👉 UNCOATED_Vol 3_November 2025_PDF

We close 2025 with an edition that reflects a year of growth, technical choices and new connections built together with customers and distributors. 

Inside the magazine 

In this issue we focus on alloy wheel paint stripping: a theme we explore through a real case study, showing what happens in practice when the right technology is chosen. 
We also introduce Metalstrip Wheels, our new range of stripping products for alloy wheels, designed to deliver greater stability, aesthetic quality and stripping performance. 
And there’s another important step forward: our new distributor for Australia and New Zealand, marking ALIT’s expansion into a mature, technical and fast-evolving market, strengthening our international presence and local support capabilities. 

A year of shared growth 

This issue closes a chapter. The feedback from customers and distributors has been crucial: it helped us improve formulas, equipment and processes. 
UNCOATED continues to be our invitation to talk about real work, to share questions, results and visions that help an entire sector grow. 

Today, ALIT is present in more than 20 countries around the world. 
From Europe to Asia, from the Middle East to Oceania, our technologies for industrial paint stripping reach new markets and customers every day. 

It’s a result we’re proud of, yet one that would not have been possible without the invaluable contribution of our partners. 

A Network That Unites People, Expertise and Vision 

At ALIT, we believe that every connection can open new paths. 
Our partners are not just “distributors,” but true allies: members of a living network that brings together expertise, passion and trust. 

Together, we form a constellation of excellence, sharing ideas, solutions and challenges. 
We know each other, we support each other, and we constantly help one another improve. 

Being part of this network means joining a system of genuine collaboration, with ongoing support, tailored materials and a shared vision: to enhance one’s business and grow together. 

Beyond Presence, Connection 

Thanks to our partners, ALIT’s know-how crosses borders and cultures, adapting to the needs of every market with professionalism and passion. 

Being present in so many countries is not just a matter of numbers, it’s a matter of people: 
professionals who embody our values every day and turn them into tangible results. 

One less step, one more gear: how Giottox snc found a new way to strip alloy wheels (case study) 

“Giottox” learned this the hard way, or rather, through their wheels. Powder coating is tough: hard to remove and made the paint-stripping process long, expensive, and often a real production bottleneck. But today, Marco and Alessandro, the two owners of this small but dynamic workshop in the Como area (Italy), can say they’ve turned that pain point into a strength, thanks to a targeted, practical, and efficient investment. 

A problem called “Powder”, a solution called FASTRIP T5 

For alloy wheel refurbishers, powder coating is a real challenge: it’s strong, durable, and very hard to remove. Before discovering ALIT, the Giottox team faced this problem daily. The result? Long process times, inconsistent quality, and high costs. Outsourcing the sandblasting was the only option, but it wasn’t enough. 

Things changed when Claudio, our sales technician for Northwest Italy, introduced Marco and Alessandro to a solution: FASTRIP T5, an immersion tank designed to strip paint from ferrous metals and light alloys quickly, safely, and sustainably. 

T5: a small tank, a big impact 

FASTRIP T5 is a plug-and-play system with an 800-liter tank made of AISI 304 stainless steel. A compact and complete solution featuring: 

• integrated electric heating (up to 8 kW), 
• full-side insulation to minimize heat loss (Giottox loses only 5–10 °C over the weekend), 
• a touch panel to control the cycles, 
• optional mechanical or ultrasonic agitators. 

Thanks to these features, the Giottox team can strip paint off wheels easily. The insulation keeps the tank’s temperature stable for a long time, which means they can restart the process instantly, even after days of inactivity, like over a weekend. 

The key step: eliminating sandblasting and bringing stripping in-house 

Combined with the Metalstrip 1334 product, the T5 allowed Giottox to completely remove sandblasting from their workflow. This is a hot chemical stripper, specially formulated for light alloys like aluminum and zinc, and active already at 70–90 °C. Its biggest strength? It penetrates deeply without damaging the metal, ensuring fast and effective removal, even for tough powder coatings. 

Once the wheels are immersed in the tank, they come out clean, residue-free, and ready for repainting. “Just a rinse,” they say at Giottox, “and it’s done. No rework, no defects.” 

Metalstrip 1334 is also designed for regenerable cycles: it can be filtered and reused multiple times, reducing both chemical consumption and environmental impact. 

And the benefits aren’t just about quality. Processing time dropped by 24–48 hours per cycle, and handling became incredibly simple: load up to 8 wheels, immerse, rinse, and they’re ready to paint again. 

A smooth, safe, repeatable process, even for small batches, prototypes, or urgent jobs. 

A real case of sustainable productivity 

T5 isn’t just a tank. For Giottox, it’s been an investment that delivered greater efficiency, less waste, and more competitiveness, all while maintaining the highest attention to detail, which is a must for those working with aesthetics and precision. 

Giottox integrated the FASTRIP T5 without overhauling their workspace or operations, a perfect example of how you can revolutionize a process without disrupting your production. 

Why this story could be yours too 

In today’s market, customers demand customization, speed, and quality. Every step in the production chain matters. And paint stripping, often overlooked, can actually be a strategic lever. 

The Giottox case shows that modernizing one step can transform the entire cycle. And that choosing ALIT isn’t just about buying a machine: it means joining a network of solutions, expertise, and active listening. 

Every plant, every process, every need is different. That’s why ALIT’s sales technicians are always on the front line with clients, not just to offer solutions, but to truly understand their needs. 

Managing fluorides in wastewater, especially in the aluminium and glass treatment sectors, is a constant technical and regulatory challenge. In Italy, the legal limit is often set at 6 ppm, while in some countries it can go as low as 2 ppm. Consistently staying within these limits is anything but easy.

Why fluorides are a real issue 

During surface treatment processes, aluminium and glass release fluorides into wastewater streams. These compounds are hard to remove effectively, especially without disrupting the plant’s chemical-physical balance. 

Fluoridite, a concrete ally 

To address this challenge, ALIT Technologies developed Fluoridite, a specific chemical treatment designed to reduce fluoride levels in industrial wastewater, easily integrable into existing systems without modifying the current layout. 

In real-world conditions, with initial concentrations around 50 ppm, Fluoridite has proven effective in lowering fluoride levels to about 3 ppm, with further improvements possible through fine-tuning. The product dosage is directly proportional to the water flow rate, making the process easy to calibrate and manage, even with fluctuating loads. 

A complete technical approach 

Fluoridite is developed and validated entirely in-house, through a process that includes: 

• In-depth analysis of the customer’s existing wastewater treatment cycle, 
• Lab testing to replicate real operating conditions, 
• On-site dosage setup to ensure performance and compliance. 

Strict control over raw materials, production batches, and final product performance guarantees quality, reliability, and regulatory compliance. 

Tangible benefits 

Fluoridite ensures stable and repeatable fluoride reduction, fully compatible with existing industrial systems. It’s a precise response to a real need, not a one-size-fits-all product, and it solves the problem without disrupting existing processes. 

Some collaborations begin with technical needs and grow into something much deeper. Relationships that go beyond work, nurtured by trust, respect, and human connection. The story between ALIT and MUSKITA is one of these. 

It all started in 2005, when MUSKITA, a Cypriot leader in the production of aluminum profiles, launched a new vertical coating line. That’s when Loris stepped in, then Director of Alufinish Italy. From the very beginning, he worked closely with Andreas, then Production Director at MUSKITA, laying the foundation for a relationship built on technical collaboration and mutual understanding. His role was to support MUSKITA in selecting and applying the best chemical solutions for aluminum surface treatment. But that initial meeting, born from technical needs, turned out to be the beginning of something far greater. 

Over time, that support turned into a steady presence. Phone calls were no longer just about solving problems, they became opportunities to share ideas, face challenges, and build a common path. Open dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared approach to work: serious, but always human. Trust grew day by day, revealing that behind every solution there was more, a shared vision. 

Technical visits became meetings between friends. Conversations were open and sincere. Every request became a chance for improvement. And when Andreas retired, the bond did not fade. On the contrary, it became even more evident how valuable it was. A relationship forged through shared experiences, jointly resolved challenges, and a human connection that went beyond roles. Andreas also highlighted the importance of ALIT’s training center, a space where knowledge is shared, not just products. A partner, he said, that delivers real solutions and long-term technical support, helping others grow alongside them. 

A few months ago, MUSKITA decided to celebrate exactly this spirit with a major event. The evening was organized to thank those who had accompanied the company on its journey through the years. A heartfelt celebration where professionalism gave way to emotion. And ALIT was there. Loris was there, alongside Alberto, the new sales representative for Cyprus, chosen by Loris for his deep understanding of the company’s values and his ability to carry the relationship forward. A symbolic passing of the torch, with Andreas bidding farewell to his company and Loris entrusting Alberto to continue a path that had begun years earlier. A smooth generational and professional transition, in perfect harmony. 

Amid toasts, smiles, and a few steps of Greek dancing, the evening captured one of those rare, unforgettable atmospheres. The kind that doesn’t happen by chance, but is built patiently, with respect and trust. The kind of evening when you realize that work can lead to something greater. Where the line between client and partner fades, giving way to a true alliance. 

Today, MUSKITA is facing new challenges and opportunities. And we at ALIT are ready to continue alongside them, with the same passion, dedication, and collaborative spirit that brought us this far. With a renewed commitment to preserving the continuity that has always connected us. As Andreas pointed out, it is precisely this continuity that makes the relationship so special, even as roles change, the bond has remained strong and genuine. 

If we had to describe this transition in one word, it would be continuity, the steady thread that links past, present, and future. 

Because to us, a client is never just a client. They are someone with whom we build something that lasts. 

Something that, at times, becomes a true and lasting friendship. 

When a client becomes a friend. 

WHAT’S CHANGING FOR THE CHEMICAL INDUSTRY? 

Welcome to a new edition of “Chemistry Under the Lens,” the UNCOATED column that explores regulatory changes in the world of chemical substances. Today, together with Dr. Filippo Busolo, expert in chemical substance management and hazardous goods transport safety, we focus on two critical issues for the industry: reproductive toxicants and endocrine disruptors. Two areas that, in recent years, have been affected by major regulatory developments, such as Directive (EU) 2022/431 and Regulation (EU) 2023/707. 

Let’s take a look at the practical implications for companies. 

What is meant by “reproductive toxicity”? 

This term refers to harmful effects on sexual function and fertility in adult men and women, as well as on the development of offspring, following exposure to a substance or mixture. 

The CLP Regulation classifies such substances into the following categories: 

• Category 1: substances known or presumed to be toxic for human reproduction; 
• Category 1A: substances known to be toxic for human reproduction; 
• Category 1B: substances presumed to be toxic for human reproduction; 
• Category 2: substances suspected of being toxic for human reproduction. 

There is also a distinct hazard category concerning effects on or via lactation. 

And endocrine disruptors? 

An endocrine disruptor (ED) is a substance or mixture that alters one or more functions of the endocrine system, causing adverse effects in an intact organism, its offspring, populations or subpopulations. 

The toxicity mechanisms of EDs can be multiple. The most studied involves binding to one or more hormone receptors such as estrogen, androgen, progesterone, thyroid, and vitamin D. 

The CLP Regulation classifies ED substances affecting human health into two categories: 

• Category 1: known or presumed endocrine disruptors; 
• Category 2: suspected endocrine disruptors. 

What are the regulatory updates? 

Two recent regulatory frameworks have a direct impact on these issues: 

• Directive (EU) 2022/431, which amends the directive on protection from carcinogenic and mutagenic agents (CMD), including reproductive toxicants; 
• Regulation (EU) 2023/707, which updates the CLP by introducing new hazard classes related to EDs. 

In addition, Regulation (EU) 2020/878, amending Annex II of the REACH Regulation, introduced in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) specific references to endocrine-disrupting properties (sections 2.3, 3.2, 11.2 and 12.6). 

Why are these regulations so important? 

The adoption of Directive 2022/431 stems from growing awareness of the risks related to fertility, pregnancy, and fetal development in industrial environments exposed to chemicals. 

Protecting workers from these substances is a key priority to safeguard the health of people and future generations. 

The directive introduces two important distinctions: 

• Reproductive toxicants with no threshold: no safe level of exposure exists; 
• Threshold substances: a limit exists below which no health risks are observed. 

In addition to environmental monitoring, biological monitoring is encouraged as a tool to measure actual absorption of the substance by workers. 

The directive was transposed by Member States on April 5 and will amend Chapter II, Title IX of Legislative Decree 81/08 in Italy. 

Which substances are involved? 

Among those for which occupational exposure limit values have been introduced: 

• N,N-Dimethylacetamide (CAS 127-19-5) 
• N,N-Dimethylformamide (CAS 68-12-2) 
• 2-Methoxyethanol (CAS 109-86-4) 
• 2-Methoxyethyl acetate (CAS 110-49-6) 
• 2-Ethoxyethanol (CAS 110-80-5) 
• 2-Ethoxyethyl acetate (CAS 111-15-9) 
• 1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (CAS 857-50-4) 
• Bisphenol A (CAS 80-05-7) 

At the European level, approximately 150 substances are recognized for their reproductive toxicity. 

Where to find official information? 

The main regulatory and informational sources are cited as examples: 

• The Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHC) on the ECHA website; 
• The European list of endocrine disruptors. 

Which substance categories require closer monitoring? 

Without claiming to be exhaustive, here are the main categories to consider: 

• Organic solvents 
• Alkylphenols (e.g., Bisphenol A) 
• Phthalates 
• Cadmium compounds 
• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons 
• Brominated flame retardants 
• Metals 
• Biocides 

And what is ALIT doing? 

Thanks to continuous research and development combined with regulatory compliance, ALIT Technologies carefully selects raw materials that comply with the new regulations and support companies in meeting both European and national requirements. 

Every company that uses or markets chemical substances must now reassess its production cycle. 

This too is part of ensuring tomorrow’s safety.