2 October 2024
Drizzling: The New Conversion Coating System for Aluminum Installed at DHK
The installation of the Drizzling system by ALIT Technologies at DHK represents a significant advancement in the protection of aluminum surfaces. On this occasion, ALIT installed its innovative Drizzling system, while Alufinish, its partner for chemical supply, provided the ALFICOAT 748 product used for the conversion coating. This case study demonstrates how DHK, a leader in aluminum coverings, improved its processes thanks to ALIT’s advanced technology and Alufinish’s chemical products.
Our Customer and his request
DHK is a Belgian company specialized in the production and sale of aluminum products, including terrace coverings, customized pergolas, canopies, windowsills, and thresholds. The company offers a wide range of products, including aluminum profiles, sandwich panels, and architectural construction accessories.
The strength of DHK lies in the use of aluminum, a lightweight, recyclable, and corrosion-resistant material, making it ideal for external architectural applications. However, to ensure the long-lasting durability of its products, accurate surface pretreatment is essential before powder coating.
At its Chatelineau facility, DHK operates a new and modern painting line where metal surfaces undergo pretreatment and powder coating. Therefore, DHK needed a solution that would ensure an effective conversion coating, enhancing paint adhesion and corrosion resistance.
The Solution: ALIT’s Drizzling System
To meet this need, DHK chose ALIT Technologies to install the Drizzling system at its Chatelineau plant. This innovative technology allows for the precise and efficient application of the ALFICOAT 748 chemical product, supplied by Alufinish, improving the quality of the aluminum’s conversion coating.
Specifically, the Drizzling system installed by ALIT at DHK marks a major technological advancement over traditional methods. With the ability to atomize a real-time mixture of ALFICOAT 748 and demineralized water, the Drizzling system ensures that the chemical solution is always fresh and ready for use, eliminating the need for coating tanks or energy-intensive spray pumps.
How Drizzling Works
The Drizzling system atomizes a freshly prepared ALFICOAT 748 solution directly onto the aluminum surface, creating a fine mist that adheres perfectly to the metal surface. This process delivers a uniform, high-quality conversion coating, avoiding the contamination and wear issues associated with traditional immersion or spray systems.
The benefits of this technology are numerous:
– Energy Efficiency: No need for pumps or coating tanks.
– Consistent Quality: The chemical solution is prepared instantly, ensuring freshness and reactivity.
– Simplified Management: There is no longer a need to monitor or analyze tank liquids, reducing maintenance and operational times.
Additionally, the installation was completed within a few hours, with two atomizer ramps mounted inside the pretreatment tunnel and a mixing and control panel installed externally. The system, delivered in a plug-and-play configuration, was ready for use immediately after installation.
Performance and Results
Thanks to the Drizzling system, DHK has significantly improved the quality of its aluminum conversion coating, with a consumption of approximately 0.5 kg/hour of ALFICOAT 748 and a solution flow of about 160 liters/hour. Regular verification of the titanium deposits confirmed that the results perfectly align with the parameters set by the chemical supplier Alufinish, ensuring superior corrosion resistance.
In conclusion, the successful installation of the Drizzling system at DHK showcases how the integration of ALIT’s advanced technology and Alufinish’s chemical products can deliver excellent results in the pretreatment of aluminum surfaces, offering an efficient and innovative solution for conversion coating.
