Henkel patents ‘global standard’ process for high aluminium auto bodies

In cooperation with Audi, Henkel has developed a two-step, auto body pre-treatment process.

The patented process enables surface treatment of multi-metal auto bodies with an aluminium content of up to 100%.

In zinc phosphating, which was the conventional process, the volume of waste products increases as the aluminium content of mixed material bodies rises.

These are very costly to remove from the pre-treatment bath and the surfaces that are treated in them.

Due to the different surface properties of steel and aluminium body components, the Bonderite two-step process pre-treats them in two stages.

This allows more aluminium to be used, while reducing the disadvantages of the current process, i.e. energy and chemical use decrease during the production process.

Servicing expenses, associated downtime and waste volumes are also reduced.

Audi was the first company to integrate this method into its processes.

The two-step process has now become the global standard for pre-treatment of auto bodies with a high aluminium content and is applied by leading automotive manufacturers around the world.

The two-step process is a sustainable surface treatment method that offers the following advantages:

• Resource-efficient thanks to reduced waste, energy and chemicals
• Enables pretreatment of body shells with an aluminium content of up to 100%

Peter Kuhm, Business Director Automotive Surface Treatment Europe at Henkel Adhesive Technologies, explained: "The Bonderite two-step metal pretreatment process for multi-metal bodies provides superior corrosion performance while reducing investment and processing costs.

"We are very proud of our collaboration, not only with Audi, but also with other global leading automobile manufacturers.”

Bonderite is a registered trademark of Henkel and its affiliates in Germany and elsewhere.