AN EXPLANATION OF ZINC-FLAKE COATING SYSTEMS
Zinc-flake coatings are sacrificial coatings which contain zinc and/or aluminum elements that oxidize sacrificially to ensure the substrate of to which they are applied remains corrosion free. These coating systems were designed for automotive and industrial parts that require greater protection than what standard paint and other coating systems can supply.
Zinc-flake coatings are used to protect non-flexing or rarely-flexing parts like brake rotors, drums and calipers; brake lines and hose clamps; fuel tanks and filler pipes; mufflers; the underside of hoods; clips, fasteners, springs and stampings; seat belt components and door lock components…and pretty much anything else that comes in contact with the elements and can survive a 450-degree curing cycle. These coatings can also prevent galvanic corrosion as a result of dissimilar metals coming in contact with each other. This is an extremely beneficial attribute in today’s age of light-weighting vehicles where aluminum components are more prevalent.
ADVANTAGES OF USING ZINC-FLAKE COATING SYSTEMS
There are additional advantages to using zinc-flake coatings other than their primary function of providing excellent protection against corrosion.
Zinc-flake coatings are resistant to extreme temperature variations and can be modified with variable coefficient of friction characteristics for established torque requirements. They are not susceptible to warm-loosening torque and are resistant to both acidic and basic chemicals. Zinc-flake coatings also conduct electricity well if that is a required feature. Lastly, depending on the pre-treatment used, they do not introduce hydrogen embrittlement like standard plating does.