PPG Industries’  industrial coatings business has introduced ULTRAX metal conditioner 257, a near-neutral descaler solution that removes weld scale, light oxide and other impurities from steel surfaces and preconditions galvanized steel, white metal, aluminum and other non-ferrous metals prior to pretreatment with zinc-phosphate and other thin-film pretreatments.

ULTRAX metal conditioner 257 is a significant technical breakthrough because it enables descaling and surface activation of welds while pre-conditioning metal surfaces of parts comprised of mixed-metal substrates through a single descaling system. Multi-metal components are increasingly in demand among automakers because their lighter weight promotes greater fuel efficiency and improved corrosion resistance.

With conventional metal-conditioning technologies, there is no simple way for manufacturers to clean and precondition welded parts made with steel alloys, galvanized steel and non-ferrous metals prior to pretreatment. ULTRAX metal conditioner 257 eliminates that problem by facilitating uniform application of zinc phosphate, which creates a corrosion-resistant barrier on mixed-metal frames, engine cradles, control arms, linkages and other underbody parts exposed to moisture, road salt, gravel and other hazards.

Randy Brent, PPG director, pretreatment and engineered products, said there are a number of operational and environmental benefits associated with ULTRAX metal conditioner 257’s near-neutral pH composition.

“In addition to enabling a single descaling operation, ULTRAX metal conditioner 257 emits no fumes, slows iron-build in the descale tank for longer bath life, and produces less sludge than standard acid-pickle descaling systems,” he explained. “The result is less waste, lower disposal costs and a safer operating environment.”

Performance benefits associated with ULTRAX metal conditioner 257 include a dense, uniform phosphate coating on metal parts as well as improved phosphate coverage on and around welded seams and other zones affected by heat during welding and manufacturing, even after significant bath aging.

As the world’s leading coatings company, PPG offers a comprehensive array of electrocoat (e-coat), pretreatment, liquid and powder products for metal finishing to manufacturers in numerous industries. In addition to providing a broad range of industrial coatings and a full spectrum of color choices, PPG backs its products with industry-leading technical expertise delivered through an international customer support network. With more than 50 years of experience in e-coat, PPG has the expertise to solve the industry’s toughest corrosion challenges.

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