ProTec
steels and coatings
We offer various steels for optimal component properties and innovative surface coatings such as powder coating, galvanization and anodization to improve corrosion protection and longevity.
Steels & Aluminum
We use a variety of different steels to produce your components with the required properties.
The choice of steel or aluminum depends on various factors such as desired strength, ductility, weldability, corrosion resistance and cost. Particularly in the modern automotive industry, there is an increasing focus on reducing the weight of vehicles.
Carbon steels are a group of steels composed primarily of iron and carbon. The carbon content in these steels can vary, but is typically between 0.05% and 2.0%. The carbon content influences the properties of the steel, such as strength, hardness and workability.
There are different classes of carbon steels:
1. Mild Steel (Low Carbon) : Up to about 0.25% carbon. These steels are ductile and easily malleable, but less hard.
2. Medium steel (medium carbon) : Between 0.25% and 0.6% carbon. These steels provide a balanced combination of strength and formability and are commonly found in construction and machinery applications.
3. Hard Steel (High Carbon) : Above 0.6% carbon. These steels are very hard and wear-resistant, but are less ductile and more difficult to machine.
Carbon steels are widely used in many industries, including construction, automotive, and engineering, due to their relatively low cost and good mechanical properties. The disadvantage is that they are susceptible to corrosion, which is why surface treatment is often required to increase durability.
Lightweight and fine-grain steels are special types of steel that are primarily used in the construction and automotive industries.
Light structural steels are characterized by their high strength and low weight, which enables efficient use of the material.
They are often used in load-bearing structures, such as frames and trusses.
Fine-grain steels, on the other hand, have a fine-grain microstructure that is achieved through special alloy additions and heat treatment. This results in improved toughness, ductility and weldability. These properties make them ideal for demanding applications, such as in body construction.
Special alloy steel plays a crucial role in the automotive industry as it meets safety, weight and cost-effectiveness requirements.
High-alloy steels, such as martensitic or austenitic steels, offer high strength and toughness, making them ideal for safety-relevant components such as car bodies and chassis components.
Alloys with nickel, chromium or manganese improve corrosion resistance and formability.
Innovative steels such as dual-phase or TRIP steels (Transformation Induced Plasticity) also enable thinner components with high stability and energy absorption in the event of a crash, increasing the safety of the occupants.
High-strength steels offer optimal safety and weight savings. These steels, often with a strength of over 600 MPa, enable the construction of stable and lightweight vehicle structures.
They are primarily used in load-bearing components such as the chassis, doors and body.
Their high tensile strength allows them to be made thinner, reducing the overall weight of the vehicle while improving fuel efficiency.
In addition, high-strength steels have good welding properties, which makes production more efficient. Modern alloy additions and heat treatments improve their tough formability so they meet safety standards even in collisions.
Ultra-high-strength steels (UHSS) are an excellent combination of high strength and ductility.
With a strength of over 700 MPa, they enable lighter and safer vehicle designs, reducing the use of materials and reducing the overall weight of the vehicle.
UHSS are often used in structural components such as vehicle frames and safety zones.
Thanks to their good formability, they can be processed into complex shapes.
This not only contributes to accident and impact safety, but also supports compliance with stricter emissions regulations through more efficient vehicle designs.
Manganese-containing steels are valued for their excellent mechanical properties and versatility.
These steels typically contain 0.5 to 2.0% manganese, which increases strength, toughness and wear resistance.
Manganese improves hardenability and prevents crack growth in critical assemblies such as body panels and chassis elements.
It also contributes to formability, which is crucial for producing complex geometries.
These steels support lightweight construction and thus increase energy efficiency.
Manganese-containing steels are therefore crucial for meeting strict safety and efficiency standards in automobile production.
Stainless steel plays a crucial role in the automotive industry thanks to its high corrosion resistance, strength and durability.
It is often used in various vehicle components such as exhaust systems, body parts and interior panels.
This alloy helps reduce weight and improves the overall performance of the vehicle.
Stainless steel also allows for easy cleaning and care, which helps maintain value.
With the increasing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly materials, stainless steel is becoming increasingly important as it is recyclable and has a long service life.
Sheet steel is used more extensively in the manufacture of car bodies, chassis and other structural components.
It features high strength, good formability and cost-effectiveness, making it ideal for mass production.
Using different alloys and processing methods, sheet steel can be adapted to specific requirements such as crash safety or weight reduction.
It is also easy to weld and paint, which makes it easier to integrate into the production process.
As technologies advance, high-strength steel types are also being developed, offering even better performance and efficiency in vehicle construction.
The use of aluminum in structural components, such as chassis components, body panels or hoods, enables significant weight reduction, which improves performance and driving dynamics. At the same time, aluminum contributes to the safety of vehicle occupants as it can absorb high levels of energy in the event of an accident.
Modern manufacturing methods such as die casting, extrusion and sheet metal forming enable precise and cost-efficient production. Aluminum's recyclability also makes it a sustainable material, ideal for industries that are increasingly relying on environmentally friendly practices. The combination of these factors has made aluminum a preferred material in today's automobile production.
Surface coatings
Surface coatings for metals are an essential aspect in metal technology to improve the service life, functionality and aesthetics of components. At ProTec Metalltechnik we offer innovative solutions that ensure corrosion protection, abrasion resistance and chemical resistance. Our processes such as powder coating, galvanizing or anodizing make it possible to adapt metals to specific requirements. This reduces maintenance costs and improves performance in demanding environments. By carefully selecting the coating, we guarantee the highest quality and durability in order to provide our customers with optimal products.
Galvanization is an electrochemical process used to coat metals to improve their corrosion protection, electrical conductivity or aesthetic properties. A thin layer of metal, often made of zinc, nickel or gold, is applied to a base. The process takes place in a galvanic cell that uses electrolyte solution, an anode and a cathode. The flow of current causes metal ions from the solution to be deposited on the cathode. Applications can be found in the automotive industry, electronics and jewelry making. Electroplating significantly increases the durability and lifespan of products.
Powder coating is a process for surface finishing of metals and other materials. A paint processed into a powdery material is applied electrostatically to the surfaces. The powdered paint adheres through electrostatic attraction and is then baked in an oven at high temperatures (approx. 180-200 °C). This causes the powder grains to melt and form an even, durable coating. Powder coating offers numerous benefits, including excellent corrosion protection, high resistance to scratches and chemicals, and a wide variety of colors. The process is also environmentally friendly as it does not release any volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Phosphating is a chemical process used to protect and improve the adhesion of metal surfaces, particularly iron and steel. The surface is dipped or sprayed in a solution containing phosphates. This leads to the formation of a thin layer of iron phosphates that is corrosion resistant and improves the adhesion of subsequent coatings such as paints or varnishes. Phosphating is often used in the automotive industry and for household appliances. The treated surfaces are not only more corrosion resistant, but can also increase the strength and durability of the materials, extending the life of the products.
Anodizing is an electrochemical process primarily used for the surface treatment of aluminum and its alloys. It involves immersing the metal in an electrolyte bath, and anodic oxidation occurs when an electric current is passed through the solution. This results in the formation of a thick, stable oxide layer on the surface that is corrosion resistant and increases durability. Anodized surfaces can also be colored, providing aesthetic benefits. The process is used in the aviation, automotive and construction industries. Anodization not only improves corrosion protection, but also the adhesion of paints and varnishes.
KTL coating, also known as cathodic dip painting, is a process for the surface treatment of metals that creates particularly corrosion-resistant layers. The objects to be treated are dipped into a special paint bath containing an electrically charged, water-based epoxy or polyurethane resin. By applying an electrical voltage, the paint material is applied to the metal surface and distributed evenly. Baking then takes place at high temperatures to harden the layer. The KTL coating offers excellent corrosion protection, protection against mechanical damage and uniform coloring. It is often used in the automotive industry, mechanical engineering and household appliances.
Before any surface treatment, it is important to clean the components thoroughly to remove any contamination that could affect the adhesion of subsequent layers.
ProTec Metalltechnik GmbH |
Spreestrasse 19 |
82538 Geretsried |
Tel.: +49(0)8171 9333-0 |
Fax: +49(0)8171 9333-30 |
info@protec-metall.com |
www.protec-metall.com |