Passivation process
Chromating enables the creation of colorless or yellow conversion coatings on aluminum surfaces. Our colorless version offers almost the same high corrosion resistance as conventional yellow chromate, but also meets the requirements of the RoHS Directive. This makes it an environmentally friendly and future-proof alternative. The use of the proven SurTec 650 process creates a durable protective layer that improves the longevity of aluminum components in the long term. The option of choosing between colourless and yellow chromate gives you the freedom to precisely implement both technical and aesthetic requirements - ideal for a wide range of industrial applications.
Colorless, chrome-free, REACH-compliant
SurTec 650
The proven process for chromium(VI)-free passivation of aluminum. SurTec 650 produces a conductive, colorless layer with very good adhesion for coatings - and meets all current environmental standards.
Multi-metal capable & sustainable
Bonderite M-NT 400
Henkel's Bonderite technology offers a modern, environmentally friendly solution for aluminum, steel and zinc. M-NT 400 is ideal for industrial series production with stable process results.
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Uniform protective layer
When passivating aluminum, the surface is treated with a special solution that creates an even protective layer. This so-called passive layer protects the metal from external influences such as moisture, salt or chemicals and at the same time improves adhesion for paints, powder coatings or adhesives.
Environmental protection and occupational safety
Aluminum passivation
Modern processes are chromium(VI)-free and meet all environmental and occupational safety requirements (REACH, ROHS).
Advantages of passivation
Chromating enables the creation of colorless or yellow conversion coatings on aluminum surfaces. Our colorless version offers almost the same high corrosion resistance as conventional yellow chromate, but also meets the requirements of the RoHS Directive. This makes it an environmentally friendly and future-proof alternative. The use of the proven SurTec 650 process creates a durable protective layer that improves the longevity of aluminum components in the long term. The option of choosing between colourless and yellow chromate gives you the freedom to precisely implement both technical and aesthetic requirements - ideal for a wide range of industrial applications.
Durability for your components
Reliable corrosion protection
Passivation effectively protects aluminum from moisture, salt and chemical influences - for maximum durability in indoor and outdoor use.
Ready for coating, lacquering & bonding
Optimum adhesion base formation
The passive layer created improves the adhesion of powder coatings, wet paints or adhesives - a perfect basis for further processed components.
Safe for people & the environment
Chromium(VI)-free & REACH-compliant
Passivation effectively protects aluminum from moisture, salt and chemical influences - for maximum durability in indoor and outdoor use.
Perfect for electronic applications
Conductivity is maintained
Passivation effectively protects aluminum from moisture, salt and chemical influences - for maximum durability in indoor and outdoor use.
Function without visual change
Invisible protective effect
Passivated aluminum surfaces retain their natural appearance - perfect for visible components or design applications without color change.
Stable in series and flexible in use
Efficient & reliable
Passivation can be easily integrated into existing production processes - whether as a dipping, spraying or wiping process - and ensures consistent quality.
FAQs
Is passivation also suitable for series production?
Yes, modern passivation processes are Optimally designed for industrial series processes. They can be flexibly integrated into existing Dipping, spraying or wiping process and are suitable both for automated systems as well as for manual applications for small series or individual parts.
Thanks to Stable bath guide, Simple pH and conductivity control and high reproducibility these processes are ideal for consistent quality at high volumes. Even complex geometries or sensitive components can be treated reliably.
Especially processes such as SurTec 650 or Bonderite M-NT 400 are known for their ability to Short cycle times, high repeat accuracy and minimal reworking an economical solution for modern production.
Can passivated aluminum still be coated?
In fact, this is one of the main reasons why aluminum is passivated. The conversion layer created significantly improves the Adhesion (adhesion) for subsequent surface treatments such as Powder coating, wet painting or adhesives.
Passivation ensures that the surface is evenly activated and Permanent adhesion of paintswithout peeling off under thermal or mechanical stress. The connection remains stable even when exposed to environmental influences such as moisture, temperature fluctuations or UV radiation.
In addition, passivation prevents the so-called "Infiltrate" of the coating due to corrosion - a decisive factor for the Long-term quality of coated aluminum components in demanding environments.
What is the difference between passivation and chromating?
Both the Passivation as well as the Chromating are among the procedures for chemical pretreatment of aluminum and other metals. Both generate a so-called Conversion layerwhich protects the material from corrosion and improves adhesion for further coatings. Nevertheless, there are important differences:
- Chromating is a process that was originally developed with Chromium(VI)-containing chemicals known, for example, as yellow chromating. Although these offer very good corrosion protection, they are now regarded as Harmful to health and the environment. Although modern variants (such as SurTec 650) are also chromating, they are chromium(VI)-free.
- Passivation primarily describes the application of chromium-free or chromium(III)-based processeswhere the shift is primarily based on Corrosion protection and adhesion promoter without toxic components.
In practice, the terms are sometimes blurred, as modern chromium(VI)-free processes such as SurTec 650 can be described as both "passivation" and "chromating". The important thing is:
Passivation today stands for environmentally friendly, REACH-compliant solutionswhich are particularly suitable for companies that focus on sustainability, legal safety and modern production standards.