Plaforization

Question:

Information in your article in the October issue is incorrect, there is no need to dispose and recharge. In plaforization, one gallon treats 1,500 sq ft. It is consumed in the process leaving no oil in the tank and no waste. More plaforization material is simply added to replace the amount consumed. There is no problem with the use of TGIC powders. For unknown reasons, they had poor data with testing. Current testing has confirmed there is no problem with TGIC. Plaforization can be used with the electrocoat process. The concern is the plaforization material will build heavier on the bottom of the parts and may cause a heavier electrocoat deposition on the bottom as well. R.K.

Answer:

To the readers: The response above was received regarding my October 2002 question and response regarding the plaforization process. More recent information on the process would indicate that it has primarily been developed for use with mineral-oil-based lubricants. At its introduction, it was said to be compatible with mineral oils only. Since then, I believe there has been some work related to water-base lubricants, although I am not sure of the success rate.

Considering the wide variety of additives used even in mineral oils alone, I have to believe that the success of the process is highly dependent on the particular lubricant you may be using with it. Additionally, unless there are no other coating alternatives available to you, the cost of the chemicals remains higher than that for most pretreatment systems. The total system cost needs to be taken into consideration (chemical, equipment, labor and disposal costs).