A coating that provides optimal corrosion protection for steel!

Pretec’s guide to PC-Coat

The three different processes take place in the following order:

  • Hot-dip galvanizing – fuses with the steel surface. Ref. EN ISO 1461.
  • Zinc-manganese phosphating – bonds very strongly with the hot-dip galvanizing, providing an extremely good surface for the powder coating (heat-cured) to adhere to. Ref. powder coating EN 13438. This is also a key part of the process to achieve approval/meet requirements in today’s infrastructure projects – adhesion.
  • Powder coating in one or two layers – the powder coating bonds very well with the phosphate layer. From untreated to finished bolt. 

The image below shows the bolt’s four stages in the treatment process.

The combination of hot-dip galvanizing and powder coating has synergistic effects, giving the system a longer service life than each method would provide on its own.

The color in PC-Coat has been third-party tested against EN ISO 1519 (elasticity), ISO 2409 (adhesion), and ASTM D2794-93 (impact resistance) with good results. PC-Coat has also been tested according to ISO 12944-9. Contact us if you’d like to see the test reports.

For product data sheets with technical information as well as operation and maintenance documentation, please contact us. You can also take a look at our brochure about PC-Coat – Pretec – PC-Coat.

Why choose PC-Coat corrosion protection?

  • Experience with hot-dip galvanized and powder-coated products has shown the potential for an extremely long service life. Research projects at SINTEF¹ have confirmed the same.
  • In addition to strong corrosion protection, the coating also gives the product a decorative appearance and is available in an almost unlimited color range.
  • This type of corrosion protection is often used where high quality is required in combination with a long lifespan and low maintenance costs. We’re talking lifespans of more than 100 years, depending on climate and environmental conditions, as well as material and workmanship quality. Examples include coastal installations, underground constructions, infrastructure, and climates with high humidity combined with high temperatures.
  • Powder coating is an environmentally friendly and economical process with little waste and no volatile solvents. It ensures a good working environment and significant cost savings.
  • We are committed to quality at every level. The processes are automatically controlled in facilities with repeatable operations. Combined with strong quality assurance routines and skilled employees, this ensures consistent and high quality.

¹ M. Bjordal, S.B. Axelsen, O.Ø. Knudsen, “Quality criteria for powder-coated HDG steel in corrosive environments,” Progress in Organic Coatings 56, 1 (2006): pp. 68–75.


Cut/damaged PC-Coat?

Read here how to repair PC-Coat after cutting or damaging the coating.


Projects

For the vast majority of tunnel projects we deliver bolts to, the bolts are coated with our PC-Coat surface treatment – which ensures we can maintain very high quality.

We want everyone to have the opportunity to make a conscious material choice, which is why our main rock reinforcement products with our unique PC-Coating are registered in BASTA*. Of course, our goal is to have all our products registered, and this is ongoing work.

At Pretec, we are also taking further steps toward sustainable rock reinforcement, where we today have EPDs for our NC-Bolt and PC-Bolt. Here too, we continuously work on developing further in the field.

Are you involved in a project right now and want more detailed information? Feel free to contact our tunnel and rock specialists, or take a look at our brochure Pretec – PC-Coat.

To see more of our products within tunnel and rock reinforcement, you’re welcome to visit our tunnel and rock segment.

*“BASTA is supported by the major players in the construction sector and by authorities such as the Swedish Chemicals Agency and the Swedish Transport Administration. BASTA is a non-profit company owned by IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute and the Swedish Construction Federation.” – www.bastaonline.se