FAQ

You can find frequently asked questions about metal surface treatment and AD in our FAQ. Is your question not listed? Feel free to contact us.

Product content and technology

Which metals (substrates) do you have products for?

In principle, we offer complete pretreatment systems for all common substrates, such as aluminium, steel and galvanized steel, as well as multi metal solutions.

Are your products multi metal?

Yes. We offer various multi metal solutions. Please contact our specialists and we will be happy to help.

Do you have products to replace an iron phosphating process?

Yes. PreCoat CPF was developed specifically for that purpose. You can also take a look at MM31®. Need advice? Feel free to contact us.

What does One Step Pretreatment mean?

One Step Pretreatment combines cleaning and passivation in one step. This saves time, reduces water and energy consumption, and minimizes chemical consumption. The treatment is suitable for various metals and finishing processes.

What is the difference between PreCoat and PrimeCoat products?

PreCoat products are developed for so called batch processes (immersion, spray, cascade lines). PrimeCoat products are intended for fully continuous production processes (strip steel, coil coating, etc.).

What is the difference between Cr(VI) free and traditional passivations?

Traditional passivations often use Cr(VI), a harmful and regulated substance. Our Cr(VI) free passivations are based on safer alternatives such as Cr(III) and provide excellent corrosion protection without compromising performance.

Are your products suitable for liquid (wet) paint, powder coating and coil coating?

Yes. We offer pretreatment chemistry for all of these applications. Our products support optimal adhesion and long term corrosion protection, tailored to the coating system you require.

I want to improve my process quality. Can you help?

Yes. We are happy to take on the challenge together with prospective or existing customers to identify process optimizations. Whether the goal is improved corrosion protection, better paint adhesion or higher efficiency, we think along with you. Please contact us to discuss the options.

Application and process integration

In which lines can your products be used?

Many of our chemicals are flexible in use: manual application with spray equipment or integrated into an automated line (immersion, spray, cascade), depending on the scale and setup of the process.

Is technical support available for line start up?

Yes. Our technical specialists can support you during initial start up, process optimization and troubleshooting. We also offer product training on site or remotely.

Do you have products for fully continuous production lines (coil coating)?

Yes. Within our Coil Coating Technologies division we specialize in this area. Products can also be tailored to specific line characteristics where needed.

Can I apply your products in my existing pretreatment line?

In general, a lot is possible. Many of our processes can be integrated directly into existing production processes. Ask us about the options.

Regulations, safety and sustainability

Are you ISO certified?

Yes. AD is certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.

How does AD ensure product quality and compliance?

Our products are designed and produced according to strict quality standards, with full compliance to relevant regulations such as RoHS and REACH. Each product is supplied with clear technical data sheets, safety data sheets (MSDS), process instructions, etc. In addition, we regularly perform audits and internal testing to ensure our solutions meet or exceed what the high end surface treatment market expects.

Are your products REACH compliant?

All our products comply with REACH and are supplied with full documentation, including safety data sheets (SDS).

Do your solutions comply with RoHS guidelines?

Yes. Our Cr(VI) free products comply with RoHS legislation and support customers in making their production process more sustainable.

Do you have an EcoVadis rating?

Yes. More information can be found under our Quality principles.

I want to align with the EU Green Deal. Can your products help?

Yes. We are happy to advise you on meeting EU Green Deal requirements. Our processes are future proof, supporting sustainability in multiple areas such as energy savings, chemical savings, reduced water and wastewater consumption, and reduced maintenance. Contact us and we will provide advice tailored to your process.

Performance and testing

Is it possible to get a test sample?

Yes. Please contact us and we will help you further, or schedule a discussion about a line trial via “Plan a (line) test.”

Which quality standards do your products meet?

All our products are tested according to the highest industry standards, including Qualicoat, QUALISTEELCOAT, QualiMarine, GSB and FROSIO. We also have various products certified by international quality labels. Want to raise the bar? Contact us, we are happy to take on the challenge.

Can I schedule a line trial?

Yes. You can request this directly via “Plan a (line) test.”

Do you support new line projects?

Yes. Our specialists are happy to get involved early to help you achieve the best pretreatment performance in a new pretreatment line.

Do you have products with Qualicoat, QualiMarine or GSB certification?

Yes. For aluminium pretreatment, we have products certified according to Qualicoat or GSB, or applicable within a QualiMarine system.

Do you have Qualanod certified products?

Yes. Our anodizing seal is Qualanod certified.

Can you perform laboratory comparison tests against my current process?

Yes. We can discuss the options for setting up a test matrix to perform a correct comparison against your current process.

Have your products been tested against Cr(VI) based systems?

Yes. We have comparative test data showing that our Cr(VI) free solutions deliver corrosion protection that is at least equivalent, and often better.

Do you also have independent test reports?

Yes. For most products we can provide independent test reports from institutes such as IFO. Ask our specialists for more information.

Logistics and availability

Do you supply worldwide?

Yes. We supply our products worldwide via our global distribution network.

In which countries do you have distributors?

We primarily serve the EU market directly. Outside the EU we work with distributors via our global distribution network.

Which packaging formats are available?

Our products are available in various formats, including 5 L and 25 L cans, 200 L drums and 1,000 L IBCs. For laboratory use we can also supply smaller test packs and samples.

Collaboration and tailored solutions

Do you offer customer specific solutions (custom formulation)?

Yes. For customers with specific requirements, we can develop tailor made formulations upon request that match the line perfectly, supported by our R&D team.

In which sectors are your products used?

Our chemistry is used worldwide in sectors including the galvanizing industry, aluminium processing, automotive, trailers, HVAC, construction and heavy machinery (ACE).

What does your technical support for customers include?

Our technical support covers expert advice in all project phases: from product selection and process optimization to troubleshooting and after sales support. We support you with process analyses (cleaning, passivation, coating), laboratory testing, pilot lines, installation support and operator training, so you can maximize the return from our solutions.

Do you offer Service Level Agreements?

Yes, that is possible. We align the service needs with your process.

If you have questions, please contact us. Our specialists are happy to support you and think along with you. Where needed, we will connect you with our worldwide distribution partners.