Time savings, quality and sustainability; IntVeen modernises pre-treatment process with Cleaner OV and MM31®

Time savings, quality and sustainability are essential for a company that is involved in the high-quality painting of lorries and other heavy transport on a daily basis. With the switch to Cleaner OV (water-based cleaner/degreaser) and MM31® (conversion coating) products, IntVeen has taken an important step in modernising its pre-treatment process. Ron Visser, manager at IntVeen Moerdijk, explains how this innovative chemistry has significantly improved daily practice.

A world of difference

‘Previously, it took two people half a day to clean one vehicle floor with a conventional degreaser and a scouring pad,’ says Ron. ‘Nowadays, one person can do the same job in half an hour to 45 minutes thanks to Cleaner OV and MM31®, which saves up to 90% in labour costs and time.’

What’s more, the new process offers greater planning freedom. ‘What I treat with MM31® in the evening, I can spray the next morning. That makes it much easier to work ahead.’

Lower costs, fewer emissions

The switch to water-based products also means significant cost savings on material use. AD Chemicals’ chemicals cost less than one euro per square metre to use, resulting in total savings on chemical consumption of up to 70% or more.

In addition, the new process helps to reduce emissions. ‘We want to keep our solvent balance as low as possible. Fewer solvents means fewer emissions and less environmental impact. We are actively looking to improve where we can.’ In view of future regulations on emissions and the stricter standards set out in EU Directive 2004/42/EC (on the limitation of emissions of volatile organic compounds) from 2027, this change is also a strategic advantage. Water-based products such as Cleaner OV also make the working environment demonstrably safer.

Image 1: Spraying with Cleaner OV

Cleaner OV and MM31®: ease of use and results

Application is simple: ‘First, we apply Cleaner OV with a hand sprayer. After allowing it to soak in for a while and rinsing it off, we apply MM31® with a spray gun. Whereas a generous dose was previously required, AD products can be applied in a much more targeted manner and overdosing is no longer necessary. If you dry it properly, the result is perfect,’ says Ron.

An important additional advantage is that the result is more consistent, even on surfaces that are difficult to treat. Whereas conventional sanding makes it difficult to clean chequer plate thoroughly, MM31® ensures uniform treatment. ‘You can be sure that it covers everything. It works quickly and thoroughly.’

Image 2: Savings with Cleaner OV and MM31® compared to conventional product

Sustainability as a strategic choice

Sustainability is not just an empty slogan at IntVeen. ‘We started taking it seriously two years ago,’ says Ron. ‘Cleaner OV and MM31® fit in perfectly with our ambition. We haven’t actively promoted this yet, but internally we are making conscious choices. Anything we can replace with water-based chemicals, we do.’

The switch to Cleaner OV and MM31® also significantly reduces energy consumption. Whereas conventional processes often require prolonged use of compressed air and hot spray booths to dry parts, the new approach enables shorter drying times and air drying.

Ron Visser estimates the energy savings at around 30%, depending on the working method and scale. ‘Compressed air is the most expensive energy there is,’ he explains. ‘MM31® dries within 30 minutes. If you need to use less compressed air, you will notice that immediately on your energy bill.’

The support from AD is also appreciated. ‘The product is good, but what I particularly appreciate is that they listen. If I have a question, I get a serious answer or a solution. You don’t see that everywhere.’

Recommendation to fellow companies

‘I’ve been working in this field for 30 years. You only believe something works when you see it. A test with mayonnaise on a black plate was the turning point for me. You could see that a conventional degreaser only spread the grease around, but that the water-based degreaser completely cleaned and degreased. Water-based degreasers really work!’

For companies that are still unsure about making the switch, Ron is clear: ‘If you’re still working conventionally, then the switch to Cleaner OV and MM31® is actually necessary. This chemistry is a much more efficient and cleaner alternative. Once you see how it works, you’ll never want to go back.’

Image 3: Visible conversion layer after applying MM31®

Time savings, quality and sustainability; IntVeen modernises pre-treatment process with Cleaner OV and MM31®

A world of difference

Categories

Lower costs, fewer emissions

Cleaner OV and MM31®: ease of use and results

Sustainability as a strategic choice

Recommendation to fellow companies

Newsletter

Metal Surface Treatment

AD International B.V.

+31 (0) 167 526 900

Visiting address

Time savings, quality and sustainability; IntVeen modernises pre-treatment process with Cleaner OV and MM31®

A world of difference

Categories

Lower costs, fewer emissions

Cleaner OV and MM31®: ease of use and results

Sustainability as a strategic choice

Recommendation to fellow companies

Newsletter

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Metal Surface Treatment

AD International B.V.

+31 (0) 167 526 900

Visiting address