Automotive Corrosion Protection Practices in Europe

A survey of the corrosion protection practices in Europe is presented. The materials in use for the construction of the carbody and the chemical pretreatment processes applied are described in detail. Trends in electrocoating are also discussed briefly. The use of precoated/prephosphated steel and aluminum is continuously increasing. In addition trials are made with magnesium and plastic hang-on parts. In pretreatment, multi-metal and environmentally friendly processes free of nickel, nitrite and chrome are increasingly used. Some twelve body lines process aluminum hang-on parts and all-aluminum carbodies, respectively. Two body lines operate with a nickel and nitrite free phosphating process and chrome free post-treatment since early 1996. Future trends are presented for conclusion.