Zinc-Nickel – environmentally friendly corrosion protection

Hydrotechnik GmbH have successively established a new zinc-nickel surface coating for the corrosion protection of their MINIMESS® test point range. This conforms to EC directive 2000/53/EG and does not affect the high performance or quality of our MINIMESS® range.

Several methods had been tested in the past 18 months as a reaction to the EC directive 2000/53/EG on plated components, to carry out the stipulated removal of coatings containing chrome-VI. During extensive tests, several methods were analysed, such as the thick-film passivation with or without finishing, or treatment with zinc-nickel.

The previous excellent corrosion-protective characteristics were essential to apply to the above mentioned method for our range of products. During a salt spray test in accordance to DIN 50021 SS, a base-metal corrosion could not be detected before an average of 720 hours at surfaces protected by zinc-nickel. In a cross-section test, a protection time of even more than 1,000 hours could be proved. The friction characteristics could be adapted to the level of the prior surface coating by applying a suitable lining.

The Hydrotechnik products coated with zinc-nickel have an argentic matt-finished surface color and can be distinguished visually from their predecessors gold finish. Beside the improved environmental sustainability they comprise a thermal load capacity of up to 180 °C, and an improved insensitivity against contact corrosion with aluminium.

Hydrotechnik will change over their complete range of MINIMESS® test points and fittings to zinc-nickel within the year of 2008.