2017 has gone very well for Dörken MKS, with us also celebrating the 125th anniversary of the founding of the Dörken Group. We have been able to benefit in many different sectors and areas of application from our consistent avoidance of now banned chromium(VI) and other toxic substances in our coating solutions, allowing us to clearly distinguish ourselves from our competitors.
From our zinc flake systems to the cathodically-applied Delta-eLack® and on to cobalt and nickel-free electroplating, we continuously set new standards on the global market in the field of coating technology, as well as satisfying the increasingly complex requirements of customers in the automotive, wind energy, electrical engineering, construction and aerospace sectors.
In the automotive field in particular we are seeing a worldwide increase in the requirements for coating quality. This calls for a very high-level of development input. Documentation and verification of works specifications of the OEMs is also becoming more extensive and complex. To fulfil the new MBN 10544 (status: 09/2016) works standard of Daimler AG for the coating of fastening elements, following intense and comprehensive research in our own laboratories, we have developed the high performance zinc flake base coat Delta-Protekt® KL 120. Its level of red and white rust resistance far exceeds the standard. In addition, the innovation offers great adhesion and ductility, as well as very high temperature resistance. This means that it is also possible to consistently save costs – indirectly, by reducing the weight of the coats.
Beyond this, we are naturally also constantly expanding our top coat expertise and developing our products further, in order to meet the requirements of the motor vehicle industry. However – and this should not be forgotten – the products also need to be applied. The increased demand for high-quality coatings is resulting in an inevitable shortage. Nonetheless, our licensed coaters are able to compensate this through continuous investment in their plants.
In the agricultural and wind energy sectors in particular we are also seeing increased interest in chromium(VI)-free coatings and therefore alternative products to the standard offers of the competition. Let us recall: As early as April 2013 the European Commission included chromium(VI) and chromium compounds in Annex XIV of the EU REACH regulation. This lists substances with severe negative effects on the health of people or the environment. Since 21st September 2017 these substances can only be employed with the authorisation of the ECHA. In view of this, the wind sector is working hard to find new ways of coating friction grip fittings.
Our zinc flake systems are ideal here, particularly in the offshore field, due to their high performance and very long-lasting corrosion protection. We already have approvals from the DIBt (Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik) and BAM (Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing) here. For instance, our zinc flake systems – applied to M24 test bolts – are subjected to a 36 month outdoor weathering test on the Fino platform in the Baltic Sea, with urban and maritime climates.
In August 2012 Germanischer Lloyd granted the proven system of Delta-Tone® and Delta®-Seal the certification for use on standard bolts with the dimensions M24 to M48 in onshore and offshore wind energy plants, with the classification ‘C5-M long’, in accordance with DIN EN ISO 12944-6. We are also seeing increasing demand from the agricultural sector, which is very open to innovative and high-quality coating solutions.
The absence of chromium(VI) and cobalt means that our products already satisfy all key requirements. In addition, as a system supplier we are able to monitor the performance of the coatings very well.
A further highlight in 2017 for Dörken MKS was the start of series coating with the Delta-eLack KTL system. To achieve this, together with our partner Metallveredelungswerk Sulz GmbH, we developed and realised an innovative plant technology for coating bulk products using the drum procedure. This means that it is now possible to coat screws and other parts in an environmentally friendly manner without solvents, with a material yield of nearly 100%. The coefficient of friction can also be set for screws. The combination of Delta-eLack with a zinc flake base coat ensures long-lasting cathodic corrosion protection.
The goal for 2018 is to tailor our range of surface coatings, plant concepts and ongoing service throughout the entire process – from development to series production – even more closely to the diverse requirements of our customers. We also want to show that we are much more than just a chemicals supplier. We supply our customers with flexible complete packages and offer active support. At the same time, in 2018 we also need to serve the steadily increasing global demand for innovative coating systems. We aim to place the focus here on the USA and China in particular. Finally, research continues to remain very important to us. In this respect, we are working to develop solutions for a wide range of fasteners. For example, self-tapping screws and dowels are already popular. We aim to provide consistently effective coatings in this area in future. We therefore have a lot planned for 2018 and look forward to an exciting year.
Will joined Fastener + Fixing Magazine in 2007 and over the last 15 years has experienced every facet of the fastener sector - interviewing key figures within the industry and visiting leading companies and exhibitions around the globe.
Will manages the content strategy across all platforms and is the guardian for the high editorial standards that the Magazine is renowned.
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