Manufacturing Technology

Back in October, Dörken broadcast a three part network series called ‘Zinc flake system coating process for bolts with internal drive’ via an online seminar. 

Experts from different industries held presentations on the coating of components with difficult geometries, in this case bolts with internal drives. The goal was to transfer the knowledge that such components can also be coated with a zinc flake system in a reliable way for series production. Experts from Dörken, as well as from renowned companies from the fields of bolt production and plant engineering, could be heard as speakers. 

Over 60 people from Europe, and the USA, came together digitally to watch the insightful presentations. Among them were representatives of coating companies, bolt manufacturers and automotive OEMs. 

The presentations given as part of this series include:

1. Bolt knowledge and the technology internal drive – Michael Stähler (Dörken) and Robert Kupczyk (Camcar Innovations): In this presentation, Michael Stähler was describing the properties and benefits of internal drives. He also talked about tolerances of the system and tools for assembly and measurement tools for internal recess. Robert Kupczyk gave an overview of internal drive systems (INBUS, TORX^®, TORX^® PLUS, Triple square) and their history. 

2. Parameters and adjustment for standard coating lines  – Martin Grün (Dörken): In this online seminar Martin Grün spoke about tests before and after coating, surface pretreatment, standard dip spin processes and coating parameters. An outlook and alternative processes were also topics. 

3. State of the art: Presentation of current concepts of different coating line manufacturers – Janis Barth (WMV), Bruno Forster (Forplan) and Lars Hayen (Sidasa): For this presentation Janis Barth focused on the classic coating process, influences and limits, as well as specific improvements for coating screws with internal drives. The disadvantages of existing coating machine systems were one of the topics Bruno Forster talked about. He also shared his knowledge about planetary systems, as well as examples of installed coating lines and specific design features. Last but not least, Lars Hayen gave insights on how to get better results on recess fill – such as the right basket selection, the right curing and a viscosity check. 

“We are very pleased that the event series was so well received,” says Tobias Kleyer, team lead of the Dörken Coatings Academy and organiser of the events. “The great feedback shows us that there is a huge interest in this topic. We are sure that we were able to show the decision makers, in an informative and entertaining way, that zinc flake solutions are also ideal for bolts with internal drives.”