Thick-film protection: Constant stone chips
The vehicle underbody is one of the areas most susceptible to corrosion—especially in cold climates or near the coast. In addition to moisture and salt, it is primarily subjected to recurring mechanical stress from stone chips, which damage protective coatings such as e-coat or paint and trigger corrosion.
- Application
- Underbody / Chassis
- Exposure
- Permanent stone chipping + salt
- System
- Water-based high-build material
- Curing
- Physically drying at room temperature
Technical challenge
- Mechanical stress: Constant stone chips damage protective coatings
- Corrosion risk: Salt solutions penetrate damaged areas
- Installation environment: The coating must be applicable to installed components
Solution Concept
The coating strategy developed is based on a water-based thick-film system that:
- Absorbs stone chips through elastic and plastic deformation
- Serves as a single-coat primer without requiring additional layers
- Cures at room temperature and offers rapid handling strength
This solution provides a robust protective barrier with minimal process effort.
Results & Benefits
Technical benefits:
- Significantly improved protection against secondary corrosion
- Robust mechanical barrier against stone and particle impact
- Reduced maintenance requirements
Process advantages
- No additional energy required for drying
- Low application and resource requirements
- Single-coat application with fast touch dry
Economic Effects
- Lower overall costs due to reduced need for maintenance and protective measures
Applications & Areas of Use
This solution is suitable for:
- Underbody areas subject to frequent contact with road grit or foreign objects
- Chassis components subject to mechanical stress
- Selective coatings on vehicle assembly lines
The thick-film protective system offers an effective combination of mechanical protection and corrosion prevention for high-stress areas of vehicles. It is characterized by easy application, robust performance, and low processing costs—making it ideal for OEM applications and demanding environments.
