Chassis

Exemplary components

Fastening elements	Springs	ABS counters
Fastening elements such as undercarriage connections, nuts and bolts are used in many different forms and geometries in truck undercarriages. They are not only required to withstand high temperatures and mechanical stresses, but also maintain defined fastening parameters against various surfaces.	For example, the numerous springs in the brake system of a truck have various different dimensions, designs and functions. These are responsible for the vertical vibration behaviour and help to compensate potholes or unevenness on the road surface.	ABS counters are fitted to the brakes and are required to withstand very high temperatures during the braking process. The component is very delicate and can therefore only be coated with a very thin protective coating.

Requirements

Corrosion protection after stone impact (1,000 h as per DIN EN ISO 9227)
Colouring (silver or black)
Defined coefficients of friction
Manufacturer alternating corrosion tests
Chemical resistance
Stone impact resistance
Temperature resistance

Solutions

Various coating systems can be used to create capable corrosion protection for components in the chassis. In addition to purely zinc flake systems, individual combinations of special DÖRKEN base coats and organic or inorganic topcoats can also be used, depending on operating conditions with zinc flake coating protective effects can be achieved using only extremely thin coats. No hydrogen is generated in the coating process, with the result that no application-related, hydrogen-induced stress corrosion cracking occurs. One particular advantage of the zinc flake system is that it can also be used in components with complex structures and cavities. In addition, zinc flake systems also meet the specifications of the manufacturers’ own driving tests, thus meeting the increasingly high quality requirements of the manufacturers.

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Interior

Components in the interior of vehicles are not exposed to corrosive stresses to such an extent. It is important in this area to ensure the functionality of parts that in use on a daily basis.

Engine compartment

A wide range of parts are used in the engine compartments of trucks. This often results in the combination of different, sometimes high-tensile materials, such as aluminium, stainless steel, plastics and steel. The components fitted therefore need to withstand particularly high temperatures and satisfy a range of corrosion protection requirements

Trailer

Whether it is flatbed vehicles, box trucks or tipper trucks: a wide range of components are used in and on truck trailers. With the long-term use on roads and highways, the components are subjected to a range of different stresses, such as stone impact, dirt, frost and continuous cleaning cycles. The long-term ensuring of component functionality and operational readiness of the trailer is therefore essential.