Nanotechnology Reduces the Environmental Impact of Painting in Manufacturing Processes
CNH Industrial N.V., one of the world’s largest capital goods companies, has 67 plants across the globe, and is committed to using advanced technologies to reduce the impact of its manufacturing processes. One area of particular focus has been painting. This essential production process is not only important in terms of the machines’ exterior styling, it is often fundamental to overall machine operation – the undercarriage of a tractor is exposed to muddy fields and takes a pounding from stones, not to mention the degree of robustness required by an excavator.
This is why the Company uses nanotechnologies in certain elements of the painting process for some product lines, specifically during the washing (pretreatment) of surfaces preceding the actual painting phase. Indeed, some CNH Industrial plants adopt thin layer technology, through which nanotechnology products/nanoparticles are dosed in process tanks to react with the surfaces of metal substrates previously treated with a degreasing solution; the chemical/physical reaction triggered forms a layer of zirconium oxide that coats the metal surface. This treatment confers excellent resistance to corrosion and outstanding paint adhesion, while also reducing environmental impact and enhancing process quality and operational performance.
The process usually takes place at room temperature, in which case, as no heat is applied, there is no vapor generation. Chemical concentrations are very low, and product applications (spraying or dipping) are automated and performed in enclosed areas. Thin layer technology produces less sludge for disposal than traditional technology, and does not require hazardous acid cleaning of paint system equipment. It also cuts energy and water consumption, reduces wastewater, and requires less maintenance. This technology is in use in 33 paint shops across 20 plants (five in North America, nine in Europe, two in South America, and four in Rest of World).
