History and development of TMC and new conversion technology
This article is a summary of the Chemical Coaters Association International (CCAI), Twin Cities Chapter, symposium on transition metal conversion coatings (TMC) and other non-phosphate, or combination inorganic and organic conversions, as well as straight organic conversion packages. The symposium was held Feb. 4 in the Twin Cities’ suburb of Eagan, Minnesota. The author moderated the event. Presenters included Dave Chalk, Galaxy Associates; Terry Giles, Henkel Technologies; Ken Kaluzny, Coral Chemical; and Gary Nelson, Chemetall. The primary purpose of this CCAI symposium was to provide an up-to-date overview and explanation in a user friendly fashion of the key components of this technology so that finishers can thoroughly investigate this expanding new development in pretreatment.
Transition metal conversion coatings (TMC) didn’t just happen or magically occur. This development is the expansion and continuation of the quest to eliminate chrome from finishing and provide paint and powder coating performance in a greener more environmentally suitable world. Understanding how TMC originated or grew over the past several decades and years will further your ability to both understand and implement this advancement.