EOW March 2014

News Technology

Phosphate-free cold forming

DL05 steel wire rod development Chinese steelmaker Wuhan Iron and Steel (Group) Co (WISCO) has overcome several technical challenges in the further development of its DL05 steel wire rod for cable applications. The product now demonstrates improved electrical conductivity and a reduction in non-metallic inclusions, thereby reaching advanced international standards for the product. The DL05 steel wire rod for cables is chiefly used in telecommunication lines, trolley bus systems, and in the subway and railway sectors. It is also said to perform well in corrosive environments. Wuhan Iron and Steel (Group Co) – China Website : www.wisco.com.cn

Gardo Hybrid can be easily integrated into current cold forming operations since no major modifications to the lubricant, treatment line or application process are needed. The reason for this is that the tribological system was not changed; it is still divided into two parts: the conversion layer providing the unique surface and the lubricant on top. • Less energy by lower treatment temperatures • Less consumption • Reduced sludge formation • No activation needed • Free of heavy metals, except iron • Free of CMR substances • No major change in treatment lines • No additional equipment needed • Security, health and environment friendly Gardo Hybrid advantages at a glance:

The Gardo Hybrid technology is the first cold forming process for steel without phosphates, based on a conversion coating. With this innovative technology Chemetall has responded to the market requirement for an environmentally sound cold forming technology, combined with a high forming performance. The Gardo Hybrid technology substitutes the zinc-phosphate layer with a phosphate-free metal-organic one. layer provides the same excellent properties and behaviours as a traditional zinc- phosphate. However it fulfils better health and environmental safety requirements: the formation of the metal-organic layer does not require any CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic to reproduction) substances like nickel, and the lower treatment temperature decreases the energy consumption. This innovative conversion

Chemetall GmbH – Germany Website : www.chemetall.com

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March 2014