Pontiac Illinois-based Anthony Liftgates replaces powdercoat process with PRP Metal Polymerization, a PRP Industries' Alternative to Galvanizing corrosion protection system. Designed for extreme conditions, without the added cost and weight of hot-dip galvanizing, PRP MP is a proprietary multi-step chemical process that creates a molecular bond between a co-polymer and the base metal, providing corrosion protection against magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, sodium chloride, as well as, rock chipping, acid rain, and extreme temperatures.
According to Tom Walker, president, Anthony Liftgates, years ago most of their equipment was protected with liquid oil-based solvents, but due to increased environmental and fire safety regulations requiring lower volatile organic compounds (VOCs), his company switched to water-based paints. Later they chose powdercoating, because the process emits near-zero VOCs, and the overspray can be recycled. Additionally, it was relatively simple and cost effective to switch from liquid to powder because they already owned the necessary ovens, spray equipment, and washers. While industry standard powdercoat is a legitimate coating system for certain equipment and environments, Walker wanted something more durable to protect against the extreme conditions on the back of his clients' trucks, while meeting market unrest for longer equipment life cycles and lower overall costs.
About three years ago, Tom Walker contacted PRP Industries about a corrosion protection solution for the production of a lift gate for a local customer utilizing PRP Metal Polymerization. Walker used the process on specific sections and watched them under extreme conditions for three years. He found that the platform and other components with typical industry coating were breaking down and de-laminating, especially on the edges where the coating thinned out, while the PRP Metal Polymerization sections looked like new. Walker made the decision once again to reinvest in manufacturing.
"In our continual pursuit to provide outstanding, durable, and aesthetically pleasing products, we were willing to make the investment to provide our customers excellent value," said Walker. "Fleets and leasing companies are trying to get increasingly longer life cycles on their equipment, and they keep trying different products and systems. I went with a proven system that's been around for a long time. With the Alternative to Galvanizing corrosion protection process, we expect to double equipment lifecycles and have enhanced aesthetics without spending a fortune.
