ULTRAPAX
™
Coatings Systems Guide
The Best of PPG’s Pretreatment +
Powder Coatings Products
Appliances
Architectural Products
Auto Parts & Accessories
General Finishing
Heavy-Duty Equipment
Transportation
The Very Best of PPG’s
Pretreatment + Powder Coatings Products
The UltraPax Coatings System starts with the best of PPG’s broad range of pretreatment
technologies and matches them to a full compliment of proven, durable powder coatings.
These packaged product systems have been engineered together to meet the most stringent
performance requirements. As the only manufacturer of both pretreatment and coatings
technologies platforms, PPG is uniquely positioned in the marketplace to provide packaged, proven
protection – always at the right price. PPG formulates, produces, and tests every pretreatment and
powder product together to maximize effectiveness.
A Global Coatings Authority
As a global company with operations in more than 60 countries, PPG has the unique
capability to provide all your coating needs. As a world leader in innovation, sustainability
and color, PPG helps customers in transportation, consumer products, construction, and
general finishing markets to enhance and protect more surfaces in more ways than any
other company.
PPG Industrial Coatings has earned a reputation as a leader in the marketplace for innovative,
high-performance products, world-class service and color expertise. PPG Industrial Coatings
maintains a full portfolio of products and technologies, providing global reach with local
service and a commitment to operating sustainably.
Color and Styling
Through our work in the automotive, architectural, appliance
and consumer electronic industries, PPG has built a vast color
library with more than 300,000 formulations. More are added
every day.
PPG also maintains a global staff of color and design experts.
Color and styling development laboratories are located around
the world, each with a sole focus of monitoring color trends
and creating products that keep our customers ahead of the
curve. Whether you are designing the bullet train of the future
or painting washing machines, we have the services, selection
and people you need to get the job done right, and to get the
job done fast.
Commitment to Sustainability
Researchers at PPG laboratories are leading the drive toward
more sustainable coatings products and processes. PPG
Industrial Coatings are available in formulations designed to
exceed global and regional environmental requirements. PPG is
deeply committed to working with our customers to improve their
manufacturing excellence regarding their sustainability goals.
Cutting-Edge Coatings Combos
PPG’s UltraPax Pretreatment + Powder Coatings Systems deliver a one-two punch of coatings that protect your substrate from the
harshest environments, the toughest weather and the wear and tear of everyday use. The next few pages provide details on technologies
that make up PPG’s pretreatment and powder coating product lines. This includes a summary of performance results for a variety of
pretreatment and powder coating combinations. The goal: to help you fully explore the options at your disposal and to help you choose a
coatings system that meets or exceeds your requirements.
UltraPax Pretreatment + Powder Coating System Applications
Transportation
Auto Parts and Accessories
Rail, bus, body builder, trailer,
motorcycles, bicycles, scooters and other
recreational vehicles
Bumpers, wheels, undercarriages,
suspension parts, door handles, engine
heads, trim, accessories
Appliances
Architectural Products
Washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers,
stoves, ranges
Store fronts, railings, accents, trim,
flagpoles, windows, doors, ceiling grids
General Finishing
Plumbing fixtures, faucets, metal and
outdoor furniture, fitness equipment,
shelving, lighting, tools, toolboxes, racks,
bins and displays
Tested for Excellence
PPG operates two laboratories that support the UltraPax Coatings System: one in Euclid,
Ohio for pretreatment products and one in Strongsville, Ohio for powder coatings. These
centers of excellence are staffed with experienced professionals using some of the most
cutting-edge performance testing equipment available. Each facility can fully replicate realworld application methods used by our customers, allowing PPG to aid them with testing,
troubleshooting and making product recommendations.
The pretreatment and powder coatings products that form the UltraPax Coatings Systems
are tested under harsh, demanding industry and market standards. Our coatings are tested
to rigorous ASTM industry standards for corrosion and weather protection, impact resistance,
flexibility, UV durability and other critical physical properties.
This commitment to excellence in both the lab and in the field has made PPG the coatings
provider of choice for brand-name manufacturers around the world. Many PPG pretreatment
and powder coatings products are approved by domestic automotive, heavy equipment,
agricultural and many other general finishing manufacturers for use on a variety of interior and
exterior surfaces.
Heavy-Duty Equipment
Agricultural equipment, construction
machinery, forestry, mining, material
handling and lawn & garden
PPG Pretreatment Products
Surface pretreatment enhances paint adhesion and reduces the rate of substrate
corrosion. Effective pretreatment depends on state-of-the-art chemical formulations
that provide the highest quality, at the lowest operational costs. PPG offers a full range
of effective, economically-efficient pretreatment solutions that includes traditional spray
and immersion zinc and iron phosphate systems, multi-metal cleaners, low-temperature
cleaners, and low-temperature phosphates. PPG also offers state-of-the-art thin-film
zirconium pretreatments.
ULTRAX® and Chemkleen Cleaners*
Cleaners play an integral role in the surface finishing process by removing unwanted soils such as lubricants, greases, drawing
compounds and dirt prior to depositing a pretreatment layer, which ultimately protects against oxidation and promotes paint adhesion.
PPG offers a full stable of cleaners designed to remove the toughest soils from the surface of all commonly used metals and alloys.
Type
Substrate
Application
Product
Description
Ultrax 32
Free of inorganic phosphate and alkylphenol ethoxylates (APE surfactants), which
makes it waste-treatment friendly. Designed to remove a wide variety of soils including
sulfurized and chlorinated oils. The high-detergent package enables heavy soil loading
and longer bath life as compared to conventional spray cleaners.
Immersion
Ultrax 92D
A liquid alkaline cleaner designed for immersion or dip-cleaning applications.
Capable of high-soil loading for longer bath as compared to conventional immersion
cleaners. Excellent all-purpose cleaner for removing industrial grade soils from ferrous
substrates.
Spray
Chemkleen 29LS
A low-silicate cleaner for ferrous and non-ferrous metals that was developed to reduce
or eliminate silicate dry-on in transfer systems or systems where long dwell times
between processing stages may occur.
Immersion
Ultrax 93D
The silicated version of Ultrax 92D, designed for use in mixed metal lines.
Spray
Ultrax LT8630
A low-temperature cleaner designed for use on ferrous substrates.
Immersion
Ultrax LT5630D
Performs at temperatures as low as 85˚ F and will work well on most soils at 100˚ F.
Lower energy usage and lower water consumption (less water evaporation) makes it a
cost-effective choice. Because there is less exposure to hot chemicals, it makes for a
safer work environment. Other features include: improved parts appearance with less
streaking, mottling and dried-on cleaner residue; exceptional rinsing that helps parts
stay “wet” longer; and reduced chance of flash rusting between process stages.
Spray
Ultrax LT8620
A low-temperature cleaner designed for use on ferrous and non-ferrous substrates.
Ultrax LT5620D
Performs at temperatures as low as 85˚ F and will work well on most soils at 100˚ F.
Lower energy usage and lower water consumption (less water evaporation) makes it a
cost-effective choice. Because there is less exposure to hot chemicals, it makes for a
safer work environment. Other features include: improved parts appearance with less
streaking, mottling and dried-on cleaner residue; exceptional rinsing that helps parts
stay “wet” longer; and reduced chance of flash rusting between process stages.
Spray
Traditional
Tried and true
workhorses,
require 130˚
to 160˚ F
temperature
for optimal
performance
Steel
(Non-Silicated)
Range of
Metals
(Silicated)
Steel Only
(Non-Silicated)
Low Temperature
Economical
and energyefficient ambient
temperature
products
Range of
Metals
(Silicated)
Immersion
* Cleaner selection may need to be modified based on soil load, metal mix, temperature and other factors. Please consult your PPG representative for more details.
X-BOND®, CHEMFOS®, CHEMSEAL® and ULTRAGUARD® Pretreatment Products
A quality finish depends on how well the substrate surface is prepared prior to painting. The term ‘pretreatment’ describes any deposited
film that protects a substrate against oxidation and enhances the adhesion of paints. PPG offers a full complement of surface pretreatments,
including 3-stage cleaner-coater iron phosphates, 5-stage iron phosphates and 5-stage zinc phosphates with thin-film zirconium technologies.
PPG’s pretreatment product line provides maximum flexibility to meet your most stringent metal finishing requirements.
Type
Substrate
Application
Product(s)
Description
5-Stage Zirconium
Pretreatment
Ferrous Metal,
Galvanized Steel,
Aluminum
Spray / Immersion
X-Bond 4000
X-Bond 4000 is a zirconium-based conversion coating
formulated to provide excellent corrosion resistance for steel,
galvanized steel and aluminum substrates.
Ferrous Metal
Spray / Immersion
Chemfos 158
Chemseal 59
5-Stage Iron Phosphate
Pretreatment
Ferrous Metal,
Galvanized Steel,
Aluminum
Spray / Immersion
Ultraguard ATP50F
Chemseal 59
Chemfos 158 produces a blue-to-gold coating that can get
dusty with higher temperatures.
Chemseal 59 eliminates chrome hazard and minimizes waste
disposal. By far the most widely used final rinse of the
product line.
Ultraguard ATP50F is a low-temperature iron phosphate
that contains fluoride for use on steel, galvanized steel and
aluminum substrates.
Chemseal 59 eliminates chrome hazard and minimizes
waste disposal.
Ferrous Metal
Spray
Chemfos 51HD
Chemfos 51HD is considered one of the premium, organic,
accelerated cleaner/coater products in the line. Does not
contain fluoride and is best suited to lines running only
ferrous metal.
Ferrous Metal,
Galvanized Steel,
Aluminum
Spray
Ultraguard ATP31F
Ultraguard ATP31F is a low-temperature cleaner/coater that
contains fluoride for use on ferrous and galvanized steel as
well as aluminum substrates.
3-Stage Pretreatment
PPG Powder Coatings
Powder coatings are a low-VOC solution offering superior performance and costefficiency for applications that require maximum abrasion resistance and hardness.
PPG’s outstanding range of powder coating technologies provide answers to just about
any application challenge. All of PPG‘s powder coating formulas are economical and
backed by years of experience, world-class technology and technical service, and a
commitment to sustainability.
Envirocron® Powder Coatings
The UltraPax Coatings Systems program includes a wide range of premium
Envirocron powder coatings. With years of proven experience, this trusted brand
utilizes a variety of technologies to offer outstanding protection and beauty for any
metal substrate.
A Range of Technologies
With a full line of polyesters, urethanes, epoxies and hybrids, Envirocron topcoats
provide the final step in the protection of your products.
Envirocron PCT TGIC polyester powder coatings are available in standard
durable and ultradurable formulations. They are tough, attractive and demonstrate
outstanding physical properties, enabling them to withstand prolonged exposure
and making them the coating of choice for outdoor equipment.
Envirocron PCU urethane powder coatings combine outstanding thin-film
appearance and toughness with excellent weather resistance. They demonstrate
superior chip, mar and scuff resistance and are highly resistant to humidity and salt
spray, making them an ideal choice for exterior automotive trim and other highvisibility areas.
Envirocron PCM epoxy powder coatings are a great choice for applications
requiring the ultimate corrosion resistance in underhood parts and other interior
metal surfaces. Epoxies have excellent chemical and mechanical properties,
exceptional adhesion and the ability to meet demanding specifications.
Finally, Envirocron PCF hybrid powder coatings are a blend of epoxy and polyester
resins used primarily for indoor applications. They offer improved penetration into
corners and recesses and are less sensitive to overbake on curing than many
other chemistries, making them suitable for use on appliances, radiators and other
temperature-sensitive applications.
Beauty and Durability
With a full range of gloss and color solutions, Envirocron powder coatings offer
industry-renowned durability that doesn’t sacrifice aesthetic beauty. Choose from
one of hundreds of standard colors or work with PPG to develop a custom shade
that is all your own.
Technology
PCT TGIC Polyester
Exterior use. Combines high toughness with UV
durability. Can deliver energy and cost savings
with lower cure temperatures.
PCU Urethane
Exterior use. Thinner, smoother film and high
chemical and corrosion resistance. Thin-film
chemical and corrosion, and mar and chip
resistance.
Product
Description
PCT Standard
Durable Envirocron
Polyester Powder Coat
(Agricultural)
Used in heavy-duty equipment and agricultural applications. Excellent exterior
durability, good chemical resistance and virtually zero VOCs.
PCT Ultradurable
Low-Cure Envirocron
Polyester Powder Coat
Used in heavy-duty equipment and agricultural applications. Excellent exterior
durability, low-cure capability, good chemical resistance and virtually zero VOCs.
PCT Ultradurable
Envirocron Polyester
Powder Coat
Used in heavy-duty equipment and agricultural applications. Excellent exterior
durability, good chemical resistance and virtually zero VOCs. UL-approved.
PCT Standard
Durable Envirocron
Polyester Powder Coat
(Appliance)
Used in appliance and household goods applications. Exterior durability, good chemical
resistance and essentially zero VOCs. UL-approved.
PCU Ultradurable
Envirocron
Polyester Urethane
Powder Coat
Widely used in exterior automotive trim and other high-visibility areas. Excellent
exterior durability, good chemical resistance and thin-film capabilities.
PCM Envirocron Epoxy
Powder Coat
Workhorse underhood automotive product, also a great fit for interior auto parts
and other similar applications. Low-cure capabilities, good chemical resistance and
virtually zero VOCs.
PCF Envirocron
Epoxy-Polyester
Hybrid Powder Coat
Widely used in interior applications such as office furniture. Good mar and chemical
resistance and virtually zero VOCs. UL-approved.
PCM Epoxy
Interior-grade. Provides lower cure temperatures
and high corrosion and chemical resistance.
Excellent hardness and abrasion resistance.
PCF Hybrid
Interior-grade. Good physical and chemical
resistance properties with low-bake durability.
High flexibility and corrosion resistance.
UltraPax Pretreatment + Powder
Coatings Systems Testing
+
PCT TGIC Polyester
PCT TGIC Polyester
PCT Standard Durable Envirocron Polyester
Powder Coat (Agricultural)
PCT Ultradurable Low-Cure Envirocron
Polyester Powder Coat
Cold Rolled Steel
500 hrs.
5-Stage
Zirconium
Pretreatment
5-Stage Iron
Phosphate
Pretreatment
1,000 hrs.
Cold Rolled Steel
250 hrs.
500 hrs.
Hot Rolled Steel
250 hrs.
500 hrs.
X-Bond 4000
1.0 mm
2.8 mm
160/160
Pass
0.0 mm
1.7 mm
160/160
N/A
0.0 mm
0.2 mm
100/100
Pass
0.0 mm
0.0 mm
160/140
N/A
Chemfos 158
& Chemseal 59
Salt Spray Creep
Impact
Conical Mandrel
1.0 mm
1.5 mm
140/160
Pass
0.0 mm
0.0 mm
160/160
N/A
0.0 mm
0.5 mm
60/20
N/A
0.0 mm
0.0 mm
160/160
N/A
Ultraguard ATP50F
& Chemseal 59
Salt Spray Creep
Impact
Conical Mandrel
2.2 mm
N/R
160/160
Pass
0.0 mm
0.0 mm
160/160
N/A
1.0 mm
3.5 mm
160/160
N/A
0.0 mm
0.0 mm
160/160
N/A
Chemfos 51HD
Salt Spray Creep
Impact
Conical Mandrel
2.2 mm
N/R
160/160
Pass
0.7 mm
N/R
160/60
N/A
0.5 mm
3.8 mm
160/160
Pass
0.0 mm
2.2 mm
160/160
N/A
Ultraguard ATP31F
Salt Spray Creep
Impact
Conical Mandrel
2.7 mm
N/R
160/160
Pass
1.2 mm
N/R
160/160
N/A
1.3 mm
3.3 mm
80/20
Pass
0.7 mm
2.3 mm
160/160
N/A
PCU Urethane
PCM Epoxy
PCU Ultradurable Envirocron Polyester
Urethane Powder Coat
PCM Envirocron Epoxy Powder Coat
Cold Rolled Steel
500 hrs.
5-Stage Iron
Phosphate
Pretreatment
1,000 hrs.
Salt Spray Creep
Impact
Conical Mandrel
3-Stage
Pretreatment
5-Stage
Zirconium
Pretreatment
Hot Rolled Steel
500 hrs.
1,000 hrs.
Hot Rolled Steel
500 hrs.
1,000 hrs.
Cold Rolled Steel
500 hrs.
1,000 hrs.
Hot Rolled Steel
500 hrs.
1,000 hrs.
X-Bond 4000
Salt Spray Creep
Impact
Conical Mandrel
1.0 mm
N/R
100/20
N/A
0.0 mm
1.0 mm
160/40
N/A
1.0 mm
1.3 mm
160/160
Pass
0.3 mm
0.5 mm
160/160
N/A
Chemfos 158
& Chemseal 59
Salt Spray Creep
Impact
Conical Mandrel
0.5 mm
2.5 mm
140/60
N/A
0.0 mm
0.0 mm
160/160
N/A
1.0 mm
2.0 mm
160/160
Pass
0.0 mm
0.5 mm
160/160
N/A
Ultraguard ATP50F
& Chemseal 59
Salt Spray Creep
Impact
Conical Mandrel
1.0 mm
3.0 mm
60/20
N/A
0.5 mm
0.5 mm
160/160
N/A
1.8 mm
2.0 mm
160/160
Pass
0.5 mm
0.3 mm
160/160
N/A
Salt Spray Creep
Impact
3.0 mm
N/R
140/40
2.0 mm
N/R
160/60
2.0 mm
2.5 mm
160/160
1.2 mm
3.0 mm
160/160
Pass
N/A
1.8 mm
3.0 mm
160/100
Pass
1.5 mm
3.0 mm
160/160
N/A
Chemfos 51HD
Conical Mandrel
3-Stage
Pretreatment
Ultraguard ATP31F
Salt Spray Creep
Impact
Conical Mandrel
N/A
2.5 mm
N/R
120/20
N/A
N/A
2.5 mm
N/R
160/60
N/A
Understanding the Results
The chart below details ASTM standard performance
results for all UltraPax Pretreatment + Powder Coating
System combinations, helping you choose the solution that
best fits your needs.
Each UltraPax Coatings System is tested
on cold- and hot-rolled steel using ASTM
standards, ensuring confidence in your finished
parts. Each standardized test panel is pretreated
with one of our five pretreatment regimens,
and topcoated with one of our eight Envirocron
powder coatings.
PCT TGIC Polyester
PCT TGIC Polyester
ASTM B-117 Salt Spray – Corrosion Resistance
PCT Ultradurable Envirocron Polyester
Powder Coat
PCT Standard Durable Envirocron Polyester
Powder Coat (Appliance)
Coated panels are scribed, placed in an enclosed
chamber and subjected to salt solution spray.
The test measures the amount of subsequent
rust formation and paint loss extending from the
scribe. Less creep means better protection, and
panels are rated accordingly.
Cold Rolled Steel
500 hrs.
1,000 hrs.
Hot Rolled Steel
500 hrs.
1,000 hrs.
Cold Rolled Steel
500 hrs.
1,000 hrs.
Hot Rolled Steel
500 hrs.
1,000 hrs.
0.8 mm
2.8 mm
160/140
Pass
0.0 mm
0.5 mm
160/160
N/A
1.0 mm
1.8 mm
160/160
Pass
0.0 mm
1.2 mm
160/160
N/A
0.7 mm
0.5 mm
100/60
Pass
0.0 mm
0.0 mm
160/160
N/A
0.5 mm
0.5 mm
160/160
Pass
0.0 mm
0.0 mm
160/160
N/A
1.5 mm
3.8 mm
100/20
N/A
0.0 mm
0.0 mm
160/160
N/A
1.7 mm
N/R
160/160
Pass
0.0 mm
0.0 mm
160/160
N/A
1.0 mm
2.0 mm
160/160
Pass
1.0 mm
N/R
160/160
N/A
1.5 mm
N/R
160/160
Pass
1.5 mm
N/R
160/160
N/A
1.2 mm
3.0 mm
160/120
Pass
0.3 mm
3.5 mm
160/160
N/A
1.8 mm
N/R
160/160
Pass
1.5 mm
N/R
160/160
N/A
PCF Hybrid
PCF Envirocron Epoxy-Polyester Hybrid
Powder Coat
Cold Rolled Steel
500 hrs.
1,000 hrs.
1,000 hrs.
1.0 mm
2.0 mm
160/60
Pass
0.2 mm
0.5 mm
160/60
N/A
2.0 mm
2.0 mm
100/100
Pass
0.0 mm
0.2 mm
160/80
N/A
1.5 mm
1.8 mm
160/40
Pass
0.0 mm
0.3 mm
160/160
N/A
1.7 mm
2.8 mm
160/40
1.0 mm
3.3 mm
160/80
Pass
N/A
2.5 mm
N/R
160/80
Pass
1.5 mm
2.7 mm
160/120
N/A
This test measures a coating system’s resistance
to impact. A weight is dropped from a measured
height, first directly on the coated side and again
on the reverse side. The panel is examined for
cracking and other deformities. The value for
each side is recorded in inch-pounds, a product
of the height multiplied by the weight. A score
of 160/160 is considered excellent. UltraPax
Coatings Systems offer a range of impact
resistance for all applications.
ASTM D-522 Conical Mandrel Bend
A coated panel is mounted on a test device
and bent over a conical apparatus to test the
coating’s flexibility. This test applies to cold-rolled
steel only.
All standard durable powder coatings pass this
test, offering a good mix of physical properties
and flexibility. Some ultradurable products,
however, receive a “Not Applicable” rating.
These products are engineered to excel in
weathering and chemical resistance instead
of flexibility.
Hot Rolled Steel
500 hrs.
ASTM D-2794 Impact
ASTM D-3359 Adhesion
Legend
Excellent
Acceptable
Not Recommended
Coatings were applied and tested under controlled
conditions. Actual results may vary slightly from
those obtained here due to surface preparation,
part configuration or other factors. Please contact
your PPG representative for details.
This test measures the coating system’s
adhesion to the substrate. Panels are scored
with a sharp blade in a crosshatch fashion. Tape
is applied to the area and removed. Results
are classified by the amount of paint removed,
with a 5B indicating that no paint was removed.
Adhesion test results are not included in the
chart because all UltraPax Coatings System
combinations rate a 5B.
A Global Partner
PPG Industries has manufacturing facilities and equity affiliates in more than 60 countries around the globe, many of them dedicated
exclusively to Industrial Coatings. This means our products, knowledge and technical expertise can be delivered to virtually any location on
the planet. No matter what challenges your business faces, PPG can fit seamlessly into your product development cycle or global supply
chain, providing innovative thinking, engineering expertise and world-class technical support.
To make PPG your single-source supplier of pretreatment and powder coatings solutions, contact one of our international sales offices
listed below or visit www.ppgindustrialcoatings.com.
Regional Headquarters
Manufacturing Facility
PPG Regional Headquarters
PPG Global Headquarters /
PPG North America
Pittsburgh, PA USA
1.888.774.2001
Notes
PPG South America
Sumare, Sao Paolo, Brazil
+ 55.19.3864.6000
PPG Europe
Rolle, Switzerland
+ 41.21.822.30.00
PPG Asia Pacific
Hong Kong, China
+ 852.2861.0918
PPG Industrial Coatings
One PPG Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15272 USA
Chemfos, Chemseal, Envirocron, Powercron, PPG, the PPG logo,
X-Bond, Ultraguard and Ultrax are registered trademarks of PPG
Industries Ohio, Inc.
©2012 PPG Industries, Inc. 11/12 IC025
Bringing innovation to the surface, Ecological Solutions from PPG
and design and UltraPax are trademarks of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
North America
1.888.774.2001
ic-na@ppg.com
www.ppgindustrialcoatings.com