Product Info
Gardobond ® X 4661 (SAM-Technology)
Metal-free conversion coating for aluminium and its alloys
Advantages:
Metal-free process prior to paint
No fluoride, no accelerator
Self-regulatory coating weight (no overdosing or excessing coating)
Transparent coating
For all alloys and surfaces one SAM-bath with the same settings
Application:
• Automotive components, such as aluminium wheels
• Aluminium profiles, such as shower cabins
Gardobond® X 4661 is a metal-free process for aluminium substrates. It is ideally suited
to those applications, where in addition to stringent corrosion protection and excellent paint adhesion demands, the visual appearance of the coated component plays an
important role. In the aluminium wheel industry the technology is used successfully for
many years. It holds OEM approvals from all leading car manufacturers.
As the technology is chrome- and metal-free it greatly simplifies the recycling of aluminium parts pretreated with Gardobond® X 4661.
Gardobond ® X 4661
The Gardobond® X 4661 process represents an innovative, metal-free pretreatment technology.
It is suitable for use in all conventional pretreatment plants with only minimal adaptation.
For many years Gardobond® X 4661 has successfully
been used in the aluminium wheel industry - for a good
reason: It meets the demand for stringent corrosion
protection, ex­cellent paint adhesion and visual appearance. In case of diamond turned or machine-polished
surface the coating does not alter the appearance of the
part – something difficult to achieve with conventional
processes.
Gardobond® X 4661 – The SAM technology
SAM is the acronym for Self-Assembling Molecules and
describes the behavior of the molecules in generating
special ordered structures on metallic surfaces. In this
process, the SAM molecules assemble under certain
conditions on the substrate surface and generate a
homogeneous layer.
The coating for­mation inherently comes to a stop once
the monolayer is completed. The reaction with the
metal surface takes only a few seconds, resulting in
significant productivity increase.
Process characteristics:
• Concentration:
• pH-value:
• Conductivity:
• Temperature:
• Treatment time:
• Bath shelve life:
• Bath control:
The “built-in intelligence” of the self-assembling molecules does not allow excessive coating formation.
0.15 – 0.25 g/l
2.5 – 3.5
200 – 250 µS/cm
45 – 65 °C
0.5 – 4 minutes
12 months or longer
Conductivity, pH-value and
photometer
Self-assembling
molecule
Paint
Gardobond® X 4661 layer
Adhesion group
Anchor group
Metal oxide
Aluminium
substrate
surfacetreatment@chemetall.com · www.chemetall.com
The product information contained in this brochure has been compiled to the best of our knowledge on the basis of thorough tests and research work and with regard to the
current state of our practical experience in the industry. This product information is non-binding. Our statements relating to possible uses of the product do not constitute a
guarantee that such uses are appropriate in a particular user`s case or that such uses do not infringe the patents or proprietary rights of any third party. We assume no risk or
liability whatever in connection with any particular use, if not expressly confirmed by us in writing. Therefore Chemetall grants no warranty and does not accept any liability in
connection with this product information or its use. Except where noted otherwise, all registered trademarks are owned by Chemetall or its affiliated companies. The reproduction
of any or all of the information contained in this brochure is expressly forbidden without Chemetall’s prior written consent.
© 2012 Chemetall GmbH Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Gardobond® is a registered trademark of Chemetall.
CM-PI0068ENG-10.2012
The SAM molecules assemble
in perfect formation. On the side
facing the metal, the monomolecular layer
forms a strong chemical bond with the aluminium
surface. On the other side, the molecules form a
permanent bond with the paint layer.