Antivibration Components

A large number of antivibration components such as suspension bushes or engines mounts are used within a vehicle. Different surface finishes are applied depending on type and requirements.

Phosphating

Traditionally those parts receive a zinc phosphate coating for corrosion protection and good rubber-to-steel bonding. Atotech's Interlox® 5011 will produce a microcrystalline zinc-calcium phosphate coating for optimum adhesion of the elastomer.

With the growing requirements towards corrosion protection an increasing share of antivibration components is being plated with zinc-nickel. The main challenge of this application is to plate on parts that consist of rubber and steel. Two methods exist:

Plating before Vulcanization

Companies decide for plating before vulcanization to avoid contamination of the plating bath and full coverage of crevice area around the rubber. No sealer can be used, as the heat treatment for vulcanization would destroy it. Proper adhesion of the rubber on the plated layer is critical.

Plating after Vulcanization

The plating of already vulcanized parts allows the use of a sealer for improved corrosion protection. Temperatures in the plating process are kept below 80°C to avoid attack to the rubber.