WE-EF - 5CE SUPERIOR CORROSION PROTECTION + PRIMER

5CE SUPERIOR CORROSION PROTECTION
​​Outstanding and long lasting anti-corrosion properties can only be achieved by a comprehensive, integrated approach. The result of many years of research and development, hands-on testing and practical experience, WE-EF's unique 5CE system encompasses ​five critical elements:
1. Substrate 
2. Conversion Coating
3. Powder
4. PCS Hardware
5. Process Control

1. Substrate
A marine-grade, low copper content aluminum alloy is used for all above ground luminaires. Typical alloy composition:
Cu  ≤0.1 %  Zn  ≤0.1 %
Mg  ≤0.1 %  Ph  ≤0.1 %
Si  =  10.0-13.5 %  Sn  ≤0.05 %
Fe  ≤1.0 %  Ti  ≤0.2 %
Mn  ≤0.5 %  Al  = Balance
Ni  ≤0.1 % 
3. Powder
UV-stabilized, architectural grade polyester powder is electrostatically applied (60-100 μm) and oven cured at ~ 200°C. The grade of polyester powder used is based on saturated polyester resins. Combined with UV resistant cross-linking agents and selected pigments, it features outstanding resistance to atmospheric ageing and UV light exposure. Properly applied to a suitable metal substrate, the resulting powder-coat finish exhibits excellent outdoor durability, and complies with German GSB and European QUALICOAT standards.
4. PCS Hardware
All exposed hardware is made from austenitic stainless steel, and additionally sealed with a tough, impregnated polymer coat, which fulfils two functions:
Reduced friction between male and female thread causes tighter fit between connected parts.
Non-metallic barrier between the two metals, aluminum and steel, prevents galvanic corrosion that otherwise occurs, when metals of dissimilar electronegativities are in contact​

2. Conversion Coating
The multi-step pre-treatment and conversion coating process includes degreasing, deoxidizing, etching and depending on product, non-hazardous trivalent chromium or zirconium conversion coating. Both are considered the most effective conversion coats available for aluminum substrates.
Trivalent chromium conversion coating process:
Alkaline degreasing/mild etching.
Clear water rinse.
Counterflow clear water rinse.
Deoxidizing etching.
Clear water rinse.
Counterflow clear water rinse.
Trivalent chromium conversion coating (540-650 mg/m2).
Clear water rinse.
Counterflow demineralized water rinse.
Hot air drying.
Zirconium conversion coating process:
Acidic degreasing/etching.
Clear water rinse.
Counterflow clear water rinse.
Demineralized water rinse.
Zirconium (+polymer) conversion coating (3-10 mg/m2).
Hot air drying.
Strict controls are constantly maintained over the parameters of every step in each process, such as purity, pH, chemical concentrations, temperature, etc. This ensures the best achievable substrate penetration and uniformity of the conversion coat, thereby ensuring optimum corrosion resistance and powder-coat adhesion.

PRIMER

Immediately after conversion coating, a specially formulated 'intercoat' bonding epoxy primer is electrostatically applied (80-100 μm), and initially semi-cured in a 180°C oven. 
​Following the subsequent application of the polyester powder top coat, full curing and ​essential 'intercoat' bond is achieved at 200°C

5CE SUPERIOR CORROSION PROTECTION + PRIMER

For installations where corrosion protection over and above the 5CE system is required, 5CE + Primer introduces an additional element to the process:
1. Substrate
2.  Conversion Coating + Primer
3.  Powder Top Coat
4. PCS Hardware
5. Process Contro

Added Durability
As with the 5CE system, 5CE+Primer provides for a quality product of excellent corrosion resistance that can be serviced after years of operation, and features a powdercoat finish of outstanding adhesion and color stability. Added durability from the 'intercoat' bonding epoxy primer makes it particularly suitable for coastal and aggressive environments, and for example for lighting column installations in pedestrian areas.
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​Luminaires
WE-EF luminaires may be custom ordered to feature the described 5CE+Primer finish. Back