January 29, 2019

Digitalized data-driven Industry 4.0 implementations

Bonderite E-CO DMC digital multichannel controller optimizes the performance and cost of metal pretreatment processes

Düsseldorf, Germany – Henkel has introduced a new process control system that addresses key challenges in metal pretreatment as customers are increasingly seeking to implement data-driven Industry 4.0 solutions. In combination with the company’s New Generation Conversion coatings (NGC) for multi-metal substrates, the Bonderite E-CO digital multi-channel (DMC) controller enables maximum corrosion performance and sustainability at minimized overall process costs.

Bonderite E-CO DMC is a process control system that allows users to run complex metal pretreatment lines with up to fifteen or more stages. It features an intuitive touch screen PLC interface and supports fully digitalized process control with flexible communication and remote access functionality.

“Thanks to its adaptive open system architecture, our new digital multi-channel control system will easily integrate in metal customers’ existing conversion processes and automation concepts,” says Maurizio Brancaleoni, Global Business Development Manager at Henkel’s European Functional Coating Equipment Center in Funo di Argelato (Bologna), Italy. “Together with our New Generation Conversion coatings, it maximizes the benefits derived from Henkel’s leadership in sustainable metal pretreatment technologies and process expertise.”

Bonderite E-CO DMC minimizes chemical usage, water and power consumption as well as waste. In addition, it helps to avoid manual work and chemical exposure in metal pretreatment. All equipment and process setup, adjustment, control and monitoring can effectively be managed by the controller, including bath preparation and refill. The multi-channel system supports both single and multiple production lines in one and the same or neighboring buildings. It can control a virtually unlimited number of process parameters and devices.

Further Bonderite E-CO DMC is equipped with an internal memory that stores all parameter data and events for creating numerical, graphic and consumption reports as well as maintaining a historical database. The controller’s comprehensive connectivity easily links the system to other resources in local area networks and provides access for remote devices, such as tablets and smartphones. It enables alerts with discrete data to be sent to selected recipients by SMS or email and can be integrated in cloud-based data-driven solutions.

“The system underscores Henkel's total solutions approach and our commitment to supporting customers as they implement Industry 4.0,” adds Brancaleoni. “Users can run automatic parameter checks and even automate the dosage of chemicals in the tanks by using a special function to correlate analyzed data with outputs – all without involving any personnel on site.”

While the performance benefits of Bonderite E-CO DMC can be tapped with any of Henkel’s existing metal pretreatment process, including conventional phosphating, the technology unfolds its maximum sustainability in combination with the company’s New Generation Coatings. As zirconium-based alternatives for multi-substrate metal conversion and corrosion protection, these NGC contain neither phosphates nor heavy metals, simplify water management and can reduce process steps, contact times, energy consumption and sludge. Leaving only a nano-thin non-toxic coating layer on substrates, Henkel helps customers to optimize the cost, control and reliable quality of production.

The European Functional Coating Equipment Center, based in Funo di Argelato (Bologna), Italy, plays an instrumental role in the success of Henkel’s innovative new metal pretreatment solutions with a full line of dedicated Bonderite process control and automation systems. The Center includes a Development Department, a Warehouse and a Maintenance Lab. 

The Bonderite E-CO DMC system is available throughout Europe and North America, and belongs to a complete range of application, control and support equipment for Bonderite metal pretreatment processes from Henkel.

For more information, please visit http://www.bonderite-solutions.co.uk. 

About Henkel
Henkel operates globally with a well-balanced and diversified portfolio. The company holds leading positions with its three business units in both industrial and consumer businesses thanks to strong brands, innovations and technologies. Henkel Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the adhesives market – across all industry segments worldwide. In its Laundry & Home Care and Beauty Care businesses, Henkel holds leading positions in many markets and categories around the world. Founded in 1876, Henkel looks back on more than 140 years of success. In 2017, Henkel reported sales of 20 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of around 3.5 billion euros. Combined sales of the respective top brands of the three business units – Loctite, Schwarzkopf and Persil – amounted to 6.4 billion euros. Henkel employs more than 53,000 people globally – a passionate and highly diverse team, united by a strong company culture, a common purpose to create sustainable value, and shared values. As a recognized leader in sustainability, Henkel holds top positions in many international indices and rankings. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. For more information, please visit www.henkel.com.

Contact	Kathrin Fuss	Rita Verschuuren
Phone	+49 211 7970	+31 164 317 024
Email		rverschuuren@emg-pr.com

	Henkel AG & Co. KGaA	EMG

The following photo material is available at www.henkel.com/press-and-media

Henkel’s Bonderite E-CO DMC metal pretreatment process control system provides access for remote devices, such as tablets and smartphones, and can be integrated in cloud-based data-driven solutions. 

The Bonderite E-CO DMC controller has an intuitive touchscreen and an internal memory for storing a virtually unlimited number of process parameters in metal treatment lines of up to 15 or more stages. 

Maurizio Brancaleoni, Global Business Development Manager at Henkel’s European Functional Coating Equipment Center in Funo di Argelato (Bologna), Italy.