Starco introduces nano-coating to steel wheel range

A world first has been claimed by Denmark’s Starco. The company reports it has begun coating the steel wheels it produces, both pressed and spun, with the ‘e-coat’ nanotechnology treatment. The application of e-coat during the steel wheel production process began at Starco’s Beli Manastir, Croatia wheel plant at the start of this year, following the installation and commissioning of equipment there in the final quarter of 2011. Starco says it is currently the only press wheel manufacturer using e-coat.

The e-coat facility is an electrostatic coating process in which steel wheels are given a priming coat that will prevent rust and corrosion throughout the normal working life of the wheel. The coating applied in this process serves as a rust prevention coating in itself – and Starco adds that it also serves as an excellent primer to prepare the wheel for subsequent bespoke painting. The Danish firm says the presence of this automotive nanotechnology pre-treatment upon its steel wheels offers customers what it believes to be the best corrosion protection available. The whole e-coat system, including the design and nanotechnology implemented, is also said to be environmentally friendly.

Starco shares that during its 50 years in the business it has gained extensive experience in the purchase and distribution of steel wheels. The company notes that the shortcomings of un-coated steel components have been recognised for many years but, as was the case for other wholesalers, the Starco product range was limited by the technologies offered by wheel manufacturers. The creation of Starco’s own manufacturing operations in the last few years has given the company the opportunity to redress this and set a standard based on its own vision of quality and durability; the introduction of the e-coat process is the most recession manifestation of this programme.

In addition to improving the appearance and finish of steel wheels – a point of particular importance for OEM customers – reducing rust and corrosion on steel wheels offers vital safety advantages, particularly on wheels for applications where the wheel remains under heavy load without moving for longer periods of time – such as is the case with static caravan wheels. Subsequent failure of steel components due to long term corrosion when subjected to stress and heavy loads can be dangerous.

The wheel plant at Beli Manastir is described by Starco as being amongst the most modern and efficient wheel factories in the world. It houses several production lines for both pressed and spun wheels and utilises Starco’s “pull” production method, which the manufacturer says ensures the factory reaches world class levels of customer service.