Nippon Steel Adds New Color, Durability Cr-Free Coated Steel Sheet

Nippon Steel developed new chromate-free electrogalvanized steel sheet Zinkote Silver which represents better basic properties such for durability than existent Zinkote Black. The users can eliminate the coating process and the shortening of process can contribute to better environmental responsibility and lower production cost. Nippon Steel tries to increase the applications such for audio appliances, refrigerators, wash machines and office automation machines as well as the current shipment to flat televisions. The firm plans 30,000 tonnes of Zinkote Black and Zinkote Silver per year as Zinkote color series.

Nippon Steel improved coating for higher scratch resistance and added a silver color as Zinkote series. The firm also succeeded in development of Zinkote with much higher scratch resistance by the unique technology to add resin beads into coating layer.

Nippon Steel developed Zinkote Black in 2009. The steel sheet can be colored within electronic galvanizing line (EGL) by adoption of original paint cooperatively developed with a chemical maker. Total CO2 emission can decrease remarkably compared with conventional coated steel. The users can eliminate the painting process at themselves.

Nippon Steel has already prepared for mass-production of Zinkote Silver at EGLs in Kimitsu and Hirohata works where Zinkote Black has been manufactured. Zinkote Silver is now under the users’ certification tests.