Functional surface technologies for metal surfaces and industrial components
Metallic materials and technical components are essential elements of modern industry, architecture and infrastructure. They combine durability, precision and functionality and are often required to withstand demanding operating conditions. Moisture, soiling, environmental influences, chemical exposure, mechanical stress and intensive use can affect the condition and function of metal surfaces. nanopool’s functional surface technologies have been developed to provide suitable metal surfaces with additional properties. Depending on the product, material and application, they can, among other things, reduce the adhesion of certain types of soiling, facilitate cleaning and help maintain the treated surface.
Manufacturers, operators and industrial companies face the challenge of maintaining the function and quality of high-grade metal surfaces for as long as possible under the relevant operating conditions, while also making cleaning and maintenance processes more efficient.
Typical challenges include:
The appropriate surface treatment depends, among other factors, on the type of metal, the surface characteristics, the intended use and the specific stresses involved.
nanopool’s NP® Liquid Glass technology forms a very thin, transparent functional layer on suitable metal surfaces.
Depending on the product used and its correct application, the treated surface can acquire water- and dirt-repellent properties. This can reduce the adhesion of certain types of soiling and facilitate subsequent cleaning.
The transparent coating is designed to preserve the characteristic appearance and structure of the suitable substrate as far as possible. However, the specific result depends on the particular metal surface, its pre-treatment, the product used and the application conditions.
Tests by independent institutes are available for selected nanopool products and metallic test specimens. These include:
The test results relate exclusively to the products, test specimens, test conditions and application systems examined. Their applicability to a specific industrial application must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Different nanopool technologies are available depending on the material, surface characteristics and requirements. Before use, it is necessary to determine which product is suitable for the respective substrate and intended application.
Stainless steel and high-grade metal surfaces
Potential areas of application:
Depending on the product and application, the surface treatment can help to:
Aluminium and light metals
Potential areas of application:
Depending on the system and operating conditions, the treatment can:
Industrial components and technical surfaces
Potential areas of application:
Depending on the product, substrate and level of stress, the surface treatment can help to:
Whether and to what extent this results in reduced cleaning or maintenance requirements depends on the specific application and operational processes.
nanopool technologies can be used in areas including:
Depending on the condition and characteristics of the substrate, both new components and metal surfaces that are already in use can be treated. Suitability should be confirmed in advance through a material test or trial area.
nanopool technologies have already been used in a variety of industrial, architectural and infrastructure projects.
Documented application examples include:
In documented practical applications, treated surfaces have, for example, demonstrated reduced adhesion of certain types of soiling or easier cleaning. Such results relate to the specific products, surfaces and operating conditions documented and cannot be transferred to other applications without prior testing.
Further projects and application examples can be found in our references section.
nanopool solutions make it possible to provide suitable metal surfaces with targeted additional functional properties.
Depending on the product, surface and application, the following benefits may be achieved:
Specific savings, extended cleaning intervals or a longer service life depend on the particular application, level of stress and operational use and should be assessed on a project-specific basis.
Our technologies are aimed particularly at:
Together with our customers, we assess which surface technology is suitable for the respective material, the specific stresses involved and the desired application objective.
Test reports, expert assessments and documented practical experience are available for selected nanopool products and applications. The scope and significance of the results depend on the particular product, substrate, test method and test set-up examined.
In addition, nanopool and its technology development have received multiple awards. These awards recognise, among other things, the company’s innovative achievements. An overview is available here:
Test evidence and awards must be considered within their respective specific scope. They do not constitute a general guarantee for all products, materials or applications.
nanopool offers technologies for various metal surfaces, including stainless steel, steel, aluminium and other technical metal surfaces. Whether a product is suitable for a specific surface depends, among other factors, on the alloy, surface structure, any existing pre-treatment and the subsequent operating conditions.
A prior suitability test or the creation of a trial area is recommended.
The coating provides suitable metal surfaces with additional functional properties. Depending on the product, these may include water- and dirt-repellent properties. This can reduce the adhesion of certain types of soiling and facilitate cleaning.
The specific performance profile depends on the product used, the substrate and the application conditions.
The transparent functional layer is designed to preserve the characteristic appearance and structure of suitable metal surfaces as far as possible. As the result depends on the material, pre-treatment and application, the visual effect should be tested in advance on an inconspicuous area or a sample surface.
In principle, various solutions can be used on both new components and metal surfaces that are already in use. This requires a suitable substrate, thorough preliminary cleaning and the correct application of the selected product.
Suitable surface protection can reduce the adhesion of certain types of soiling, facilitate cleaning processes and help maintain the treated surface. The effects achieved in each application depend on the product, material and actual level of stress.
The technology can be integrated into suitable production, cleaning and maintenance concepts. Whether this changes cleaning intervals, material usage or maintenance requirements, for example, must be determined on the basis of the specific operating conditions.
nanopool develops functional surface technologies for metal surfaces and industrial components. The solutions can help provide suitable surfaces with water- and dirt-repellent properties, facilitate cleaning and support the preservation of high-grade materials.
We determine which technology is suitable for a specific application based on the material, surface characteristics and desired performance profile.
Tell us about your production environment, your components and your cleaning processes. We advise industrial companies on surface concepts — from a first sample to integration into running processes.
