Improved corrosion protection a competitive advantage for Jotha
When heavy-duty vehicle manufacturer Jotha enhanced its vehicle coating system, the results surpassed all initial projections. Based on our innovative Avantguard® technology, the new fast-drying coating system improves the durability of Jotha's vehicle bodies in challenging operational environments. This increases the resale value of the vehicles – elevating the Jotha brand and giving it a considerable competitive edge.
From the initial consultation to the implementation on site, the experts were always on hand to provide us with advice and support. They carefully coordinated the entire process and ensured that all details were exactly in line with our requirements.Christian Huber, CEO, Jotha Fahrzeugbau
The challenge
German-based Jotha AG produces heavy-duty vehicle bodies, such as car transporters, tippers, and patented skip loader trailers. These vehicles cater to diverse customers, from local authorities to waste management companies, and are used extensively throughout the year. Jotha's vehicle bodies require a robust coating system to shield them from various elements, including stone chippings and the corrosive winter salts used for de-icing.
To address this need, we collaborated closely with Jotha's manufacturing team. Through a comprehensive analysis of Jotha's processes, we developed a customised coating system that provides exceptional durability and allows for precise application on each Jotha steel superstructure. In addition, the new streamlined application process enhances efficiency and accuracy when coating the vehicles.
The solution
Jotha achieves better corrosion protection with less material use – reducing emissions.
Proven to significantly enhance corrosion protection, the innovative coating system gives Jotha a competitive edge by increasing the longevity of its vehicle bodies and making them easier to resell at a higher value. At the same time, thanks to the unique properties of Avantguard technology, Jotha's applicators can work wet-on-wet just 25 minutes after flash-off at 20°C, eliminating the need to force-dry the primer and reducing energy costs and emissions associated with heating paint shops.
To guarantee a high-quality finish, each vehicle undergoes thorough checks with a coating thickness gauge. This prevents undercoating or overcoating and enables Jotha to continuously optimise material consumption, leading to reduced paint usage, decreased emissions, and lower operating costs. Additionally, the new vehicle owner receives a final coating test report, documenting the coating quality.
Proven in vigorous testing
When Jotha and Hempel tested the new coating system, it performed exceptionally well. Following a rigorous 1,000-hour salt spray test in the laboratory, the new system demonstrated substantially enhanced corrosion protection compared to Jotha's previous coating system. This remarkable improvement can be seen in the image on the right.
Comparison of two-layer coating system after 1,000-hour salt spray test. Left: previous coating system. Right: new system based on Hempel Avantguard technology
The new coating scheme and application process has not only optimised our production flow but has also significantly increased customer satisfaction. The positive feedback we have received in terms of durability and corrosion protection confirms our decision to start working with Hempel.Christian Huber, CEO, Jotha Fahrzeugbau
At a glance
- Project: Protecting heavy-duty vehicle superstructures from corrosion
- Customer: Jotha Fahrzeugbau AG, heavy-duty trucks
- Coating system:
- Hempaprime Shield 820 primer based on activated zinc technology
- Belticryl PU topcoat
- Application method: Pistol pump/Pressure tank
