Sespel tests robotic zinc coating for steel semi-trailers

A steel fuel tanker was used as the pilot unit, with a protective zinc coating applied to both the tank and frame. Robotisation forms part of the company’s work to improve vehicle durability.

Sespel has successfully tested an automated zinc-coating process for steel semi-trailers. A steel fuel tanker was the first unit treated, with coating applied to both its tank and frame. The work therefore covered both main structural parts of the semi-trailer.

Protection for the tank and frame

Improving corrosion protection is an important part of work on vehicle durability. This project focuses on both the tank and supporting frame rather than a single component. The photographs show the treated pilot tanker and inspection of the applied coating.

Robotising a production operation

Robots are used in the process. For the company, this is another area of automation in steel semi-trailer manufacture. The successful test on the fuel tanker is a practical outcome of introducing robotic processing at the plant.

Working towards longer-lasting coatings

The purpose of zinc coating is to strengthen corrosion protection of steel surfaces and help the paint coating last longer. For the semi-trailer, this applies to both the tank and frame, which are exposed to environmental conditions during operation.

The completed test is a step forward in protecting Sespel vehicles. The project centres on the resulting unit: a steel fuel tanker with a treated tank and frame.