VDI 3455:2012-01

The quality of surface coating such as color diversity, brilliance and appearance of an automobile, is a key consideration for customers. Scratch-, chemical- and UV resistance and corrosion protection properties of the coating and pretreatment systems determine the long-term serviceability of the vehicles. This guideline describes techniques and measures for environmental protection for volume-production car body painting plants of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. The main purpose of volume-production car body painting plants is the application of surface coating, which serves both the qualitative and aesthetic demands of customers' needs. The coating consists of several layers, which are applied in the painting plants in successive process steps. The main process steps of the painting are the cleaning and pretreatment of the body, the dip coating, the application of underbody protection and sealing materials, as well as the spray painting and final cavity preservation. Furthermore the guideline covers also the paint restore and rework as well as processes associated with supply and disposal facilities (such as paint supply, storage, chemical-physical wastewater treatment plant). The paint rework for assembly and transport preservation are not described in this guideline. The described processes, types of materials, equipment and procedures in this Guideline are used in Germany or could be implemented, if any substantial change of the installation is made or when new plants are built. There are a variety of technical solutions, i.e. a combination of the described specific techniques in terms of single environmental aspects which can differ considerably from each other, but lead to an overall higher level of environmental protection for car body painting plants. The emission data and comparable data in this guideline are incorporated into the Best Available Technology (BAT) reference documents in the European Sevilla process in particular for surface treatment using organic solvents.