Zirconium Pretreatment
For Powder Coating And Paint
Zirconium pretreatment is a thin-film conversion coating that replaces iron phosphate before powder coating or paint. CPR Systems applies it in a single step: a hot-water wash, with pressures up to 3,000 PSI and temps up to 180 degrees, cleans the part and deposits the zirconium coating at the same time. The wash water is filtered to 20 microns and reused, so nothing goes to drain.
Steel And
Aluminum Parts
Zr Green is a multi-metal chemistry, so mixed steel and aluminum lines run one process.
Single Step
Clean And Coat
Efficient clean and coat operations hot water wash operation for quick wash to dry.
Zero Discharge
EPA Compliance
Over 80% reduction in water and chemical consumption. Nothing is sent to drain.
Paint Adhesion
Corrosion Resistance
Conversion coatings for increased paint adhesion. RO rinse and seal coat compatible.
What Is Zirconium Pretreatment?
CPR System
Bondtite Washer
MDL-20 Filtration Platform
Phosphate-Free Single Step Clean And Coat
Zero Discharge, Closed Loop Recycling
Runs In Spray Wand And Stage Washer Systems
It is a phosphate-free conversion coating that bonds a very thin zirconium oxide layer to the metal to improve paint adhesion and corrosion resistance. Because it contains no phosphate, it produces less sludge and is easier to recycle than iron phosphate.
How Single-Step Zirconium Pretreatment Works:
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Hot-water wash, with pressures up to 3,000 PSI and temps up to 180 degrees, removes oils and soils. On spray wand systems, the operator adjusts pressure right at the wand for smaller, lighter parts.
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Zr Green deposits the zirconium conversion coating in the same pass.
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No rinse required when the chemistry is titrated and operated properly; city, well or RO water can be used if you rinse. Optional ESeal 480 seal coat.
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Wash water goes through a multi-step filtration process to 20 microns and is reused.
Zirconium Vs. Iron Phosphate: Which Should You Use?
Zirconium (Zr Green): best for mixed steel and aluminum lines. No phosphate in wastewater.
Iron phosphate (PhosBite): best for steel-only (ferrous) parts.
Both: single-step clean and coat, zero discharge with CPR filtration, and ESeal 480 seal coat compatible.
Compare with iron phosphate pretreatment.
Can I Use Zirconium In A Spray Wand Or Stage Washer?
Yes. Zr Green runs in both spray wand batch systems and single-step stage washers.
Switching From Iron Phosphate?
Send us parts and we'll run test panels in Zr Green at no cost. Call 574-233-9111 or request a free panel test below.
Installation, Training, After Care
Our pretreatment packages include installation of equipment, training at your facility and after start-up remote support via our online maintenance tracking programs.
Zirconium Pretreatment FAQ
Does zirconium work on aluminum?
Yes. Zr Green is a multi-metal chemistry for steel and aluminum.
Is zirconium more expensive than iron phosphate?
No. Drum pricing for zirconium and iron phosphate is close, and zirconium often comes in cheaper than some alternative phosphate-based chemistries. For most operations the cost difference is negligible, so the choice comes down to your metals and your process.
Can I convert my existing phosphate wash operation to zirconium?
Yes. CPR converts phosphate operations to zirconium. Different chemistries often call for different filtration components, so we review your current setup and chemistry and recommend what needs to change. Start with a free panel test on your parts.
How does Zr Green perform in salt spray testing?
Salt spray results depend on more than the pretreatment: the powder you use, film build and cure all change the outcome. The most reliable answer comes from your own parts and your own powder. Send us samples and we'll clean and coat test panels for free, so you can run your own performance testing. Typical coating weights are available on request; they also vary with the operator and application method.
Does zirconium pretreatment require wastewater permits?
With CPR's zero-discharge recycling, wash water is reused rather than discharged; check local rules for disposal of filter waste.
