phreeco® is a phosphate-free coating for future-proof cold forming of wire. The coating was developed by voestalpine Wire Technology as an alternative to traditional phosphate coatings and is a 100% heavy-metal-free, phosphate-free, and PFAS-free wax-based solution. Its organic-inorganic hybrid bond ensures strong adhesion, long-term stability, and excellent resistance to mechanical stress during cold forming - even in multi-stage forming processes. The use of this innovative coating technology is particularly aimed at applications where existing forming processes are to be maintained while simultaneously reducing environmental and disposal requirements.
Wires with phreeco® phosphate-free coating - Process integration and handling during operation
phreeco®-coated wires can be processed using the same auxiliary materials as zinc-phosphated wires. These include, among others, drawing soaps, commercially available forming oils, and standard lubricants for cold forming. From a process engineering perspective, this means:
- No need to change the media used
- No need to adjust existing forming parameters, i.e., a smooth transition without process adjustments
- No additional cleaning steps on machines
- Ideal for multi-stage cold forming
- Compatible with standard forming oils and drawing soaps
The transition from phosphate-containing coatings to phreeco® is thus possible without fundamental changes to the existing production line.
✔ From ore to wire
✔ 400+ steel alloys
✔ Own R&D facilities
✔ CO2 reduced processes
Applications for phosphate-free coating
phreeco® is used as a lubricating and functional coating for the cold forming of wire, particularly in industrially integrated processes. Typical applications include:
- multi-stage cold-formed parts
- components for the manufacture of lifting chains
- components produced using combined cold forming and thread rolling processes
Due to the coating’s high stability, phreeco® is particularly suitable for processes with multiple forming stages as well as for integrated systems in which forming and thread rolling take place without intermediate treatment.
Customized wire solutions:
- individual wire development for special industry requirements
- prototypes & small series for research and industry
- material consulting for demanding projects
Technical details about the phosphate-free coating phreeco®
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Product type |
Water-diluted, phosphate-free lubricant based on an inorganic binder matrix and organic waxes |
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Product feature |
The coating enables high forming performance with minimal lubricant application |
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Color of the dry coating layer |
Colorless to slightly milky |
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Processing temperature of the coated wire at the machine inlet |
20–80 °C |
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Storage stability |
6 months under proper storage conditions |
Your benefits with voestalpine Wire Technology
- 100% phosphate-free, PFAS-free, heavy-metal-free, resulting in reduced disposal costs and lower resource consumption
- Stable coating adhesion during multi-stage cold forming processes and for integrated production lines
- Elimination of intermediate treatments between forming and thread rolling
- No delta-ferrite formation, ensuring consistent mechanical properties after heat treatment
- Directly compatible with standard cold forming oils and drawing soaps
- Excellent corrosion resistance due to hydrophobic coating properties
- No additional machine cleaning required, resulting in increased equipment availability
- Fewer washing steps, resulting in shorter cycle times and lower manufacturing costs
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the phosphate-free coating phreeco®
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Yes – phreeco® is 100% phosphate-free, PFAS-free, and free of heavy metals.
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PFAS are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances that are increasingly subject to regulation due to their high environmental persistence. At phreeco®, “PFAS-free” means that no fluorinated chemicals are used, thereby reducing environmental impact and disposal burdens and better meeting future regulatory requirements. The technical functionality of the coating is achieved without the use of fluorinated substances.
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No. The coating is directly compatible with the standard media used for zinc-phosphated wires.
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For all common cold forming processes, particularly multi-stage forming, cold upsetting, and thread rolling.
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More than 6 months under standard storage conditions.
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Because no phosphate-containing wastewater is produced and several washing and cleaning processes are eliminated.
Do you have a new project that requires cold-drawn bar?
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