The pretreatment industry is changing. And fast.
Agricultural equipment suppliers everywhere are feeling the pressure. Regulations are tightening, customers are demanding more, and the old ways of doing things just aren’t cutting it anymore.
For years, zinc and iron phosphate systems were the go-to choice. They worked. They still work. But they come with baggage.
They need more stages. More chemicals. More oversight. And they produce sludge (tons of it). Sludge that needs to be handled, stored, and disposed of properly. It all adds up to time, money, and headaches you can’t afford.
These systems weren’t built for today. They were designed for an environment with different regulations, lower costs, and far less concern about waste and efficiency.
But compliance standards are tougher now. Operational costs are rising. And the smart suppliers are realizing it’s time to change.
How Steelcote™2000 Fixes What Phosphate Systems Can’t
Steelcote™ 2000 was designed to eliminate those pain points. It’s a fifth-generation zirconium pretreatment system that ditches the sludge, streamlines the process, and cuts maintenance time to a fraction of what it was.
It’s not just about making something work. It’s about making it work better.
Fewer stages. Less waste. Improved corrosion resistance and paint adhesion, all without overhauling your existing systems.
And the best part? It’s already running successfully in Top OEM facilities.
Why Top OEMs Trust Steelcote™2000 (And What That Means for Your Line)
Circle-Prosco, Inc. (CPI) has earned preferred status with top agricultural OEMs for Steelcote™ 2000 zirconium pretreatment. That recognition comes from meeting the performance standards of OEMs known for setting some of the toughest quality and compliance benchmarks in the industry.
So, what does that mean for you?
✔️ Easier qualification with procurement and engineering teams
✔️ Smoother integration with existing paint line infrastructure
✔️ Confidence that your process meets the same bar as industry leaders
In plain English?
It’s faster, simpler, and trusted by the OEMs who set the standard.
What Does Switching Actually Look Like?
This is the part most people overestimate.
With Steelcote™, switching doesn’t require major capital investment or a full process redesign. It’s designed to work with existing paint systems. For most lines, the biggest change is bypassing unnecessary stages, not adding more complexity.
For most Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, here’s what the transition looks like:
- Run Test Panels: Prepare panels coated with Steelcote™ Zirconium using your facility’s current paint line.
- Validate Internally or with Your OEM: Submit those panels for internal performance testing or evaluation under your OEM’s criteria.
- Make the Switch: Once validated, transition your line to Steelcote™ Zirconium and begin production. No downtime. No hassle.
It’s not a rebuild. It’s a reset. And with Steelcote™ Zirconium, it’s faster and easier.
The Bottom Line
It’s not about starting over. It’s about making things work better. Switching to Steelcote™ 2000 doesn’t require a massive overhaul or a complete redesign. It’s about refining what’s already there and eliminating the inefficiencies.
This is field-tested chemistry, already running in top AG OEM environments.
It’s simpler. It’s cleaner. It’s better. And it’s ready when you are.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I know Steelcote™-2000 will work with my existing systems?
A: Steelcote™2000 is designed to integrate seamlessly with your current paint lines. You don’t need to overhaul your setup, just implement the process in your existing system. Testing is straightforward and involves minimal downtime.
Q: What kind of support do you offer during the transition?
A: Our Solution Squad experts provide guidance throughout the entire process, from initial testing to full-scale implementation. Our team will work with you to ensure Steelcote™2000 integrates smoothly with your existing systems.
Q: Can I run tests with Steelcote™ 2000 before fully committing?
A: Yes. Testing Steelcote™ 2000 in your facility is straightforward. Just prepare panels using your existing paint line, submit them for performance evaluation—either internally or through your customer’s criteria—and review the results. This gives you a clear picture of the benefits before making a full transition.
Q: How do I get started with Steelcote™2000?
A: Contact us today. We’ll walk you through the process, help you set up testing, and make sure Steelcote™2000 fits seamlessly into your current setup.
