Itt Automotive, Inc.

Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.

Guido M Campagna

James D McDaniel

James D McDsniel

Timothy L Schwiebert

A corrosion resistant multi-layer tube comprises a metal tube; a zinc layer bonded to the metal tube outer surface; a surface treatment layer bonded to the zinc layer; a priming layer; a first polymeric layer bonded to the priming layer; a second polymeric layer bonded to the first polymeric layer. A process for manufacturing the tube comprises the step of extruding multiple layers of a melt-processible thermoplastic to a pretreated metal tube having an external surface with at least a zinc based coating, a sealant coating on top of the zinc based coating, and a primer coating on top of the sealant coating. The primer coating is preferably applied by an airless spray system in a closed atmosphere, wherein substantially no volatile organic compounds escape into the atmosphere. The polymeric layer(s) remain adhered to the metal tube, even when exposed for prolonged periods to aggressively corrosive environments.

Corrosion resistant metal tube and process for making the same

A method for preparing a multi-layer tube, useful prior to endforming for brakeline connections, comprises the steps of forming a metal tube having an outer surface and an end and bonding a corrosion resistant layer to the metal tube outer surface. A surface treatment layer is bonded to the corrosion resistant layer. A first polymeric layer is extruded onto the metal tube, such that is bonds to the surface treatment layer; and a second polymeric layer is extruded onto the metal tube, such that it bonds to the first polymeric layer. The method further comprises the step of vaporizing and removing at least a portion of the first and second polymeric layers from an area adjacent the end by rotating an axially defocused, generally elliptical cross-sectionally shaped laser beam 360&deg; about the area, while leaving the corrosion resistant layer intact.

Electro-optical removal of plastic layer bonded to a metal tube

A method for preparing a multi-layer tube, useful prior to endforming for brakeline connections, comprises the steps of forming a metal tube having an outer surface and an end and bonding a corrosion resistant layer to the metal tube outer surface. A surface treatment layer is bonded to the corrosion resistant layer. A first polymeric layer is extruded onto the metal tube, such that it bonds to the surface treatment layer; and a second polymeric layer is extruded onto the metal tube, such that it bonds to the first polymeric layer. The method further comprises the step of vaporizing and removing at least a portion of the first and second polymeric layers from an area adjacent the end by rotating an axially defocused, generally elliptical cross-sectionally shaped laser beam 360.degree. about the area, while leaving the corrosion resistant layer intact.

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Farmington Hills, MI, United States of America

Guido M Campagna