When it comes to the durability of a semi-trailer, chassis anti-corrosion protection is one of the most important factors. Krone has chosen to apply one of the most advanced painting systems in the industry: cataphoretic painting, also known as the KTL (Kathodische Tauchlackierung) process. This technology, borrowed from the automotive industry and adapted for the large-scale production of semi-trailers, guarantees exceptional protection against corrosion, even in extreme operating conditions.
Cataphoresis is an electrochemical process in which the metal components of the chassis are fully immersed in a water-based paint bath. By applying a continuous electric current, negatively charged paint particles are attracted to and deposited evenly on the metal surface (the cathode), reaching even the most difficult-to-access areas: internal cavities, welds, corners, and folds. Unlike traditional spray-painting methods, KTL ensures a 100% uniform coating of the entire surface, with no gaps or vulnerable areas. The thickness of the deposited layer is precisely controlled, providing a consistent and reliable barrier against moisture, salt, and chemicals a semi-trailer encounters daily on European roads.
The KTL process applied by Krone involves more than just submerging the chassis in a bath. It follows a rigorous multi-step protocol, each step essential to the final result. First, the metal components go through intensive degreasing and cleaning, to remove any trace of oil, dust, or surface oxidation. This is followed by a phosphating phase, which creates a crystalline layer on the metal surface, improving paint adhesion and adding an extra level of protection. Only after these preparation stages is the chassis introduced into the cataphoretic bath, where the electric current evenly deposits the KTL primer layer. Finally, the components pass through a curing oven, where the paint is hardened at high temperatures, ensuring maximum adhesion and superior mechanical strength. The entire process is automated and electronically monitored, guaranteeing the same quality for every chassis produced.
For a transport operator, choosing a semi-trailer with a chassis treated using the KTL process directly translates into lower maintenance costs and a higher residual value at resale. Krone’s cataphoretically treated chassis withstand over 1,000 hours of salt spray corrosion tests—a standard rarely achieved by traditional painting methods. This means that, whether the trailer operates on the coast, in areas with harsh winters, or on routes where roads are heavily salted, the metal structure remains protected for the long term. Moreover, the KTL process is environmentally friendly: the water-based paint bath significantly reduces emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) compared to conventional methods, aligning with European industrial environmental standards.
What sets Krone apart from many other manufacturers is that the KTL process is not an extra-cost option, but part of the standard specification on all models — from the Profi Liner and Mega Liner, to the Cool Liner refrigerated trailers and tipper models. This decision reflects Krone’s philosophy of delivering products ready to meet the real challenges of European transport, with no compromise on durability. The investment in the KTL process is, ultimately, an investment in the operator’s peace of mind: less time in the workshop, less budget for surface repairs, and a semi-trailer that looks and performs well after years of intensive use.
