Filler, general

Filler or functional layer
Fillers are usually applied using high-speed rotary dispensers (ESTA).

P98.00-0775-12

The filler is used to fill and level out uneven areas in the substrate and thus create a level, smooth surface for the top coat application.

Due to the elastic properties of the filler, it helps protect against mechanical stresses (e.g. in case of stone chipping).

To protect against chemical stresses and ultraviolet radiation, the filler can contain corrosion protection pigments.

In order to accommodate the increasing requirements for environmental protection, the filler is being replaced increasingly by water-base systems, the so-called functional layer.

The functional layer fulfills the same purpose as the filler, however, offers better environmental compatibility with simultaneously reduced coat thickness and therefore less material consumption.

In the future, the paintwork method that is being used will be converted in the production plants or model series to the so-called integrated process 2 (IP2).

The special feature of the IP2 is that two layers of base coat are applied "wet on wet".

The first base coat layer takes over the functions of the filler or the functional layer.

The omission of filler or functional layer saves energy and reduces carbon dioxide output while the high paint quality remains unchanged.