Henkel launches Bonderite E CO GUARD system: Stable pretreatment operations with multi-channel process control

Henkel’s legacy of Pioneering Performance in surface treatment continues with the most recent additions to its industrial metal pretreatment portfolio in North America: Bonderite E‑CO GUARD and E-CO GUARD+. These multi-channel process control units are designed to manage cleaners, rinses, and treatment stages in pretreatment lines. The goal is process stability: operators can maintain key process parameters more precisely, reduce manual intervention, and diagnose issues quickly. In this way, the Bonderite E‑CO GUARD system supports repeatable surface quality and efficient line operation.

The Bonderite E‑CO GUARD+ module of the E-CO GUARD portfolio provides expanded data extraction and flexible control options for metal treatment systems. It enables consistent process performance, reduces manual effort, and integrates into existing operations — supporting both productivity and sustainability goals. This new addition represents a significant upgrade compared to earlier systems. It is engineered for improved ease of use, offers additional functionality and expandability, and supports a wide range of requirements across North American metal finishing applications.

In operation, the focus is on continuously stabilizing relevant process parameters. In pretreatment, consistent bath conditions are critical for repeatability and process reliability. Bonderite E‑CO GUARD+ emphasizes consistent control to reduce variability and avoid large, reactive corrections. Typical measurement variables in North American applications include pH, conductivity, temperature, and ORP; additional signals can also be integrated. The unit features eight individually configurable sensing and control loops, enabling different pretreatment stages and requirements to be managed within a single line. A key benefit is the reduction of manual interaction. Automation reduces the need for operator adjustments and helps minimize the risk of inconsistent results or unnecessary chemical additions. Comprehensive diagnostic capabilities can also help reduce downtime by enabling root causes to be identified sooner and corrective actions initiated quickly.

For day-to-day operation in metal finishing, integration into existing infrastructures is also essential. Bonderite E‑CO GUARD+ supports Ethernet connectivity and Modbus TCP for connection to existing PLC or SCADA systems. Data access is complemented by a USB port that allows process data and configurations to be exported for various purposes, such as documentation and analysis. Operator functions and monitoring are provided via a full-color touchscreen with on-screen graphing. The chemical-resistant polycarbonate enclosure meets NEMA 4X requirements and is designed for industrial environments.

In the North American market, Henkel is addressing metal finishing broadly with Bonderite E‑CO GUARD control units. By combining automated control, flexible integration, and enhanced diagnostic capabilities, the Bonderite E-CO GUARD system helps manufacturers achieve reliable performance while reducing operational complexity. 

To see the power of Bonderite E-CO GUARD+ live, visit Henkel Booth S15034 at the FABTECH 2026 event from October 21-23 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Additional information about Henkel Bonderite systems and solutions can be found here.