Through extensive experience and knowledge, they have built up skills for electrochemical surface treatment. They offer, among other things, electropolishing, derouge, passivation, deburring, chemical cleaning and much more. With their range of surface treatments, HENKEL helps with the removal of corrosion and unwanted surface layers even on-site, offers comprehensive documentation of their treatments (GMP) and provides the technical metal with increased functionality. The company started its operations in 1977, when electroplating expert Gerhard ADOLF and Dr. Georg HENKEL founded ADOLF GmbH and ADOLF GmbH & co. KG in Waidhofen/Thaya in Austria. Initially, the many potential customers were completely unaware of the possibilities of electrochemical surface treatment. The customers had first and foremost to be educated about the basic advantages and technical possibilities of the process. Often, components intended for use in sensitive areas were mechanically polished, allowing sanding residue and particles to migrate into the media. Under a microscope, it was immediately clear that only topographic peaks were removed by mechanical grinding, and the valleys were smeared by abrasion. Only electrochemical removal of material cleared these valleys and rounded and cleaned the surface at the same time.HENKEL's first order from a large pharmaceutical company in Vienna in 1977 can be described as a global innovation. At the time, this project was the first systematic electropolishing work ever performed on large pharmaceutical components. In total, HENKEL treated the surfaces of 10 pharmaceutical containers using electrochemical polishing. Electropolished surface treatment is specifically used in highly sensitive production areas and aseptic bottling. This is the only way to prevent transfer of sanding residue and particles while preparing the stainless steel containers for CIP. This first successful project was followed by countless others within the pharmaceutical sector. Alongside this core industry, HENKEL also offers final cleaning of components and pipes in the company's own cleanrooms.
In 1982, HENKEL operated as a franchise under the name Poligrat as part of a Central European franchise organization. This association lasted for over a decade until HENKEL separated from Poligrat in 1994. The company has been named after its founder, HENKEL, ever since. The name HENKEL now stands for expertise in relation to surfaces and materials as well as excellent quality, reliable delivery and flexibility. As the number of customers in various industries grew, so did individual challenges for facilities, processes and personnel. In addition to moving to a larger site in Waidhofen, the company expanded in Hungary and Germany to establish and develop cooperation with companies including Dockweiler. Over the years, what was once a two-man operation has become an international concern with over 150 employees. In addition to expanding the space, the company has also continued to evolve from a technical perspective to be able to offer their surface treatment services to a much wider range of customers. HENKEL therefore boasts special facilities that allow them to polish coils and both the inside and outside of pipes. In 2016, HENKEL acquired a facility for internal electropolishing of corrugated tubes at their factory in Neustadt-Glewe. In addition, a new plant for chemical polishing of gas cylinders was launched in Waidhofen/Thaya, and the company is now able to process large components in their huge, modern pickling plant in Györ. Cathode technology has also developed specially, which now allows complex pipe shapes or very large tanks to be electropolished according to need and specification. Another HENKEL specialty is their processing options on-site at the customer. Dismantling and transporting large tanks and components is not always economically profitable or feasible, especially for fixed appliances, and therefore the company has developed special procedures for use on-site. The human and technical requirements to make these a reality have been constantly improved and optimized ever since. HENKEL on-site service is an important part of the company's service portfolio with established teams in Austria and Germany. A third on-site team is currently being set up for the Eastern European market. Thanks to their high quality, HENKEL helps customers achieve greater functionality, efficiency and sustainability. HENKEL wants to become the most important supplier for comprehensive and professional surface treatment of metals in Europe. At Alflow, we offer a wide range of services in collaboration with Henkel. Contact us and find out more.
