JR2000®+: INNOVATION IN ZnNi ANTI-CORROSION COATING FOR SCREWS AND FASTENERS

Features, technical advantages, comparison, and applications.

In today’s industrial context, protection against corrosion has become a key factor in ensuring the durability, reliability, and efficiency of metal components used in critical structures. This is especially relevant in sectors such as photovoltaic energy, metal structure construction, silo and tank manufacturing, the agri-food industry, greenhouse production, and, in general, any industrial application where metal elements are permanently exposed to harsh environmental conditions: humidity, salinity, intense solar radiation, or extreme temperature variations.

Faced with this challenge, the JR2000®+ coating, developed and applied exclusively by SNK SYSTEM S.L., represents a significant advancement in surface protection technology, thanks to its formulation based on a zinc-nickel (ZnNi) alloy and the integration of the latest anti-corrosion technologies.

Throughout this document, we will explore in detail what JR2000®+ is, its main technical characteristics, how the application process works, the real advantages it offers compared to traditional anti-corrosion treatments such as hot-dip galvanizing (HDG), zinc flake coatings, or even the use of stainless steel, and why it stands out as the best solution for demanding projects in the photovoltaic sector.

What is JR2000®+

What is JR2000®+
JR2000®+ is a high-tech metallic coating based on a specific composition of zinc with 12–15% nickel, applied through an alkaline electrolytic deposition process. This combination provides significantly more efficient cathodic protection than traditional systems, as nickel acts as a stabilizer within the zinc matrix, enhancing resistance to corrosive agents without compromising the functionality of the part.

Unlike traditional galvanizing, which creates an outer layer that can be easily worn away by friction or tools, JR2000®+ penetrates and adheres at a microscopic level, becoming an active part of the component’s surface. This gives it far greater durability, even under harsh assembly conditions, high torque tightening, or extremely humid or salty environments—such as those commonly found in many open-air photovoltaic installations.

Technical Advantages of JR2000®+

Among its many advantages, the following stand out:

Uniform and controlled thickness:

Low microns that prevent clumping or common threading issues seen in processes like hot-dip galvanizing (HDG).

Superior aesthetic appearance:

Features a clean, uniform silver finish that is highly resistant to scratching—maintaining the visual appeal and professional look of structures.

Excellent adhesion:

Performs exceptionally well even under high mechanical stress or direct impact from tools.

Ease of assembly:

JR2000®+ allows for smoother assembly compared to other processes. In contrast, HDG and zinc flake coatings can create excess thickness or clumping, which hinders proper threading.

Durability and longevity:

Offers greater durability and resistance to tool abrasion than HDG and zinc flake coatings, ensuring a longer lifespan for protected components.

Application process:

Ensures uniform and lasting coverage through an alkaline electrolytic process, providing more consistent and reliable protection compared to HDG and zinc flake coatings. Unlike zinc flake coatings, which are essentially paint layers, the zinc-nickel coating process includes preliminary cleaning and activation steps to ensure optimal adhesion to the base substrate. Furthermore, the use of customizable Top Coats allows full adjustment of the torque requirements tailored to each customer’s specifications.

Corrosion Resistance and Laboratory Testing

JR2000®+ has undergone rigorous salt spray tests (in accordance with ISO 9227), achieving outstanding results: over 3000 hours without any red rust, even under C5-class environments, which is far beyond the performance of most conventional coatings.

Moreover, JR2000®+ maintains its integrity even after deliberate mechanical incisions, showing no delamination or loss of protection.

It is also worth highlighting that in comparative tests using climatic cycles and exposure in accordance with UNE-EN ISO 12944-9:2018 ANNEX B, JR2000®+ significantly outperformed hot-dip galvanizing (HDG):
While HDG begins to show signs of corrosion after 3 climatic cycles, JR2000®+ withstands 12 cycles flawlessly. (See image)

This translates into a fundamental advantage for installations where the structural lifespan must extend for decades without costly maintenance or replacement of corroded fasteners.

Thermal Performance and Structural Reliability

This translates into a fundamental advantage for installations where the structural lifespan must extend for decades without costly maintenance or replacement of corroded fasteners.

Thermal Performance and Structural Reliability
In projects located in areas with high solar radiation or extreme climates, materials must endure intense thermal variations without losing their properties. JR2000®+ offers exceptional thermal stability:

Continuous operating temperature up to 150ºC.
Resistance to thermal shock up to 240ºC for 30 minutes, followed by cooling in water at room temperature without flaking or detachment.
Elastic behavior under cyclic expansion and contraction, with no microcracking or surface fatigue.

These characteristics make it ideal for open-field metal structures, where profiles and fasteners undergo daily cycles of heating from solar radiation and nighttime cooling—often accompanied by ambient humidity or salty dew.

Detailed Comparison: JR2000®+ vs. Traditional Coatings

Property	JR2000®+	Hot-Dip Galvanizing (HDG)	Zinc Flake Coating	Stainless Steel A2/A4
Type of protection Application Average thickness White corrosion (SST) Red corrosion (SST) Scratch resistance Thermal stability Assembly issues Requires post-maintenance	Cathodic (ZnNi) Alkaline electrolytic Low >1000h > 3000 h Very high Up to 150ºC (continuous) None No	Cathodic (Zn) Hot-dip immersion Medium-high <300 (assembled) ~720 h (assembled) Low Up to 80–100ºC Clumping / excess thickness Yes	Barrier + partial cathodic Spray or immersion Medium-low ~1000 h ~1000 h Medium Up to 120ºC Fragile to handling Sometimes	Passive (non-cathodic) Material base – – High, but prone to pitting High >200ºC Risk of galling No, but more expensive

Recommended Applications

Recommended Applications JR2000®+ is especially suitable for:

Photovoltaic energy: fasteners, anchors, structural bolts.
Construction: exposed metal structures, façades, walkways.
Silo and metal tank manufacturing: resistance to constant humidity.
Agri-food industry: humid environments, salty atmospheres, washdown processes.
Greenhouses and agricultural structures: outdoor exposure, fertilizers, and moisture.

Ultimately, JR2000®+ coating represents a paradigm shift in the surface protection of metal components. Its ZnNi formulation, superior corrosion resistance, thermal stability, and carefully controlled application process make it a technically advanced solution, ideally suited for the photovoltaic sector, among others. Unlike traditional coatings, it not only meets but exceeds quality standards, delivering real value to companies seeking reliability, durability, and efficiency in their projects.

Choosing JR2000®+ is not just selecting another coating—it is choosing safety, sustainability, and a corrosion-free future for tomorrow’s energy.