Phosphatising is a chemical / electrochemical process, in which thin, microcrystalline and water insoluble phosphates are produced on metal surfaces from phosphoric acid solutions in a dipping or spraying process. Because they originate from a chemical reaction with the underlying metal, the pale to dark grey coloured metal phosphate coatings are firmly anchored to the metal surface and have numerous cavities and capillaries. This property gives the phosphate layers an optimal absorption capacity for oils, waxes, colouring pigments and paints, so that they have proved their worth as corrosion protection and as a good surface for coats of colouring and paint.
 
A further property of the phosphate coating is the ability to reduce friction (as arises for example in deformation, drawing or sliding processes). So, as well as an improvement in the surface properties of the peaces treated, in prolonged use of the tools the work rate can be fundamentally increased.