The “MAN M 3018 Corrosion protection and coating systems - Purchased parts, for trucks and buses - Technical delivery conditions” standard, published by MAN, a German-based automotive and machinery manufacturing company, applies to the corrosion protection and coating of purchased parts. Purchased parts include externally manufactured parts as well as commercially available or custom-made parts sourced from external suppliers, in accordance with MAN documentation.
The purpose of this standard is to define the coating requirements (e.g., coating resistance, adhesion strength, recoating capability) necessary for the use of purchased parts. These requirements are defined in the component drawing. The supplier/manufacturer is generally free to select a coating system that meets the requirements, unless otherwise specified in the relevant technical documentation. However, the selected coating system will be binding for all deliveries after it has been approved by MAN.
Coating systems containing hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) are no longer permitted for new designs.
For the assignment of corrosion protection classes to each component and for further background information, the MAN M 3018-9 standard applies. This standard is intended for use within MAN only and should not be applied in external supplier relationships.
In the world of heavy commercial vehicle manufacturing, durability and reliability are indispensable. MAN, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group and one of Europe's leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, and diesel engines, has long set industry standards for engineering excellence. The MAN M 3018 standard stands out as a critical guide for suppliers. This standard focuses on corrosion protection and coating systems for purchased parts. It ensures that components delivered to MAN facilities meet stringent standards for longevity, especially in demanding operating environments such as salt roads, harsh weather conditions, and heavy industrial use.
Corrosion is not just an aesthetic problem, but also a safety and economic one. Unprotected parts can lead to structural failures, increased maintenance costs, and a shorter vehicle lifespan. By mandating specific protection classes and coating systems, this standard helps MAN maintain its reputation for producing robust trucks, particularly long-haul tractors or buses.
Essentially, the MAN M 3018 standard aims to protect metal components against rust and deterioration. Suppliers don't have to guess; this standard provides clear classes and systems that ensure parts operate reliably for the vehicle's expected lifespan of over 500.000 km.
The MAN M 3018 standard defines various protection classes according to the risk of exposure:
Suppliers must accurately classify their parts during the bidding process, and MAN inspectors must verify these classifications during factory acceptance tests.
This standard lists pre-approved coating combinations, emphasizing compatibility with MAN assembly processes:
One of the key features is the required adhesion strength: the coatings must withstand 5 mm cross-cut tests according to ISO 2409 standard without delamination, even after thermal cycling from -40 degrees to 80 degrees. Environmental compatibility is demonstrated by the absence of hexavalent chromium or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) exceeding 420 g/L.
The approval process is rigorous. Suppliers submit samples for salt spray, humidity, and stone fragment simulations. Once approval is granted, any formula changes, such as pigment changes, require recertification. This ensures consistency across global supply chains, from European steel mills to Asian fastener manufacturers.
For MAN suppliers, adopting the MAN M 3018 standard is not optional, it is contractual. Delivery contracts explicitly refer to this standard, and non-compliance carries the risk of penalties of up to 5% of the order value or blacklisting. To facilitate implementation, MAN provides templates for plant certifications detailing batch tests, layer thicknesses (measured by magnetic induction), and curing times.
From a sustainability perspective, this standard supports MAN’s roadmap for the future and reduces scrap from corrosion failures by approximately 15 percent across the fleet.
As electric and hydrogen vehicles gain momentum, the MAN M 3018 standard is expected to evolve to address battery housing galvanics or fuel cell stack protections.
For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its customers, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting them in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services to businesses in accordance with the "MAN M 3018 Corrosion protection and coating systems - For purchased parts, trucks and buses - Technical delivery conditions" standard.
To get an appointment, to get more detailed information or to request an evaluation, you can ask us to fill in our form and reach you.
