The presence of a SALBOND-CN (Phosphate Coating) on a metal substrate normally serves one or both of two major functions :

- increasing the corrosion resistance of the substrate by comparison with an otherwise identical metal substrate that has no such conversion coating, an increase that may be measured either with or without a subsequent paint or similar protective coating

- serving as a strongly adherent "carrier" for an externally applied lubricant material that facilitates mechanical cold working.