Unbeknownst to many, E-coat is a cross-process between painting and plating. It’s also known as electrophoretic painting process or EPD.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about E-coat – from its definition, how it’s done, and its benefits, all the way through to where the process is used.
The Definition of E-Coat
E-coat is a relatively complex process in which you immerse a metal part in a water-based solution that contains a paint emulsion as well. An electric current is then sent to cause the paint emulsion to condense and form over the part.
Through the process, the product can be painted on the outside and the inside – as long as the liquid can reach the metal surface it needs to adhere. The interior of the part can be coated because the coating fully insulates the exterior.
The strength of the voltage used (from 25 to 400V) determines the thickness of the coating.
The process has been fully developed over the past 50 years – making it a relatively new high-tech coating process.
The Benefits of E-Coat
A significant benefit of E-coat is its unique ability to provide protection and decoration in equal measures. The usage of material in the process is almost 100% making it highly efficient with little to no redundancy. It offers superior quality results, and thus, the price is relatively low.
E-coating also offers corrosion resistance in addition to other forms of protection. The durability of product with E-coat is also unprecedented as E-coat protects against rigorous salt spray and offers dielectric as well as acid resistance, and excellent adhesion levels.
The most significant advantages of E-coat realized when compared to powder coating and solvent-based spraying.
- Complete coverage of base material
- Consistent thickness of the coating
- No overspray problem
- Zero flammability
- Parts may be both dry or wet
- Insulated racks are not coated
The Uses of E-Coat
First used in the automotive industry for coating steel car bodies, the process has gained traction in other sectors as well. For the automotive industry, it was almost revolutionary, as it allowed for uniform coating of the entire body of the car in only two minutes, something previously unheard.
Today, on the other hand, the E-coat process is also used on a wide assortment of consumer products like jewelry, giftware, eyeglass frames, hardware, and more.
This useful process of coating is widely used for engine cradles, fasteners, radiators, agriculture, lawn, garden, HVAC, and other areas.
E-coating is mostly used in the manufacturing of heavy equipment and electrical components. Also, used on almost any electrical part that requires excellent corrosion protection.
It’s also beneficial for industries where excellent UV resistance is required.
As the E-coating process is relatively new, the technology is still advancing. You can expect the process to become even better as time passes and new methods are developed, thus allowing you to use the process more widely and effectively. If your company needs top-notch E-coating, you shouldn’t hesitate to contact us at Aerospace Metals LLC. We specialize in E-Coat as well as other forms of coating, painting, plating, and anodizing.
