Description
The Basics of
Electrocoating:Electrocoating is a process
critical to every segment of metalworking industries. Advanced
electrocoating systems allow product designers greater latitude in
the choice of materials, improve the performance and wear
properties of critical components, and give metals a high quality,
nonporous, high-adhering surface for the subsequent application of
liquid or powder topcoats, where desirable.
Definition:
Electrocoating uses
electrical energy to apply organic finishes. The part is grounded
and immersed in paint that has been charged with the opposite
polarity. Resin and pigment migrate to the part, and a uniform film
is irreversibly deposited. The part is rinsed, then
cured.
Critical Processes:
Successful film
deposition depends on four simultaneous processes:
· Electrophoresis
- the movement of colloidal materials dispersed in liquid under the
influence of a potential gradient.
· Electrolysis
- the dissociation and movement of ions.
· Electro-osmosis
- (the reverse of electrophoresis) the extraction of water from the
deposited film.
· Polarization
- the ability of the deposited film to exhibit electricity
resistance, thereby insuring even coverage.
E-Coat Advantages:
Properly engineered
systems offer precise control over film thickness, highest film
integrity and an unblemished appearance. The process offers
extremely high repeatability of results, and is a practical
alternative for metal parts of virtually all sizes and shapes,
gauges and grades.
The most common applications of electrocoating
include underhood/underbody components, recreational goods, cooking
and laundry appliances, HVAC products, and aerospace products.
Recently, manufacturers of upscale consumer products have
popularized electrocoating as a primer for powder-coated
goods.
E-Coat and the
Environment: Electrocoating benefits the
user in several important ways. Closed loop rinsing,
ultrafiltration, and the applications process itself allow material
utilization of virtually **0%. Many electrocoat paint formulas are
now available which are free of heavy metals; many are also
near-zero in VOCs and HAPs.
Electrocoating may not require a dry-off oven,
thus exhaust air and makeup needs are minimized. Finally, because
the paint is ****0% water, the risk of fire - the ultimate
environmental disaster - is vastly reduced.
The Anodic/Cathodic
Debate: Anodic systems deposit a
negatively charged polymer onto a positively charged part; in a
cathodic system, the reverse is true. We can demonstrate, and help
you compare these options in terms relevant to your plant, your
product, your production, and your future requirements. Today,
acrylic, epoxy and hybrid electrocoating are the alternatives. Of
these, cathodic epoxy deposition systems are widely regarded as the
ultimate in terms of delivering high hardness, excellent salt spray
and other performance properties.
We have extensive experience with all these
systems, and can help you consider what level of performance you
need. Would a system that delivered slightly less performance, at
significantly less cost, better serve your needs? Exploring all
options, objectively, and in detail, is, we believe, the most
important due diligence you can perform in making an e-coating
decision.
