About E-Coating
Because of the e-coating’s application, it is typically the better option when coating parts that contain hard-to-reach areas. That’s because the immersion of an object into a liquid promotes a more even and thorough distribution of the coating than can normally be achieved with a spray gun. The powder coating application process also tends to produce a thicker coating.
In contrast, the e-coating process provides greater ease of regulation of the thickness level — it’s much easier to produce a thinner coating with e-coating than with powder coating.
Our E-Coating Capabilities
Powercron: 4590-534
Epoxy: Black Cationic
Size: 40”x40”x80”
Average Turn-Around Times: 5 Business Days
Pre Treatment:
Our 6 stage pre-treatment system with the zirconization conversion process benefits the environment as a green alternative to traditional zinc or iron phosphate conversion coating.
Why Choose Us?
Affordable
Highest Possible Performance
Lightning Fast Quote Turn-Arounds
Between our in-house services and the services of our sister company, we can provide a true one-stop shop providing even greater value. We can also assist with the following:
- Metal spinning
- Robotic Welding, Machining, Assembly
- True 5 Axis Waterjet cutting
Powder Coating vs E-Coating
What is Right for my Application?
Powder Coat Advantages
- Economical
- Better Performance
- Most Color Durable Quality Finish
- Virtually any type of metal can be coated
- Resistant to UV
- Resistant to chipping, scratching, and wearing
- Environmentally Friendly
- Safer
E-Coat Advantages
- Better Corrosion Resistance
- Better Chemical Resistance
- Better coverage in tight or hard to reach areas
- Better control of paint thickness
- Excellent Primer Option for above reasons
Powder Coating AND E-Coat Primer = The Highest Performance
When your product needs the absolute best protection, we can utilize both processes. Using E-Coating as your primer and Powder Coating as your top coat will ensure the best corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, scratch resistance, chip resistance, and overall wearing surface available!
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Powder Coating Services
Are there any special considerations required to make steel ready for electrocoating?
As with any process, there are design considerations. First, consider how it will be racked on the conveyor. Probably most important factor is drainage for pretreatment and coating operations. The opposite of drainage is air pockets that might be created during immersion in the paint bath.Will the component fit through the ware size window for the coating system where it will be coated? When two plates are welded together with one overlapping another there can be problems with the interface. Consider using one part with greater thickness instead.
Where are electrocoated products used?
This process is used for a wide variety of metallic products. Where there is a need for exceptional coating performance over a metal substrate you may find electrocoating used as a primer or a finish coat.
Is the e-coat process cost-effective?
Economic Advantages of E-Coat:
95-99% Transfer Efficiency
Total Coverage
High Productivity
Excellent Film Uniformity and Control
Low Applied Cost
Low Maintenance
How long will electrocoating protect my steel from corrosion?
This question cannot even be estimated without more information. For starters, it would depend on the conditions to which the coating is to be exposed, the process used and the material applied.
Why would you want to paint over electrocoat?
Electrocoat (E-coat) does not always have to be top coated. E-coating does not hold up well to the sun’s UV rays, so using a top coat when exposure to UV rays is likely is a great idea. Often, E-coat can work as a one coat final finish. But, when paired with a top coat, the electrocoat acts as an outstanding anti-corrosion primer to liquid or powder top coats. These top coats allow for a variety of color and gloss options that are not practical or easy to quickly change in an E-coat tank.
How does electrocoating protect steel from corrosion?
When coating professionals talk about electrocoating, they are talking about the complete process of surface preparation, coating application and paint curing. This is also true of other commonly used finishing processes such as liquid painting, powder coating and even various plating and etching processes. What makes electrocoating unique is the method of application for an organic coating material that is heat cured (Thermoset). The electrocoating material is a coating that is applied to the surface with the aid of an electric current. This current will cause the coating to completely cover recessed areas and edges. It is then heat cured to convert the material to a hard and durable film. The steel is protected from the elements by this hard and durable film. The electrocoat forms and chemical and physical barrier.
Is there any environmental impact when using electrocoating?
Yes, but, with the proper design of the processing system and support equipment the electrocoating process will be in complete compliance with the most stringent environmental regulations of the United States Environmental Protection Agency. This is also true for the environmental regulatory agencies of states, municipalities and other countries.
MN Industrial Coatings is unique in that we go through extra efforts to insure we’re environmentally friendly. We use technology that has advanced to the point where there are virtually no heavy metals or volatile organic compounds being released. The waste treatment systems we use now for the effluents from the pretreatment process can keep the release of materials considered to be hazardous at levels well below the regulatory requirements.