A Perfectly Uniform Finish, Inside and Out.

When evaluating an electrophoresis coating production line, the most critical distinction is between cathodic and anodic systems. In an anodic system, the part to be coated is the anode (positive electrode). During the process, a small amount of iron from the part's surface dissolves into the paint film, which compromises the adhesion and corrosion resistance. In a cathodic system, the part is the cathode (negative electrode). No metal dissolves from the part, resulting in a much purer, more robust coating with vastly superior adhesion and corrosion resistance. While anodic systems are older and less expensive, virtually all modern high-performance applications, especially in the automotive industry, exclusively use the cathodic electrophoresis coating production line due to its significant performance advantages. TIMS specializes in advanced cathodic systems to provide the highest level of protection.

A significant area of innovation for the electrophoresis coating production line is the development of low-temperature-cure E-coat formulations. Traditionally, E-coat requires curing temperatures of around 175-185°C (350-365°F). This consumes a great deal of energy and limits the types of products that can be coated, as it can damage heat-sensitive components or complex assemblies. New paint technologies are emerging that can be fully cured at temperatures as low as 120°C (250°F). At TIMS, we are actively working with paint suppliers to engineer and optimize the electrophoresis coating production line of the future to take advantage of these new materials. This will dramatically reduce energy costs for our clients and open up the superior protection of E-coating to a whole new range of products and industries.

E-coating, the common term for the process performed on an electrophoresis coating production line, is a method of painting that uses an electrical current to deposit paint onto a part. The part is submerged in a tank containing a water-based paint emulsion. The part is given an electrical charge (typically negative, in a cathodic system), and electrodes in the tank are given the opposite charge. This creates an electrical field that draws the charged paint particles directly to every metal surface on the part. As the paint deposits, it forms an insulating layer that forces the coating to seek out the remaining bare metal areas. This results in a perfectly uniform, complete coverage that is impossible to achieve with sprays. After deposition, the part is rinsed and baked in a curing oven, which cross-links the resin to form a hard, durable, and corrosion-resistant finish.

A complete, turnkey electrophoresis coating production line from TIMS is a complex, integrated system. The main components include: 1. A Pretreatment System: A series of tanks for cleaning, rinsing, and applying a conversion coating like zinc phosphate. 2. The E-Coat Tank: A large, temperature-controlled tank containing the paint emulsion, anodes, circulation pumps, and filtration systems. 3. A DC Rectifier: The high-tech power supply that provides the controlled electrical current for the process. 4. Post-Rinse System: A series of spray and dip tanks to rinse off excess paint drag-out. 5. An Ultrafiltration/Reverse Osmosis System: The "kidneys" of the line, which purify rinse water and recover paint solids for reuse. 6. A Curing Oven: A precisely controlled oven to bake and cross-link the coating. 7. A Conveyor System: To transport parts through the entire process. 8. A Central Control System: The PLC and HMI that automates and monitors the entire electrophoresis coating production line.