The Science of E-Coating: A Look Inside Modern Electrophoresis Equipment

<p>While based on the same scientific principle of using an electric field to move charged particles, the scale and purpose are vastly different. Lab electrophoresis equipment is small-scale and used for analysis (like separating DNA). Industrial electrophoresis equipment from TIMS is a large-scale production system used for applying a durable, protective coating onto manufactured goods.</p>

<p class="md-end-block md-p md-focus"><span class="md-plain md-expand">A complete system includes several key pieces of electrophoresis equipment: a multi-stage pretreatment washer, the main E-coat tank with anodes and circulation systems, a DC rectifier (power supply), an ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis system for paint recovery and rinsing, and a high-temperature curing oven</span></p>

<p>The primary application for industrial electrophoresis equipment is to apply a highly durable and corrosion-resistant primer onto metal parts. It is the preferred method in the automotive industry and is also used for heavy equipment, appliances, and any product that requires long-term protection from rust and environmental damage.</p>

<p>The electrophoresis equipment uses a process of electrodeposition. The part is submerged and electrically charged, attracting the paint particles. As the coating deposits, it insulates the surface, forcing the electrical current&mdash;and thus the paint&mdash;to seek out the remaining bare metal in corners, seams, and internal cavities, resulting in complete, uniform coverage.</p>

<p>The rectifier is a critical piece of the electrophoresis equipment; it is the industrial power supply. It converts AC electrical current into the precisely controlled DC current needed to charge the parts and drive the coating process. Modern rectifiers from TIMS allow for programmable voltage ramping for a smoother, higher-quality finish.</p>

<p>Yes, absolutely. Every system of electrophoresis equipment we build is custom-engineered. We analyze your product size, production volume, and specific performance requirements to design a perfectly tailored solution, from the tank size and conveyor type to the sophistication of the process controls.</p>