From Raw Parts to Perfect Primer in One Continuous Flow.

The curing oven is the final and critical stage of an electrophoresis production line. Its function is to bake the applied E-coat film, causing the epoxy or acrylic resins to cross-link and form a hard, durable, and corrosion-resistant surface. This requires precise temperature control. If the part is under-cured, the finish will be soft and lack durability. If it's over-cured, it can become brittle and discolored. A modern TIMS curing oven uses multiple zones of control and a combination of infrared and convection heating to ramp the part to the correct temperature and hold it there for the precise amount of time required for a full cure, ensuring maximum performance from the coating.

"Drag-out" is a term used in an electrophoresis production line to describe the liquid paint that clings to a part as it exits the main E-coat tank. This represents a significant loss of expensive paint material if not managed properly. A TIMS line minimizes and recovers drag-out in several ways. First, we design part racking and tilting mechanisms to help the paint drain back into the tank. Second, the part immediately enters a series of post-rinse tanks. These rinses wash off the remaining drag-out. This rinse water is then sent to an ultrafiltration system that separates the paint solids and returns them to the main tank, creating a closed-loop system that ensures nearly 100% of the paint is utilized.

If your current finishing process is a bottleneck, replacing it with a modern electrophoresis production line can provide a dramatic leap in efficiency. Unlike manual spray processes that are limited by operator speed, an automated E-coat line runs at a consistent, optimized pace. The process is highly repeatable, which nearly eliminates the need for time-consuming rework. Furthermore, a well-designed line from TIMS integrates all stages seamlessly, eliminating dead time between processes. Features like high-efficiency ovens and automated chemical dosing also reduce energy and material consumption, making the entire operation more cost-efficient and increasing the overall throughput of your facility.

Designing the layout for an electrophoresis production line is a critical step. The first factor is the process flow—the layout must logically follow the sequence of pretreatment, coating, and curing. The second is part size and geometry, which dictates the size of the tanks, the turning radius of the conveyor, and the oven profile. The third factor is throughput, which determines the overall length and speed of the line. Another key consideration is maintenance access, ensuring there is adequate space around all major equipment. Finally, operator ergonomics and safety for loading/unloading zones are paramount. The TIMS engineering team uses 3D modeling to create an optimized layout that balances all these factors for your specific facility.