Electrophoresis Process

Q. What is the electrophoresis process? H.N.

A. The electrophoresis process has a number of alternate names: electrocoating, e-coating and electrophoretic coating. Parts are immersed in a paint solution contained in an electrified tank. The paint in the solution exists as ions with a positive or negative charge. When the parts are immersed in the tank, the paint migrates to the surface of the part. The paint ions gain or lose electrons at the surface of the part and are changed to solid paint that attaches to the surface.

The beauty of this process is that every part of the surface is evenly coated with the paint. The high points on the part are coated first, but as they are coated they are insulated and no longer conductive. The current is then diverted to the low spots on the surface. In many ways this process is similar to electroplating.

To learn more about this process, search PFonline.com for “e-coat” or check out the Electrocoating Zone.