Electrocoating is a painting method which uses an electrical current to deposit paint. The process works on the principal of "Opposites Attract"...

 

    The electrocoat system applies a DC charge to a metal part immersed in a bath of oppositely charged paint particles. The paint particles are drawn to the metal part and paint is deposited on the part, forming an even, continuous film over the entire surface, until the coating reaches the desired thickness. At that thickness, the film insulates the part, where attraction stops and the process is complete. Depending on the polarity of the charge, electrocoating is classified as either anodic or cathodic.

 

    In anodic electrocoating, the part to be coated is the anode with a positive electrical charge which attracts negatively charged paint particles in the paint bath. During the anodic process, small amounts of metal ions migrate into the paint film which limit the performance properties of anodic systems. The main use for anodic products is interior or moderately exterior environments.

 

    In cathodic electrocoating, the product has a negative charge, attracting the positively charged paint particles. Cathodic electrocoat applies a negative electrical charge to the metal part which attracts positively charged paint particles. Reversing the polarities used in the anodic process significantly reduces the amount of iron entering the cured paint film and improves the cathodic properties. Cathodic coatings are high-performance coatings with excellent corrosion resistance that can be formulated for exterior durability.