In e-coat, the deposited paint film becomes part of the metal object until the entire workpiece is painted. Even intricate and hard to reach areas are painted. It is environmentally friendly, not a fire hazard, and has low viscosity. Paint costs are predictable because the film thickness does not vary from job to job. In addition, the deposited film is reproducible from part to part and day to day.
Electrodeposition can only take place on electrically conductive substrates.
Capital investment in an entire e-coat system can be substantial. The Onan Corporation, manufacturer of automotive parts, faced environmental regulatory requirements to lower air and waste emissions from their finishing operations. The company had invested in spray booth improvements and robotic spray equipment a few years earlier, however, which made the decision to drop spray finishing a little more difficult. Onan s old system required personnel to program and operate the robotic system, as well as to perform manual spray finishing tasks. Disposal costs have declined significantly because Onan no longer has to collect, transport and dispose of large amounts of solid waste, primarily paint overspray.