Wisconsin life includes something for almost everyone. From the urban life in Milwaukee to the rural in Wisconsin’s Northwoods, people typically find hobbies they enjoy.
There is a price for in the state; however, winter! Growing up in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, I vividly remember how much the cold affected my car. Anybody living in a similar environment can relate: plopping down on a frozen seat, loosening up the stick’s linkage and brakes, and, let’s not forget, scraping ice!
Good times. Good times.
Over time, I’ve appreciated simple things, like a garage. Parking inside protects my car from the elements.
But what about other things not having that luxury?
Many people overlook the importance of protecting their metal from the elements with metal fabrication projects. E-coating is a process that has become increasingly popular for protecting metal parts from corrosion and other types of damage. In this blog post, we will discuss what e-coating is, the benefits of e-coating, why it is beneficial for metal fabrication projects, the process of e-coating, and the advantages of e-coating in cold weather.
Challenges While Working in Winter
For many, myself included, winter is a nine-month season with a few weeks of nice weather in August—I’m exaggerating!
Our orange barrel highway season lasts from early spring to late fall. When winter arrives, it brings with it several challenges:
- Cold weather causes metal to become brittle and break more easily.
- Cold temperatures affect the welding process, making it more difficult for welders to work.
- Snow and ice cause problems with access to the work site and the stability of the fabricating components.
- Moisture in the air causes metals to corrode faster, leading to costly repairs.
- Dealing with cold temperatures
- Working with frozen or icy surfaces
- Reduced working hours because of darkness
- Reduced availability of materials due to winter weather
- Difficulty in welding and other operations because of cold temperatures
- Welding is more difficult when temperatures drop.
- Maintaining a consistent temperature for the project during winter is difficult.
What is E-Coating?
E-coating, also known as electrophoretic coating or electrodeposition, applies paint to metal objects using electricity. It is an electrochemical process that coats a metal surface with a layer of paint or other solution using an electric current, causing it to adhere to the metal surface. The process is fast and efficient and works with complex shapes.
E-coating is a popular finishing process for metal fabrication projects because it is permanent, protects against corrosion, wear, and other damage, and is a cost-effective method for coating metal objects.
How Does E-Coating Work?
E-coating works by applying an electric current to the metal surface, creating a reaction permanently adhering the coating to a metal substrate and dipping the substrate into the electrically charged bath, evenly distributing the coating.
The process coats complex shapes and can apply multiple coatings quickly and efficiently to large or small parts.
E-Coating Advantages
E-coating provides a range of advantages for metal fabrication projects. The most important advantage is that it protects from corrosion and other damage. The coating is permanent and offers a high level of protection against the elements. It is also highly durable, making it ideal for outdoor applications.
The process is also cost-effective and environmentally friendly. It is much faster and more efficient than traditional painting methods and produces a uniform finish, eliminating the need for manual touch-ups. The process is also non-toxic and can coat large or small parts.
Other Advantages
- Improved durability and protection from snow, sleet, and ice.
- Better adhesion and color consistency of the e-coat paint.
- Increased resistance to corrosion from harsh winter conditions.
- E-coat paint is more flexible and won’t crack or flake easily in cold winter temperatures.
- Quicker coating process, which is helpful in cold weather.
- Easy maintenance of the e-coat finish.
- Economical alternative to other metal finishing processes.
- Better aesthetics with a uniform and smooth finish.
- Increased resistance to UV exposure in winter.
- An environmentally friendly process with no solvents or harsh chemicals.
Applications
You find e-coating on a range of metal fabrication projects. It is often used to coat parts for the automotive and aerospace industries, and it is also used to coat industrial machinery, tools, and other metal objects.
The process also coats consumer products like kitchen appliances, furniture, and more. It is also used to coat medical devices, electronics, and other objects.
In Sum
E-coating is a cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional painting methods. It is faster and more efficient than other coating methods, as it produces a uniform finish, eliminating the need for manual touch-ups. The process is non-toxic and coats large or small parts. E-coating is ideal for metal fabrication projects in cold climates, as it provides protection against the elements and is highly durable.