201 Ohio St.
Pioneer, Ohio 43554
419-737-2138

E-Coating

We have 170+ team members operating 5 E-Coat lines in our 180,000 sq ft facility.

E-Coating Specialists

The Reifel Industries has five fully operational e-coat lines that have been purchased new to eliminate downtimes. We presently operate 3 shifts of production in our 180,000 sq ft facility. Our current employment is 170 people and growing.We use OEM approved pre-treatment and paint. offering black, red & blue catholic epoxy e-coat. We specialize in both small and large parts which often require custom rack design to eliminate defects caused by part geometry. Along with our standard e-coat process we offer unique partial coating capabilities. We paint tether and ISO FIX wires which require partial paintings

What is E-Coating?

E-coating is a paint process that uses electricity to coat a metal part with paint. The most common metals used include steel, zinc, brass, aluminum or any other conductive material. After cleaning, the entire part is immersed in the electrodeposition paint tank. The paint bath is comprised of 20% paint solids (the portion that remains on the part) and 80% deionized water.

Upon application of the electrical potential (voltage) the paint solids are transported by electrical current from the bath to the part’s surface one molecule at a time. As the exterior surfaces of the part become coated, an electrical resistance builds. Since electricity always seeks the path of least resistance the electrical current automatically flows to areas of the part not previously coated. This process continues until all surfaces of the part are coated with the same thickness of paint solids. When the entire part is coated with the proper film thickness the flow of electricity will slow to a stop. When the electrical current stops every surface on the part is coated with a uniform thickness of paint solids.

After the paint solids are applied electrically, all runs and drips that could cause an uneven film must be removed in the post rinses. An ultra filter, which separates deionized water from the paint solids, is the basis for the closed loop post rinse system. Rinse water is continuously refiltered and reused. The excess paint, not electrically deposited, flows back to the paint tank where it can be reapplied.

Once the runs and drips have been removed, the part transfers to the dehydration and cure ovens. The dehydration oven is used to remove all water from the electrically applied paint film. After all the water is removed the part enters the cure oven. In the cure oven, the paint film undergoes a molecular transformation. The paint solids that were applied electrically now crosslink with each other and become a smooth, even, layer of acrylic modified epoxy. This epoxy film is extremely dense, thin, smooth and resistant to attack by a wide variety of chemicals.

E-Coat Advantages

The Reifel Industries paints metal parts supplied by manufacturers who require or choose the e-coat paint process. Because of the efficiency of the e-coat process and the assurance of uniform paint coverage many manufacturers are requiring that their parts are painted using e-coat The advantages to e-coat are numerous. If you are not familiar with the e-coat process, here are just some of the benefits from using the e-coat process for your manufactured parts.

Economical Advantages

  • Complete Coverage With Precise Film Thickness Control
  • High Productivity – Lower Cost
  • 100% Transfer Efficiency
  • Maintenance Free Finish

Environmental Advantages

Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) – Water based paint system

HAPS (Hazardous Air Pollutants) Free Products

Partially Coated Parts

Using the latest technologies and innovative methods, we have become the forerunner in partial painted parts. We regularly e-coat paint tethers, ISO FIX wires and small stampings which require partial paintings. When you compare the cost of e-coating painting of tethers and ISO FIX wire with other E-Coat operations, you will find that the Reifel Industries will consistently be more competitive.

E-Coat painting of tethers, ISO FIX wires, small stampings and other partially painted parts requires special handling, customized equipment and the knowledge to utilize these. The Reifel Industries has these abilities.