14.  Electrocoating Today

A.  Common Coating Defects
SPEAKER: Jim Gezo, PPG Industries  

Electrocoat has become one of the most widely used coating technologies.  Its uses span a side variety of markets and continents.  Also spanning all electrocoat technologies are the defects associated with its use.  Whether craters, hash marking, or drips, they are common to all electrocoat products.  Although it may seem daunting, correcting these common concerns is straight-forward.  This discussion will highlight common electrocoat defects and explore corrective actions to address these issues.

B.  Outsourcing Options for Finishing
SPEAKER: Tim Klopfenstein, MetoKote Corp.

Almost everything we touch in our daily lives has some type of coating on it. Manufacturers often consider a non-core competency activity. Fortunately there are alternatives to installing your own coating equipment. This paper will explore one of those alternatives: having an outsourced provider install and operate their coating equipment in the customer’s facility. Advantages and disadvantages will be represented along with what to look for in selecting an outsourced, in-house coating application provider.

C.  Improving Finishing Process Performance
SPEAKER: Craig Henry, JP Tech 

The key to managing and improving finishing processes is the measurement and control of process variables.  Whether you plate, anodize, or E-coat it is essential that your process parameters are identified, measured, and maintained within the control limits and process specifications.  In this presentation we will deal with specific methods to accomplish this goal.

 D.  Powder or Liquid Over E-Coat
SPEAKER: Ron Jacob, Finishing Help, LLC

By using E-Coat as a primer under liquid or powder, added corrosion protection is achieved.  Topcoat application efficiency is also improved with the E-Coat as an undercoat.  For systems with a high percent of a single color and many alternative colors, E-Coat can be the primary color with liquid or powder for the minor colors.  The topcoat would only be needed on the exposed surfaces (as seen by the end-user), with E-Coat providing protection on other surfaces.