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topic 61012

Electrocoating: Auxiliary/Remote Anode for interior coverage?

August 15, 2019

Q. An automotive manufacturer has requested the design of an ED system that utilizes an auxiliary anode that is to be remotely mounted inside of a large van. The intent is to provide better throw and film coverage/thickness inside the vehicle.

Our e-coat supplier is skeptical of such a design, mentioning failures in previous applications, but ...

Does any have experience with such a design? What drawbacks do you envision with such a system and how might these be overcome to improve throughput and quality?

Mike Mitchell
engineer - Michigan

September 2019

A. Hi Mike . Auxiliary anodes are a commonplace in electroplating because the coating is not insulative, so distribution tends to be poor. I don't have hands on experience with auxiliary anodes for electrocoating, but in theory it sounds like they could work fine.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Striving to live Aloha

September 25, 2019

Thanks Ted! We have a tentative, robotic solution, that travels with the vehicle throughout the electrocoat dip process. I will keep you updated on the progress.

Mike Mitchell [returning]
- Livonia, Michigan, USA

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