Underbody Coating

Underbody Coating :

It is the uniform deposition of layer of a material usually undercarriage of the automobile to prevent it from corrosion.Underbody coating provides long term protection from corrosion to car's underbody. It also protects parts like internal body panels, frame rails and other inner cavities that are not physically accessible but are prone to corrosion.

Types of underbody coating :

Electro-Depositon :

In the electro-deposition stage, the primary anti-corrosive coating is applied using an electro-chemical process similar to electroplating. Essentially, the vehicle bodies are given a strong negative electrical charge and immersed in a dip tank of positively charged paint. Plates placed along the sides and the bottom of the tank charge the paint. These plates connected to the positive side of a large DC power supply. The vehicle body and the carrier cradle are connected to the negative side of the power supply by wipers mounted on the cradle and a bus bar suspended over the electro-deposition tank.

This process is called cathodic electro deposition because the paint is deposited on the negatively charged body called the cathode. Without getting into the chemical particulars, the cathodic method is superior to the anodic method (where the body is positively charged) for several reasons. They are,

• Superior corrosion resistance

• Lower film thickness

• Lower electric current requirement

• Better ability to reach highly recessed areas without overcoming the easily reached areas.

Once out of the electro-deposition dip tank, the vehicle body is rinsed with several sprays of re-circulated, filtered electro-deposition paint. It is also rinsed by fresh and recirculated deionized water. The rinsing removes any gragout (non-film layer paint) still on the body.

This inclination angle and the time for which the car body is inside the electrolytic Deposit bath is decided by thr weight and the facilityof the plant. The angle at which it rotates is the angle at which all the ED droplets are let out. There cannot be any lag or any droplet cannot be stored inside the body which will lead to the additional reaction and more coating there, which is not our design intention,  so that the body is rotated in such a way that no droplet is found inside or every part of the body is completely Electro Deposited. The more better ED coating is, the more better is the paint absorption and corrosion ressitant the car will be.

Rubberized Underbody Coating

This is generally thought of as the best underbody coating for your car. It preserves the underbody well, protecting it from scratches. Applying this to the undercarriage is not much of a hassle either.

Wax Based Underbody Coating

This is more or less  an ephemeral undercoating will wear away in a few months’ time. On the upside, wax-based undercoating puts up a big fight against moisture. It is also the most affordable option out there.

Asphalt Based Automotive Undercoating

Best suited for lorries, trucks and large vehicles this provides a greater degree of protection compared to rubber-based coatings. However, asphalt-based coatings contain little amounts of rubber for sound-insulation purposes. The process of applying this coating is a bit time-consuming though.

Polyurethane Underbody Coating

This coating closes up splits and fractures on the underbody of the vehicle. It offers up good protection against corrosion and also bonds with the metal. Unlike in the case of asphalt-based coating, you can paint over the polyurethane coating.

 

Advantages of Undercoating

Now we will tell you why you should consider investing in a vehicle underbody coating.

• Fights Rust
  

  It plays an important role in keeping corrosion at bay. Underbody coating can come in handy especially if you live near the sea, where there is too much humidity, and rusting is just one of those everyday things. You should also seriously consider undercoating if you reside in a place where it snows in winter.

• Absorbs Noise

  Believe it or not, very thick undercoating can soften the noises that reach the cabin. Since the undercoating is often made up of rubber it absorbs some of the rackets. The occupants of the car could spare themselves of the road noises – at least up to a certain extend.

• Reinforcement
  

  If your car comes with stock underbody coating, using another coating on top of it, is not going to hurt. It will offer additional reinforcement, protecting the underbody from water, road debris, gravel and small pebbles. There would also be a lesser chance for the factory coat to flake away.

• Prolong Car’s Life
  
  
• Good undercoating not only defends the underbody from corrosion but also protects the engine and transmission as well! Less rusting coupled with slower wear and tear can surely add years to the lifespan of your vehicle. There would be fewer dents, dings and scratches on the undercarriage for you to fret about.

Disadvantages of undercoating :

• Undercoating will not help, if corrosion already exists and the corrosion needs to be removed first before it can be applied, which can be expensive.
• It is less helpful if corrosion is already present.
• It adds weight to the vehicle.
• An undercoating is not impervious to damage.An undercoating can provide a hardened layer of protection against dirt and debris that may cause corrosion.The lifespan of this product may be minimal.