Underbody Coating

AIM- Write one page about Underbody coating and its purposes.

WHAT IS ED COATING?

ED Coating is known by many names like Electrodeposition, Electrophoretic, Electrophoresis Coating, Cationic E-Coat and Cathodic Electro Deposition just to name a few. It is an organic coating method that uses electrical current to deposit paint onto a part or assembled product. Because of its ability to coat even the most complex parts and assembled products with specific performance requirements, ED Coating is used throughout industry as a means to coat products in various categories such as: automobiles, automotive parts, transformers, metal office furniture, home appliances, fixtures and much more.

WHY ED COATING?

Finishers choose ED Coating to provide their products with a durable, lasting coating and because ED Coating can be used as a primer, top coat or both, and also with other types of coatings, the versatility is endless.

ED COATING PROCESS

This is a process where water based paint consisting of Pigment, Resin and Solvent is electroplated or coated on either ferrous or non-ferrous surface. This is usually found in automobile body parts as a prime coat before spray painting. With features like high throwing power; evenness in coating thickness and high corrosion resistant, it had already taken over many other processes such as epoxy powder painting, wet paint spraying and zinc electroplating.

• Excellent Coverage of Complex Configurations With Recessed Areas
• Internal Coverage For Parts With Crevices
• Uniform Film Thickness
• Controllable Consistent Film Build
• Benchmark Corrosion Protection
• Compatible with other Coating Technology
• Capability to Coat Aluminum and Zinc Die-Cast, Steel, Galvanized Steel and Other Metals

ENVIRONMENTAL ADVANTAGES

• No Lead
• No Chrome
• Low to No HAPs (Hazardous Air Pollutant)
• Ultralow VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)
• Heavy Metal Free Formulations • OSHA Compliance
• EPA Compliance

Underbody Coating

In Indian road conditions, a cars underbody is most prone to 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.

The main purpose of undercoating is to check rust especially in the body components like frame rails along with other exposed metal parts. Underbody coating can also reduce wear and tear
Benefits
• Minimizes Sound: It minimizes the sound from underneath the car resulting a noiseless, smooth driving experience.
• Heat Insulation: It insulates the interior of the car from extreme temperatures from beneath the vehicle providing a comfortable cabin experience.
• Anti-chipping property: If any stone hits the coating it does not get chipped away hence protects the underbody from exposure to water.

TYPES OF UNDERCOATING

Rubberized Underbody Coating

Wax Based Underbody Coating

Asphalt Based Automotive Undercoating.

Polyurethane Underbody Coating

Rubberized Underbody Coating

rubberized coating is generally the best option for protecting your vehicle's undercarriage, as it provides the simplest and best protective measures against rust and moisture.

Wax Based Underbody Coating

This – more or less – 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

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

• Cost is more.
• Third party underbod soating might void vehicle's warranty
• It adds additional weight to the vehicle.
• Must be re-applied every 3-5 years.