A Fully Integrated, End-to-End Finishing System.

"Drag-out" is a term used in an electrophoresis production line to describe the liquid paint that clings to a part as it exits the main E-coat tank. This represents a significant loss of expensive paint material if not managed properly. A TIMS line minimizes and recovers drag-out in several ways. First, we design part racking and tilting mechanisms to help the paint drain back into the tank. Second, the part immediately enters a series of post-rinse tanks. These rinses wash off the remaining drag-out. This rinse water is then sent to an ultrafiltration system that separates the paint solids and returns them to the main tank, creating a closed-loop system that ensures nearly 100% of the paint is utilized.

The curing oven is the final and critical stage of an electrophoresis production line. Its function is to bake the applied E-coat film, causing the epoxy or acrylic resins to cross-link and form a hard, durable, and corrosion-resistant surface. This requires precise temperature control. If the part is under-cured, the finish will be soft and lack durability. If it's over-cured, it can become brittle and discolored. A modern TIMS curing oven uses multiple zones of control and a combination of infrared and convection heating to ramp the part to the correct temperature and hold it there for the precise amount of time required for a full cure, ensuring maximum performance from the coating.

If your current finishing process is a bottleneck, replacing it with a modern electrophoresis production line can provide a dramatic leap in efficiency. Unlike manual spray processes that are limited by operator speed, an automated E-coat line runs at a consistent, optimized pace. The process is highly repeatable, which nearly eliminates the need for time-consuming rework. Furthermore, a well-designed line from TIMS integrates all stages seamlessly, eliminating dead time between processes. Features like high-efficiency ovens and automated chemical dosing also reduce energy and material consumption, making the entire operation more cost-efficient and increasing the overall throughput of your facility.

Not all manufacturing facilities have the space for a massive, automotive-style E-coat system. For these applications, a compact electrophoresis production line is the ideal solution. At TIMS, we design space-efficient systems, such as programmable hoist lines. Instead of a long, continuous conveyor, a hoist system uses an overhead crane to move parts between a series of tanks arranged in a tight footprint. This "smart batch" approach provides all the process control and quality benefits of a larger line but is perfectly suited for lower volume production or facilities where floor space is at a premium. This makes the superior protection of an electrophoresis production line accessible to a wider range of manufacturers.