Paint Finishing for Parts and Components in the Auto Industry

The automotive industry has highly specialized components and parts that ensure durability and safety for each vehicle. The paint finishing for each part must withstand harsh environments, heat, and daily wear and tear, so finishing for these components has become more complex. Here are some common methods and new technologies that have emerged in paint finishing for the automotive industry.

Automotive Paint Finishing Process
Paint finishing is more than just applying a color to a component or vehicle part. There are many steps in the process that are designed to: 

• Protect against corrosion and rust: Metal parts are prone to corrosion, so finishing provides a barrier to moisture, chemicals, and weather.
• Enhanced durability: Automotive parts face extreme temperatures, road salts, and UV rays, so the finish increases the life of each component.
• Improved visual appeal: Paint adds color, gloss, and texture to vehicles, so the finishing process is an important factor for each brand to stand out.
• Consistent application: When building vehicles, the finish has to match for each component from the body of the vehicle to the handles and accessories. 
  

Common Paint Finishing Processes in the Auto Industry
Some commonly used applications in the automotive industry include electrostatic painting, which uses an electric charge to apply paint to a component. This creates a smooth, consistent paint finish and reduces overspray significantly. Powder coating is another common process used, with a powder paint applied and then heat-cured to create a protective layer. This process is typically used for wheels and engine components.  Another common method is liquid paint, which provides exact color matching and is adaptable to complex surfaces or shapes. This method is typically used for components that require a high gloss finish or parts with more detail. 

Paint Booth Technologies
The automotive industry has strict quality and safety standards, and the paint finishing process plays a huge role in ensuring requirements are met. Paint booths must be designed based on the part or component being finished. There are several types of booths used for the auto industry to improve safety and reduce waste, including: 

• Water Wash Booths: For high volume operations, water wash booths use water to capture and remove paint particles from the air, improving air quality for workers and reducing contamination.
• Powder Booths with Reclaim Modules: These booths collect and reuse overspray, which helps reduce waste during the finishing process.
• Air Makeup Units: These units help to regulate temperature, humidity, and airflow inside the booth to create flawless and consistent finishes. 

The automotive industry needs durable, consistent, and appealing finishes. With new paint technologies and advancements in sustainability, the industry continues to evolve to meet the demands of the market and ensure safety and compliance. Rohner designs and creates finishing systems for the automotive industry to enhance operations, provide safety features for workers, and ensure flawless finishes. Talk to our team about paint and powder booths for your production line. 

Have questions? Please contact the Rohner team: info@rohner-usa.com