THE PRETREATMENT PROCESS

Proper pretreatment of parts prior to the powder coating process is essential to superior adhesion and durability. One of the most critical pretreatment processes is the laser scale which mitigates the oxidation produced from laser cutting metal. We use a phosphate-free acidic solution in the first stage of the pretreatment process which removes this oxide and allows the powder to adhere directly to the base metal, ensuring paint durability and longevity.

gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==

Our Advanced Multi-Spray Washing System

To ensure the most effective adhesion possible, it’s crucial to verify that all surfaces of the part or component are completely clean. We closely oversee each pretreatment stage with an automatically computerized titration monitoring system to ensure consistent titration levels and uniform application. Our multi-spray washing system is automated to move parts and components efficiently and effectively through the pretreatment process to maintain optimized production schedules and reduce waste. We work to continually maintain our washing system to ensure maximum productivity and quality. Our 8-stage pretreatment process is an environmentally friendly, phosphate-free pretreatment system.

Our 8-Stage Pretreatment Process Includes:
Pretreatment Step 1

ACID
DESCALE

Pretreatment Step 2

RINSE REVERSE
OSMOSIS (RO) WATER

Pretreatment Step 3

ALKALINE
CLEANER

Pretreatment Step 4

RINSE RO
WATER

Pretreatment Step 5

RINSE RO
WATER

This rinse is to ensure that we don’t carry alkalinity into the 6th stage.

Pretreatment Step 6

ZIRCONIUM

Pretreatment Step 7

RINSE RO
WATER

Pretreatment Step 8

EMPTY

Used for powder coating unique materials

Pretreatment Step 1

ACID
DESCALE

Pretreatment Step 2

RINSE RO 
WATER

Pretreatment Step 3

ALKALINE
CLEANER

Pretreatment Step 4

RINSE RO
WATER

Pretreatment Step 5

RINSE RO
WATER

Pretreatment Step 6

RINSE RO
WATER

This rinse is to ensure that we don’t carry alkalinity into the 6th stage.

Pretreatment Step 7

RINSE RO
WATER

Pretreatment Step 8

EMPTY

Used for powder coating unique materials

gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==
gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==
gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==
gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==

EXPLORE OUR OTHER POWDER COATING CAPABILITIES

POWDER COATING PROCESS

EK’s proprietary application process can be formulated to withstand higher temperatures, elevated salt spray, UV fade, and chemical resistance to accommodate a wide variety of client needs.

Learn More 

BATCH OPTIONS

Our world-class powder coating finishes can now be applied on large scale parts spanning 8 ft. wide, 10 ft. tall, and 20 ft. long.

Learn More