06.24.16
PPG has announced that ENVIRO-PRIME EPIC electrocoat (e-coat) technology has received full approval from the PSA Group following production line conversions and testing at two of the automaker’s facilities in Europe.
Enviro-Prime EPIC e-coat is a patented, metal-free catalyst technology that offers superior smoothness, corrosion resistance and thin-film pretreatment performance. Available in high- and hyper-throwpower versions, the e-coat helps automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) comply with global environmental standards while avoiding the cost volatility of e-coats using metals that are in limited supply, such as bismuth.
“Enviro-Prime EPIC e-coat fulfills our expectations for corrosion resistance, adhesion and general performance,” said Rodolphe Anquetil, head of the anticorrosion department for PSA Peugeot Citroen. “It provides us with best-in-class appearance. We consider the conversion to Enviro-Prime EPIC e-coat a success.”
The PSA Group launched the technology at its plant in Mangualde, Portugal, in October 2014, and, based on that success, at its largest European plant in Vigo, Spain, in August 2015. Significant testing and analysis, including a vehicle with Enviro-Prime EPIC e-coat that underwent 60 testing cycles, confirmed the e-coat’s performance in appearance, mapping sensitivity, bacteria sensitivity, thin-film pretreatment compatibility, film-build distribution and throwpower. The testing also proved a 10 percent reduction in the amount of e-coat product required compared to the plants’ previous technologies.
“Enviro-Prime EPIC e-coat is setting the tone for increased market expectations because of its outstanding appearance at a low exterior thickness,” said Luis Aragon, PPG global account director, automotive OEM coatings. “Its proprietary organic catalyst also ensures sustainability by providing a low-temperature cure capability without negative environmental impact. Overall, it provides a great combination of premium performance at an optimized cost per vehicle.”
Enviro-Prime EPIC e-coat is a patented, metal-free catalyst technology that offers superior smoothness, corrosion resistance and thin-film pretreatment performance. Available in high- and hyper-throwpower versions, the e-coat helps automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) comply with global environmental standards while avoiding the cost volatility of e-coats using metals that are in limited supply, such as bismuth.
“Enviro-Prime EPIC e-coat fulfills our expectations for corrosion resistance, adhesion and general performance,” said Rodolphe Anquetil, head of the anticorrosion department for PSA Peugeot Citroen. “It provides us with best-in-class appearance. We consider the conversion to Enviro-Prime EPIC e-coat a success.”
The PSA Group launched the technology at its plant in Mangualde, Portugal, in October 2014, and, based on that success, at its largest European plant in Vigo, Spain, in August 2015. Significant testing and analysis, including a vehicle with Enviro-Prime EPIC e-coat that underwent 60 testing cycles, confirmed the e-coat’s performance in appearance, mapping sensitivity, bacteria sensitivity, thin-film pretreatment compatibility, film-build distribution and throwpower. The testing also proved a 10 percent reduction in the amount of e-coat product required compared to the plants’ previous technologies.
“Enviro-Prime EPIC e-coat is setting the tone for increased market expectations because of its outstanding appearance at a low exterior thickness,” said Luis Aragon, PPG global account director, automotive OEM coatings. “Its proprietary organic catalyst also ensures sustainability by providing a low-temperature cure capability without negative environmental impact. Overall, it provides a great combination of premium performance at an optimized cost per vehicle.”