Automotive panel coating technologies play a large role in the aesthetics of a vehicle but most importantly, they affect the durability of a car’s exterior and offer protection.
The world’s best automotive manufacturers need coatings that provide a visually appealing finish but also protect the car against wear and tear, the environment, and mechanical damage. There is a lot more to coatings applied to the exterior of cars than picking a lovely colour! (although that’s important too!)
What Type Of Coatings Do Automotive Panels Receive?
To get the best finish and levels of protection, automotive panels will usually receive a couple of layers of treatment. These include:
A primer is applied to the bare surface of newly manufactured panels. The primer is important as it will improve the adhesion of any following coatings and provide resistance to corrosion.
Next comes a basecoat, this coating will be coloured to give the car a beautiful finish for customers.
After the basecoat comes a clearcoat. Another important layer as this coating adds a shine to the car, and offers protection against UV damage, plus minor scratches and stone chips.
Some automotive panels may have specialist coatings applied that offer qualities such as enhanced corrosion resistance. This is more common with high-end car manufacturers that want to give their customers a superior finished product.
How Are Automotive Panel Coating Technologies Applied?
Depending on which layer is being applied to a car panel, there are several different methods for applying coatings.
These include:
- Dip coating
- Powder coating
- Spray coating
- Electrostatic coating
Our Advancements In Automotive Panel Technologies
At Alphatek, we have had the privilege of working with some of the top automotive manufacturers in the world. We collaborate to develop exciting new solutions, solve issues and help improve the performance, durability, and aesthetics of some truly amazing vehicles!
We’re also always busy working on our own thermal spray solutions that can be applied right across the automotive industry. From interior detailing with precious metal surfaces to our turbocharger coatings that help reduced gas loss through compressor and turbine, the Alphatek team can do it all.
We’ve also developed new specialist automotive composite panels, which consist of a carbon fibre panel with metal skin resulting in panels that are lighter than aluminium and stronger than steel.
Alphatek Automotive Panel Coating
Here at Alphatek, we have a long history of providing metal spraying solutions for use in the automotive Industry. This includes panel coating technologies, EGR valve coatings, and turbocharger coatings.
We’re proud to have partnered with prestigious automotive brands such as Bentley, Aston Martin and Bugatti. You know you’re in good company when you work with us! You can take a look at more of our clients here.
Our team have extensive experience between them in the automotive industry and would be delighted to speak to you about our specialist metal spraying services. We might already have a solution waiting for your issue or we can work together to find one, please contact us for more information.
Our team is also more than happy to arrange a visit for you to our Ramsbottom manufacturing facility where you can see our team at work and some of the exciting technologies we are working on. We love to receive visitors!
