As covered by Products Finishing in their article, “The EV and the Curing Oven,” the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is driving a significant evolution in automotive paint curing processes and equipment. The industry-wide pivot from fuel-powered to electric vehicles presents new manufacturing challenges, particularly in optimizing materials and methods to support lightweight, energy-efficient vehicle designs.
Material Changes for Lightweighting
One primary shift is the increased use of aluminum in EV body construction. Known for its lightweight and anti-corrosive properties, aluminum aligns well with the efficiency goals of EVs. Research from Ducker Worldwide estimates each EV will incorporate around 550 pounds of aluminum by the end of this decade, aiming to reduce vehicle weight and extend battery life. This material change impacts the entire production process, including the curing of automotive paints and finishes, where aluminum’s unique properties require specific thermal profiles.
Impact on Curing Processes
The transition to EVs necessitates modifications in traditional curing processes. Standard curing ovens, which finalize automotive paint coatings, now need to accommodate materials like aluminum. Adjusting the curing temperature and duration is essential to ensure paint durability and adherence while meeting corrosion protection standards.
Corrosion Protection and Coating
Curing ovens also prepare vehicle components for crucial coatings, including electrocoat (ecoat) and powder coatings, which are essential for corrosion resistance. This need for corrosion protection becomes even more critical in EVs, where traditional engine protection layers may not exist. Adjusting curing processes is vital to maintaining the longevity and environmental resistance of EV parts.
This transformation in the automotive finishing sector showcases the industry’s response to the rise of EVs, where curing practices and materials must meet the specific demands of electric vehicle production.
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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of Products Finishing.