Automotive Class A Line
- 3 Fanuc Robots
- Water wash booths
- HEPA Filtration
- Plural component mixture
- 46,358 square feet
- Automatic program loading
- Allowing a human-free application area
This advanced wet coating line is designed to meet the highest automotive industry standards, ensuring flawless finishes on exterior and interior vehicle components. The integration of three Fanuc robots enables precision coating for consistent quality, while water wash booths effectively eliminate overspray contaminants. HEPA filtration ensures a dust-free environment, critical for achieving a Class A surface finish. The plural component mixing system allows for the precise blending of multi-part coatings, ideal for high-performance automotive paints. This setup is essential for manufacturers producing vehicle body panels, dashboards, and trim components that require a showroom-quality appearance. Our unmatched wet coat technology sets us apart.
Applications: Automotive exterior panels, dashboards, trim pieces, side mirrors, and high-visibility interior parts requiring an ultra-smooth, durable finish.
Medium Plastic Part Conveyorized Line
- Two in-line booths
- MERV 13 air filtration
- 12,840 square feet
This conveyorized line is optimized for the efficient wet coating of medium-sized plastic parts, providing a streamlined workflow for high-volume production. The dual in-line booths allow for continuous processing, minimizing downtime between batches. The MERV 13 filtration system ensures superior air quality by capturing fine particles, reducing defects in the coating process. The 12,840-square-foot facility is equipped to handle a variety of thermoplastics and engineered plastics, making it an excellent solution for industries requiring durable, lightweight components with a high-quality finish.
Applications: Consumer electronics casings, medical device enclosures, automotive interior trim, and industrial plastic components needing protective coatings.
Large Plastic Part Conveyorized Line
- Three-stage wash with an RO halo capability
- 2 medium wave I/R ovens
- MERV 13 air filtration
- 26,400 square feet
With a focus on larger plastic components, this line incorporates a three-stage wash system with reverse osmosis (RO) halo capability, ensuring surfaces are thoroughly cleaned before wet coating. The inclusion of two medium-wave infrared ovens allows for rapid curing, increasing throughput while maintaining superior adhesion and durability. The MERV 13 air filtration system maintains a controlled environment, reducing defects caused by airborne contaminants. This system is ideal for large-scale parts that require precise coating applications, such as those used in the aerospace, transportation, and construction industries.
Applications: Aerospace panels, automotive bumper covers, agricultural equipment components, and industrial machinery housings.
Heavy Metal Part Conveyorized Line
- Two ABB robots
- Five-stage iron phosphate wash with RO capability
- Three in-line booths
- 25,560 square feet
Designed for the specialized wet coating of heavy-duty metal components, this line leverages two ABB robots for automated precision application, ensuring even coverage and minimal waste. The five-stage iron phosphate wash system with RO capability enhances surface preparation, critical for adhesion and corrosion resistance. Three in-line booths facilitate efficient workflow, allowing for continuous production. The 25,560-square-foot facility supports high-volume production, making it ideal for industries requiring durable coatings on structural and mechanical metal components.
Applications: Heavy machinery frames, automotive and aerospace structural components, metal enclosures, and industrial piping systems requiring anti-corrosion coatings.
Extra Large Capacity Batch Booth
- 16’ BY 16’ BY 60’ capacity
- 24,175 square feet facility
For oversized parts that do not fit within standard conveyorized lines, this batch booth provides a tailored solution. The expansive 16' x 16' x 60' dimensions accommodate large-scale components, while controlled environmental factors ensure optimal coating application. This setup is particularly beneficial for industries that require protective and decorative wet coatings on parts too large for automated processing. The dedicated 24,175-square-foot facility ensures flexibility in handling complex projects with varying coating requirements.
Applications: Wind turbine blades, large aerospace panels, structural beams, and industrial storage tanks requiring heavy-duty wet coatings.
Wet Coat Batch Operations
- 10 batch booths
- One automotive batch booth
For low-volume, specialized projects, the wet coat batch operations provide the flexibility needed to meet unique customer requirements. With ten batch booths and a dedicated automotive batch booth, this area allows for customized wet coatings on a wide range of materials and part sizes. The setup is particularly beneficial for prototyping, small production runs, or highly specialized wet coatings that require manual application and fine-tuned precision.
Applications: Custom automotive parts, military and defense equipment, and specialty industrial components requiring specific finishes with our wet coat technology.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wet Coating Services and Wet Coating Technology
What is the process of wet coating?
The wet coating process involves applying a liquid paint or coating onto a surface to protect, enhance, or customize its appearance. The process typically includes several key steps:
- Surface Preparation – Cleaning and treating the substrate (metal, plastic, or composite) to remove contaminants and improve coating adhesion. This may involve washing, chemical treatments, or priming.
- Application – Using spray guns, automated robotic systems, or dipping methods to evenly apply the liquid coating.
- Curing or Drying – Allowing the coating to dry naturally or accelerating the process with heat, UV curing, or infrared ovens.
- Quality Control – Inspecting the coated parts for consistency, thickness, and adhesion to ensure a durable and high-quality finish.
What is the difference between wet coat and powder coat?
The primary difference between wet coating and powder coating lies in their application methods and curing processes:
- Wet Coating: Uses a liquid-based paint that is sprayed or brushed onto the surface. It requires drying or curing through air, heat, or chemical reactions. Wet coating is ideal for parts that cannot withstand high temperatures or require a wider range of colors, finishes, and material compatibility.
- Powder Coating: A dry, electrostatically charged powder is applied to a metal surface and then cured in an oven at high temperatures. This process creates a thick, durable, and highly resistant finish. It is commonly used for industrial equipment, automotive parts, and outdoor metal products.
Both methods have their advantages, with wet coating being more versatile for delicate or heat-sensitive materials and powder coating offering superior durability for metal components.
What is a wet coat?
A wet coat refers to a liquid-based paint or coating layer that is applied to a surface before it dries or cures. In industrial applications, wet coating can be applied in single or multiple layers, depending on the required finish, thickness, and durability. Wet coats can vary in composition, including solvent-based, water-based, and two-component coatings, each designed for specific applications and environmental conditions.
What are the examples of wet coatings?
Wet coatings come in various types, each designed for specific industries and applications. Common examples include:
- Automotive Paints – Used on vehicle exteriors and interiors for a smooth, glossy, and protective finish.
- Industrial Protective Coatings – Applied to machinery, equipment, and structural components to prevent corrosion and wear.
- Aerospace Coatings – Specialized coatings that provide durability and resistance to extreme temperatures and environmental conditions.
- Marine Coatings – Designed to protect ships, boats, and offshore structures from saltwater corrosion and UV damage.
- Medical Device Coatings – Used to add biocompatible or antimicrobial properties to surgical instruments and implants.
- Decorative and Specialty Coatings – Custom finishes for furniture, electronics, and high-end consumer goods.
Wet coatings offer unmatched flexibility, making them a preferred choice for industries that require precision. Matlab Inc. is a trusted provider of wet coating services with three decades of wet coat technology optimization.
