Spotlight Process By Brian Ethridge
E-Coating
Revolutionizing Rust Protection
An Inside Look at a PALFINGER E-Coating Facility
During a recent visit to the PALFINGER facility in Council Bluffs, Iowa, I had the opportunity to witness their famed e-coating process firsthand. When first invited to the facility to watch the process, I made a joke to some coworkers that I was going down there to“ literally watch paint dry,” but I was mistaken in thinking that this was just a“ typical” painting process.
The entire process involved several tanks— pools of paint, basically— and watching truck bodies and parts get dunked in several different tanks in a fairly automated process was quite remarkable to watch.
That aside, the e-coating process also promises top-notch protection for mechanics trucks from rust and corrosion, ensuring they can withstand the toughest jobsite conditions.
PALFINGER prides itself as the only manufacturer that epoxy electrocoats( e-coat) every crane and truck body they produce. This process is said to significantly extend the lifespan of mechanics trucks, providing unparalleled protection against the elements.
PAL Pro compartment doors going through the e-coating process.
PAL Pro mechanics truck body being lifted from one of the dunk tanks.
18 CRANE HOT LINE ® September 2024 • www. cranehotline. com