Affiliation:
1. Faculty of Manufacturing Technologies with a Seat in Prešov, Technical University of Kosice, Štúrova St. 31, 080 01 Prešov, Slovakia
2. Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of West Bohemia Pilsen, Univerzitní 8, 306 14 Plzeň, Czech Republic
Abstract
This research examines the inter-relationship between the deposition time, degreasing temperature, and applied voltage in the cataphoretic painting process, focusing on their cumulative effects on the thickness of the formed layers. A series of experiments was conducted, systematically varying deposition time effects through voltage levels (200 V to 300 V) and degreasing temperatures (40 °C to 80 °C). The results demonstrate that the maximum layer thickness is achieved at longer cataphoretic times, with significant thickness increments observed at optimal voltage levels. Conversely, the study reveals that lower degreasing temperatures lead to increased layer thickness, while elevated temperatures tend to diminish it. Notably, the thickness variations are consistent across different voltage applications, with a discernible threshold at which the layer thickness stabilizes. Additionally, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) was utilized to characterize the elemental composition of the cataphoretic layer, providing deeper insights into the coating structure and its relationship to process parameters. This work provides valuable insights into the optimization of cataphoretic processes, offering a framework for enhancing the quality and uniformity of coatings in industrial applications. The findings underscore the importance of the precise control over process parameters to achieve the desired material characteristics, thereby advancing the field of surface engineering and coating technologies.