Winona Powder Coating is increasingly delivering high-performance functional coating solutions for electric vehicle (EV) components and energy storage systems. Specializing in dual-coating technology, we can combine both epoxy e-coating and powder coating to maximize corrosion protection, durability, and performance.
These booming markets are an exciting new opportunity, though many of the end products present some unique coating challenges. Mainly, we’re often working with aluminum parts that will be subjected to road spray, weathering, and other harsh conditions. Another common issue manufacturers contend with is white rust or chalking issues, especially for parts kept in warehousing for extended periods.
To better serve the evolving automotive and energy storage markets, Winona has integrated new pre-treatment conversion coating technologies along with a specialized aluminum coating line.
Durable Coatings That Last – Superior Protection for Aluminum Parts
Winona offers a high-performance functional coating combination: an epoxy electro-coat base layer plus a durable powder coat topcoat. Combining e-coating and powder coating provides your products with exceptional surface protection:
Epoxy E-Coat (Underlayer or Primer):
- Applied via immersion, it ensures 100% coverage, even on complex geometries.
- Delivers robust corrosion resistance, enduring 1,000 hours of salt spray testing at thicknesses as low as 0.6 mils.
Powder Coating (Topcoat):
- A dry application applied electrostatically, then heat-cured to form a tough, resilient layer.
- Enhanced resistance to light impact, wear, UV, and weathering for long-term aesthetics.
This approach maximizes both protective performance and visual quality, essentially combining the advantages of powder coating and e-coating. Learn more in our previous article: Combining the Durability of Powder Coating and the Consistency of E-Coating.
Winona: A Specialized Pretreatment Process and Dedicated Aluminum Line
Anyone in automotive manufacturing knows the challenges of dealing with white rust and galvanic corrosion. The solution? A better powder coating / pretreatment process optimized for the needs of modern automotive parts – from complex structural members such as chassis and suspension components to fairings and other decorative elements.
Likewise, our coating process offers the same advantages to the complex aluminum components within modern energy storage systems – from battery housings and mounting structures to cooling plates. As the electric vehicle (EV) market continues to grow, so does the need for long-lasting, durable aluminum coatings.
Winona operates one of the Midwest’s premier AAMA-certified aluminum-only powder coating lines. Now featuring a state-of-the-art Henkel pre-treatment conversion coating, our superior process ensures superior coverage, adhesion, and overall efficiency compared to our competitors’ conventional lines.
Our special aluminum coating process utilizes a chromium-free etch passivation product for aluminum. It is specially designed to stabilize electrical surface resistance and improve adhesive bonding, as well as paint adhesion and resistance to corrosion. It can be used in spray and spray/immersion processes and must be combined with a suitable cleaner.
- A specially integrated Stage 1 Washer uses silicate-free, low alkaline liquid cleaner optimized for aluminum and other alloys.
- An enhanced Stage 3 Washer using a chromium-free etch passivation product, specially optimized for aluminum parts.
- Protects parts pre-coating and prevents “creepback” corrosion post-coating for more reliable long-term protection.
- Reliable surface preparation ideal for welded assemblies and adhesive bonded parts – even after being stored for extended periods.
- Pretreatment chemistry approved by VW, Daimler, BMW, JLR, Volvo.
High-Performance Functional Coating Experience for Your Application:
Battery Boxes and Housings
E-coating protects metal battery enclosures from internal corrosion caused by battery chemicals, moisture, and harsh environmental exposure. Powder coating adds another layer of defense against external contaminants as well as light mechanical abrasion.
Cooling Plates and Heat Sinks
Aluminum cooling plates and liquid-cooled slabs benefit from a powder-coated surface that resists environmental degradation, typically from coolant contact or humidity, while maintaining thermal performance.
Battery Mounting Structures
These load-bearing components, often carrying structural or electric loads, gain from e-coat’s adhesion and corrosion resistance, complemented by powder coating’s durability and protective thickness.
50+ Years of Quality American Coating Solutions for the Automotive Market
Winona Powder Coating has remained one of the Midwest’s leading industrial coaters since 1974. With two locations based out of Etna Green and Elkhart, Indiana, we have become the go-to powder coater and e-coater for customers throughout the Midwest and across the nation. Get in touch to discover how our centrally located facilities can help streamline your project.
