William Hughes can now offer Electrophoretic Painting for the protection for metal parts

Electrophoretic painting for wire parts and precision metal components has become a critical process for manufacturers seeking a high-performance protective coating. William Hughes, a leading UK manufacturer of springs and wire forms, has further expanded its in-house finishing capabilities with a state-of-the-art electrophoretic painting line.

A video demonstrating the new William Hughes capability is available on YouTube, simply enter 'Electrophoretic Painting William Hughes' into 'search' or follow the link: Electrophoretic Painting - William Hughes.

What is Electrophoretic Painting?

Electrophoretic painting services for wire involve immersing components in a water-based paint bath where an electric current deposits an ultra-thin, uniform coating across the surface. This process is particularly suited to springs, wire forms, and other precision parts where dimensional accuracy and consistent coverage are essential.

Typical coating thickness is 20 to 22 microns but upwards of 40 microns can be achieved if required. Many of the parts produced by William Hughes are destined for use in the automotive seating industry for which the paint chosen is particularly suitable due to its anti-noise properties.

Cleaning is the first step in the process, using an alkaline cleaning agent for the removal of oil, grease and other surface contaminants prior to a rinse in tap water. Then comes an acid bath for more stringent cleaning followed by further rinsing and a passivation procedure designed to remove any remaining iron contaminants from the surface of the material.

A rinse in de-ionising water prevents bubbles forming on the surface of the part when it enters the electro painting, or KTL stage.

The paintline transfers the parts from tank to tank fully automatically in a closed loop system that eliminates waste and is both efficient and environmentally friendly.

Finally the painted parts are cured in an oven set at 200 degrees for 20 minutes, and will now withstand corrosion for around 800 hours, according to tests conducted in William Hughes’ salt-spray testing facility.

Electrophoretic Painting for Wire Parts in Automotive and Aerospace

Wire components in cars, aircraft and medical devices often require both functionality and aesthetic quality. Electrophoretic painting for wire parts ensures a smooth, durable black finish that resists corrosion while maintaining the part’s critical tolerances.

At William Hughes, the process has been validated to deliver up to 800 salt spray hours of protection, a benchmark that meets procurement specifications across industries.

Advantages of William Hughes’ Electrophoretic Painting Services

By investing in this process, William Hughes can now offer electrophoretic painting services for wire and metal parts. This provides procurement teams with:

• • Reduced lead times by eliminating the need for third-party finishing.
  • Nadcap-aligned quality standards suitable for aerospace and defence supply chains.
  • Full integration with other secondary processes, such as passivation and Delta-Tone® coating.

Integrated Finishing Solutions for Springs and Wire Components

Electrophoretic painting is part of William Hughes’ broader suite of secondary processes and finishes. Customers can specify the optimal treatment for their spring or wire assembly, balancing corrosion resistance, aesthetics and performance.

By combining electrophoretic painting services for wire with CNC manufacturing, robotic forming and ultrasonic cleaning, William Hughes delivers end-to-end solutions trusted by aerospace, automotive, and medical OEMs worldwide.