KTL coating
For lasting protection
100+
Employees
50+
Years of experience
250+
Customers
4.9M+
Components per year
For every component
the right KTL coating
Cathodic dip coating (KTL) is a process that offers many advantages. Above all it provides outstanding corrosion protection and uniform coating of complex geometries. KTL is ideal for automotive parts and industrial components.
KTL also offers materials-engineering benefits, such as high resistance to chemicals and mechanical stress. The automotive industry values its strong paint adhesion and resistance to environmental influences.
KTL thin-film system
We use exclusively an acrylic-based KTL thin-film system. The achievable layer thicknesses average around 10 µm. Our equipment is designed for the coating of small components with bath sizes of up to 200 litres.
KTL clear coat and black
Two KTL paint systems are available:
1. KTL Black, as a fully pigmented black coating with a glossy surface.
2. KTL clear coat, as a transparent variant in a colourless finish that allows a view of the base material, its colour and surface topography.
KTL coloured
Translucent KTL coloured with dye solutions. Via a dipping process, the transparently coated component is post-treated in a dye solution. The transparent KTL coating takes on the colour, producing a semi-transparent, coloured surface. By varying the concentration of the dye solution and the dwell time, a wide range of colour shades can be achieved. The result is your individual surface solution.
How cathodic dip painting
actually works
Cathodic dip painting (KTL) is an electrochemical process that follows a clearly defined process chain. First, your components go through thorough pre-treatment and cleaning, which ensures a particle-free, activated surface for the subsequent deposition. Only this clean starting point allows for the even, durably adhering coating that follows.
Next, the components are immersed in the dip bath as the cathode. Driven by an electric field, the paint particles migrate to the surface and deposit electrophoretically. Once enough paint has built up in one spot, the film there becomes electrically insulating, so deposition shifts on its own to areas not yet covered – until cavities, edges and hard-to-reach zones are evenly coated. It is precisely this self-regulating mechanism that explains the characteristically low and consistent coating thickness of the process.
Finally, the paint is cured in the baking oven, cross-linking into a robust film. Because the electrophoretic deposition follows the same physical principle on every part, the process is precisely repeatable: each component receives the same defined layer, regardless of lot size. We are happy to prepare a quote tailored to your project on request.
Defined process chain: pre-treatment, deposition, baking
Self-regulating deposition reaches cavities and edges too
Physics-driven, precisely repeatable coating on every part
The benefits of
cathodic dip painting
Our KTL coating is particularly environmentally friendly because we use water-based paints.
The paint is applied fully automatically and with high precision, so that even complex geometries can be optimally coated.
KTL-coated surfaces are extremely durable and offer outstanding protection against corrosion and environmental influences.
In combination with various pretreatments, we achieve optimum adhesion and a long service life.
Optimal corrosion protection
Uniform coating of complex geometries
High resistance to chemicals
Do you have a technical challenge?
We can support you!
At SURPRO we offer tailor-made solutions for your technical challenges. Our experienced team stands ready to support you with innovative approaches and comprehensive know-how. Let us master your challenges together and bring your projects to success!
100% precision
Personal, direct, uncomplicated
Broad service spectrum
100% precision
Personal, direct, uncomplicated
Broad service spectrum
Decorative and versatile
our KTL variants
A special feature of our KTL coatings: alongside the KTL Black coating, for which we use a fully pigmented acrylic-based KTL paint, we also offer transparent coatings with the option of colouring them.
Another plus: the KTL layer is highly resistant to chemical attack and acts as an electrical insulator.
The standard KTL coating has a hardness of 3-4 H (pencil hardness).
Function with protection
High resistance
Resistant to corrosion
KTL coating –
as a contract service or in-house
On the one hand we coat parts produced in-house with KTL, on the other hand we coat products delivered by our customers. This applies exclusively to small components.
SURPRO carries out all coatings with the utmost care and using the latest technical methods. We can coat both large series and small batches.
Do you have questions about KTL coating? Would you like to know whether your product can also be KTL-coated? Talk to us. We are happy to advise you.
Maximum flexibility
No capital investment
Consistent premium quality
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about KTL coating
What is KTL (cathodic dip painting)?
KTL stands for cathodic dip painting, an electrochemical coating process in which the part is connected as the cathode in a dip tank and the paint is deposited electrophoretically. At SURPRO we exclusively use a thin-film system based on acrylic paint. This creates a well-adhering protective layer, even on complex geometries.
How thick is a KTL coating layer?
Our KTL thin-film system achieves an average coating thickness of around 10 µm. This thin application is particularly suited to dimensionally sensitive parts where tight tolerances must be maintained. Despite the low coating thickness, protection against corrosion and chemicals remains reliable.
How does the KTL process or procedure work?
The KTL process consists of three main steps: first, the parts are thoroughly pretreated and cleaned. Next, the water-based acrylic paint is deposited cathodically and electrophoretically in the dip tank. Finally, the layer is cured by baking, which develops the final hardness of 3 to 4 H (pencil hardness) and its resistance.
How much does a KTL coating cost?
As a fully automated dip process, KTL is especially economical for series and larger batches, since all parts are coated in a single run. Costs depend on the part, variant and quantity. We are happy to prepare an individual quote for your project on request.
For which parts and batch sizes is KTL at SURPRO suitable?
Our equipment is designed specifically for small components with tank sizes of up to 200 litres. By its nature, KTL relies on a dip tank and is therefore intended for durable, dip-compatible workpieces. Both large series and small batches can be produced reliably this way.
Can KTL electrically insulate parts?
Yes, the KTL coating is electrically insulating and is therefore suitable for parts that require a non-conductive surface. Because the paint is deposited electrophoretically from the dip tank, it also reaches cavities and hard-to-access areas. This forms a continuous, insulating layer even on demanding geometries.
KTL versus powder coating: what is the difference?
KTL is a wet dip process in which the paint is deposited electrophoretically, whereas powder coating is applied electrostatically by spraying and then baked. Thanks to the dip tank, KTL reaches hard-to-access areas and cavities and, at SURPRO, is applied as a thin film. For small components with high demands on dimensionally accurate surfaces, our KTL process is therefore particularly well suited.
More surface finishing
Competent
Technical consulting
At SURPRO, the personal relationship with our customers is particularly important. We support you throughout your development and later serial production.
Together we find the right manufacturing process, finishing technique and post-processing option for your product.
Talk to our experts.
100% precision
Personal, direct, uncomplicated
Broad service spectrum
