PPG Industries’ aerospace coatings group has commercialized the first electrocoat-application primer for global airframe manufacturers and subcontractors to coat parts for commercial, military and general-aviation aircraft.
AEROCRON electrocoat primer affords better corrosion protection than does conventional spray primer because electrocoating enhances part coverage, according to Mark Cancilla, PPG global platform director for aerospace coatings. It also provides nearly 100-percent product utilization, reduces primer weight for enhanced aircraft fuel economy, and eliminates worker overspray exposure, Cancilla says.
PPG Aerospace is working closely with customers during the launch of Aerocron electrocoat primer to enable them to gain product and process experience before ramping up, he adds.
Primer is applied to metal aircraft structures for corrosion resistance. While primer is typically sprayed onto metal parts, in the electrocoating, or electrodeposition, process, metal parts are dipped into an electrically charged tank of primer.
Robin Peffer, PPG senior research chemist at the company’s Coatings Innovation Center in Allison Park, Pa., was instrumental in the development of Aerocron electrocoat primer.
“PPG’s strong history of developing corrosion-resistant electrocoat products for automotive and industrial applications enabled us to adapt the technology for aerospace,” Peffer said. “The value for aerospace is to continue this history of providing protection while meeting the specific performance requirements of aircraft operators. Aerocron electrocoat primer coats parts uniformly, even in the recessed areas of complex-shaped parts, and at reduced weight, which translates to long-term aircraft operation savings.”