What is E-coating?

& Why Do We Use It on Our Cast Iron Kettlebells?

Kettlebells USA® Kettlebells

In this article we explain why e-coating is a superior technology to powder coating for cast iron kettlebells.

E-coating produces the most resilient finish possible for a cast iron kettlebell. Powder coating is a type of spray painting while e-coating is a cross between plating and painting. This means that our e-coated kettlebells are more durable than any kettlebell that is powder coated. They are not as slippery as enamel painted kettlebells and are not as rough as powder coated kettlebells. Kettlebells USA® Metrixx® Elite is the premier e-coated kettlebell on the market.

What is E-coating?

E-coating means electrocoating, also called electropainting, electrophoretic lacquering, and CED (cathodic electrodeposition). It is heavily used in the automobile industry due to it's superior coverage and corrosion resitance. It is a method of painting which uses electrical current to deposit the paint onto the kettlebell in a uniform manner. It works on the principal that materials with opposite electrical charges attract each other. We immerse our Metrixx® cast iron kettlebells in an electrified tank filled with a water-based solution containing a paint emulsion. Electrodes in the tank create positively charged paint particles that are attracted to the negatively charged kettlebell. The dissolved paint particles are drawn electrically to the metal kettlebell and deposited over the entire surface of the kettlebell, forming an even, continuous, coating over every surface of the kettlebell, until the coating reaches the desired thickness. At that thickness, the film insulates the part, so attraction stops and electrocoating is complete. The kettlebells are then baked to cure the paint. E-coating is a more expensive and time consuming process than powder coating.

What is Powder Coating?

Powder coating involves the application of a dry powder consisting of a precise combination of epoxy resins and various curing agents. A spray gun is used to electrostatically apply the particles onto the surface of the substrate. Powder coating does not produce even paint distribution over the entire kettlebell and adhesion to the metal can vary greatly. We have seen the paint on many powder coated kettlebells simply rub off with minimal use. Most "powder coated" kettlebells are actually spray painted and not powder coated at all.

What are the Benefits of E-coating?

Why E-coat is Superior to Powder Coat for Cast Iron Kettlebells

E-coating is more environmentally friendly :

Unlike many liquid coatings, there are no solvents to evaporate in the E-coat process. Virtually no toxic VOC's (volatile organic compounds) are emitted into the air, minimizing the impact on the environment.

Superior Performance & Longevity :

E-coating provides an extremely resilient finish compared to powder coating and lasts much longer.

Not all e-coating is the same just like not all powder coated kettlebells are the same. Kettlebells USA® e-coating process is "military grade" and will outlast any kettlebell on the market.