Electrocoating or e-coating applies a uniform, protective coating to conductive parts through an electrochemical process. By immersing 3D printed metal parts in a bath containing a water-based coating material, where positively charged particles adhere to negatively charged parts, e-coating can provide excellent corrosion resistance, enhance surface hardness, and provide a smooth, uniform coating that protects parts from environmental damage and extends their life span.
Electrocoating is one of the 3D Plus hardware finishing services on AIHFABS. It is applied after printing so the part leaves production closer to a usable product—not only a raw build. Use this page to decide whether Electrocoating matches your cosmetic, durability, or assembly requirements before you upload a file.
Electrocoating or e-coating applies a uniform, protective coating to conductive parts through an electrochemical process. By immersing 3D printed metal parts in a bath containing a water-based coating material, where positively charged particles adhere to negatively charged parts, e-coating can provide excellent corrosion resistance, enhance surface hardness, and provide a smooth, uniform coating that protects parts from environmental damage and extends their life span.
Finishing is quoted with the print. Select Electrocoating in checkout, review price and lead time, and keep printing plus post-processing in one order instead of coordinating a second shop.
Electrocoating can hide layer lines, even out color, or create a more uniform surface for display models, consumer housings, and review samples.
Depending on the process, Electrocoating may improve wear, corrosion resistance, grip, or light diffusion so the part survives handling and end use.
When Electrocoating is combined with printing, you receive parts that are closer to install-ready, reducing secondary work in your own workshop.
Ordering Electrocoating follows the same 3D Plus software flow as a standard print. You do not need a separate finishing RFQ for catalog options.
Use STL, STEP, or another supported format. The quoter checks volume and geometry so finishing can be priced against the actual part.
Pick SLA, SLS, MJF, SLM, FDM, DLP, or CNC where applicable, then add Electrocoating and any other 3D Plus hardware options the part needs.
Review supplier options, confirm quantity, and place the order. Printing and finishing stay on one timeline and one invoice.
Electrocoating is typically applied to plastics or metals produced with industrial 3D printing. Compatibility depends on material, wall thickness, and whether the surface can be reached by spray, media, chemistry, or tooling. Deep recesses, thin walls, and optical faces may need design review. If the automatic quote cannot apply Electrocoating to your file, request a manual quotation.
Need Electrocoating on a batch, a mixed-material assembly, or a part that also requires tapping or painting? Keep those options in the same quote so lead time includes the full stack of operations.
These are the 3D Plus rows tied to Electrocoating. Compare the look, extra days, and which materials each option supports before you upload.
Electrocoating, or e-coating, is a method used to apply a smooth, even layer of paint or coating to 3D printed parts. The process involves dipping the parts into a water-based coating solution and then running an electric current through them. The current causes the paint particles to adhere uniform
Compatible materials
Quote this finishOnly these grades can take this finish in the instant quote. Open a material for specs, or upload a file and the quoter will only show compatible options.
Answers that apply to Electrocoating on AIHFABS 3D Plus hardware — materials, size change, and how to order it with the print.
Electrocoating or e-coating applies a uniform, protective coating to conductive parts through an electrochemical process. By immersing 3D printed metal parts in a bath containing a water-based coating material, where positively charged particles adhere to negatively charged parts, e-coating can provide excellent corrosion resistance, enhance surface hardness, and provide a smooth, uniform coating that protects parts from environmental damage and extends their life span.
Electrocoating is a color or optical finish. SLS and MJF nylon take dye; resins take paint, primer, frosting, and clear coats; aluminum and other metals take anodizing, plating, or e-coat. The quoter only offers Electrocoating when the selected material can accept it.
Paint, plating, and e-coat add a thin film. Dye soaks into nylon with little build-up. Frosting and clear coats change how light hits the surface more than the CAD size. Call out fits and optical faces in the quote notes so they can be masked.
Put the Pantone or RAL code in the quote notes, or upload a swatch. Electrocoating covers the reachable exterior; deep recesses and contact faces may stay uncoated unless you ask for full coverage.
Upload the CAD file, choose a print process and material, then turn on Electrocoating. Price and lead time update on the same order. If the automatic quote cannot apply it, request a manual quotation and note fits or color codes.
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