Arcdip CA 230 Cathodic Acrylic Electrocoat Finish
Arcdip CA 230 is a cathodic acrylic electrocoat in which the dipped film is the finish rather than a primer, holding colour and gloss on exterior exposure better than an epoxy film of the same build. It gives the coverage of the immersion process, including recesses and seams, in one coat with no spray stage after it.
Grade Arcdip CA 230 | Range Electrocoat | Technology Waterborne cathodic acrylic electrocoat, acid-solubilised, pigmented to the line colour
Technical Data Sheet
Arcdip CA 230
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
A cathodic acrylic in which the electrocoat film is the finish rather than a primer, holding colour and gloss on exterior exposure better than an epoxy film of the same build. It gives the coverage of the immersion process, including recesses and seams, in one dipped coat with no spray stage after it. Because the tank carries one colour at a time, the shade belongs to the line and the production run, not to the individual part.
2. Features
- Single dipped coat serves as the finish
- Holds colour and gloss outdoors better than an epoxy film of equal build
- Coats recesses and seams in one immersion
- One colour per tank, so the shade is set for the line and the production run
3. Recommended uses
One-coat finish for pretreated steel, zinc-coated steel and aluminium extrusions and castings where the electrocoat film has to carry appearance. Where corrosion protection governs rather than appearance, a CE primer beneath a separate topcoat is the more usual choice.
Substrates. Zinc phosphated or zirconium pretreated steel, zinc-coated steel, and aluminium extrusion and castings where the pretreatment suits the alloy. Where corrosion protection governs rather than appearance, a CE primer beneath a separate topcoat is the more usual answer.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Waterborne cathodic acrylic electrocoat, acid-solubilised, pigmented to the line colour | Formulation |
| Supply form | Resin and pigment feeds for a single colour bath; shade fixed for the line and the production run | Visual inspection |
| Bath non-volatile content | 18 to 22 per cent by weight | ISO 3251 |
| Bath pH | 5.5 to 6.3 | ISO 19396-1 |
| Bath conductivity | 1200 to 1900 µS/cm, referred to 25 °C | Calibrated conductivity cell, technique as in ISO 7888 for water, no coating specific standard method |
| Dry film thickness, open surface | 18 to 25 µm, standard build | ISO 2178 on uncoated steel, ISO 2360 on aluminium; on zinc-coated steel the magnetic reading includes the zinc layer, so the film is measured by difference against the same part before coating, or by eddy current to ISO 2360 where the zinc layer is thick enough for the probe |
| Specular gloss at 60 degrees | 30 to 85 units, set by grade and bath pigmentation | ISO 2813, with 20 degree geometry used as well where the 60 degree reading exceeds 70 units |
| Accelerated weathering | Gloss and colour retention agreed as a stated exposure duration for the end use | ISO 16474-3 exposure, gloss to ISO 2813, colour measured to ISO 18314-1 and colour difference expressed as CIELAB ΔE*ab to ISO/CIE 11664-4 |
| Cross-cut adhesion | Classification 0 to 1, 1 mm cut spacing | ISO 2409 |
| Cure confirmation | Passes the solvent rub count agreed for the line after the stated bake | ASTM D5402, with oven profile by attached thermocouple |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Method | Cathodic electrodeposition by immersion in a circulating bath, with the part as cathode and anolyte cells removing the acid released at the counter electrode so bath pH stays in control |
| Surface preparation | Zinc phosphate or zirconium conversion coating suited to each alloy, rinsed to demineralised water quality; parts hung in reliable electrical contact and able to drain |
| Bath make-up and filtration | Feeds added to the circulating bath with demineralised water as bath analysis requires; bath filtration held tighter than on a primer line because the film is the visible surface |
| Bath temperature and deposition | 28 to 32 °C; 150 to 250 V DC applied over 120 to 180 s, below the rupture voltage of the bath |
| Rinse | Ultrafiltrate rinse followed by a demineralised water rinse, with dragout returned to the tank |
| Cure schedule | 165 to 185 °C metal temperature for 20 min at temperature, confirmed by attached thermocouple oven profile |
| Next step or overcoat | None required; the electrocoat film is the finish |
Process. Immersion in a circulating cathodic bath at 28 °C to 32 °C, 150 V to 250 V DC applied over 120 s to 180 s, ultrafiltrate and demineralised water rinses, then bake at 165 °C to 185 °C metal temperature for 20 min at temperature. Bath filtration is tighter than on a primer line because the film is the visible surface.
6. Storage and handling
Store the resin and pigment feeds in closed original containers in a cool, dry place, protected from frost and direct sunlight; the operating bath is kept circulating and is not left standing. Shelf life is stated on the label and Certificate of Analysis. Handle and use the product in line with its Safety Data Sheet.
7. Safety and regulatory information
Read the Safety Data Sheet before use. Safety Data Sheets and regulatory declarations are issued by our technical centre against the product and batch supplied, so they are sent on request rather than published. Request a Safety Data Sheet or declaration.
This Technical Data Sheet is published for on-screen reference. The information is given in good faith from laboratory and application experience and describes typical values; it is not a specification and does not replace a trial on your own substrate and line. Arctic Materials may revise this sheet without notice. Issue 2026.09.
Technical Data Sheets on this site are for on-screen viewing. For a controlled copy, write to tech@arcticmaterials.com.
Other grades in this range
Need a Safety Data Sheet, a regulatory declaration or a grade specified to your line? Contact our technical centre.