The process combines cathodic electrodeposition and powder coating. Improvements scheduled for 2026 focus on pretreatment control, powder storage and equipment cleaning.
ETA S.p.A., an Italian manufacturer of industrial enclosures, is continuing to invest in its E DUP (Double Layer Protection) process, which combines a cathodically electrodeposited epoxy primer with a thermosetting powder topcoat. The treatment protects sheet steel enclosures, including internal surfaces, edges and cavities that are difficult to reach using conventional application methods.
At the company’s Albavilla plant, in the province of Como, Italy, components undergo phosphodegreasing, rinsing and nanotechnology-based passivation before entering the electrodeposition tank. The primer is deposited by cathodic electrophoresis to an average thickness of 15 µm and subsequently oven-cured. This is followed by electrostatic powder application: the standard configuration, featuring a textured RAL 7035 finish, provides a total coating thickness of approximately 70 µm on external surfaces. Other colours, finishes and coating thicknesses are available on request.
During 2026, the company introduced additional pretreatment control measures, including lamps in the final rinse tanks to counter bacterial growth. A wash-bath analysis service also provides results within 24 hours of sample dispatch, enabling prompt adjustments to process parameters.
According to ETA, the E DUP process guarantees approximately 240 hours of salt spray exposure in accordance with ISO 9227, with the possibility of achieving 480, 720 hours or more depending on the substrate. The coating system is selected according to installation conditions: a UV-resistant polyester finish is available for outdoor applications, while alternative coating systems and materials, including galvanised sheet steel and stainless steel, are assessed for more aggressive environments.
Quality controls include in-line monitoring of process parameters and coating thickness, together with visual inspection of every component. The Canzo and Albavilla facilities also carry out adhesion and drilling tests, humidity resistance testing in accordance with ISO 6270-1, and salt spray corrosion testing in accordance with ISO 9227.
“Corrosion protection is the result of a process that requires care and expertise at every stage. This is why we continue to invest in production technologies and staff training,” states Antonio Turati, Production Manager at ETA S.p.A.
An automated, temperature-controlled vertical storage system for coating powders is scheduled for introduction in November 2026 to improve storage conditions and expiry-date traceability. A new hook and rack cleaning system is also expected by the end of the year and will operate alongside the existing equipment.