Painting time reduced by 5 days, costs cut by 70 percent
Korail will fully switch the exterior coating of its trains from conventional oil-based paint to an eco-friendly film method.
On May 15, Korail announced that it will sequentially apply the film coating to 461 Mugunghwa-ho passenger cars and 81 electric locomotives by 2028. The use of oil-based paint was discontinued in August 2023.
The film method is characterized by the absence of hazardous substances and provides a uniform color. By using a special film that reflects light, it becomes easier to identify the location of trains at night, thereby enhancing safety.
The work period and costs have also been significantly reduced. The previous method required 14 days to paint one electric locomotive, but this has been shortened to 9 days. Since there is no drying process, the work is not affected by weather conditions. Maintenance is also more efficient, as only damaged sections need to be replaced. The construction cost can be reduced by up to 70% compared to oil-based paint.
Korail completed durability and quality verification through two pilot applications conducted in 2020 and 2021.
Lee Gicheol, Head of Korail’s Rolling Stock Division, said, "The introduction of eco-friendly film is a technological shift aimed at overcoming the limitations of the existing painting method," adding, "We will continue to establish a sustainable maintenance system that considers both workers and the environment."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
