Wedoany.com Report on Mar 11th, PPG has announced a collaboration with IPG Photonics and Whirlpool to advance the commercialization of laser curing systems for powder coatings. This partnership aims to reduce curing costs, minimize environmental impact, and enhance the efficiency of coating lines.
As part of the collaboration plan, PPG has installed a pilot coating line equipped with IPG's PhotoniCURE™ laser curing system at its powder manufacturing and technology facility in Strongsville, Ohio. Additionally, the company has set up a laboratory system for feasibility studies at the PPG Coatings Innovation Center near Pittsburgh.
Unlike traditional thermal curing methods, laser curing technology utilizes infrared light to initiate a cross-linking reaction, transforming powder particles into a durable coating. This process can cure coatings within minutes and is compatible with standard powder chemicals as well as formulations specifically optimized for laser curing.
According to the collaborating companies, the laser curing method reduces heat requirements while increasing production output compared to traditional thermal and infrared systems. David Bem, Senior Vice President of Science and Technology and Chief Technology Officer at PPG, stated: "This collaboration represents a significant advancement in the coatings industry, positioning us at the forefront of powder coating application. It highlights the advantages of our customer-oriented partnerships and reinforces our commitment to 'out-of-the-can' capabilities that deliver additional value to our coatings."
PPG has initiated pilot trials with Whirlpool to evaluate the application of powder formulations cured using the PhotoniCURE system on various appliance components. The process is expected to be made available to more customers. Scot Blommel, Senior Manager of Global Sustainability at Whirlpool, said: "Industrial manufacturing coating processes are extremely energy-intensive. We are excited to collaborate with PPG to develop laser curing capabilities. These trials are crucial in helping determine how best to utilize this technology to reduce our environmental impact, improve productivity, and lower energy costs."
IPG Photonics anticipates that this collaboration will support the broader adoption of laser curing technology in manufacturing. Mira Sahney, Senior Vice President of Global Laser Systems at IPG, commented: "We expect demand for the PhotoniCURE system to gain a foothold in the coatings industry as we demonstrate its combined value proposition with PPG in batch manufacturing and benefit from the growing trend towards sustainable manufacturing practices."
PPG stated that this project aligns with its ongoing investments in radiation curing technology and powder coating solutions designed to cure at lower temperatures and reduce waste. The company currently operates 21 powder coating manufacturing plants worldwide, along with adhesive facilities, a powder resin plant, and R&D centers.
