Coatings World - October 2012

since it contains no heavy metals or sludge, and lowers water and energy requirements. According to Henkel, most solar equipment manufacturers use a hot-dip galvanization process to protect their metal parts. While industry-standard, this process has drawbacks. The high temperatures can introduce stresses in the dipped metal parts. These stresses and any dimensional distortions can be weak points in a system. Also, the galvanization process leaves a thick layer that can be problematic for complex shapes, especially internal cavities. For example, threaded holes may reduce in size so that bolts do not fit properly. The Aquence process is more precise, and can provide a smoother, higher quality surface for topcoats and finishes the company said.

BASF opens its Construction
Center to offer coatings, EIFS
systems and more in Toronto

BASF's Construction Chemicals division announced the grand opening of its new Construction Center in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. A celebratory event was hosted at the site for more than 100 construction contractors, distributors, architects and engineers in the greater Toronto area.

Located at 10 Constellation Court in Toronto, the BASF Construction Centre offers on-site customer service and support, manufacturing and warehousing capabilities, and is centrally located to ensure optimal service to BASF's construction partners in the industry. Additional benefits include increased service to the Canadian marketplace and enhanced distribution and logistics to deliver products on time.

"Our Wall Systems business will offer a complete product line to meet the needs of the professional contractor in the Canadian construction market," said Bill Kasik, head of BASF's Wall Systems business. "This offering includes all exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) components, custom color matching and tint capability, local delivery service and a hands-on classroom and training facility."

The BASF Construction Center will feature a full line of products from the Construction Chemicals business, including: Cementitious flooring products; concrete repair products; deck membranes; grouts; joint sealants; performance flooring products; wall coatings; water repellents; waterproofing products; EIFS products; adhesives; air/water-resistive barrier products and coatings; insulation; base coats; reinforcing mesh; acrylic finishes and coatings; and, accessories and tools.

The Construction Chemicals business also manufactures a full line of concrete admixtures at the Brampton, Ontario facility. In addition, BASF offers the Watson Bowman Acme brand of custom expansion control systems to the Canadian construction market.

PPG opens color-matching
laboratory
PPG Automotive Refinish has opened an
automated, technologically advanced,
color matching laboratory in Cleveland,
Ohio. The announcement was made by
Mary Kimbro, PPG global color director.
A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony at-
tended by PPG management and employ-
ees took place September 14, 2012. The
new laboratory is expected to be fully op-
erational this month.