leads to improved corrosion resistance,” said Szczepanik.
“Applying different chemistries over one another to optimize
primer performance and topcoat performance. Achieving
an ‘inter-locking’ of the primer and topcoat to increase du-
rability. Doing all of this dry on dry and only requiring
one single bake. This translates to increased performance
and decreased costs for the end user. We see this as a real
win-win.”
Sherwin-Williams said it is also pushing the edge of inno-
vation guided by customer needs, such as widening the use of
powder coatings on non-traditional substrates, and allowing
customers to save time and money by lowering energy consump-
tion and speeding line application.
At this year’s Fabtech Expo, TCI launched its TruIllusion
line of smooth, reflective finishes. “This product line was
developed based on feedback from the automotive, appli-
ance, architectural, and recreational equipment segments
and their need for improvements in color styling, durability
and appearance,” said Bostock. “Extreme exterior durability
is a must have for powder suppliers, so we aim to provide
necessary products within several industries. Our Product
Development team is focused on creating innovative products
in the areas of anti-corrosion, edge coverage, thin film, low
cure response, appearance, styling, improved application and
transfer efficiency.”
Axalta has a dedicated global powder R&D team that
has brought an accelerated flow of new products to market
in the last 18 months. These products include Nap-Gard
high-heat resistant coatings for the exterior of oil and gas
pipelines, high temp- and very high temp-resistant powder
coatings for the interior of pipelines to replace traditional
liquid coatings and ultra-durable primer and topcoat sys-
tems to meet the highest standards of the top global agri-
cultural and construction equipment manufacturers. “We’ve
developed powder coatings with significant durability for
transportation parts such as one and two coat Alesta sys-
tems for coil springs, ultra-smooth Vacuprime PVD primer
for automotive wheel applications, and a primer system
for automotive car bodies,” Cash said. “In addition, we’ve
launched new metallic and effects ranges like Alesta Illusion
in North America and The Timeless Collection from Alesta
in Europe, designed to appeal to the evolving tastes of glob-
al architects.”
“We are fortunate to have an incredible base of more than
12,000 customers globally, who challenge us daily to bring
new aesthetics and functionalities to their customers,” Cash
said. “This partnership with our customers has resulted in new
innovations, like the development of our next generation ar-
chitectural coatings which will meet and exceed AAMA 2605
requirements and include a full range of metallic colors. At the
end of the year and beginning in 2017, we expect to launch
the latest technology in two coat, one bake systems for heavy
equipment, high-corrosion-resistant Abcite thermoplastic
technology for fencing systems in extreme environments, Nap-
Gard rebar coatings designed for application at line speeds
greater than 50 feet per minute, anti-skid weatherable coatings
designed for decks, steps and wet zones and insulating pow-
ders for electrical components and wiring. This is just a small
preview of the future innovations we have planned with the
help and support of our customers and the drive and talent of
our powder R&D team.” CW
Photo courtesy of Sherwin-Williams
“Historically in the global industrial coatings market, powder
utilization is slightly north of ten percent. That leaves a lot of
room to grow and take share from liquid as global environmental
regulations start to take hold.”
– Dan Szczepanik, director of marketing – transportation segments, Sherwin-Williams
