AkzoNobel bonds with IPG Photonics over laser curing for powder coatings
Rhea-AI Summary
AkzoNobel (AKZOF) has formed a strategic partnership with IPG Photonics to revolutionize powder coating technology through laser curing solutions. The exclusive agreement covers the EMEA region and involves calibrating AkzoNobel's Interpon powder coatings for IPG's laser technology. The innovative process uses a "cold oven" approach where lasers selectively heat the coating, reducing curing times from 15-20 minutes to just a few minutes.
The technology offers significant advantages: over 50% reduction in investment and operational costs, smaller space requirements, and substantial energy savings. The process is particularly suitable for temperature-sensitive substrates and eliminates long cool-down waiting times in production lines, while significantly reducing carbon footprint.
Positive
- Partnership enables >50% reduction in both investment and operational costs
- Significant reduction in curing time from 15-20 minutes to just a few minutes
- Process requires less than half the space of traditional ovens
- Technology reduces carbon footprint and energy consumption
- Exclusive agreement for EMEA region provides competitive advantage
Negative
- None.
The groundbreaking process involves calibrating the company's Interpon powder coating formulations for optimal results with laser curing solutions from IPG. This will offer a faster and more energy efficient alternative to conventional curing methods. The two companies have signed an agreement for the partnership to exclusively serve customers in the EMEA (
The process involves lasers selectively heating the applied powder coating in a "cold oven". It means no heat escapes onto the factory floor and no energy is wasted heating the atmosphere or the curing enclosure. High intensity laser heating also enables curing times to be reduced to just a few minutes, compared with the 15 to 20 minutes that's currently required using traditional curing methods. The IPG Photonics process also enables curing to occur in less than half the space required by a traditional oven.
"This is a hugely exciting partnership which has the potential to offer customers game-changing benefits in terms of process speed, efficiency and energy savings," says Jorrit van Rijn, Global Marketing Director of AkzoNobel's Powder Coatings business. "It's yet another example of how our commitment to painting the future is driving our innovation so we can help make the powder coatings industry even more sustainable."
Adds Trevor Ness, Senior Vice-President, Global Sales and Strategic Business Development at IPG Photonics: "We're delighted to partner with the EMEA powder coatings leader to accelerate market acceptance of our game-changing modular laser curing solutions. By aligning our laser innovations with AkzoNobel's Interpon powder coatings capabilities, we anticipate a shorter time to market and added value for our customers. Together, our companies will realize a new level of efficiency and value for the powder coatings industry."
Laser curing offers a number of benefits, including the ability to preferentially heat the actual coating, as opposed to the underlying substrate. It's suitable for temperature-sensitive substrates and eliminates the long cool-down waiting times evident in typical production lines. In a high-volume manufacturing environment, customers could realize reductions of more than
To learn more about AkzoNobel's Powder Coatings business, visit Interpon.com.
About AkzoNobel
Since 1792, we've been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people's lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We're active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It's what you'd expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that's dedicated to providing more sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today – while creating an even better tomorrow. Let's paint the future together.
About IPG Photonics
IPG Photonics Corporation is the leader in high-power fiber lasers and amplifiers used primarily in materials processing and other diverse applications. The Company's mission is to develop innovative laser solutions making the world a better place. IPG accomplishes this mission by delivering superior performance, reliability and usability at a lower total cost of ownership compared with other types of lasers and non-laser tools, allowing end users to increase productivity and decrease costs. IPG is headquartered in
For more information about laser manufacturing solutions, visit www.IPGPhotonics.com.
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SOURCE AkzoNobel Coatings, Inc.
FAQ
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