AkzoNobel bonds with IPG Photonics over laser curing for powder coatings
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
Adds
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 50% in both investment and operational costs, while drastically reducing their carbon footprint and energy consumption.
To learn more about AkzoNobel's Powder Coatings business, visit Interpon.com.
About
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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