Is there still interest for powder coatings on automotives?
sergio gazzea
- Consultant Expert R&D Resins & Coatings - Founder GAZZEA CONSULTING SRL
Is there still interest for powder coatings on automotives?
The most significant turning point in my history of responsible development of powder coating technology that began with my joining the Hoechst group in 1972 came in 1998, when BMW commissioned the start-up for its line of clear powder coatings in Dingolfing, in Germany.
During my visit to the plant, functioning with full satisfaction, I was excited to see where we had arrived with technological development.
This facility produced BMW's 5 and 7 Series vehicles, which required some of the highest standards of appearance and durability in the industry.
The supply contract was awarded to both Herberts Automotive Systems (Wuppertal, Germany) and PPG (Strongsville, Ohio). I had collaborated with both, but I was focused on supporting Herberts which was from the same Hoechst group for the development of the most suitable binder system compatible with PPG.
The coating technology was based on glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) acrylic technology.
The BMW technology manager had told us that the degree of finish obtained with a thickness of 80 microns was optimal, but to extend the technology to future lines it was necessary to bring the same finish to a thickness of 40 microns, obtaining competitive costs with the liquid.
The task force with which I had collaborated for 10 years of development in 1998 said by a majority that it would not have been possible, while I was left alone in maintaining that by working on new production processes for the resin and coating binder system it would have been possible.
President Protech Group
1 年For more than 30 years our full body powder primers continue to be used by major auto makers. A layering system of e-coat, powder, liquid topcoat provides the best inter-coat adhesion and chip resistance.
Senior Process Engineer | Process Design, Improvement & implementation | A Passion for Collaboration & Relationship Building | NADCAP, ISO & ITAR
1 年Powder Coating will always be relivent in all aspects of the automotive world. first and foremost as an anti-chip and ding clear coat on bumpers, noses and of course wheels.
Director at ChemQuest Powder Coating Research
1 年Electric vehicles use a significant amount of powder coatings to coat the underframe and electric power plant. Powder coatings can be formulated to have exceptional corrosion resistance, dielectric strength and thermal conductivity (or insulation, as needed).