DETROIT – A diverse technical program spanning coatings performance, formulation, application and other topics drew nearly 200 attendees to the Detroit Society for Coatings Technology’s 25th Annual FOCUS Conference, held recently in Troy, MI. The program reflected a theme of "Coatings 2000: A New Chapter in Coatings Technology."

Highlights included a keynote address by John Gerlock, Ford Motor Co., who described work aimed at simulating natural weathering processes in accelerated-testing methods. His topic was "How to Reduce the Risk of Introducing Paint Systems that Will Fail in Service."

The conference featured 13 presentations geared to four general subject areas: mechanical weathering and durability; powder-coatings commercialization in the automotive industry; new technologies; and practical issues in the production and application of paints. The program also included a tutorial short course, "Cleaning and Preparation of Plastics for Painting," presented by Gary Kent of Henkel Surface Technologies.

In ceremonies marking the conference’s 25th anniversary, FOCUS series founder Dan Melnyk was presented with a certificate recognizing his role in the success of the long-running event.

The society announced that planning is under way for FOCUS 2001, given a theme of "A Paint Odyssey." The conference is scheduled for May 3, 2001, at the Michigan State University Conference Center, Troy, MI.