PPG announced a collaboration with IPG Photonics and Whirlpool Corporation to accelerate commercialization of laser curing systems for powder coatings. The collaboration focuses on reducing curing costs and environmental impact while increasing finishing line speed.

As part of the effort, PPG installed a pilot finishing line featuring IPG’s PhotoniCURE™ laser curing system at its powder manufacturing and technical facility in Strongsville, Ohio. The company also installed a laboratory system for feasibility studies at the PPG Coatings Innovation Center near Pittsburgh.

Unlike conventional thermal curing, laser curing uses infrared light to initiate crosslinking, the chemical reaction that converts powder particles into a durable finish. The process can cure coatings in minutes and is compatible with both standard powder chemistries and formulations optimized for laser curing.

According to the companies, the approach can reduce heat requirements while increasing throughput compared with traditional thermal curing and conventional infrared systems.

“This collaboration, which represents a significant advancement in the coatings industry, positions us at the leading edge of powder finishing, highlights the strength of our partnership driven customer approach and reinforces our commitment to outside-the-can capabilities that bring value beyond our coatings,” said David Bem, senior vice president, science and technology and chief technology officer at PPG.

PPG has begun pilot trials with Whirlpool evaluating powder formulations cured using the PhotoniCURE system across multiple appliance components. The process is expected to become available to additional customers.

“Industrial manufacturing finishing processes are incredibly energy intensive, and we are excited to participate with PPG in the development of laser-curing capabilities,” said Scot Blommel, global sustainability senior manager at Whirlpool Corporation. “These trials will be critical in helping to determine how to best maximize this technology to reduce our environmental impact, enhance productivity and reduce our energy costs.”

IPG Photonics expects the collaboration to support broader adoption of laser curing technology in manufacturing.

“We anticipate demand for PhotoniCURE systems to take hold in the coatings industry as our joint value proposition with PPG is proven in volume manufacturing, aided by intensifying trends towards sustainable manufacturing practices,” said Mira Sahney, global laser systems senior vice president at IPG.

PPG said the project also aligns with ongoing investments in radiation-curable technologies and powder coating solutions designed to cure at lower temperatures and reduce waste.

The company currently operates 21 powder coating manufacturing plants globally, along with bonding facilities, a powder resin plant and research and development centers.

Related Content

• Read a recent article from IPG Photonics about the future of the 15 Minute Powder Shop. 
• Read a recent PPG article titled Curing Smarter and Cooler with Low-Bake Powders. 

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