Nippon Paint In-Mold Coating Technology Enters Lexus LM Production
Nippon Paint Automotive Coatings Co. Ltd. and Uchihamakasei Corp. have announced that their jointly developed in-mold coating technology is scheduled to enter mass production on a pillar component for Toyota Motor Corp.’s Lexus LM.
The companies said the technology will be used for the first time in Japan on a mass-produced vehicle body part. Production and installation on Lexus LM vehicles were scheduled to begin in July 2025.
The process combines resin molding and surface finishing in one operation. Solvent-free paint is injected directly into the mold after the resin is formed, eliminating the need for traditional paint booths and post-coating drying ovens.
According to the companies, the technology can reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 60% and achieve virtually zero VOC emissions. Nippon Paint Automotive Coatings said its solvent-free coating provides surface quality comparable to conventional coatings while reducing VOC emissions by more than 99%.
Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!
