New Technologies Provide Breakthrough for Powder-Primed Auto Parts (6/19/06)
An OEM-led research collaboration is developing new interrelated technologies that allow sheet molding composite (SMC) parts to be powder-primed without sacrificing the quality of the SMC Class A surface. Key technology participants include General Motors Research and Development, Tier-One supplier Meridian Automotive Systems, resin supplier AOC and coatings supplier Red Spot Paint & Varnish.
Powder primers help improve the workplace and environment by reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and overspray waste. OEM facilities want to apply powder primers to steel and SMC body parts that are sent side-by-side through E-coat and paint coating cycles. However, when powder primed, conventional SMC develops a leather-like surface appearance during the powder primer high-temperature cure cycle.