The new VARI-Cool polychromatic coating from BASF Corp. is a fluoropolymer (PVDF), factory-applied, pearlescent coating system created on the foundation of Kynar® 500 (a registered trademark of Arkema, Inc.) or Hylar® 5000 (a registered trademark of Solvay Solexis) resin. The coatings are considered best-in-class and offer superior durability, color-fastness, and gloss retention, as well as energy savings.
After a successful trial of its Bonderite® conversion coating process, Henkel is participating in expanded testing of the new pretreatment in the Ford Motor Co. Twin Cities manufacturing facility in St. Paul, MN. The new conversion coating process reportedly is the automotive industry’s first non-phosphate conversion coating for multi-metal bodies. The technology significantly reduces costs, improves the efficiency of vehicle assembly pretreatment operations while reducing the environmental impact.
Measuring the thickness of dry coating powders is an important factor in the manufacture of a variety of products. ASTM International Committee D01 on Paint and Related Coatings, Materials and Applications has developed a new standard for this purpose: D 7378, Practice for Measurement of Thickness of Applied Coating Powders to Predict Cured Thickness.
In January 2007, Specialty Coatings Co. became part of the Becker Industrial Coatings family. The company recently has been fully integrated into the Becker organization under the name Becker Specialty Corp.
In a formal presentation to Akzo Nobel Aerospace Coatings (ANAC) employees at its Waukegan, IL manufacturing site, a representative of Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems Division presented the company with a Platinum Supplier Award. Northrup Grumman also presented two application support centers operated by PPG Industries’ aerospace business with Platinum Source Preferred Awards for consistently delivering top-quality coatings, sealants and other products and services.
Rohm and Haas Co. has said that its Vision 2010 Plan announced one year ago is on track to deliver on its goals of building a company with $11 to $12 billion in sales and $5.50 to $6.00 per share in earnings by 2010.
Wagner Systems, Inc. has hired J.B. Graves as regional sales manager for the central southeast territory. Graves has more than 20 years of experience in the paint and powder coatings industry.
Effective January 1, 2008, Heidi Alderman will become senior vice president for NAFTA Procurement for BASF Corp. She replaces Richard Carter who will relocate to Ludwigshafen, Germany, to assume responsibility for the newly created BASF Sales Detergents & Cleaners Industry unit.
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