https://www.pcimag.com/rss/2639 en-us Automation is improving throughput, consistency and safety while reducing waste across paint and coatings operations.

]]> http://www.pcimag.com/articles/114507 Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pcimag.com/articles/114507-five-ways-automated-batch-processing-optimizes-manufacturing-operations Process and facility equipment choices influence dispersion quality, manufacturing efficiency and workforce productivity across modern paint and coating operations.

]]> http://www.pcimag.com/articles/114374 Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pcimag.com/articles/114374-equipment-decisions-shaping-modern-paint-and-coating-manufacturing Total Cost of Ownership reveals how filling equipment choices affect maintenance, energy use, compliance risk and long-term production efficiency.

]]> http://www.pcimag.com/blogs/14/post/114439 Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pcimag.com/blogs/14-pci-blog/post/114439-the-true-cost-of-filling-equipment An overview of dispersion blade design, flow mechanics and best practices for achieving consistent particle dispersion in paint and coatings manufacturing.

]]> http://www.pcimag.com/articles/114352 Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pcimag.com/articles/114352-dispersion-blades-design-function-and-performance Sherwin-Williams outlines process changes, inventory control and training practices that helped customers improve throughput and operational reliability.

]]> http://www.pcimag.com/articles/114202 Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pcimag.com/articles/114202-break-the-bottleneck-combatting-the-efficiency-slowdown-in-transportation-manufacturing Manufacturers struggle to act on real-time data despite widespread digital capture. This article examines how edge computing improves responsiveness and productivity.

]]> http://www.pcimag.com/blogs/14/post/114154 Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pcimag.com/blogs/14-pci-blog/post/114154-real-time-data-helps-manufacturers-boost-productivity Upgraded equipment, materials and communication systems can improve safety, reduce fatigue and strengthen productivity across manufacturing operations.

]]> http://www.pcimag.com/articles/113916 Fri, 15 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0400 https://www.pcimag.com/articles/113916-improving-facility-operations-to-boost-worker-satisfaction-and-productivity Inductively charged AGVs cut energy use and boost flexibility in finishing lines.

]]> http://www.pcimag.com/articles/113711 Tue, 24 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pcimag.com/articles/113711-skidless-agvs-drive-new-efficiencies-in-the-paint-shop How to select lab mixers that scale, handle tough viscosities and produce repeatable results in coatings research and development.

]]> http://www.pcimag.com/articles/113673 Mon, 09 Jun 2025 14:39:05 -0400 https://www.pcimag.com/articles/113673-how-to-select-the-right-laboratory-mixer-for-coatings-applications This proactive R&D strategy helps coatings manufacturers stay ahead of disruption.

]]> http://www.pcimag.com/articles/113672 Mon, 09 Jun 2025 14:22:19 -0400 https://www.pcimag.com/articles/113672-why-technical-scouting-is-critical-for-the-paint-and-coatings-industry The system upgrade supports cleaner, more efficient operations at Orafol’s expanded coatings facility in Germany.

]]> http://www.pcimag.com/articles/113643 Fri, 30 May 2025 02:00:00 -0400 https://www.pcimag.com/articles/113643-orafol-expands-use-of-durrs-thermal-oxidation-system-for-cleaner-more-efficient-coating-operations Manufacturing plants face significant health and safety risks, including injuries and equipment hazards, emphasizing the importance of effective safety measures.]]> http://www.pcimag.com/articles/113081 Fri, 27 Dec 2024 00:00:57 -0500 https://www.pcimag.com/articles/113081-health-and-safety-minimizing-risks-in-your-manufacturing-plant Maintaining bead size and charge in stirred mills enhances grinding efficiency, crucial for producing consistent particle sizes in coatings formulations.]]> http://www.pcimag.com/articles/112960 Tue, 12 Nov 2024 09:19:33 -0500 https://www.pcimag.com/articles/112960-bead-maintenance-in-stirred-mills AI enhances sustainable manufacturing in smart factories by optimizing processes, improving product design and ensuring compliance while reducing environmental impact.

]]> http://www.pcimag.com/articles/112807 Mon, 30 Sep 2024 14:10:00 -0400 https://www.pcimag.com/articles/112807-smart-factories Moving industrial fluids can be dangerous and costly. Proper equipment can mitigate some of the challenges that come from liquid transfers. This article covers fluid-transfer equipment that promises to reduce spillage and waste, and eliminate downtime, among other benefits. 

]]> http://www.pcimag.com/articles/112647 Mon, 05 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pcimag.com/articles/112647-meeting-the-challenge-of-transferring-dangerous-liquids-without-common-pitfalls-and-expenses PCI0824-Mouvex-Feature-1170.jpg image courtesy of Mouvex. PCI0824-Mouvex-1.png Mouvex eccentric disc pumps can mitigate all of the challenges that come from liquid transfers. This technology consists of a cylinder and pumping element mounted on an eccentric shaft. PCI0824-Mouvex-2.jpg G-Flo 50 pump for truck loading of polymers emulsions PCI0824-Mouvex-3.png SLC36 pump for truck unloading of polyethylene glycol By using modern mixing and dispersing technology, and centrally controlled peripheral devices with automated feeding and dosing of powder and liquid components, a Norwegian anti-fouling coatings manufacturer successfully tripled its production capacity at its new site, while keeping its staff levels the same.

]]> http://www.pcimag.com/articles/112645 Mon, 05 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pcimag.com/articles/112645-case-study-quality-defects-eliminated-productivity-tripled PCI0824-Ystral-Feature-1170.jpg Image courtesy of Steen-Hansen. PCI0824-Ystral-1.jpeg Bio-fouling after 140 days in an uncoated aquaculture net (right), and an aquaculture net with the copper-free coating (left). Images courtesy of Steen-Hansen. PCI0824-Ystral-2.jpg The in-line powder-wetting and dispersing machine Conti-TDS. Image courtesy of ystral. PCI0824-Ystral-3.jpeg ystral jetstream mixers perform mixing processes with a turbulent micro-mixing zone in the mixing head and almost turbulence-free macro-mixing of the entire vessel contents. Image courtesy of ystral. PCI0824-Ystral-4.jpg ystral double tank system at Steen-Hansen consisting of two process vessels incorporating jetstream mixers, a powder vessel, and the Conti-TDS inline disperser. Image courtesy of Steen-Hansen. It all begins and ends with a clean hull. Bio-fouling management is a key to a cleaner shipping industry, however, bio-fouling increases fuel use and slows ships. High-quality anti-fouling coatings, as well as proactive monitoring and cleaning, can address decarbonization, protect bio-diversity, and save fuel.

]]> http://www.pcimag.com/articles/112546 Fri, 12 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pcimag.com/articles/112546-how-can-the-shipping-industry-become-cleaner-without-losing-traction-and-detracting-from-its-economic-importance Ensuring your firm is sustainable will save you money, improve your operational efficiency, and help you attract eco-friendly consumers. Tracking ESG data points can help you spot faults and pivot toward more efficient operations. This improves your profitability in the long run and future-proofs your firm.

]]> http://www.pcimag.com/blogs/14/post/112415 Tue, 11 Jun 2024 19:31:43 -0400 https://www.pcimag.com/blogs/14-pci-blog/post/112415-maximizing-sustainability-in-manufacturing Wherever chemical processes are involved, in order to protect people and the environment the focus is always on process reliability. Pumps are an integral part of the process and play a particularly important role. One company gives an overview of how its double diaphragm pumps are prioritizing performance and failure protection. 

]]> http://www.pcimag.com/articles/112263 Fri, 05 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pcimag.com/articles/112263-chemical-pumps-the-key-to-greater-process-reliability PCI0424-timmer-Feature-1170.jpg Images courtesy of Timmer  PCI0424-timmer-1.jpg A look inside the pump shows the sealing concept, which significantly minimizes the risk of leaks. Pumps play an essential role in the success of processing industries across the globe. While pumps are versatile pieces of equipment, they also are not impervious to wear, which in turn impacts performance. This article highlights the importance of centrifugal pump maintenance, while also revealing the areas to focus on for getting the most out of a process pump.

]]> http://www.pcimag.com/articles/112036 Wed, 03 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pcimag.com/articles/112036-the-many-benefits-of-pump-maintenance PCI0124GriswoldFeature1170.jpg Griswold pump disassembled. PCI0124Griswold1.JPG performing maintenance on a Griswold pump PCI0124Griswold2.JPG performing maintenance on a Griswold pump PCI0124Griswold3.JPG performing maintenance on a Griswold pump PCI0124Griswold4.JPG performing maintenance on a Griswold pump This article discusses some unique safety hazards affecting professionals in the paint manufacturing space, as well as original equipment manufacturers that regularly utilize paint in their plant operations. It also offers advice on how employers, managers, and other leaders can combat these dangers.

]]> http://www.pcimag.com/articles/111766 Mon, 30 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pcimag.com/articles/111766-unique-safety-hazards-in-paint-manufacturing-and-how-to-combat-them Industrial mixers are essential for coatings manufacturers, and selecting the right mixer for an application can be difficult. Learn how to choose a mixer with design features that improve performance, provide more flexibility of mixing style, limit product loss, simplify cleaning requirements, and reduce capital equipment and ongoing maintenance costs.

]]> http://www.pcimag.com/articles/111655 Fri, 04 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pcimag.com/articles/111655-design-features-that-increase-product-mixing-efficiency-and-profitability PCI0823-Permix-1291056477-Feature-1170.jpg tolgart, Creatas Video, via Getty Images PCI0823-Permix1-1170.jpg PerMix 4 mixer. PCI0823-Permix2-1170.jpg PerMix 2 fluidized zone mixer. PCI0823-Permix3-1170.jpg PerMix 1 fluidized zone mixer. PCI0823-Permix4-1170.jpg PerMix 3 powder mixer. Togg, Turkey’s first smart and connected EV manufacturer, partnered with Dürr to achieve its goal of becoming one of Europe’s most environmentally friendly plants. 

]]> http://www.pcimag.com/articles/111456 Tue, 20 Jun 2023 07:11:57 -0400 https://www.pcimag.com/articles/111456-unparalleled-efficiency-with-paint-shop-and-final-assembly-systems A well-configured computerized maintenance management system that is engineered to streamline maintenance activities from start to finish makes it much easier to achieve maintenance goals with speed, accuracy, and efficiency.

]]> http://www.pcimag.com/blogs/14/post/111427 Mon, 12 Jun 2023 13:05:00 -0400 https://www.pcimag.com/blogs/14-pci-blog/post/111427-seven-ways-a-cmms-helps-boost-manufacturing-productivity Diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings are characterized by their high wear, abrasion, and corrosion resistance. This article discusses DLC coatings types, mechanical properties, coefficient of friction, surface properties, electrical properties, corrosion resistance properties, and uses. 

]]> http://www.pcimag.com/articles/111423 Fri, 09 Jun 2023 09:46:39 -0400 https://www.pcimag.com/articles/111423-dlc-coatings-decrease-the-cof-of-many-different-materials As production lines and manufacturing plants have to keep pace with widening demand, companies are in the market for bigger, better equipment, and more manufacturing space. This article covers Chem-Pak’s switch to ROSS mixers to allow them to process larger batches and incorporate powder ingredients more efficiently.

]]> http://www.pcimag.com/articles/111363 Tue, 16 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pcimag.com/articles/111363-generations-in-the-mixing pci0523-Ross-1278994837-1170.jpg simonkr / Vetta, via Getty Images pci0523-Ross-Image-1-1170.jpg Chem-Pak is adding a new aerosol line with a 12-million-can per-shift capacity, and in the next two to three years, will be expanding its employee base from 60 to 90 full-time employees and the existing facility by 20,000 square feet. pci0523-Ross-Image-2-1170.jpg The ROSS floor-mounted Model HSD-50 high-speed disperser with explosion-proof 50HP motor, heavy-duty V-belt drive and bearings, an air/oil hydraulic lift, and a high-quality, laser cut, 16-inch diameter blade. pci0523-Ross-Image-3-1170.jpg The ROSS floor-mounted Model HSD-50 high-speed disperser with explosion-proof 50HP motor, heavy-duty V-belt drive and bearings, an air/oil hydraulic lift, and a high-quality, laser cut, 16-inch diameter blade. pci0523-Ross-Image-4-1170.jpg To keep up with growing demand, Chem-Pak recently installed a new high-speed aerosol production line to accommodate thicker compounds. The newly acquired facility manufactures color-match touch-up paint, custom aerosol, and other specialty coatings. Diamond Vogel hopes to accelerate its aerosol growth strategy with the new acquisition. 

]]> http://www.pcimag.com/articles/111272 Thu, 13 Apr 2023 09:22:06 -0400 https://www.pcimag.com/articles/111272-diamond-vogel-acquires-aerosol-manufacturing-facility Dunn-Edwards discovered how to optimize its eco-efficient paint-manufacturing operation by upgrading to AODD pumps, resulting in reduced downtime and an optimized paint-manufacturing operation.

]]> http://www.pcimag.com/articles/111250 Thu, 06 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pcimag.com/articles/111250-perfecting-paint-production pci0423-Wilden-Lead-1170.jpg courtesy of Wilden pci0423-Wilden-Photo-1.jpg Chem-Fuse IPDs are constructed of Wil-Flex, which enables Wilden AODD Pumps to produce safe, clean, leak-free and efficient product transfer, even when handling the many abrasive liquids that are a staple of paint and coating production. pci0423-Wilden-Photo-2.jpg After seeing how WildenChem-Fuse IPDs can improve service life and pump performance, Dunn-Edwards will begin standardizing the use of Chem-Fuse diaphragms on all of the 3-inch Wilden AODD Pump models in use at its Phoenix, Arizona manufacturing plant. The technologies discussed in this article promote significant efficiency gains, production time and cost reductions, agglomerate prevention, more efficient raw material utilization additive savings, biocide reduction, and simplified cleaning, among other benefits.

]]> http://www.pcimag.com/articles/111248 Thu, 06 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pcimag.com/articles/111248-modern-mixing-and-dispersion-technologies-in-the-production-of-paints-and-varnishes The new model is meant for fast, safe, and efficient refilling of IBC totes. 

]]> http://www.pcimag.com/articles/111217 Tue, 28 Mar 2023 10:49:12 -0400 https://www.pcimag.com/articles/111217-denios-introduces-falcon-funnel-xl