Q: What are the main drivers of new technology development in powder coatings? How have these drivers changed over the past 5-10 years? What major shifts do you foresee in the future?
A: Powder coatings have attracted coaters for decades as an alternative to solvent-based coatings with their advantages such as efficiency, economy, superior performance and environmental compliance. Interest in non-traditional substrates such as engineered boards, plastics and composites continues to grow. There have always been barriers to entry, mainly due to concerns about radical change and potential failure. In the past 5 to 10 years, with the industry downturn caused by the recession and the subsequent reluctance of the industry to invest in capital equipment, there has been a resurgence of interest in powder coatings in new application areas. I hope that powder coatings will replace volatile organic compound (VOC) liquid coating technology and achieve a major shift, but in reality, this shift will be slow, cautious and gradual.
A: The powder coatings market has been in a state of growth and innovation in multiple market sectors over the past few years, and this trend continues. The emergence of technologies that can meet the ongoing challenges of cost and production efficiency has driven these growth needs. For example, the growth and expansion of compact process systems. Compact systems, known as short-process systems in the EU, offer opportunities to reduce overall processing costs; for example, lower cure technologies, faster cure times, coatings with dual functionality, and dry-on-dry curing technologies for metals and plastics. The industry has also developed advanced technologies that enable the use of powders on wood and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) substrates and enhanced corrosion protection for metals.
A: Today, compared to a few years ago, new technology development has a two-fold strategy. On the one hand, we are working to improve many performance indicators of coatings, such as flow, edge coverage and corrosion resistance, to achieve performance closer to liquid coating technologies. On the other hand, we are working to improve the mechanical properties of durable and ultra-durable coatings. On the other hand, we are committed to providing affordable and reliable products without sacrificing overall technical performance.
A: The main driver of technological development is the growing demand for sustainable solutions and meeting customer demands for higher performance. To reduce environmental impact, customers are constantly working to improve process efficiency, such as reducing the number of coating steps or using coating materials more effectively. Lower baking temperatures mean that powder coatings can be applied to a growing number of substrates, resulting in lower energy consumption and reduced volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, making it a more sustainable alternative to liquid coatings and anodizing.
Recent developments in powder coating technology include chrome looks, hammered effects, textured effects, ultra-matte effects, etc. In addition, there is a demand for higher durability, corrosion protection and long-lasting aesthetics in coated products. We also expect to see an increase in demand for more uneven surface finishes that look more natural, such as stone or wood effects. In addition, a wider range of color options will strengthen powder coatings as a strong alternative to liquid coatings. Our goal is to make powder coatings available to as many markets as possible, as it is a very sustainable technology.
A: Over the past 5 to 10 years, the focus has been on two-coat systems, with the primer targeting corrosion, chemical attack and edge coverage and the topcoat targeting weathering resistance and aesthetics (e.g. metallic paints similar to automotive finishes). Some of the current drivers for new technology development in the industry include: high-performance direct-apply metal weathering topcoats that do not require primers, as well as enhanced corrosion resistance, edge coverage, and superior performance in heavy-duty industrial applications. Other drivers to watch include self-cleaning technology, better mar resistance, and low-gloss topcoats. In addition, environmental regulations (e.g., REACH) will continue to have an impact.
A: Currently, there are three main drivers for powder coating product development - improved durability, lower cost in use, and development of more products for non-metallic surfaces. Durability has always been important, but as powder coatings gain new market share in areas such as North American architectural coatings, they need to remain compliant with AAMA (American Architectural Manufacturers Association) 2604 and AAMA 2605 specifications. In addition, we see an increase in demand for ultra-durable products in all markets, including low-temperature cure and enhanced corrosion-resistant coatings. The trend away from standard solutions and toward ultra-durable products will continue for the foreseeable future. Ultra-durability will become the industry benchmark.
A: Drivers include higher durability (color and structural improvements) and brighter hues (opaque yellows, reds, and oranges). The development of new improved resins (more weather resistant) that require higher performance and have high expectations for lead-free pigments is a current trend. New applications include the use of powder coatings on wood (such as kitchen cabinets) and metal substrates to offset the impact of coil coatings.
A: At the end of the day, customers using powder coatings are the main driver of technology development. Customers need a certain product or need a powder to do something they cannot currently achieve, and we work with suppliers to develop solutions. I don't think this has changed and it will never change.
