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Transforming Powder Coating Curing with Laser Technology

In a groundbreaking development, AkzoNobel, a leader in paint and coatings, has partnered with IPG Photonics, a pioneer in laser technology, to revolutionize the curing process of powder coatings. This partnership aims to enhance production efficiency and significantly reduce energy consumption, marking a significant advancement in the industrial application of laser technologies.

The Power of Laser Curing

The collaboration focuses on utilizing laser technology for the curing of AkzoNobel's innovative Interpon powder coating formulations. Traditionally, curing processes have involved lengthy heating times in large ovens, leading to energy inefficiencies and increased operational costs. However, with the new laser curing process, high-intensity lasers selectively heat the powder coating applied to substrates, reducing curing times to just a few minutes, compared to the standard 15 to 20 minutes required by conventional methods. This not only speeds up production but also results in a significant decrease in space required for the curing process.

According to Jorrit van Rijn, the Global Marketing Director of AkzoNobel's Powder Coatings division, this collaboration heralds a new era in production capabilities that prioritize sustainability and efficiency. He emphasizes that the innovative approach can offer game-changing benefits to customers while reinforcing AkzoNobel's commitment to developing sustainable solutions that cater to the evolving needs of the market.

Environmental Benefits and Efficiency

The environmental implications of adopting laser curing are substantial. The process minimizes heat emissions as it avoids unnecessary heating of the surrounding atmosphere. This reduction in thermal waste not only leads to energy savings but also helps businesses align with global sustainability goals. As production facilities often grapple with high energy costs and processing times, lowering these parameters can translate into decreased operational expenses and a reduced carbon footprint.

Moreover, laser curing techniques open new pathways for working with temperature-sensitive substrates, eliminating the need for additional cooling periods that complicate traditional curing setups. In high-volume manufacturing contexts, AkzoNobel and IPG Photonics predict potential reductions exceeding 50% in both investment and operational costs for their clients.

Fostering Industry Innovation

The newly formed partnership between AkzoNobel and IPG Photonics will predominantly serve customers in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region, aiming to enhance their market presence with this innovative technology. This strategic collaboration is not just about replacing old methods but about elevating the powder coatings industry to new efficiency standards that can rapidly adapt to future demands.

Trevor Ness, Senior Vice-President of Global Sales and Strategic Business Development at IPG Photonics, expresses enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the synergy created by merging laser innovations with AkzoNobel’s established Interpon powder coatings capabilities. This collaboration is envisioned to ensure a faster time to market, benefiting customers and the overall industry.

Looking Ahead

As both entities embark on this transformative journey together, the focus remains not only on efficiency but also on creating a sustainable future in powder coatings. The integration of laser curing technology is a prime example of industry leaders leveraging innovation for enhanced productivity and reduced environmental impact.

By advancing their capabilities through strategic partnerships, AkzoNobel and IPG Photonics are paving the way for the next generation of sustainable coatings solutions that promise to deliver high performance in a rapidly changing world. Curious about AkzoNobel's innovations? Visit Interpon.com for more information.