2009 R&D 100 Winner
PPG Industries, Pittsburgh, Pa., has introduced a proprietary manufacturing process for powder coatings that eliminates the inefficiencies associated with the process. Duranar Powder Coatings are created by dispersing the resins, pigments, and other additives that make up a coating in water. As a result, the mixing and matching of color prior to pulverization and application is more accurate, more predictable, and significantly less time-consuming. The new process is somewhat like mixing paint at a hardware store. Because colors can be adjusted during the blending process, it is easier to make small batches of custom and custom-matched colors (and to make color samples), which speeds delivery and accuracy of the finished product to the end user. This new process can lower the material waste, energy consumption, and heavy equipment use associated with traditional powder coatings production. It opens the door for the construction of small, more modular (and less capital-intensive) powder coatings plants.
Technology
Manufacturing process for powder coatings
Developer
PPG Industries
