Coating solutions meet tougher target

A range of coating solutions has made it possible to achieve cost efficiency and higher productivity, while responding to the customers’ various requirements.

The ultraviolet (UV) clear coat technology developed by AkzoNobel can help vehicle body shops to cut their energy costs by as much as 80 percent. The technology, which is available in both Sikkens and Lesonal brands, cuts drying time to just 12 minutes without baking – providing a significant increase in productivity in addition to the potential energy savings when compared with traditional baking processes.

"Our latest innovation in UV refinish technology paves the way for a fast-track approach to body shop repairs," said Niels den Heeten, Premium Product Manager at AkzoNobel's Vehicle Refinishes business. "Because Autoclear UV has no need for baking, it means that valuable booth space can be released for more major repairs."

Customer response has been very positive. "Autoclear UV is very fast drying and the finish is good-looking without baking," said Mark van der Lingen, General Director and co-owner of Dutch fleet management firm ACM Fleetforce. "Because of this we have achieved considerable savings on our energy consumption."

Added Simon Parker, Managing Director of AkzoNobel's Vehicle Refinishes business: "This breakthrough in UV technology demonstrates our commitment to delivering partnership benefits to our customers. As well as heralding a revolution in fast-track repairs, it also reflects our Planet Possible approach to sustainability, which is aimed at developing leading innovations that create more value from fewer resources."

Another advantage of the new technology is that it gives body shops the edge when it comes to repairing hybrid and electric vehicles. That's because UV "cold-cure" products remove the risk of exceeding the temperature range of the batteries. The technology is also suitable for the latest composite materials used on vehicles.

Anti-graffiti coating systems
Another coating system combats the effects of vandalism. Alesta Anti-Graffiti powder coatings from Axalta Coating Systems protect against graffiti and reduce the time, effort and costs associated with repairing the damage caused by spray-painting vandals.

The coatings are ideal for sound barriers along motorways and railway lines, marker boards, lockers, restrooms, information signs, indoor and outdoor recreation equipment, community facilities, and transportation terminals. Superior abrasion resistant properties make it an ideal anti-graffiti coating for metallic surfaces. In addition, the anti-graffiti product line offers good durability due to excellent chemical resistance, very good UV weathering properties, and outstanding film hardness.

Noise barriers along highways and railways are popular among graffiti sprayers. Forster Metallbau GmbH is the first manufacturer who offers anti-graffiti noise barriers in Europe by using Alesta Anti-Graffiti powder coatings. Before that, there was no economical and efficient GSB-certified anti-graffiti powder coatings that were available on the market.

“Graffiti is a global problem not only because it is unattractive but also because the clean-up poses financial burdens on property owners,” explained Michael Cash, President of Industrial Coatings at Axalta. “Underlying paintwork is often damaged or destroyed by the cleaning process, incurring costs in manpower and repainting that can be needed to return the surface to its original appearance. Our Anti-Graffiti powder coatings can prevent this, saving time and money.”

Pure polyester Alesta powder coatings meet the requirements of GSB, Qualicoat and the AAMA. The products are also compatible with the typical polyester composites and additional coatings of the same product can be applied. They are available in all RAL and NCS color shades including metallic.