Latest Trends in Metal Coil Coatings: What’s Shaping the Industry?
Pregis® was pleased to exhibit and present at last week’s National Coil Coaters Association (NCCA) Fall Technical Summit in Rosemont, IL. During the show, there were some critical market trends that rose to the top: sustainability, testing methodologies, and coating diversity innovation. These drivers are essential as manufacturers seek to meet growing demands for durability, performance, and sustainable attributes in metal substrates coatings.
Sustainable Curing
- Ultraviolet (UV) / Electron Beam (EB) curing technology has made significant strides in reducing the environmental footprint of metal coatings. Beckers Group stated that UV/EB curing can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 50% compared to traditional fossil fuel-based curing methods, such as convection curing. This is achieved through improved energy efficiency and solvent-free formulations, reducing the paint volume needed for coating.
Testing Advancements
- Spectroscopy Infrared (IR) and microscopy are helping manufacturers better understand the long-term performance of coatings, particularly during weathering or corrosion. These methods provide insights, at the molecular level, into how coated metal materials will withstand the elements over time.
Challenges of Coating Diversity
- With the growing variety of coatings available, manufacturers are grappling with the challenges of limitless coating options and frequent changeovers on paint lines. Coil coaters are focused heavily on improving process efficiency and standardization, ensuring consistency from lab testing to full production – a critical factor for maintaining quality in high-volume environments.
- Every coating offers unique performance characteristics, and drawbacks. For example, Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) coatings provide strong weathering, chemical and UV degradation, but are vulnerable to scratches and abrasion. This insight demonstrates the overall need for temporary protective films to avoid damage during a taxing manufacturing process. By applying these films to coated metal surfaces, manufacturers can avoid unnecessary downtime, material, and labor costs.
To align your latest paint technologies and coated metal fabrication processes with the right temporary protective films, click here.
Sources:
