PPG is introducing a low-energy paint process for automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) during the inaugural SURCAR North American Congress, on 13-14 June 2018 in Detroit.
SURCAR is a series of regional technical conferences for the automotive finishing industry with participants including vehicle OEMs and paint materials and equipment manufacturers.
The new paint system was developed through Project LEAPP, the company's global initiative to help OEMs reduce paint shop capital requirements and operating costs. Approximately 70% of total energy consumption at an automotive assembly facility currently takes place in the paint shop.
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The new paint process, which was developed in collaboration with Durr Systems, can help reduce energy consumption by up to 39% by permitting a significantly lower curing temperature and faster flash and dehydration times. The process features a next-generation PPG waterborne crosslinking chemistry that cures at 80 degrees C – compared to 140C for current systems – and can reduce flash and dehydration requirements by several minutes per vehicle.
The new system can enable OEMs to reduce the physical footprint of their paint shop operations because fewer ovens are needed and cure temperatures are lower. In addition, the ability to coat metal and heat-sensitive parts such as plastics and composites at the same time can simplify the manufacturing process.
"Project LEAPP focuses on technology initiatives that can have a transformative effect on paint shop operations, sustainability and vehicle appearance," said David Fenn, PPG research manager, automotive OEM coatings.
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