DÜSSELDORF, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
At the recent European Coatings Conference on Automotive Coatings on
September 24 and 25 in Düsseldorf, Germany, Dr. Klemens Bartmann, Global
Technology Director at Axalta Coating Systems (NYSE: AXTA), a leading
supplier of liquid and powder coatings, discussed how today’s advanced
automotive coatings can favorably affect vehicle performance and fuel
economy, benefitting both drivers and original equipment manufacturers
(OEMs). The conference focused on automotive performance beyond the
engine and how modern coatings can contribute to performance.
This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150925005782/en/
Dr, Klemens Bartmann, Global Director of Technology, Axalta Coating Systems (Photo: Axalta)
Bartmann’s presentation, titled Between Standardisation and
Differentiation: How Advanced Coating Solutions Meet OEM Market Trends,
examined three challenges and solutions for the OEM market: lightweight
body materials and low-bake systems, process cost reduction with
Axalta’s Harmonised Coatings Technologies™, and color differentiation
and the role of high chroma colors.
“To protect and to sustain the environment, regulatory requirements and
manufacturer initiatives are compelling the automotive industry to
reduce emissions and waste, improve energy consumption, and support
higher standards of fuel efficiency,” said Bartmann. “In response, the
automotive industry is developing lighter weight vehicle materials. In
turn, Axalta is leveraging our extensive refinish and industrial
expertise to jointly develop ultra-low cure temperature OEM coating
methods for these new substrates.”
Lightweight body design and low-bake systems
Low-bake systems for multi-substrate, light weight body materials are
designed to reduce emissions and fuel use, contributing to efforts to
meet sustainability and environmental challenges. Low-bake systems are
made to be suitable for varying substrates that are most often comprised
of plastics and composites, which cannot withstand high temperatures.
These substrates are increasingly used on vehicles worldwide. Newer
coating formulations have to adhere to novel surfaces while maintaining
superior appearance and providing durability. Because these coatings
cure at low temperatures, less energy is used during manufacturing.
Process cost reduction and harmonised systems
Today, the automotive industry is striving to find efficiencies, reduce
costs and energy use, and decrease paint shop footprints and associated
capital investments. With Axalta’s Harmonized Coating Technologies,
including the 3-Wet waterborne system, paint shop VOC emissions can be
reduced. Eliminating or lowering the temperature of bake steps saves
time and energy.
“Harmonized Coating Technologies employ alternative resins in the primer
layer along with a new rheology control agent in the basecoat layer,”
said Bartmann. “These technologies are designed to help improve direct
run rates, process stability and transfer efficiency all while achieving
premium appearance levels.”
Color differentiation and high chroma color
Multi-layer color coats are increasing in popularity with OEMs. Axalta’s
high chroma tint coats are an effective way to apply transparent
pigments in the top layer and achieve noticeable depth and chroma. A
transparent top layer allows for higher chroma colors, while the bottom
layer provides uniform coverage. Another way to achieve high chroma
colors is through Axalta’s dispersion technology. More transparent
pigments are produced though high-energy milling and advanced dispersion
processes.
“High chroma colors provide buyers with increasingly individualised
choices and colors to meet consumer preferences,” said Bartmann.
For more information on Axalta Coating Systems, visit Axalta at www.axaltacoatingsystems.com.
About Axalta Coating Systems
Axalta is a leading global company focused solely on coatings and
providing customers with innovative, colourful, beautiful and
sustainable solutions. From light OEM vehicles, commercial vehicles and
refinish applications to electric motors, buildings and pipelines, our
coatings are designed to prevent corrosion, increase productivity and
enable the materials we coat to last longer. With nearly 150 years of
experience in the coatings industry, the approximately 12,800 people of
Axalta continue to find ways to serve our more than 120,000 customers in
130 countries better every day with the finest coatings, application
systems and technology. For more information visit axaltacoatingsystems.com
and follow us @axalta on Twitter and on LinkedIn.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150925005782/en/
Source: Axalta Coating Systems