PC Summit Wrap Up

By Kevin Biller

The mission of the PC Summit was to assemble the best minds in the powder coating industry to celebrate innovation as the path to market expansion and better profits. A compendium of nearly 120 industry experts representing OEM’s, raw material suppliers, powder coating formulators, equipment technologists, pretreatment experts and research personnel descended upon Columbus, Ohio for this twoday summit. Based on the feedback received from attendees the event was a resounding success.

The first day immersed a capacity crowd into understanding the keys to unlock the intricacies of powder coating formulating, special effects, application and troubleshooting. After soaking in the powder technology tutorial, the group was ushered to The PCR Group laboratory. Here they were provided a hand’s on demonstration of the entire powder coating process— everything from raw material selection, weigh-up, premixing, extrusion and pulverization. Participants then encouraged trying their hand at spraying powder using the latest application technology courtesy of Parker Ionics.

In addition to experiencing the entire powder manufacturing process, experts were on hand to exhibit cutting- edge techniques to measure coating performance. Technologists had the opportunity to evaluate test instrumentation demonstrated by BYK-Gardner, DeFelsko, TQC and Fischer Technologies.

The first day culminated in well attended networking reception/exposition that was sponsored by DuPont Coating Solutions and Chemetall Surface Treatment Group. Industry experts nibbled on hors d’oeuvres and sipped adult beverages as they networked with colleagues and suppliers of emerging technologies. The party didn’t stop as all attendees were presented gifts PCI Summit Wrap Up continued after visiting the over 20 exhibits scattered in the expansive meeting rooms at the Westin Great Southern Hotel. The PCR Group hosted an afterreception candlelight dinner in the laboratory featuring a BBQ theme, cool music and refreshments.

Day two consisted of a high energy symposium that presented the latest innovations in materials and application of powder coating technology. Raw material suppliers informed us of innovative building blocks to formulate powders with enhanced performance. Dr. Szuping Lu (Anderson Development) gave a comprehensive dissertation on the myriad of acrylic technology approaches to meet emerging architectural, automotive and farm implement coating demands. Dr. Corey King (Evonik) introduced a novel technique to formulate low-gloss and matte finish polyester powders without the use of TGIC.

The thermoplastic powder community was well represented. Agustin Xononostle-Salido (Arkema) presented an intriguing paper on the use of a bio-based polymer to create powder coatings with outstanding durability and mechanical performance. These polyamide 11 type materials utilize plant based feedstocks that do not impact the food chain. Rodger Cram and Gary Weaver (ThermoClad) gave a rousing presentation that extolled the virtues of new developments in thermoplastic powder technology. These include primer-less PVC, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers, copolyesters and functionalized polypropylene.

The latest options for nonchrome and non-phosphate containing metal pretreatments were provided in an energetic talk by Suresh Patel (Chemetall). Suresh emphasized the excellent performance that can be achieved with silanes and phosphonates, but also cautioned that process control and cleaning were essential for optimal performance.

Jeff Hale (Gema-US) walked us through emerging innovations that are revolutionizing the application of powder coatings. The powder coating process can now be controlled much better with quick color change, dense phase delivery; electrostatic current limiting and novel reclaim technology.

Powder coating formulators also took the stage to introduce unique powder coating technologies destined to meet the needs of untapped markets. Beth Ann Pearson (Sherwin Williams) outlined the demands the Army has placed on the performance of powders expected to meet CARC (chemical agent resistant coating) requirements. An excellent treatise on anti-microbial powder coatings was proffered by Duane Wilson (DuPont Coating Solutions). He explained why this technology is needed and presented an insight into various mechanisms capable of creating a sustainable anti-microbial surface.

Ryan Schwarb (Keyland Polymer) provided a thorough exposition of powder UV cure technology and where this cure chemistry is being used today. Kevin Biller (The PCR Group) informed of an emerging revolution driven by a paradigm shift from metal to plastic substrates. He offered techniques to powder coat plastic substrates and chemistries suitable for a wide variety of plastic types. The optimism and enthusiasm of the participants was palpable throughout two days of tutorials, demos, symposia and especially networking. We would like to sincerely thank everyone who made this engaging event successful. The PCI administrative staff (Jennifer Egan and Ginny Robinson) did an outstanding job of managing the details of registration, promotion, printing and advertising. Brett Ryden’s relentless energy and dedication kept the engine running as we progressed from a concept to reality. Our sponsors were wonderful and allowed the event to unfold in a professional and classy environment. And our speakers put in countless hours to hone their message to be interesting and accessible to a divergent audience.

Most of all I want thank the attendees, without your hunger for new technology this event would be either a stodgy academic affair or meaningless commercial event. It is your quest for innovation that will bring new technology to market.