Editor’s note: This column is a roundup of recent product releases from the coatings and allied industries. To submit a product release for consideration, email publications@paint.org. Please note that all submissions are subject to editorial approval and publication is not guaranteed.
Wet Grinding Bead Mill
Bühler has introduced the Cenomic Horizon 3, a bead mill intended for wet grinding applications. According to Bühler, the bead mill offers improved temperature control, reduced wear, and greater operational flexibility. The bead mill has an active chamber volume of 20 liters and a drive power of 30 kilowatts and is suitable for a variety of formulations, including coatings, paints, gravure and flexographic printing inks, digital inks, pigment concentrates, and agrochemicals.
To learn more, visit buhlergroup.com.
One-Coat Powder Coating
PPG has launched PPG ENVIROCRON® Extreme Protection Edge Plus, a patent-pending, powder coating. According to PPG, the one-coat system is formulated to provide a smoother, more uniform finish, protecting against corrosion on hard-to-coat sharp edges, angles, and recesses. The coating is engineered to minimize powder retraction and shrinkage during curing, providing more complete coverage without the need for mechanical edge rounding or blasting. End-use applications include louvers, blades, and other laser-cut parts.
For more information, visit ppg.com.
Weathering Testing
Atlas has introduced the next-generation Ci3000 Weather-Ometer®. Building on the Ci3000+ platform, this latest model offers expanded capabilities, enhanced safety, and smart design upgrades. According to Atlas, the new Ci3000 features include an enclosed two-tier rack for increased sample capacity and improved temperature uniformity; an intuitive touchscreen interface for simplified operation; and an expanded performance envelope.
For more information, visit atlas-mts.com.
Silicone-Based Surface Additives
BYK announced additions to its line of radiation-curable systems. BYK-UV 3590 and BYK-UV 3595 are crosslinking, silicone-containing surface additives for radiation-curing printing inks and overprint varnishes. BYK says that the additives are 100% active substances with strictly di-functional structures, formulated to improve tape release, increase surface slip, and create structural effects. The company adds that these additives are colorless, odorless, and nearly transparent.
Visit byk.com for more information.
UV-Curing Systems
Excelitas® has added two new technologies to its portfolio of UV curing systems. The company says OmniCure® AC9225-F UV LED Curing System, designed specifically for fiber curing applications, features an optical design intended to enhance output and optimize delivery of UV onto the fiber. OmniCure® AC9300P LED Large-Area Curing System is designed to deliver over 14 W/cm2 peak irradiance and is intended for cable marking and ribboning. According to Excelitas, the air-cooled system offers enhanced optics for fast uniform curing at short working distances.
Coatings for EV Batteries
Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. has unveiled two new products intended to provide extreme heat protection and better electrical insulation for EV battery applications. According to the company, Alesta® e-PRO FG Black powder coating is engineered for thermal stability and secondary fire protection. The coating is designed to resist ignition, expansion, and smoke generation at temperatures up to 1200°C. Alesta e-PRO Dielectric Gray is an epoxy-based powder coating designed to provide electrical insulation in high-voltage environments such as electric vehicle battery packs and stationary energy storage systems.
For more information, visit axalta.com.
Automated Mixing Technology
MIPA has introduced two automated mixing machines intended to simplify and accelerate the paint mixing process. The fully automatic Mipa Abtönautomat CR 6 uses volumetric dosing technology to support precise mixing at volumes as low as 0.0077 ml. Operating independently of a scale, the company says it is designed to save time during dosing. The Mipa Sunrace offers a semi-automatic alternative for precise color mixing using the Mipa WBC mixing system. According to Mipa, after the desired color formula is selected in the software, the corresponding toners are highlighted with light signals, removed manually, and placed onto the conveyor. Additionally, the machine then uses an integrated scale for precise dosing.
For additional details, visit mipa-paints.com.
Solvent-Free Tank Lining
Hempel has launched Hempaline Defend 430, a solvent-free tank lining created for use in the energy sector. According to Hempel, the epoxy phenolic lining is designed to enable rapid return to service with single-coat application, lower energy use during installation, and support more sustainable operations by reducing VOC emissions and workplace hazards. The company says that extended inspection intervals enable asset owners to keep tanks in service longer while lowering lifecycle costs.
For more information, visit hempel.com.
Sustainable Nylon 6
BASF has expanded its sustainable nylon 6 offerings in North America with two new grades: Ultramid® LowPCF and Ultramid BMB. BASF notes that both materials incorporate renewable natural gas derived from organic waste through a mass balance approach. According to BASF, this results in a reduced cradle-to-gate carbon footprint compared to conventional grades, with Ultramid LowPCF achieving a 30% decrease, and Ultramid BMB delivering an approximately 50% reduction. These products are suitable for applications such as wire and cable, carpet and textile fiber, packaging, and other consumer and industrial uses.
To learn more, visit basf.com.
UV-Curing Systems
Excelitas® has added two new technologies to its portfolio of UV curing systems. The company says OmniCure® AC9225-F UV LED Curing System, designed specifically for fiber curing applications, features an optical design intended to enhance output and optimize delivery of UV onto the fiber. OmniCure® AC9300P LED Large-Area Curing System is designed to deliver over 14 W/cm2 peak irradiance and is intended for cable marking and ribboning. According to Excelitas, the air-cooled system offers enhanced optics for fast uniform curing at short working distances.
To learn more, visit excelitas.com.