AkzoNobel Powder Coatings unlocks a new world of opportunity for heat sensitive substrates with the new Interpon W range
AkzoNobel has launched Interpon W, a range of powder coating solutions that can transform how designers and manufacturers work with heat sensitive substrates (HSS) such as wood and plastic. Bringing benefits beyond physical attraction and with sustainability as standard, Interpon W is not a single product but rather a comprehensive range of powder coatings that include the Interpon W Core, Flex Pro, Fast and Fast Pro*. They are better by design so that even the most challenging shapes and substrates can be given a seamless, consistent finish and all-round protection. They enable furniture, kitchen and bathroom products or building and construction materials to be protected and enhanced in minutes in ways that could not have been imagined before.
The Interpon W range utilizes various innovations to achieve remarkable results. These include ultra-low bake technologies that deliver indoor and outdoor products with excellent chemical, scratch, liquid and heat resistance. They also include a lower thermal curing process that offers even higher weatherability and gloss retention for the more challenging applications. These innovations are used for Interpon W Core and Interpon Flex Pro respectively.
The technology behind the Interpon W Fast and Interpon W Fast Pro powder coatings is similarly innovative and takes advantage of AkzoNobel’s leading capabilities in UV curing. UV curing systems combine lowest temperature curing range (80°C-120°C) with the shortest curing time (2-5 minutes) to deliver optimal efficiency.
The full range allows materials such as MDF/HDF, Plywood, OSB, Natural Wood, Gypsum Board/Plasterboard, Fibre cement and plastic composites to benefit from a powder coating that is free from Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and have a high utilization of material – up to 99% – with any overspray able to be recycled. And being a powder coating, all sides can be coated at once, ensuring consistent edge coverage and reduced re-working time. This process also reduces the cost per unit.
Daniela Vlad, Managing Director of Powder Coatings at AkzoNobel, says the company is committed to continuous innovation: “Through innovation and worldwide market development, we are creating solutions that are transforming the potential of low cure powder coatings, and taking sustainable solutions and business performance to new heights.”
Daniela adds that the ‘Safe and Easy’ process has been introduced to ease the transition to new technologies: “We know that switching to new technologies may come with uncertainty which is why our dedicated teams will support you in making a Safe and Easy choice for your business. In close cooperation with global network of powder coating line manufacturers, we will help you from start to finish in creating and implementing a fully-operational coating line. This includes understanding the products and processes required, and the financial benefits you can expect. It also includes supporting you with staff training and ensuring a smooth integration between the powder and coating line.”
Interpon W was developed in AkzoNobel’s Global Competence Center for powder on heat sensitive substrates in Como, Italy. The Interpon W performance has also already been proven through partnerships with several Interpon customers in the company’s regional hubs and in close co-operation with market-leading line manufacturers.