AkzoNobel, a global leader in powder coatings, has entered a pioneering partnership with IPG Photonics, a frontrunner in laser technology, to introduce laser-based curing solutions for powder coatings. This collaboration marks a significant step toward faster, more energy-efficient, and sustainable manufacturing processes in the coatings industry.
Game-Changing Technology for Faster, Cleaner Curing
At the heart of the partnership is the calibration of AkzoNobel’s Interpon powder coatings for seamless compatibility with IPG’s modular laser curing systems. Unlike conventional ovens, this laser curing process selectively heats the coating using high-intensity lasers inside a “cold oven,” minimizing heat loss and eliminating energy waste on the shop floor.
The result? Curing times are slashed from 15–20 minutes to just a few minutes, while also reducing the physical space required for curing by more than 50%. This revolutionary process presents a faster, cleaner, and more controlled approach—ideal for modern, high-throughput production lines.
Exclusive Launch Across the EMEA Region
The agreement between AkzoNobel and IPG Photonics will initially serve customers in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region, where demand for sustainable and efficient coating solutions continues to grow. This exclusive rollout positions both companies as leaders in bringing advanced laser curing to market.
Driving Sustainability and Innovation in Coatings
Jorrit van Rijn, Global Marketing Director, AkzoNobel’s Powder Coatings business, highlighted, “This is a hugely exciting partnership which has the potential to offer customers game-changing benefits in terms of process speed, efficiency and energy savings. It’s yet another example of how our commitment to painting the future is driving innovation and making the powder coatings industry more sustainable.”
Enhancing Market Agility and Customer Value
Trevor Ness, Senior Vice-President, Global Sales and Strategic Business Development at IPG Photonics, added, “We’re thrilled to partner with the EMEA powder coatings leader to accelerate market acceptance of our modular laser curing solutions. Aligning our laser innovation with AkzoNobel’s Interpon powder coatings will shorten time to market and bring added value to customers across the region.”
Sustainable, Cost-Efficient, and Substrate-Friendly
Laser curing offers multiple advantages over traditional methods:
- Precision heating of the coating without affecting the substrate
- Ideal for temperature-sensitive materials
- Eliminates long cool-down times in production lines
- Reduces capital and operational costs by over 50%
- Significantly lowers energy use and carbon emissions
This innovative technology gives manufacturers a powerful tool to improve productivity and reduce costs. It also enhances environmental performance while maintaining coating quality.
Leading the Way Toward the Future of Coatings
This alliance positions AkzoNobel and IPG Photonics to transform the powder coatings industry. It offers manufacturers a smarter, greener, and faster curing method. As per the press release, the partnership underscores both companies’ shared vision of sustainable innovation. It also sets the stage for a new era in coatings technology.
