PPG Launches New Energy-Curable Coatings for Metal Coils

PPG has unveiled the PPG DURANEXT™ portfolio, a comprehensive suite of electron-beam and ultraviolet curable coatings specifically engineered for the metal coil coating sector. By harnessing the power of energy curing, PPG is introducing a groundbreaking solution that delivers exceptional speed and energy efficiency. The DURANEXT™ portfolio encompasses a range of coatings including backers, primers, basecoats, and clearcoats, providing a complete system for metal coil coaters seeking to optimize their production processes and reduce environmental impact.

Unlike traditional coil coating systems, which require elevated temperatures for the curing process, PPG DuraNEXT coatings utilize advanced technology such as electron beam or ultraviolet energy. This method enables the liquid coating to convert into a fully cured solid finish in mere seconds, dramatically reducing curing time. This process not only enhances efficiency but also preserves the coating's thickness and weight, offering a superior, more sustainable solution compared to conventional high-temperature curing methods.

PPG DuraNEXT solutions are designed to deliver exceptional durability while prioritizing sustainability. These coatings significantly reduce energy consumption, water usage, and CO2 emissions compared to traditional thermal cure coatings. They are formulated without solvents, eliminating the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The curing process is remarkably fast, completing in under one second without the need for heat. PPG DuraNEXT coatings can be applied using various methods, including roll-, curtain-, and slot-die-coating. Additionally, they can be tailored to meet diverse needs, offering superior performance in terms of weatherability, durability, chemical resistance, and flexibility.

The PPG DuraNEXT portfolio features a range of solutions tailored for diverse coating needs. It includes backers in both UV and EB formulations, suitable for various application equipment setups, and can be applied over primers or used as a direct-to-metal solution. Additionally, UV-curable primers are offered, which can be utilized beneath an EB topcoat or a conventional thermal cure topcoat. These primers are versatile enough to be used with a wet-on-wet topcoat application, allowing for single-pass curing with EB technology.

The portfolio includes a variety of basecoats available in a comprehensive range of glosses and colors suitable for both interior and exterior applications. These basecoats offer options in smooth, textured, and wrinkled finishes and can be formulated as a one-coat direct-to-metal solution. Additionally, clearcoats are designed to protect digitally printed inks, enhancing their weatherability while providing resistance to scratches and abrasions, making them ideal for both residential and commercial uses.

Irene Tasi, PPG Senior Vice President of Industrial Coatings, emphasized PPG's pioneering role in energy-curable coatings for wood and their evolution into cutting-edge technologies for metal building products. She highlighted that the development of UV- and EB-curable coatings for pre-painted metal marks a significant advancement in energy curing technologies. This innovation underscores PPG’s dedication to sustainability and continuous improvement in manufacturing processes across the industries they serve.