AkzoNobel, has entered a strategic partnership with IPG Photonics, a global leader in fiber laser technologies, to introduce an advanced laser-based curing process for powder coatings. This collaboration is set to transform traditional coating methods by offering manufacturers a significantly faster, more energy-efficient alternative to conventional thermal curing systems.
As part of the partnership, AkzoNobel’s Interpon powder coatings are being precisely calibrated to work seamlessly with IPG’s cutting-edge laser curing solutions. The agreement, which is exclusive to the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region, marks a major step toward enhancing sustainability and operational efficiency in industrial coatings.
The innovative process uses laser beams to selectively heat the powder-coated surface inside a “cold oven” environment. Unlike conventional curing systems, which heat the entire enclosure and release energy into the surrounding space, this targeted method eliminates wasted energy and minimizes heat exposure on the factory floor. As a result, curing times can be slashed from the typical 15–20 minutes to just a few minutes—while also cutting the required footprint by more than half.
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“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,” said Jorrit van Rijn, Global Marketing Director of AkzoNobel’s Powder Coatings business. “It’s yet another example of how our commitment to painting the future is driving our innovation so we can help make the powder coatings industry even more sustainable.”
The synergy between AkzoNobel’s deep expertise in powder coatings and IPG Photonics’ modular laser technology aims to bring smarter, greener curing processes to the forefront of industrial production.
“We’re delighted to partner with the EMEA powder coatings leader to accelerate market acceptance of our game-changing modular laser curing solutions,” added Trevor Ness, Senior Vice-President, Global Sales and Strategic Business Development at IPG Photonics. “By aligning our laser innovations with AkzoNobel‘s Interpon powder coatings capabilities, we anticipate a shorter time to market and added value for our customers. Together, our companies will realize a new level of efficiency and value for the powder coatings industry.”