Innovative solutions for top quality powder coatings

Long life of buildings requires maximum performance of powder coatings. Especially in terms of color and gloss stability, maintenance and corrosion protection. But in addition, architectural coatings today are also subject to individual design requirements and trends.

Which powder for which application? How can the coating process be optimized? All questions that Henk Kleinlugtebeld, director of IGP Benelux, has answers to. "Thanks to our decades of experience in a wide range of specialized areas as well as our specially trained powder coating experts, we can deliver top quality. We carry out thorough tests, in our own laboratories, but also in the most extreme conditions in the natural environment, and thus develop high-quality powder coatings for our customers. For architecture as well as transport and industry, in the broadest sense of the word."

IGP- Robust Surfaces
"Research has shown that one of the biggest desires regarding coated surfaces is improved robustness. Material that can be packed and transported undamaged. To respond to that demand, IGP has introduced a new innovation to keep these coated surfaces intact: the S Series. Especially dark colors with higher gloss are prone to scratch marks and surface defects. It is therefore these colors that we focus on and wish to make a difference."

Henk continues: "In 2016, the IGP-DURA^®face Series 5807-S introduced as a pilot product with increased scratch resistance (Polyester Qualicoat 1). Our positive experience with this pilot product, led us to launch the IGP-HWFclassic Series 59 - S with increased scratch resistance (Polyester Qualicoat-2) last year. The innovative aspect here is that the surface optimization does not affect the technical properties of the coatings. This has never been possible before. The increased scratch resistance can be clearly seen using relatively simple test methods (Martindales test). During operations such as assembly and cleaning, the coated surface is not damaged. Other relevant properties have also been adjusted and optimized. Thanks to the wear- and scratch-resistant properties, IGP powder coatings are more suitable for use in particularly difficult applications in the fields of industry and architecture. A good example is Boon Edam. They have tested themselves through a number of projects and comparatively installed doors. Revolving doors run through brushes, which often quickly causes scratches. This was clearly less so with IGP due to its better robustness, whereupon Boon Edam's quality manager determined that they should switch to IGP's powder coatings."

Heat-sensitive powder coatings
"Rising energy costs and growing environmental awareness are contributing to increased demand for lower temperature powder coatings. In particular, this concerns manufacturing plants where energy-efficient production is required. In order to respond to this demand, IGP has been able to make an improvement through the reduced curing cycle and/or through the lead time. Where the oven was previously at 180 degrees for 10 minutes, it is now at 170 degrees for 20 minutes to cure the product. So energy saving! All innovative solutions from IGP that excel in both aesthetics and sustainability," concludes Henk.  

Text: Susan Peek   Image: IGP Benelux and Boon in Edam