In a move poised to reshape industrial finishing, PPG Industries has teamed up with IPG Photonics, the global leader in fiber laser technology, and Whirlpool Corporation, a major home appliance manufacturer, to fast-track the large-scale commercialization of laser curing systems for powder coatings.
The partnership targets a powerful trifecta: cutting curing costs, slashing environmental impact, and dramatically increasing finishing line speeds.
At the center of the initiative is a technology shift that could upend conventional processes. Instead of relying on heat-heavy thermal ovens, laser curing uses infrared light to trigger crosslinking — the chemical reaction that fuses powder particles into a tough, protective finish.
The result: cure times measured in minutes rather than the extended cycles required by traditional thermal systems, with greater efficiency than standard IR curing methods. Lower heat demand and faster throughput translate into significant energy savings and higher productivity.
“This collaboration, which represents a significant advancement in the coatings industry, positions us at the leading edge of powder finishing, highlights the strength of our partnership driven customer approach and reinforces our commitment to outside-the-can capabilities that bring value beyond our coatings,” said David Bem, PPG senior vice president, science and technology and chief technology officer.
To back the push, PPG has installed a state-of-the-art pilot finishing line featuring IPG’s PhotoniCURE laser curing system at its powder manufacturing and technical facility in Strongsville, Ohio. A dedicated laboratory system has also been deployed at the PPG Coatings Innovation Center near Pittsburgh to accelerate research and feasibility testing.
Pilot trials are already underway with Whirlpool, evaluating multiple powder formulations cured using the PhotoniCURE system across a range of appliance components. The company says the process will soon be available to additional customers.
“Industrial manufacturing finishing processes are incredibly energy intensive, and we are excited to participate with PPG in the development of laser-curing capabilities,” said Scot Blommel, Whirlpool Corporation global sustainability senior manager. “These trials will be critical in helping to determine how to best maximize this technology to reduce our environmental impact, enhance productivity and reduce our energy costs.”
For IPG, the coatings sector represents a major new frontier for laser technology adoption.
“We anticipate demand for PhotoniCURE systems to take hold in the coatings industry as our joint value proposition with PPG is proven in volume manufacturing, aided by intensifying trends towards sustainable manufacturing practices,” said Mira Sahney, IPG global laser systems senior vice president. “Our collaboration with PPG and Whirlpool is a huge step towards advancing our pioneering solution.”
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