Editorial, News, and Products
Axalta Wins Two 2024 BIG Innovation Awards
Both the company’s Voltatex 7345 A ECO Wire Enamel and its Raptor Flameproof Coating have won the 2024 BIG Innovation Award presented by the Business Intelligence Group (BIG).
Axalta Partners With Xaar to Provide Sustainable Digital Paint Technology
Technology can contribute up to a 40% reduction in CO2 for two-tone vehicle manufacturers.
PCI Names 2023 Scholarship Recipients
PCI has named the recipients of its 2023 scholarship program.
Automated Mixing Machine Saves Time, Provides Sustainability Benefits
The Axalta Irus Mix mixing machine’s technology reduces the need for manual mixing.
2 Scientists Elevated to Axalta Fellows
Dr. Mike Grady and Dr. Jeff Johnson are recognized for significant accomplishments, technical leadership and commercial contributions to Axalta.
Material Database Enables Coating Thickness Measurement Without Calibration
The database from Coatmaster AG has calibrations of over 400 different RAL colors.
Axalta Awarded 2023 Edison Awards for Innovation
Axalta products were recognized in the Sustainability, Smart Transportation and Material Science categories.
PCI Names 2023 Board of Directors, Executive Officers
The next individuals serving on PCI's board of directors and as executive officers have been selected.
Axalta Sustainable Electrocoat Technology Wins 2023 Innovation Award
The broad bake technology designed for complex vehicle structures provides corrosion protection and flexibility.
Powder Coating Institute Accepting Applications for 2023 Scholarship Program
The Powder Coating Institute is accepting applications for 2023.
Axalta Releases Global Automotive Color Popularity Report for 2022
First published in 1953, the report provides a comprehensive account detailing color popularity in the automotive industry with current data showing neutral colors remain popular.
Axalta Coating Systems Names CEO, President
Chris Villavarayan has been named Axalta Coating Systems’ CEO and president.
Axalta Launches Next Generation Basecoat for Automotive Refinishing
Axalta announces the launch of its next generation basecoat technology, Cromax Gen, for the automotive refinish industry in Latin America.
Coating Systems with the Best Long-Term Performance
The best protection against corrosion and UV exposure, says Axalta’s Mike Withers, is electrocoat and a super durable powder coating.
Axalta Commits to Reducing Emissions 50% by 2030
The company has also made 10 new sustainability commitments for 2030, including a commitment to produce sustainability benefits from 80% of Axalta's new product developments.
Salt Spray Vs. Cyclic Corrosion Tests
Joseph Subda, ecoat specialist for Axalta Coating Systems, explains the difference between these two corrosion resistance tests.
Axalta Reports Most Popular Car Color
Axalta Coating Systems 69th annual Global Automotive Color Popularity Report, reveals the most popular automotive color in North America.
Axalta to Showcase EV Battery Coatings
The company will unveil a portfolio of coatings that enhance the performance, durability, safety, and cost of electric vehicle batteries and motors at The Battery Show North America, September 14 -16 in Novi, Mich.
Axalta Will Honor Two Scientists with Top Honor
Dr. Flosbach and Dr. Koerner have been elevated to Axalta Fellow, the highest honor within Axalta's Technology function.
Axalta Named Preferred Partner in China by Mercedes-Benz
Partners since 2013, Mercedes Benz certifies Axalta as the preferred partner in China until 2024
Axalta Names Chief Human Resources Officer
Axalta Coating Systems announces Jacqueline Scanlan to lead Global Human Resources function.
Auto Buyers and Color Choices
Axalta 2021 Automotive Color Preferences Study shows Americans tend to buy solid, often black, cars.
Axalta Wins Three 2021 Edison Awards
Axalta's LiDAR Gonio-Retroreflectometer System (ALGRS), Spies Hecker Permahyd 5650 sealer and Universal Titan Primer and Enamel Coating have won 2021 Edison Awards.
Axalta Launches Mobility Coatings Business
The redefined transportation coatings business will focus on supporting e-mobility and its evolving coatings needs.
Coating for RV Industry Comes at an Advantageous Time
The market for RVs is on the rise and these coatings can help improve output.
Minimizing Defects in Polyester Wrinkle Powder Coatings
Axalta Coating Systems architectural segment leader Michael Withers discusses mitigating defects in polyester wrinkle powder coatings.
Axalta Announces Auto Color of 2021
Axalta names the yellow-green ElectroLight its 2021 Global Automotive Color of the Year, while its research shows white continues to be a global favorite.
A Focus on Heavy Castings
Winona Powder Coating invests in heavy-duty line and electrocoating to serve agricultural, industrial markets.
Axalta Hires Two Senior Vice Presidents
Axalta has hired Shelley Bausch as a senior vice president in Global Industrial Coatings, with Jeremy Rohen as a senior vice president in Strategy and Business Development.
PCI Announces 2021 Board of Directors and Executive Officers
The Powder Coating Institute has announced its 2021 Executive Officers and Board of Directors, led by president John Cole.
Axalta Introduces New Industrial Coatings
Axalta Coating Systems has launched its Strenex industrial product line for general industrial, construction and fabrication to the light and medium industrial markets throughout North America.
Axalta's Mike Withers Appointed to PCI Board of Directors
The Powder Coating Institute has appointed Mike Withers, architectural segment leader at Axalta Coating Systems to the 2020 Board of Directors.
Powder Coating Institute Awards 2020 Scholarships
The Powder Coating Institute has awarded its 2020 scholarship to six exceptional students studying subjects that can lead to powder coating careers.
Axalta Expands Waterborne Coating Plant in China
Axalta breaks ground on the newest phase of its Jiading waterborne coatings plant in Shanghai, China.
Axalta's Antimicrobial Technology Used in Bed Frames for Chicago Field Hospital Coronavirus Patients
Axalta will supply E&R Powder Coating with more than 7,000 pounds of its Alesta AM powder coatings for bed frames at a temporary hospital at McCormick Place in Chicago.
Finding What Causes Defects in Ecoat Systems
The first step in solving defects in ecoat, says Axalta’s Joe Subda, is to determine if the defect is on all parts, one part, or a certain type of part or substrate.
Axalta Adds Tufcote Epoxy Primer to Industrial Coatings Line
Tufcote 3.0 has quick, 30-minute recoat window for wet-on-wet topcoat applications.
Sea Glass is Axalta's Global Automotive Color of the Year
Axalta’s 2019 Global Automotive Color Popularity Report reported that blue vehicles are 7% of the global automotive market, fifth overall following white, black, gray and silver.
Axalta Receives Daimler Truck Masters of Quality Supplier Award
The award honors top suppliers of components and services to Freightliner Trucks and Western Star brand trucks.
Axalta Acquires UAE-Based Powder Coatings Manufacturer
Axalta will expand its footprint in the Middle East and North Africa region, and add to their strong manufacturing base.
Axalta Report Unveils Color Trends Shaping the Automotive Industry
The report showcases unique color combinations such as Comeback Duo and Smart Duo, and the emerging global automotive trends and latest innovations in color science driving them.
How to Measure Ecoat Throwpower in the Field
Axalta’s Dan Rose says the regular monitoring, recording and charting of throwpower can be a very valuable tool for ensuring quality.
Axalta Hires Brian Berube as Senior VP, General Counsel
Will also serve as corporate secretary.
Understanding Metallic Effect Powder Coatings
Metallic effect powder coating is a broad term, and Axalta’s Mike Withers says it usually covers powder coatings that have aluminum or mica pigments.
Axalta Receives Ducks Unlimited Award
The award recognizes corporations from the United States, Canada or Mexico that have made contributions to wetlands conservation and environmental stewardship.
Axalta Announces New Leadership of Industrial Coatings Business
Rajeev Rao and David Heflin will succeed Michael Cash as business unit leaders.
After the Storm, a Finishing Line Rebuilds
Thanks to Dedicated Suppliers, Vermeer Rebuilds Coating Lines after EF-3 Tornado.
Axalta Adds Corroless to Grow Corrosion Protection Segment
Coatings Line Provides Chemical, Corrosion Resistance for Iron and Steel Substrates
Robert Bryant Named Chief Executive Officer Of Axalta
The company also announced that Sean Lannon has been named chief financial officer.
Four Steps to Properly Identify and Eliminate Paint Defects
Over the years and out of necessity, Axalta’s Mike Withers has developed strategies for finding problems on a coating line and discovering solutions to those problems.
Coatings Protect Iron, Steel from Chemicals, Corrosion
Axalta’s new Corroless protective coatings are engineered to provide long-term chemical and corrosion resistance to an array of iron and steel substrates, while remaining cost-effective.
Axalta Launches Glass and Ceramic Coatings Portfolio
Eleglas coatings are designed to protect and enhance the aesthetics of glass and ceramic surfaces and feature a water-based-polymer, anti-shatter technology that provides a protective liner to keep glass and ceramic fragments intact in the event of a break,
Leading an Effective and Efficient Powder Coating Operation
Axalta Coating Systems’ Mike Withers has some sound advice for an inexperienced painter who’s been charged with running a powder line.
Axalta CEO Predicts Coatings Mergers
Former Axalta CEO Charlie Shaver says he expects several major takeovers and mergers in the global coatings industry over the next two years.
Flexible Topcoat Allows for Maximum Bend without Cracking
Axalta’s Imron 3.5 + FX Flexible Topcoat also provides superior weathering performance, distinctness of image (DOI) and a consistent high-gloss finish to industrial applications.
Determining Ultrafiltration Permeate Requirements
Axalta’s Joe Subda explains ultrafiltration and defines permeate to help you figure out how to operate your ecoat system most efficiently.
Axalta Gifts Mobility to Kids with Physical Disabilities
Axalta Coating Systems partnered with Atrium Health’s Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital, Hendrick Motorsports, LP Building Products and GoBabyGo! to build custom vehicles for children with mobility issues.
PCI Awards 2018 Scholarships
A total of $25,000 was awarded in the 2018 program, which includes donations of $5,000 each from corporate donors Axalta Coating Systems, Gema USA and Nordson Corp.
Powder Coating Architectural Products
Architectural powder coatings are engineered to meet three different levels of American Architectural Manufacturers Association specifications, and it is important to consult with suppliers and review Technical Data Sheets to choose the right one for your application.
Axalta Apps Bring Information to Users’ Fingertips
Axalta Coating Systems has launched two new mobile apps and a new feature to an existing app that are designed to help customers complete tasks more quickly and accurately, while making information that impacts business decisions more accessible.
Coatings for Industrial Applications
Axalta expands its reach in industrial markets with relaunch of Imron coatings.
Energy Coatings Withstand Time, Corrosion
The Z-Pex multi-layer system battles harsh oil and gas chemicals.
Automotive Coatings Manufacturers Helping Autonomous Cars ‘See’
Paint makers are coming up with ways in which autonomous vehicles could use their coatings to detect where they are on the road.
Ecoats Suited for Variety of Substrates
Axalta Coating Systems offers a variety of qualified anodic and cathodic electrocoat products suited for substrates including hot-rolled steel, cold-rolled steel, galvanized steel, aluminum and magnesium.
Reducing Ecoat Costs Without Affecting Quality
Axalta’s Joe Subda suggests taking an eight-step problem-solving approach to get cost savings from an electrocoating operation.
Epoxy Primer, Topcoat Suited for Weathering-Susceptible Substrates
Axalta Coating Systems’ Tufcote 5100 epoxy topcoat and Tufcote LV PR 5187 epoxy primer are said to be well-suited for use on surfaces that are susceptible to weathering and corrosion.
Measuring Electrocoat Film Build Is a Top Priority
Appearance and durability are affected if a coating’s thickness is greater than specified.
Axalta Forms Partnership with National Transportation Center
Axalta will provide its interactive, commercial transportation curriculum for use in NTC’s Heavy Truck Collision course, which focuses on training military veterans how to properly prepare substrates and successfully complete the truck refinishing process.
Axalta Wins Elevation Award from Durability + Design Magazine
Axalta received an award for its partnership with DSI Spaceframes Inc. in contribution to the San Francisco Transbay Transit Center project.
PCI/Axalta Scholarship Recipient Announced
Axalta Coating Systems and the Powder Coating Institute (PCI), named Theodore Hammer as the winner of the 2017 PCI/Axalta Scholarship.
Axalta to Acquire Plascoat Systems Limited
Founded in 1952, Plascoat was a pioneer in the science behind the formulation, manufacturing, and application of thermoplastic polyolefin coatings.
Axalta Powder Coatings Chosen to Protect Tallest Tower in Malaysia
With completion scheduled for 2018, the impressive skyscraper will be the tallest building in Malaysia, transforming the city’s International Financial District.
Iconic 1958 Chevrolet Impala from “American Graffiti” Hits the Road with Axalta
The Impala is featured in Axalta’s exhibit space during the NHRA Hot Rod Reunion in Columbus on July 7-9, and NSRA Nationals in Louisville on August 3-6.
Axalta and NASCAR Legends to Open New Customer Experience Center
The Customer Experience Center is a 36,000 square feet training and conference complex designed to serve Axalta’s refinish, transportation OEM, and industrial customers.
Axalta Launches Mobile Color Matching App for Powder Coaters
The free tool allows users to scan any surface and easily match it to an Alesta stock powder coating hue which increases productivity by eliminating the wait for a sample powder or color chip delivery.
Axalta Coating Systems to Acquire Century Industrial Coatings
Century is a leading manufacturer of high performance industrial coatings for structural steel, oil and gas, rail cars and other OEM applications.
Axalta Sponsors, Builds Mobility Cars for GoBabyGo!
GoBabyGo! began in 2006 to give children with spina bifida, cerebral palsy, down syndrome and other mobility disabilities the opportunity to socialize and move around with their siblings and peers.
Sunny Outlook for Florida Powder Coater
Benada Aluminum rebounds their business with improved chemistries and equipment in their powder coating operations.
Axalta to Acquire Ellis Paint Company
Ellis products include the Hy-Lux line of multi-purpose coatings, the Shaft-Lac line of solventborne coatings, the Maximus line of low-VOC industrial maintenance coatings and the Engard line of heavy-duty industrial coatings
A Conversation with Michael Cash, Axalta Coating Systems
Michael Cash is senior vice president and president of Industrial Coatings of Axalta Coating Systems.
Top Surface Finishing Innovations of 2016
We look back at the industry’s top new products and services for the past year.
Axalta Coating Systems Opens Powder Coating Learning and Development Center
Facility serves Axalta’s customers as well as those interested in learning more about powder coatings or advancing their application skills; classes are available in both English and Spanish.
Solving the Ecoat Mysteries of the Deep
A diagnostic testing device, the Submersible Data Acquisition Unit, can measure and record AC voltage, DC voltage and current at specific points on a part during the electrocoat process.
Axalta Gives University of Michigan Students Look Under the Hood at Pure Michigan 400
Axalta/U-M partnership supports STEM and business education as students had rare, special access to industry leaders from Axalta, Hendrick Motorsports, Michigan International Speedway and NASCAR.
Axalta Opening Powder Coating Training Facility
Axalta Coating Systems is opening a Learning and Development Center at its powder coating headquarters in Houston, Texas.
Axalta Coating Systems Has Carbon Fiber Covered
Axalta applies the technology behind its OEM coatings and refinish paint brands, including one of its three premium global refinish brands Spies Hecker.
Axalta Acquires Coil and Spray Coatings Manufacturer Dura Coat
Axalta will purchase a majority stake at the closing which is expected to occur in the third quarter of 2016, and the remaining outstanding shares by January 2019.
A Conversation with…Joe Subda, Axalta Coating Systems
Subda joined Axalta’s ecoat product group in 1990 and received the George E.F. Brewer Award at the ECOAT16 conference in February.
Axalta Starts Expanded Resin Production Facility in Mexico
Investment to expand infrastructure will enable company to support its customers with the latest liquid coating technologies.
Axalta’s AR400 Anodic Natura Powder Coating Hopes to Better Anodized Aluminum
Low-gloss, weathering polyester coating similar in appearance to anodize was developed for architectural and automotive applications.
Axalta Celebrates 150 Years in Coatings
First products developed in Germany in 1866, and since has grown into one of the world’s leading manufacturers of liquid and powder coatings.
Lawrence Tech Students Share Designs Inspired by Axalta’s “Radiant Red”
LTU’s program established in 2007 at request of automotive industry manufacturers to help train and identify designers.
Axalta Coating Systems, Hendrick Motorsports Extend Relationship
Axalta will become a primary sponsor of the No. 88 Chevrolet SS team of driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. for 13 Sprint Cup Series races annually, an increase of three per season.
A Conversation With…Lisa Luke, Axalta Coating Systems
Hear how Lisa is “supporting” the coating industry through her local auto body shop.
Axalta Coating Systems Introduces ReplaShade Custom Powder Color Match Program
Program designed to deliver fast, effective color matches to the powder coating market in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Axalta Coats Monument to Tour de France Winners
The monument comprises 104 two-meter high totems laid out in concentric circles, reminiscent of the historic Stonehenge monument in Wiltshire, England.
Axalta and Hempel Inc. Form Strategic Oil and Gas Pipeline Coating Partnership
A full range of external and internal coatings for North American pipelines.
Axalta Expands Powder Supply Capability in Southern California
Axalta’s new local delivery service provides daily deliveries expanding as far north as Oxnard, and as far south as Fontana.
Axalta Sells Shares to Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway
Buffett buys 20 million of Axalta’s common shares for an aggregate purchase price of $560 million, or $28 per share.
Measuring E-coat Throwpower
Electrocoat’s strength lies in its throwpower, but how can applicators take the most advantage of this characteristic?
Axalta Coating Systems Launches Global Technologies for the ACE Market
Combination of Axalta’s AquaEC electrocoat, liquid and powder coatings coupled with the company’s global footprint positions the company well.
Axalta Names Jeff Gordon Global Business Advisor
Gordon will become Axalta’s Global Business Advisor, and serve as special advisor to Charlie Shaver, Axalta Chairman and CEO
Axalta Coating Systems Celebrates 50 Years of Commercial Powder Coatings
Axalta got its start in powder coatings in 1964 with the acquisition of the Teodur brand manufactured by Wagemakers Lekbrieken,
A Conversation With ... Craig Dietz, Axalta Coating Systems
Dietz is the Strategic Marketing Manager at Axalta Powder Coatings, where he is responsible for creating and executing the strategic marketing plans for the Alesta and Nap-Gard powder brands.
Axalta Coating Systems Participates in Michigan Values Veterans Workforce Program
Mount Clemens, MI facility presented with MV2 certification at Michigan Values Veterans conference for Axalta’s pledge to hire and retain U.S. veterans.
Axalta Coating Systems Build Bikes for Boys & Girls Club of Philadelphia
The event used a bike building exercise conducted by Odyssey to show Axalta participants how to work as a team and continually improve the customer experience.
Piling on for Powder Coatings
Lane Coatings targets construction market with fusion-bonded powder coatings, and are espousing the benefits of using the coatings on materials such as pilings and reinforcement bars used in road and bridge construction.
Axalta 20-Group Visits Wisconsin Powder Coater
While meetings are facilitated by Axalta Star Coater administrators, these groups contribute to their own agenda and have also chosen to participate in benchmarking exercises, comparing certain aspects of their business and how they perform.
Coater is Getting Healthy in California’s Central Valley
Advanced Industrial Coatings specializes in medical and food service finishes. The company’s 50,000-sq-ft plant contains a conveyorized powder coating line capable of handling massive amounts of coatings, and an environmental and climate-controlled area for scientific applications.
Cash To Head Axalta Industrial Coatings; PPG Appoints Braun as VP Industrial Coatings
Cash joins Axalta Coating Systems from AkzoNobel Coatings; Braun has been appointed vice president of PPG's industrial coatings, Americas, effective immediately, replacing Richard Zoulek, who has left the company.
Axalta Expands Coatings Technology Center
Company says New Pilot Reactor Will Accelerate New Product Development
Axalta Coating Systems Launches New Logo, Website
Former DuPont division changes name, launches new website and corporate identity
A Conversation with … Ron Hull, Axalta Coating Systems
Ron Hull\ is the North American Sales Manager for Powder Coatings, Axalta Coating Systems
White Stays Atop the World’s Car Color Ranks
White/white pearl dominates the global automotive color popularity ranks for the second consecutive year, according to the 2012 DuPont Automotive Color Popularity Report. Black/black effect moves into second place
Acquisitions Abound in the Finishing Industry
End-markets are growing, raw material costs are declining, and more than the usual number of mergers and acquisitions took place, possibly signaling a resurgence of the U.S. coating industry. The Carlyle Group won a bidding war to take over DuPont Performance Coatings; Innotek Powder Coatings was purchased by Protech/Oxyplast; United Capital Funding Corp. purchased Architectural Finish Systems; and Pioneer Metal Finishing of Green Bay, Wis., bought Superior Metal Finishing of Portland, Ore., to go along with plants in Wisconsin, Oregon, Michigan, Minnesota, South Carolina and Indiana.
Carlyle Group to Buy DuPont Coatings Business for $4.9B
Global alternative asset manager The Carlyle Group and DuPont announced that they have signed a definitive agreement whereby Carlyle will purchase DuPont Performance Coatings for $4.9 billion in cash. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter 2013, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
Debugging A Powder Coating Line
Faced with an adhesion issue, a manufacturer of aluminum fence and rail products set out to find the solution to their problem, even if it meant taking apart his line components one-by-one.
Navy Is Full Steam Ahead On Powder Coating
With the military increasing its use of powder-based coatings to cover vehicles, equipment and ships—the Army has recently announced that it will allow the use of powder coatings in its CARC coverings that are normally e-coated—more assets are getting the powder coating treatment than ever before, much to the joy of the powder manufacturers.
Adding E-Coat to an Existing Powder Coating Line
If sales for your finishing business have been declining, you may need to consider adding a new coating line to bring in new business. An option may be to add an electrocoat system to your current powder line to increase your coating capabilities.
DuPont Selling off Paint, Powder Coating Division
Reports say that DuPont is exploring a sale of the division for as much as $4 billion. Bloomberg newspapers said that DuPont has hired Credit Suisse to look for potential buyers, and that it has hired Greenhill & Co. to separately handle a sale of a powder-coatings unit within the division. According to financial reports, DuPont’s performance coatings business accounted for 12 percent of DuPont’s $31.5 billion in revenue last year.
2020 Vision: Powder Coating
After more than 50 years, powder coatings are still viewed favorably in the finishing world as an industry that collaborates with manufacturers to reduce our environmental footprint and foster sustainability.
Antimicrobial coatings: Billion Dollar Bugs
Antimicrobial coatings are starting to make an even bigger entry into U.S. homes. More consumer goods manufacturers are offering “germ resistant” surfaces on many household items such as refrigerators, dishwashers, stoves and other appliances and fixtures. A report by Global Industry Analysts Inc. says the U.S. antimicrobial coatings market alone is expected to reach $1 billion by 2015.
Powder Formulation 101
Choosing the right powder for your job
Sublime Finishes
Vertical powder coating and sublimation printing combine to produce aluminum architectural pieces with unique finishes.
Are Antimicrobial Powder Coatings a Silver Bullet?
Antimicrobial powder coatings that feature silver as a key antimicrobial ingredient are raising the powder coating industry to new heights.