Powder Coating: Transforming the Automobile Industry and Beyond; From Top
to Bottom, From Inside to Out, Powder Coating Is The Finish of Choice

Alexandria, Va. (Business Wire)--March 26, 2004
--Henry Ford once said,
"You can have a Model-T in any color you want. So long as it's black."

For an industry once focused primarily on manufacturers' needs, powder coating
is transforming the automotive industry with faster production times and
lower operating costs, plus irresistible value propositions for consumers.
For years, conventional liquid coatings were the standard for the
automotive industry. But these coatings emit dangerous VOCs at their
application stage. Powder coatings do not use solvents; therefore little
or no harmful emissions are released into the atmosphere, eliminating the
need for costly waste disposal systems. Oversprayed powder can also be
collected and reused, resulting in additional cost savings. And because
the powder does not run or drip, the result is a uniform, superior-quality
finish.

Transforming the Industry

Clear Topcoats -- Conversion from liquid to powder clearcoats for auto
body exteriors is moving rapidly. Powder topcoats resist acid rain, the
sun's ultraviolet rays and road and weather damage, helping cars retain
their "showroom look" much longer and improving their resale value.

Body Primers -- Powder coating has made substantial inroads as a primer
for car, van and pickup truck bodies in the U.S. Auto body primers in
colors will be next.

OEM and Aftermarket Parts - There is huge market potential for high-heat
resistant powder coatings on aftermarket mufflers, which will resist
corrosion, protect against nicks and prolong the life of the muffler. Some
companies are already applying heat-resistant powder to aftermarket
mufflers, and the new-car market is thought to be two or three years away.

Powder coating is also applied to wheels, grills, bumpers, door handles,
roof racks and exterior and interior trim. "Under the hood" uses include
oil and fuel filters, brake pads, engine block casings, suspension
components and radiators.

Accessories - Pickup truck and SUV owners can purchase powder coated side
steps, bed rails, luggage racks and toolboxes as dealership add-ons or in
aftermarket stores.

Performance Enhancers - Performance car owners can find powder coated
special suspension units, carburetor parts and valve covers, plus flashy
rear-view mirror mounts and other exterior adornments.

Powder Coating and the Future of Plastics

Powder coating plastic surfaces represents a major growth area. In the
automotive industry, plastic sheet-molded compounds receive wet finishes,
which take more time and are not environmentally friendly. The challenge
for powder coating is getting it to stick, because the various
compositions of a plastic surface make it a moving target. There is also a
concern about potential damage to the plastic from exceedingly high
temperatures.

The powder industry is optimistic, however, that these challenges can be
met. "We're testing the powder process to see if we can get coverage
adhesion by using ultra-violet curing for powder on plastic sheet molding
compounds, which also keeps the heat levels under control," said Mike
Knoblauch, President and CEO of Decorative Veneer, Inc. in Plainwell,
Michigan.

In coating plastics, manufacturers are concentrating on such items as
wheel covers, rear-view mirrors, door handles, air conditioning vents,
interior clothes-hanger hooks...anything that can easily fit into smaller
ovens that are easier to insert into the overall production process.

For questions, photos or interviews, please contact Kirk Monroe at
202/331-0175 or [email protected].

Contacts

Powder Coating Institute by K M Communications Kirk Monroe, 202/331-0175
[email protected] www.powdercoating.org