BLUE BELL, Pa. - Cosponsored by FSCT and RadTech International, the e-learning Virtual Learning Conferences will begin in 2005 with a two-part program on UV-curable coatings. The VLC programs may be taken separately or as a series.

Aaron Lockhart, Bayer MaterialScience, LLC, will present "UV-Curable Coatings I: Coatings for Plastics." It will take place Thursday, March 17, 2005, from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm (ET). This session addresses the chemistry of UV-curable coatings and its potential suitability in end uses where a coating for plastic is needed or desired. Traditionally, elasticity, adhesion and expense have limited the utilization of UV-curing technology in plastic coatings. However, with the employment of urethane chemistry in UV-curable coatings, these and other concerns are dissolved. Examples of both functional and aesthetic coatings will be presented relative to mono- and dual-curing, waterborne and solventborne UV-curable coatings.

The second session, "UV-Curable Coatings II: Coatings for Wood," will be given by Ron Schowengerdt, PPG Industries. It will take place Thursday, March 31, 2005, from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm (ET). This course addresses UV-cure wood finishes, beginning with a discussion of the Total System Approach and how it is important in identifying coating needs and outcomes. The basic building blocks of UV-curable coatings are also addressed. In addition, the three types of sprayable UV finishes (solvent-based, water-based and high-solids) and the three types of sprayable stains (solvent-based, 100%-solids UV and water-based) will be covered. A presentation of application and curing equipment, along with the typical line layout to pre-finish architectural moldings, completes this session.

Participants will need a computer with Internet access and a telephone. Participants will listen to the audio portion via telephone and view speaker's slides via the Internet. Full instructions are provided with registration.

Register by March 10 for either course to receive the discounted rate of $349 for FSCT members or $399 for non-members. After March 10, the registration fees are $399 FSCT for members or $449 for non-members. Only one fee is charged per location regardless of the number of participants.

To register online, visit www.coatingstech.org/Programs/Shows/Schedule.cfm or call 800/651.7916 from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. MST. For more information from FSCT, call 610/940.0777, fax 610/940.0292 or e-mail education@coatingstech.org.