The engineering of interior components for the modern automobile has evolved significantly over the last decade or so. Components that once were metal have been replaced by parts manufactured with lightweight engineered plastics. The development of finishing technology has paralleled these innovations in interior automotive components.

Coatings formulated with polyesters can bridge the gap in cost without sacrificing critical end-use properties. In fact, they offer an added benefit of better ease of handling, as most polyesters are lower in viscosity than either a urethane or an epoxy. Recently, new radiation-curable polyesters exhibiting superior abrasion resistance properties have been developed. One, in fact, is low enough in viscosity to make it suitable for spray or vacuum coating application.

In 2000, Black Brothers switched from solvent-based to waterborne coatings, primarily for workplace health and safety. Unfortunately, the initial waterborne coating used was deficient in both appearance quality and production efficiency. Changing to a high-durability waterborne coating has enabled the 125-year-old company to continue its reputation as a state-of-the-art equipment manufacturer.

ElektroPhysik: The new MiniTest 700 Series coating thickness testing gauges feature digital SIDSP® technology sensors for high repeatability. Unlike analog sensors, the SIDSP technology sensors calculate the complete thickness value at the actual point of measurement, in the sensor where it touches the coating.

DuPont has received a 2007 PACE award for superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance. The award recognizes the company’s development and commercialization of EcoConcept, a finishing system that allows automobile manufacturers to eliminate an entire coat in the painting process.

Thierica is building a state-of-the-art test lab that will be used to validate paint application methods and develop new products. “We have identified the need to work with emerging technologies and have created an R&D resource that we can offer to our customers,” the company said in a statement.

A proposed new standard being developed by ASTM International Committee D01 on Paint and Related Coatings, Materials and Applications would provide the coatings industry with an industry-wide method for evaluating the ability of an architectural paint system to block ink stains from typical markers and writing instruments from bleeding through primer or basecoat into a topcoat.

BASF Coatings: A new coil coatings brochure provides information for the construction, household appliance, and automotive industries on the company’s entire coil coatings product portfolio, as well as on technologies, the latest developments, and numerous service concepts.

Gizmo Engineering: A new battery-powered liquid level alarm monitors levels in drums, tanks and containers. When a drum or container runs low, the alarm beeps and flashes to alert personnel immediately.

ICA Group: This company has developed a lacquered, glazed, bicolor water-based coating system that is designed to ensure that the final appearance of reproduction furniture remains intact. According to the company, the coatings allow for a drastic reduction (over 90%) in solvent emissions.