F-16 jets flown by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are being painted with a smooth, fast-drying primer and high-gloss, lightweight, advanced-performance coating (APC) topcoat by PPG Industries’ aerospace business. Desoprime HS CA7233 epoxy primer and Desothane HS CA9800 polyurethane APC topcoat by PPG Aerospace – PRC-DeSoto will improve durability of the familiar red, white and blue colors of the jets flown by the air demonstration squadron, according to Duane Utter, PPG global segment manager, military coatings and classified products.

Scientists from the University of Dayton Research Institute have manipulated the process of shell and pearl formation in oysters to demonstrate a method for depositing pearl-like coatings onto various metal surfaces. This biomimetic research could lead to new lightweight, durable coatings able to protect aircraft from impact and corrosion.

A new survey conducted by DuPont and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) shows that environmental issues top the list of challenges facing the automotive industry, outranking cost reduction for the first time in 14 years.

Rohm and Haas Europe Sarl has partnered with a leading logistics group to launch Claymore™XPress, a new pan-European service that provides next day delivery to Powder Coatings customers across the region. After the recent introduction of the ready-to-ship Claymore™ product portfolio, available in all production sites and warehouses, the company is now able to service the market with next day delivery for orders of 275 kg and under.

RadTech UV/EB Technology Conference & Expo 2008, held May 4-7 at Lakeside Center at McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, will feature an end user conference alongside its regular technical conference and exhibition.

Recent advances in Dürr Ecoclean’s EcoCFlex technology allows the flexible robotic cleaning system to accommodate industrial parts weighing up to 300 kg. Motors or cylinder blocks delivered by a conveyor belt are reoriented 90 degrees using a tilting station. This reorientation modifies the torque and leverage so that the robot can handle the heavy parts.

A new brochure from Sherwin-Williams describes the systems and services available for finishers in the Asia Pacific Region. The six-page, color brochure explains how Sherwin-Williams is poised to meet the coating needs of manufacturers with facilities in the Asia Pacific region through operations in Shanghai and southern China.

The new PC/PC single component progressing cavity pump from Fluid Research incorporates both progressing cavity positive displacement technology and PC programming. The system is designed to combine the benefits of both using a progressing cavity pump with a compact, versatile design and the ability to change dispense programs by plugging in a laptop and setting the program.

PPG Industries’ automotive refinish business recently introduced Ditzler Big Flake pigments to its Vibrance Collection finishes line of custom colors and special effect coatings. The new pigments comprise six large, metallic flakes that produce a unique “retro” look when added to a basecoat or clearcoat finish.

Greenstone Holdings, Inc. has introduced a MagneLine® StairSaf-T™, which uses specially designed polymer cement mortar to protect metal stairs such as fire escape and ladders on high-rise buildings and pedestrian crossing bridges from rust and corrosion, and also to add traction under slippery conditions.