For 47 years, Burton Doyle Windeknecht has been an icon in the powder coating industry, and for the past 20 years of my powder coating career he has been a “Mentor for the Ages.” Burt will retire from Becker Powder Coatings, Inc. and the powder coating industry on June 30, 2007 and will be greatly missed by many.

One of the most prevailing trends in the coatings industry, and manufacturing in general, is the move toward lower-cost goods emanating mainly from developing nations, particularly China. Discussions about quality in most cases have been set aside as China’s manufacturing practices have improved. But have these issues really gone away?

Anyone who measures coating thickness should be aware of technology that has been developed to assist in meeting their measurement challenges. These technological advances include new calibration options, interchangeable probes, data documentation and solutions for nonstandard applications.

The subject of product environmental durability usually comes up as an afterthought, often only following a major problem or customer complaint. However, it is far less costly in terms of time, money and customer relations to understand and avoid risk up front than it is to deal with the failed consequences.

Clearstone Technologies: This manufacturer of advanced LED technology light sources has launched the CF2000 UV-visible LED light source controller power supply.

Cianflone Scientific Instruments Corp.: The new WDXRF Portaspec X Series benchtop X-ray spectrograph is capable of performing multi-elemental analysis in the range of Ti to U and can be used to measure coating weights of both chrome and titanium pretreatments.

EXEL North America: This company has introduced a new line of manual airspray guns, as well as a manual electrostatic powder coating system.

Convenience Products: New DampLock masonry waterproofing paint is a below-grade waterproofing paint that can be used on interior or exterior walls subject to water seepage and mold growth.

DuPont has introduced two new water-based finishes. DuPont™ Cromax® Pro was designed to help collision repair shops meet stricter emissions regulations that take effect in 2009 in California. DuPont™ Imron® ZV HG polyurethane enamel is a water-based version of a coating that became known for its “wet look.”

Sherwin-Williams Industrial and Marine Coatings: The Fast Clad ER® Epoxy Pipeline Coating is an ultra high-solids epoxy amine coating designed to provide improved edge retention and a faster cure time compared to conventional epoxies.