AkzoNobel and BYK-Gardner digitize surface texture for powder coatings

“We’re excited to have achieved an innovation milestone,” explains Pim Koeckhoven, Technology Director for Color at AkzoNobel. “Being able to objectively evaluate the structural quality of a powder coating – in a consistent, precise and standardized way – using a dedicated digital tool will be a huge step forward."

Adds Jean-Paul Moonen, Architectural Segment Manager for AkzoNobel’s Powder Coatings business: “Texture is an extremely important feature of powder coatings and the trend towards textured surfaces is getting stronger all the time, especially in the architectural segment, where both coarse and fine textures are used. As the world’s leading supplier of powder coatings, having this tool available will be a major asset to both ourselves and our customers.”

Having previously collaborated on a digital device for AkzoNobel’s Vehicle Refinishes business – which is now the go-to color measuring tool in the automotive industry – the two companies began working on the new spectro2profiler. The aim was to take what they had already learned for leather-like surfaces and use it to explore the possibilities of digitizing the surface texture of powder coatings.

“We started researching prototypes two years ago and we’ve just finished testing the technology in our manufacturing processes,” continues Koeckhoven. “Combining our knowledge with BYK-Gardner has enabled us to obtain objective quality control based on highly accurate measurements which just can’t be achieved with the naked eye. We are currently testing and optimizing this in our manufacturing facilities. It’s hugely exciting and we expect that in the near future, this digitization method will also be able to support our formulation activities.”

AkzoNobel supplies powder coatings to customers worldwide, covering market segments ranging from domestic appliances, architecture and automotive, to furniture, IT and general industrial applications.