We spoke with Todd Gragg, IFS Powder Coatings' Heat Sensitive Substrates Manager, about new products and developments in the low cure powder coating area.
Several years ago, IFS Coatings launched its PureClad line of powder coatings, a range of sustainable, low-temperature powder coatings for non-metal substrates.
Gragg says the fast, low cure, smooth, durable, and sustainable PureClad powders deliver a stronger, safer, better finish for alternate substrates like wood, MDF, and fiberglass.
He says this technology cures in only three minutes at 265°F, delivering exceptional flow, flexibility, and performance properties.
“We've got a fairly wide breadth of products, and we've expanded that to various markets,” Gragg says. “We have polyesters for vertical applications with exterior durability, and we have epoxies that will fit into the office and store fixture market when they need more chemical resistance. And then we have hybrids that fit in the mix there in the middle, so it’s the best of both worlds.”
Gragg says that IFS Coatings is having great success in helping powder coaters integrate the low-cure products into their shops, especially since IFS has been partnering with WolfRayet, a sister company started recently to supply gas catalytic IR powder coating ovens that can be used to cure powder on heat-sensitive substrates such as MDF, HDF, and OSB, as well as metal substrates.
“The technology has changed, and the application curve has changed,” Gragg says. “The partnership of a powder company and an equipment company is helping to really grow this industry. We have been able to demonstrate to an end user the true application and a true production environment. We've definitely opened up some eyes.”
