Lunch for Workshop & Custom Coater Forum Attendees

4/14/2025 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM

Powder Coating 2025 Tabletop Exhibition & Reception

4/14/2025 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Powder Coating 101 Workshop Day 2

4/15/2025 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

1. Technical Conference Advanced Session

4/15/2025 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

1. Sustainability-Driven Innovation in Powder Coating
Hong Li. Ph.D., AkzoNobel Powder Coatings

Explore how sustainability serves as a catalyst for innovation within the powder coating industry. This advanced session will highlight the integration of a sustainable mindset into product and service innovations, with a focus on energy savings, material efficiency, and carbon footprint reduction. Discover the global challenges and opportunities in the powder coating industry, such as regulatory pressures, the need for sustainable practices, and the impact of global supply chain dynamics. By examining these factors, attendees will understand how sustainability can drive innovative solutions that benefit both the environment and the industry.

2. Opening General Session - Planning for Success: Key Considerations When Purchasing a New Powder System or Equipment

4/15/2025 1:00 PM - 1:50 PM

Opening General Session
2. Planning for Success: Key Considerations When Purchasing a New Powder System or Equipment
Kevin Coursin, The Powder Coating Institute

When purchasing a new powder system or individual equipment components, it's important to consider several factors. By planning ahead, you can avoid potential issues during the project. Being proactive ensures that everyone involved understands the expectations and their responsibilities if problems arise. This approach helps reduce anxiety and keeps the project on track.

4. First Steps to Flawless Finishes – Pretreatment Pros Tell All

4/15/2025 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

4. First Steps to Flawless Finishes – Pretreatment Pros Tell All
Improving the Sustainability of Your Pretreatment Process
Max George, DuBois Chemicals

Improve the energy costs and spend of your pretreatment line! Learn how low temperature cleaners and zirconium can do just that.

Pretreatment Options for Small Shops, Manual Operations, Limited Space, Tight Budgets
Jeff Blain, Circle-Prosco, Inc.

In this session we will discuss powerful pretreatment options for small shops, manual operations, and contexts requiring low water use. Need better performance? Tired of throwing labor into blast, sanding, or wiping parts down with acetone, but not to setup for a large multi-stage washer? Dealing with wastewater a challenge?  Floorspace and budget constraints tying your hands? There may be lots of reasons traditional pretreatment approaches don't make sense. Come to this workshop to hear about technology developed with these challenges in mind.

Best Practices for Manual Pretreatment Applications
Kirk Beaster, BASF/Chemetall

This presentation discusses the best practices recommended to provide consistent results when applying pretreatment using manual equipment. Using the best practices to develop the proper SOPs and conducting regular hands-on training is vital to providing consistent finished product quality. Cleaning, rinsing and conversion coating best practices will be presented for thin film (“zirconium”, non-phosphorus, etc.) processes as well as the conventional iron phosphate processes utilized in many facilities.

6. Batch vs. Automated Finishing Systems: Which is Right for You?

4/15/2025 3:45 PM - 5:15 PM

6. Batch vs. Automated Finishing Systems: Which is Right for You? 
Nick Dawson, Koch Finishing Systems
Frank Mohar, Nordson Corporation
Jeff Blain, Circle-Prosco, Inc. 

Whether your company is looking to upgrade an existing powder finishing system or install a new one, identifying the proper method of processing parts will contribute to the overall success of your powder coating operation. This session will explore the main drivers of batch vs. automated finishing processes, how and when to introduce automation, and best practices for obtaining a higher throughput of products. With labor at a premium, companies aiming to improve throughput by increasing efficiency or adding automation will benefit from the cost-saving considerations outlined in this session.

8. New Technologies

4/15/2025 3:45 PM - 5:15 PM

8. New Technologies 
Presenters in this session are permitted to use product and tradenames in their discussion as they are presenting new technologies to the industry.

OptiSpray All-in-One: Fusion of Electrostatics and Dense Phase Powder Delivery
Jeff Hale, Gema USA Inc.

This new technology presentation will review Gema's new OptiSpray All-in-One unit. The OptiSpray All-in-One merges charging technology with the proven linear SIT dense phase powder delivery for straight-line powder transport through the pump in one very compact device. The unit allows a maximum coating performance and extends the application range significantly; covering high quality coatings, complex geometries and large area objects. OptiSpray All-in-One specifically targets users who are looking for high end performance and consistent coating results.

Enabling High Quality Finishes Using Heat Curing Sealer
Daniel Henry, Sika USA

Sika has developed a top-of-the-line heat-curing seam sealer designed to cure at temperatures between 190 - 230°C, while providing a Class A finish with a variety of powder coat chemistries. It can be applied on multiple substrates including aluminum, steel and galvanneal. This product was developed specifically for the power coating industry to improve end product quality and appearance. SikaSeal®-330’s innovative chemistry allows powder to electrostatically adhere to it and maintain flexibility after curing in the high temperature oven while not becoming brown or brittle.

Sustainable Stone-Effect Coating for Modern Architecture
Arturo Lugo, AkzoNobel Powder Coatings

Stone Effect coating, showcased on the LEED Gold-certified Ragon Institute building (MGH, Harvard, MIT) in Cambridge, MA, sets a new standard for sustainable innovation. This prominent research hub in infectious disease features aluminum surfaces with a stunning natural stone appearance, without the expense or complexities of using real stone. This coating fulfills the rising demand for stone-effect finishes across North America, offering a durable, eco-friendly alternative. Unlike natural stone, which deteriorates over time, this solution provides lasting protection free from harmful VOCs.

Silica-Based Alternative to PTFE Texturing Agents for Powder Coatings
Bernhard Resch, Evonik Corporation

Keeping up with latest formulation challenges on sustainability and regulatory compliance, finding alternatives to PTFE texturing agents for powder coatings is a hot topic. PTFE has been the go-to product for creating fine-texture coatings, transforming irregular surfaces into attractive and wear-resistant finishes. This study reviews additive technologies which influence powder coating surface texture, benchmarking key coating properties, and highlighting a new sustainable texturing alternative.

Unlock Growth With Automation on the Plant Floor and Front Office
Jeff Halonen, Steelhead Technologies

Staying ahead of the competition requires more than just hard work - it demands smart, streamlined operations. This presentation will explore how to harness the power of automation to elevate your job shop's efficiency and profitability. From financial analysis to quoting and operator instructions, learn how comprehensive automation solutions can revolutionize every aspect of your business.