How to save energy costs in the painting process

Wonder how you can cut costs when it comes to energy savings? You can save a lot of energy by just optimizing your painting process. The goal is to reduce unit costs per every part that is being painted. This is only possible when you achieve the desired surface quality and high productivity using as little material and energy as possible. That’s why you need to optimize all steps in the painting process.

The effects can be impressive. Just look at this example.

93% IN ENERGY SAVINGS

In this particular case, our customer switched from direct-to-metal polyurethane coating to moisture accelerated curing using our product TEKNODUR COMBI 3560. This speeds up curing by reacting with moisture.

Please note: Results can vary depending on factors such as your equipment, process setup, materials used, and environmental conditions. While this example shows significant energy savings, similar results may not be achievable in all cases.

So how to do it then? You have two options:

1. Switch from oven curing to moisture accelerated curing using polyaspartic paint. The only thing you need is humidity and good airflow to cure the paint.

“Polyaspartic paint is a type of high-performance coating that belongs to the polyurea family. It is known for its quick curing time, high durability, and resistance to wear and chemicals. Polyaspartic coatings are often used in industrial and commercial environments where fast throughput is needed”, says Harri Lipsonen, Product Development Director.

2. Switch to low temperature curing powders.

You can cure at lower temperatures to save energy, though this will extend the curing time. You can also cure at standard curing temperatures, which will speed up the process. Even at standard curing temperatures, you can still save energy by increasing throughput compared to conventional curing methods.

MOISTURE ACCELERATED CURING

Moisture accelerated curing paint is a type of paint that dries faster because it uses moisture in the air. This is especially helpful in humid environments, where the extra moisture helps the paint cure quickly and thoroughly.

“The paint has special polymers that react with water molecules. When applied, the moisture in the air triggers a reaction, speeding up the drying process”, says Harri Lipsonen, Product Development Director.

Did you know: You don’t need an oven to cure paint efficiently. In a controlled environment, a moisture accelerated curing paint will be cured and ready in one hour.

POWDER COATINGS: CURING AT LOW TEMPERATURES

If you are using powder coatings, you can switch to low temperature curing powders.

Traditional powder coatings typically cure at temperatures between 150 degrees to 200 degrees for 10 to 30 minutes. Powder coatings that cure at low temperatures only need 130-160 degrees.

The unique chemical formulation enables the powder to flow and cure at reduced heat levels.

So what’s in it for you?

• Cost savings is the number one! Using less energy to heat the curing ovens lead to impressive cost savings and lower environmental impact.
• You can use powder coatings on heat-sensitive materials. You can coat all sorts of materials, even the ones that can't handle high heat, without worrying about any damage.
• Faster heating and cooling cycles mean faster throughput. So you can actually produce more in less time.
• No need to heat up the object to 180 degrees. 160 is enough. And since cooling down starts at a lower temperature, it takes less energy to cool it down and this reduces your costs.

So you can either switch to moisture accelerated curing or use low temperature powder coatings to achieve significant energy savings and improve production speed.

Discover how our low-temperature powder coating and infrared drying cut energy use by over 60%.  >>

Which one is the best solution? Well, it depends on your specific needs and situation. You’ll need to evaluate your production environment and equipment. Talk to our technical team to get tailored recommendations.