PPG, IPG Photonics, and Whirlpool Partner to Advance Laser-Based Powder Curing Commercialization

PPG has announced a partnership with IPG Photonics, a global leader in fibre laser technology, and Whirlpool Corporation, a major home appliance manufacturer, to accelerate the large-scale commercialisation of laser curing systems for powder coatings. The initiative aims to identify opportunities to lower curing costs and environmental impact while improving finishing line speeds.

Unlike conventional thermal curing, laser curing uses infrared (IR) light to initiate crosslinking—the chemical reaction that converts powder particles into a durable protective coating. The technology is compatible with both standard powder chemistries and formulas optimised for laser curing, enabling curing within minutes—significantly faster than traditional thermal processes and more efficient than conventional IR curing systems. This results in notable energy savings through reduced heat requirements and improved throughput.

“This collaboration, which represents a significant advancement in the coatings industry, positions us at the leading edge of powder finishing, highlights the strength of our partnership driven customer approach and reinforces our commitment to outside-the-can capabilities that bring value beyond our coatings,” said David Bem, PPG senior vice president, science and technology and chief technology officer.

PPG announced the installation of a state-of-the-art pilot finishing line equipped with IPG’s PhotoniCURE™ laser curing system at its powder manufacturing and technical facility in Strongsville, Ohio. The company has also installed a laboratory system at the PPG Coatings Innovation Center near Pittsburgh to support research and feasibility studies.

The company has started conducting pilot trials for Whirlpool Corporation to evaluate various powder formulations cured using the PhotoniCURE laser system across different appliance components. We expect to make the process available to additional customers in the near future.

“Industrial manufacturing finishing processes are incredibly energy intensive, and we are excited to participate with PPG in the development of laser-curing capabilities,” said Scot Blommel, Whirlpool Corporation global sustainability senior manager. “These trials will be critical in helping to determine how to best maximize this technology to reduce our environmental impact, enhance productivity and reduce our energy costs.”

“We anticipate demand for PhotoniCURE systems to take hold in the coatings industry as our joint value proposition with PPG is proven in volume manufacturing, aided by intensifying trends towards sustainable manufacturing practices,” said Mira Sahney, IPG global laser systems senior vice president. “Our collaboration with PPG and Whirlpool is a huge step towards advancing our pioneering solution.”

Sustainability is central to PPG’s purpose and plays a key role in supporting the company’s growth strategy. This commitment is evident in the big investments in radiation-curable technologies and powder coating solutions made with recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) and without PFAS, which set at lower temperatures and produce less waste.

PPG has significantly expanded its powder coatings portfolio and manufacturing capabilities recently. The company now has a strong global presence, with 21 powder manufacturing plants, seven facilities with bonding capabilities, a powder resin plant, a research and development center, and a Global Center of Excellence.

Source: PPG