PPG Industries’ aerospace coatings group has installed the first commercial system in the U.S. for application of its aerospace electrocoat (e-coat) primer to aircraft parts at the U.S. Coast Guard Aviation Logistics Center in Elizabeth City, N.C.

An automotive supplier uses a machine vision system to inspect up to 900 parts per min to substantially improve quality and productivity. The system checks for the presence and uniformity of a bead of sealant applied to the interior of a metal canister (see Figure 1).

The coating process is one of the most complicated steps in the production of automotive ignition coils. Since it can also be the most expensive, many automotive suppliers are hesitant to implement complex machinery.

From April 21-23, the international coatings industry will come together for the European Coatings Congress and Show. Delegates from coatings, adhesives, sealants, printing inks, construction chemicals and raw materials companies will gather to hear some 144 lectures in 24 sessions.

It is no secret that the performance of adhesives and sealants is advanced through polymer science.

I have a confession to make: When I was growing up, I hated country music.