PPG Industries’ industrial coatings business has introduced POWERCRON ADVANTEDGE electrocoat (e-coat), a next-generation high-edge cationic-epoxy product, in North America.

Originally formulated to achieve REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) compliance in Europe, Powercron AdvantEdge e-coat is formulated with a proprietary metal-free catalyst that eliminates the need for dibutyl tin and other scarce or restricted heavy metals as a catalyzing agent.

Bob Enzerra, PPG product manager, electrocoat products, said Powercron AdvantEdge e-coat can help appliance, automotive and heavy-duty equipment manufacturers and other metal finishers gain a competitive edge, both in terms of environmental compliance and product performance.

“While other electrocoat manufacturers have developed new catalyzing technologies that do not require dibutyl tin, all still demand the use of alternative metal feedstock that is limited in supply and availability and highly vulnerable to price fluctuation,” he explained. “By formulating and synthesizing a catalyst that is environmentally advanced and abundant, PPG can help protect customers from future legislative and supply challenges outside their control.”

Specifically engineered for high-edge protection of cut, stamped or formed edges on complex metal parts, Powercron AdvantEdge e-coat offers several performance advantages over e-coats based on conventional metal-based catalyzing technologies. They include cure temperatures as low as 320 F to reduce energy use and related carbon emissions, as well as excellent workability, a smooth film appearance, enhanced throwpower and excellent corrosion resistance.