Strategic Collaboration to Advance Laser-Based Powder Curing Commercialization
PPG today announced a strategic collaboration with IPG Photonics, the global leader in fiber laser innovation, and Whirlpool Corporation, one of the world’s most recognized home appliance manufacturers, to accelerate the large-scale commercialization of advanced laser curing systems for powder coatings. The partnership is focused on transforming industrial finishing operations by identifying practical pathways to significantly reduce curing costs, minimize environmental impact, and dramatically increase finishing line speed. By combining expertise in coatings formulation, laser engineering, and high-volume appliance manufacturing, the three companies aim to bring next-generation curing solutions into mainstream industrial production environments faster than previously possible while delivering measurable economic and sustainability benefits.
How Laser Curing Technology Redefines Powder Coating Processes
Unlike conventional thermal curing systems that rely on convection ovens and sustained high temperatures to trigger the chemical transformation of powder coatings, laser curing employs precisely controlled infrared light to initiate crosslinking. Crosslinking is the essential chemical reaction that converts powder particles into a continuous, durable, and protective finish bonded to a substrate. Through targeted infrared energy delivery, laser curing systems activate this process in minutes rather than the extended timeframes required by traditional thermal methods. The technology is compatible with standard powder chemistries currently used in the industry as well as with formulations specifically optimized for laser response, ensuring flexibility and ease of integration. Because the process requires substantially lower overall heat input and concentrates energy directly where it is needed, manufacturers can realize meaningful energy savings, reduce facility heat loads, and increase throughput. Compared with conventional infrared curing systems, laser-based systems provide higher efficiency, faster ramp-up times, and greater precision, enabling manufacturers to optimize finishing line performance without sacrificing coating quality or durability.
Strengthening Innovation Through Partnership-Driven Customer Focus
David Bem, senior vice president of science and technology and chief technology officer at PPG, emphasized that this collaboration marks a significant advancement within the coatings sector and reflects the company’s commitment to innovation that extends beyond traditional product development. By aligning closely with customers and technology partners, PPG is reinforcing its outside-the-can capabilities, delivering solutions that provide tangible operational and strategic value beyond the coating itself. The initiative highlights the company’s partnership-driven approach, ensuring that emerging technologies such as laser curing are not only technically viable but also commercially scalable and aligned with real-world manufacturing demands. Through shared testing, evaluation, and optimization efforts, the collaboration positions all three organizations at the forefront of powder finishing transformation while strengthening customer relationships and accelerating innovation adoption.
Installation of Advanced Pilot Finishing Infrastructure
To support commercialization efforts, PPG has installed a state-of-the-art pilot finishing line featuring IPG’s PhotoniCURE technology at its powder manufacturing and technical facility in Strongsville, Ohio. This advanced installation enables real-world simulation of high-volume manufacturing conditions, providing an essential platform for validating performance metrics, optimizing coating formulations, and refining curing parameters. In addition, a dedicated laboratory-scale laser curing system has been established at the PPG Coatings Innovation Center near Pittsburgh to facilitate feasibility studies and early-stage research. These investments represent a major commitment to accelerating the transition from pilot validation to commercial-scale deployment. By combining pilot production capabilities with laboratory research, PPG can rapidly iterate formulations, evaluate substrate compatibility, and assess process integration scenarios, significantly reducing the time required to move from proof-of-concept to production-ready solutions.
Whirlpool Pilot Trials and Sustainability Evaluation
PPG has initiated pilot trials with Whirlpool Corporation to assess multiple powder coating formulations cured using the PhotoniCURE laser system across a variety of appliance components. These trials are designed to evaluate coating performance characteristics such as adhesion, durability, appearance consistency, and corrosion resistance while simultaneously measuring energy consumption, curing cycle times, and environmental impact metrics. Whirlpool’s participation is especially significant because appliance manufacturing involves high production volumes and strict quality standards, making it an ideal environment to validate laser curing’s scalability and reliability. According to Scot Blommel, global sustainability senior manager at Whirlpool Corporation, industrial finishing processes are among the most energy-intensive operations in manufacturing facilities, and participation in the development of laser-curing capabilities presents an opportunity to reduce environmental footprint, enhance productivity, and lower energy costs. The data generated through these pilot programs will help determine optimal integration strategies and unlock pathways for broader adoption across Whirlpool’s global operations and potentially throughout the wider appliance industry.
Expanding Laser Solutions into Mainstream Manufacturing
As the laser industry leader, IPG Photonics views powder coating as a compelling expansion opportunity for advanced laser systems within mainstream manufacturing sectors. Mira Sahney, global laser systems senior vice president at IPG, noted that demand for PhotoniCURE systems is expected to grow as joint value propositions with PPG are validated in high-volume production settings. Increasing regulatory and market pressure for sustainable manufacturing practices further strengthens the case for energy-efficient curing alternatives. The collaboration with PPG and Whirlpool represents a pivotal step toward scaling laser curing from a promising innovation to a widely adopted industrial solution. By demonstrating compatibility with established coating chemistries and achieving production-level performance benchmarks, IPG aims to position laser curing as a transformative technology capable of reshaping finishing operations across automotive, appliance, architectural, and industrial equipment markets.
Sustainability as a Core Growth Enabler
Sustainability remains central to PPG’s corporate purpose and long-term growth strategy. Investments in radiation-curable technologies, advanced powder formulations incorporating recycled polyethylene terephthalate materials, and PFAS-free solutions illustrate the company’s commitment to reducing environmental impact while maintaining high performance standards. Laser curing aligns directly with this sustainability framework by lowering heat requirements, decreasing overall energy consumption, shortening curing cycles, and reducing waste associated with extended oven operation. These benefits not only support environmental objectives but also enhance operational efficiency and cost competitiveness for manufacturers. As sustainability expectations intensify globally, technologies that deliver both ecological and economic advantages are positioned to drive future growth and strengthen customer partnerships.
Expanding Global Powder Coating Capabilities
In recent years, PPG has significantly broadened its powder coating portfolio and expanded manufacturing capacity worldwide. The company operates 21 powder manufacturing plants, seven facilities with bonding capabilities, a dedicated powder resin production site, a specialized research and development center, and a Global Center of Excellence that supports innovation and technical collaboration. This expansive infrastructure provides a robust foundation for scaling laser-curable powder solutions across regions and industries. By leveraging its global footprint and technical resources, PPG can support customers throughout the commercialization process, from formulation optimization and pilot testing to full-scale production integration.
Corporate Overview and Industry Impact
Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PPG markets and sells paints, coatings, and specialty products in more than 50 countries and reported net sales of $15.9 billion in 2025. Serving construction, consumer products, industrial, and transportation markets, the company continues to build on more than 140 years of innovation and customer trust. The collaboration with IPG Photonics and Whirlpool Corporation represents a forward-looking initiative designed to modernize industrial finishing while reinforcing PPG’s mission to protect and beautify the world. By integrating cutting-edge laser technology with advanced powder chemistry and real-world manufacturing validation, the partnership is setting the stage for a new era in high-performance, energy-efficient coating solutions capable of transforming production environments across multiple industries.
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