Surface World May 2020 Surface World May 2020 | Page 42

TESTING & MEASUREMENT
AkzoNobel and BYK-Gardner digitize
surface texture for powder coatings
Customers have been benefiting from
AkzoNobel’s expert digitization of color
for decades. Now the company is entering
new territory with the help of pioneering
technology developed by BYK-Gardner,
which can digitally measure and control the
textured surfaces of powder coatings.
“Texture is an extremely important feature of powder coatings and the
trend towards textured surfaces is getting stronger all the time,
especially in the architectural segment, where both coarse and fine
textures are used. As the world’s leading supplier of powder coatings,
having this tool available will be a major asset to both ourselves and
our customers.”
Launched on April 10, the spectro2profiler represents a major step
forward for the industry because currently, the only way to check the
quality of a textured powder coating surface is to carry out a visual
inspection. So the new tool – which can measure color and gloss, as
well as analyzing the 3D topography of the surface texture – is being
hailed as a game-changer.
Picture courtesy of
BYK-Gardner GmbH
Having previously collaborated on a digital device for AkzoNobel’s
Vehicle Refinishes business – which is now the go-to color measuring
tool in the automotive industry – the two companies began working
on the new spectro2profiler. The aim was to take what they had
already learned for leather-like surfaces and use it to explore the
possibilities of digitizing the surface texture of powder coatings.
“We started researching prototypes two years ago,” continues
Koeckhoven. “Combining our knowledge with BYK-Gardner has
enabled us to obtain objective quality control based on highly
accurate measurements which just can’t be achieved with the naked
eye. We are currently testing and optimizing this in our manufacturing
facilities. It’s hugely exciting and we expect that in the near future, this
“We’re excited to have achieved an innovation milestone,” explains
Pim Koeckhoven, Technology Director for Color at AkzoNobel. “Being
able to objectively evaluate the structural quality of a powder coating
– in a consistent, precise and standardized way – using a dedicated
digital tool will be a huge step forward.”
Adds Jean-Paul Moonen, Architectural Segment Manager for
AkzoNobel’s Powder Coatings business:
digitization method will also be able to support our formulation
activities.”
AkzoNobel supplies powder coatings to customers worldwide,
covering market segments ranging from domestic appliances,
architecture and automotive, to furniture, IT and general industrial
applications.
Visit: www.akzonobel.com
LIVE
Revised dates: 24th & 25th February 2021, NEC, Birmingham
- we have everything covered
Surface World Live is being held at the NEC in Birmingham
on the 24th & 25th February 2021. We look forward to seeing!
www.surfaceworld.com
Your industry under one roof over two days.
40 MAY 2020
read online: www.surfaceworld.com