PPG showcased its Low Temperature Cure coating technology at the SURCAR Asia automotive conference in Shanghai, held Sept. 16-17, highlighting a coating platform designed to allow automakers to use lower curing temperatures across metal and plastic vehicle components.
Metal bodies and plastic parts such as bumpers typically require separate paint processes because they have different heat resistance and curing requirements. PPG’s technology is designed to broaden the processing window across both substrate types.
“This technology is about creating greater flexibility in how vehicles are painted,” said Haijiao Wang, strategic marketing manager, topcoat, Asia Pacific, Automotive OEM Coatings at PPG. “It streamlines paint operations, delivers consistent color across substrates and enables more integrated manufacturing processes.”
The platform includes two curing options. A stand-alone basecoat cures at 110°C, while a three-layer system cures at 90°C. PPG said the options allow automakers to apply the technology according to individual parts and production line requirements.
Both options operate below the approximately 140°C curing temperature used in conventional processes. PPG said the lower temperatures can provide a more energy-efficient approach while expanding the use of heat-sensitive substrates.
The company plans to begin line trials with automakers worldwide to evaluate the technology under different paint processes, production conditions and vehicle platforms.
The trials are expected to help move the technology from technical development toward broader commercial application. Wang presented the technology during the eighth SURCAR Asia automotive conference, which brought automotive coating developments to the Shanghai event.
