Toronto, Ontario -- Axalta has won a 2025 R&D 100 Award in the Mechanical/Materials category for its Spies Hecker Permasolid Speed-TEC Fast Cure Low Energy Collision Repair Paint System.
The FCLE system, made up of the company’s Permasolid Speed-TEC Speed Surfacer 5560 and Speed Clear Coat 8820, is designed to reduce energy use by up to 49 percent and cut cycle times by 50 percent compared to conventional systems. The patented technology is engineered to deliver durability, vibrant colour and a high-quality finish while introducing a new sustainability benchmark for automotive refinishing.
“I am incredibly proud of the team of scientists at Axalta who continue to drive purpose-built innovative products and technologies that solve real-world problems for our customers,” said Robert Roop, Ph.D., Axalta’s chief technology officer. “This recognition from the R&D 100 Awards validates our commitment to developing solutions that create new opportunities for customers to boost productivity, reduce cost and waste and ultimately drive customer satisfaction.”
Axalta says the FCLE system is intended to address energy and throughput challenges in collision repair operations through fast-drying surfacer and clearcoat products that can cure through air-drying or a short bake cycle.
This year’s R&D 100 Award winners were recognized November 20 in Scottsdale, Arizona. The awards, now in their 63rd year, highlight innovation across industry, research institutions and government labs.
