AkzoNobel has introduced Eco+, a new designation that brings together its most sustainable powder coating solutions from the Interpon and Resicoat portfolios under a single, clearly defined framework. The Eco+ portfolio is designed to help customers more easily identify coating technologies that deliver measurable sustainability benefits while maintaining high performance.

Eco+ products are powder coatings that provide verified improvements in key sustainability areas while also supporting operational efficiency. The solutions are designed to reduce energy consumption, minimise waste and lower carbon emissions, while extending product lifespan and improving process productivity. By consolidating these technologies under one designation, AkzoNobel aims to provide greater transparency and confidence when selecting sustainable coating solutions.

To qualify for Eco+ status, each product must demonstrate measurable sustainability performance against clearly defined, data-backed criteria. Every product included in the portfolio delivers at least one of six recognised sustainability benefits. These include reduced energy consumption through lower curing temperatures and faster curing cycles, increased productivity through single-layer systems and fewer processing steps, and reduced waste during manufacturing and application.

Additional benefits include lower material consumption through improved coverage and right-first-time performance, extended product lifespan through highly durable coatings, and reduced carbon footprint through smarter raw material selection, including bio-attributed resins.

According to AkzoNobel, powder coatings are already among the most sustainable coating technologies available. With Eco+, the company aims to make it easier for customers to understand where sustainability can deliver tangible value, whether through improved efficiency, reduced energy use or longer service life.

The Eco+ portfolio spans multiple industries, including architecture, automotive, domestic appliances and general industrial manufacturing, providing solutions such as low-temperature curing coatings, enhanced corrosion protection and highly durable finishes.

More information www.bit.ly/3OYj8kf

A global manufacturer of garden implements and motorised tools has invested in an automated plastic injection moulding and finishing solution for its US production facility to ensure consistent quality for critical engine components. Geometrically complex parts are now de-flashed using a Röslerswing blast chamber, which is fully integrated into the manufacturing line to enable continuous, automated processing.

The German-headquartered company produces its tools and equipment at facilities worldwide and is recognised for the high quality and reliability of its products used in forestry, landscaping and construction. However, two thermoset engine components previously sourced from external suppliers for the US plant did not consistently meet the required quality specifications.

To address this issue, the manufacturer decided to bring production of these parts in-house, including the removal of moulding flash generated during injection moulding. Drawing on positive experience with Rösler technologies in Europe, the project team worked with the company’s US subsidiary to develop an automated de-flashing solution.

The resulting system is based on the RWS 1200 swing chamber machine, specifically designed for the gentle processing of thermoset and highly filled thermoplastic components. The compact RWS 1200-I4-SAT2 machine features two chambers, each equipped with rotating satellite stations that securely hold the components during blasting. This dual-chamber configuration allows loading and unloading to take place in one chamber while de-flashing occurs in the other, effectively eliminating non-productive downtime.

Robotic handling ensures precise placement of the components on dedicated fixtures, while multiple blast nozzles accelerate non-abrasive media on to the rotating parts to remove flash and contaminants. The system achieves a cycle time approximately 15 seconds faster than the 60 seconds specified, reducing energy consumption and operating costs while ensuring reliable, high-quality component finishing.

More information www.rosler.com