PPG, IPG Photonics and Whirlpool win 2026 IRI Open Innovation Award for laser curing
- PPG, IPG Photonics and Whirlpool developed a laser curing platform for powder coatings intended to replace energy‑intensive thermal ovens.
- IPG’s PhotoniCURE™ system was installed on a pilot finishing line at PPG’s Strongsville, Ohio facility and a lab system at PPG’s Coatings Innovation Center near Pittsburgh.
- Laser curing uses targeted near‑infrared (NIR) energy to trigger crosslinking and is faster than standard thermal or conventional IR systems, and works with conventional and laser‑activated powders.
- The project aims to cut energy use, boost line speed and production efficiency, and aligns with PPG investments in radiation‑curable technologies and lower‑temperature, PFAS‑free and rPET powder options.
Award and collaboration
PPG, IPG Photonics and Whirlpool Corporation were named winners of the 2026 IRI Excellence Award in Open Innovation for a first‑to‑market advancement in laser curing for powder coatings. The award recognizes collaborative projects that drive innovation, advance sustainability and solve complex industry challenges.
Technology and deployment
The partners developed and validated a laser curing platform leveraging IPG’s PhotoniCURE™ system to replace energy‑intensive thermal ovens in industrial powder coating operations. Laser curing employs precision targeted near‑infrared (NIR) energy to trigger the crosslinking reaction that converts powder into a cured finish, delivering much faster cure than standard thermal or conventional IR systems. PPG installed a pilot finishing line with IPG’s system at its Strongsville, Ohio facility and a laboratory system at the PPG Coatings Innovation Center near Pittsburgh to support ongoing research and customer feasibility studies.
Sustainability and impact
The project targets reduced energy consumption, higher line speeds and improved production efficiency while accommodating both conventional powder formulations and powders engineered for laser activation. It complements PPG’s investments in radiation‑curable technologies and powder coatings formulated with recycled PET and without PFAS, designed to cure at lower temperatures.
Source: PPG
