Future Of Coatings Under Study

Click on each speaker below to reveal an abstract and biographical sketch. Contact us to request more information from our expert presenters.

• 7:30–8:15 a.m. Reception Area

  Registration, Coatings Products Showcase & Continental Breakfast

• 

  8:15–9:00 a.m. Main Auditorium

  Keynote: Colm Boran Autonomous Vehicle Platform Manager, Ford Motor Company

  Bringing Autonomous Vehicles Into Production – An OEM Perspective

  Abstract

  The automotive industry is preparing for autonomous vehicles. Many OEMs, suppliers, start-ups, municipalities, etc. are all working toward making autonomous vehicles a reality. OEMs have been developing and launching various levels of vehicle automation for decades. The fully autonomous vehicles of the future will be developed with a combination of leveraging proven processes, and the new software development approaches. This presentation will review the approach from an OEM perspective of developing a Level 4 autonomous vehicle.

  Biography

  Colm Boran has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Kettering University. He has been has held numerous lead design positions in core hardware, software, and algorithms during 28 years of developing safety electronics for automotive.

  He began his career in Ford Motor Company’s Electronics Division in 1988, where he developed some of world’s first crash sensing and airbag control systems. He became Ford’s corporate Technical Specialist for Restraint Systems Electronics in 1996. In 2002, he became Global Product Manager for Restraint Control Electronics at Autoliv, after Autoliv acquired the Restraint Electronics business from Visteon.

  From 2006 to 2013, he served as Director of Motion Control Systems at Autoliv, and was responsible for developing and launching the world’s first airbag ECU that integrated the Inertial Measurement Unit sensors for Electronic Stability Control and Restraint Control systems. His team also developed the world’s first Safety Domain Controller that integrated restraint and brake control systems into a single ECU.

  From 2013 to February 2016, he served as Autoliv’s Senior Director for Automated Driving Systems, which developed SAE Level 1–4 Automated Driving features and control systems, as well as the company’s ASIL D-rated central system controller. He also served on Autoliv’s corporate R&D Board.

  In March 2016, he rejoined Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan. He is Manager of the Autonomous Vehicle Platform, which performs the overall system engineering and functional safety analysis of Ford’s Level 4 autonomous vehicle.

• 9:00–9:15 a.m. Reception Area

  Break, Student Poster Session & Coatings Products Showcase

• 

  A.M. Moderator Main Auditorium

  Todd A. Fitz Principal Engineer Honda R&D Americas, Inc.

• 

  A.M. Moderator Amphitheater 101

  Tracey Moorer Sr. Advanced Process Specialist FCA

• 

  9:15–9:45 a.m. Main Auditorium

  Caroline Harris & Jim PakkalaPPG & Dürr

  Project LEAPP – Low Energy Automotive Paint Process

  Abstract

  Over the last decade, the main trend in new or renovated paint shops has been the implementation of Compact Process. Although there are many different configurations in process and facility designs, they all contribute to the value of lower capital and operating costs by eliminating the stand-alone primer booth, oven, strip-out, finesse deck and associated floor space. Compact Process is basically the new normal for paint shops. This paper will provide our vision for the future of spray applied coating layers and the technical development underway to make low temperature curing an industrial reality. We will also discuss additional capital and operating cost savings opportunities enabled by novel new chemistry and facility design.

  Biography – Caroline Harris

  Caroline Harris received her BS degree in chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1982) and her M.S. (1984) and Ph.D. (1986) in inorganic chemistry at Northwestern University. During her career at PPG Caroline has worked in Glass R&D for Automotive, Architectural and Aerospace markets. Most recently, she moved to the Coatings Innovation Center, managing a group that is developing new coating technology for low temperature cure applications for the Automotive market.

  Biography – Jim Pakkala

  Jim Pakkala is a Senior Engineering Manager at Dürr Systems, Inc. Mr. Pakkala holds a BSME from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor and is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Michigan. Mr. Pakkala has over 21 years of experience in the automotive paint finishing industry where his efforts have led to numerous US and international patents regarding spray booth exhaust system and curing oven design. Mr. Pakkala has been with Dürr Systems, Inc. since 1995. Located in 23 countries, with continuous R&D and energy efficient processes, Dürr is Leading in Production Efficiency.

• 

  9:15–9:45 a.m. Amphitheater 101

  Ronald Romer Huber Engineered Materials

  Spheres of Interest: New Advances in Synthetic Silica Technology

  Abstract

  Since synthetic silicas became commercially available around the beginning of the 19th century, synthetic manufacturing routes have enabled the industry to produce highly specialized silica products that are prized for their performance in gloss control, rheology, scratch/abrasion resistance, film hardness, tactile properties, corrosion control and even their function as carriers (absorption of liquids into dry powder form) for antimicrobials, etc.

  While these benefits are substantial and well documented, each synthetic silica product poses its own compromises or challenges for the formulator. Most notably, the synthetic silicas (fumed, precipitated or gel) tend to have very high binder demand, can be cumbersome to handle or disperse and they may have varying degrees of susceptibility to over-grind.

  Recently, a new process was developed and commercialized by Huber that produces (crystalline-free) spherical particles with fundamentally different particle distributions and particle characteristics such as low oil absorption and very low binder demand. Not only does the new Spherilex™ silica and silicate technology result in unique balances of properties to address the compromises of the prior generation silicas, the technology also opens the door to new applications and new value in synthetic silicas.

  Biography

  Ronald Romer is the Applied Technology Manager for Huber Engineered Materials. Ronald holds a BS Chemistry degree from Delaware Valley University, plus multiple certifications in Statistical Data Analysis and Quality Statistics, including ASQ CSSBB. He has 35 years of coatings industry experience specializing in dispersion science, color/opacity and extensive field application testing of industrial coatings. Ronald formulated industrial and architectural coatings for both OEM and consumer markets with companies including Sherwin Williams, Rohm and Haas, Millennium TiO2 and PPG. His work has received a number of awards, including Rohm and Hass’ Otto Haas Award for Technical Excellence in 1998 and Millennium’s President’s award in 2007, for his contribution to analytical methods for light scattering and opacity.

• 

  9:45–10:15 a.m. Main Auditorium

  Karen Lis General Motors Company

  Successful Launching of New Topcoat Technology – Matching Material to Process & Equipment

  Abstract

  Successfully launching a new paint technology at a new facility can be a daunting task. Consideration of all potential material interactions with selected application process and equipment has a direct correlation to launch success.

  This presentation will show some of the material and process development testing that was conducted in advance of launch of 3 Wet topcoat paint technology at a new GM Paint Shop. Using the Design for Six Sigma thought process, a series of experiments were conducted to validate equipment compatibility and optimization of material and process parameters to ensure a successful launch. Component development work was conducted at both material and equipment laboratories with further validation on full vehicle bodies at GM’s Paint Laboratory.

  Biography

  Karen Lis is the Global Material and Process Specialist for Integrated Topcoat Processes under Manufacturing Engineering Vehicle Systems Paint Materials for General Motors Company. GM is a leader in global vehicle design, manufacturing and sales. In this role, Karen is responsible for:

  • Global Paint materials and processes for Integrated Topcoat Processes.
  • Paint material and process development, approval, and specifications.
  • New Paint material and process implementation.

  During her General Motors career, Karen has been involved in development of advanced coating technologies and processes, and material strategies in paint and sealer material arena to meet various environmental, quality and cost objectives within General Motors. She also leads global teams focused at communicating, coordinating and supporting development activities on a worldwide scale.

  Karen holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan.

• 

  9:45–10:15 a.m. Amphitheater 101

  Thomas E. Hughes ECKART America

  Metallic Effect Pigments: A Review of the Impact of Particle Size Distribution and Application Methods on Visual Effects

  Abstract

  The particle size and particle size distribution (PSD) of Metallic Effect Pigments are primary criteria used in the selection and approval of effect pigments. Choice of effect pigment can be critical to achieving the desired color/appearance effect and performance. While PSD is an important property in terms of the final pigment specifications and manufacturing requirements, the unique measurement procedure used by the pigment manufacturer and the accommodation to coating technology and application method are often overlooked when making an initial pigment selection for a specific application. This presentation will review the impact of the PSD measurement method used, the effect of coating technology (eg, Waterborne, High-solids), and the importance of the application when comparing and selecting metallic effect pigments.

  Biography

  Tom Hughes is responsible for the Automotive Coatings Market in North America for ECKART Effect Pigments. He has worked for ECKART for 10 years and has more than 30 years experience in the Coatings Industry, having worked in Technical and Marketing roles at Bayer Technology Services, Red Spot Paint, Akzo Nobel, and JDSU. He is an expert in achieving visual effects in various application conditions. Tom has a degree in Chemistry from Wright State University (Dayton, Ohio) and an MBA from The University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI). He currently resides in the Louisville, KY metro area.

• 10:15–10:30 a.m. Reception Area

  Break, Student Poster Session & Coatings Products Showcase

• 

  10:30–11:00 a.m. Main Auditorium

  Geoff Waite TTP

  Alternative Atomization: Ultrasonic/Ink Jet

  Abstract

  Two topics dominate automotive paint application discussions today:

  (1) How can we economically apply multi-color designs – from two-tone to custom imagery?

  (2) What is the next generation of applicator beyond ERBS – better quality, transfer efficiency and environmental footprint.

  Advances over the last decade in droplet generation technologies suggest that the time is right for a step change in both these areas and TTP has been working on the forefront of such developments. The talk will review the technical and commercial background to both issues, describe advances being made, and highlight some industry challenges that will need to be overcome. We will show results of direct digital “printing” of tough materials, including automotive paint, allowing wet on wet multi-color decoration, and we will overview technical approaches being pursued to produce high flow rate forward firing droplet generators which we hope will result in a next generation spray head which addresses some of the issues with ERBS.

  Biography

  Geoff Waite has spent 30 years in industrial R&D. Since early days developing in-line robotic paint inspection for Rover Group in the UK, Geoff has worked in almost all area of R&D from medical devices to industrial sensors to consumer products. He has a BS in Physics and a MS in Engineering from Warwick University. Geoff sits at the interface between new technology and commercial application, driving TTP’s business in the US, and is one the TTP team developing approaches to automotive painting.

  Coming out of the “Silicon Fen” of Cambridge, UK, TTP is major European commercial R&D lab with a 30 year record, much of which has been involved with digital printing and industrial coatings. TTP’s labs have invented coating & printing technologies such as Tone-Jet, Touch-spray and Vista as well as underpinning print-head development for many brand-names in the industry.

• 

  10:30–11:00 a.m. Amphitheater 101

  Stacey Orzech PPG

  Power Tu-tone: The Art of Powder Application in Automotive Manufacturing

  Abstract

  Powder coatings have been used in the automotive industry for decades and are well known for their low-cost operational efficiency, outstanding property performance and unmatched environmental friendliness and sustainability. However, except for limited use of topcoats for applied parts their application on full-bodies has been pretty much limited to anti-chip/primer surfacer and clearcoat. The ability to apply color in basecoats using powder technology is achievable and PPG has an extensive development history in this area. This talk will review this history and present the accomplishments in material development and application validation techniques that are enabling use of powder basecoats for Tu-tone color on production lines.

  Biography

  Stacey Orzech has been in the Automotive Paint Industry for over 22 years. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and a Master of Business Administration degree. Stacey started in PPG’s E-coat Technical Group as a chemist in Cleveland, Ohio and moved to the PPG Strongsville Powder Coating Plant in 1997. She is currently the Manager of Automotive Powder Technology at PPG and has been responsible for product lines that include Powder Primer, Powder Clearcoat, and Powder Basecoat technologies.

• 

  11:00–11:30 a.m. Main Auditorium

  Gabriela Patrick Toyota Motor North America

  Nitrogen as Shaping Gas in Paint Spray Applications

  Abstract

  Conventionally, the rotary bell paint application uses compressed air to aid the transport and deposition of ionized paint particles onto vehicle surfaces. Nitrotherm System (NTS) acts as a filter to convert compressed air into nitrogen. Replacing compressed air with nitrogen as a shaping gas not only reduces paint turbulence and overspray by stabilizing the spray plume, it increases filmbuild as a result of increased transfer efficiency. This study focuses on understanding the physical conditions necessary to achieve such benefits and observed improvements.

  Studying nitrogen as a shaping gas is a collaboration between the University of Kentucky – Institute of Research for Technology Development, Tape Industrial, and Eurosider, maker of the Nitrotherm unit.

  Biography

  Gabriela Patrick is currently Paint R&D Project Manager at Toyota Motor North America.

  She joined Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas Paint in 2007 in the area of Pretreatment and Electrodeposition. In 2009, Gabi moved to Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America – Production Engineering Materials group in the Paint Department. For the last 8 years, Gabi has worked on numerous material and color introductions, with a focus on material testing and best practice for the manufacturing lines within North America.

  Gabi is a graduate of Florida International University, where she holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, and a Master of Science in Material Science & Engineering. Prior to working at Toyota, Gabi worked as a research assistant focusing on processing-structure-property of ultra-high temperature ceramics in the Plasma Processing Lab at Florida International University.

• 

  11:00–11:30 a.m. Amphitheater 101

  Werner Wilson Honda Engineering North America

  Acura NSX: Gem-like Finish

  Abstract

  A presentation of the Performance Manufacturing Center with a focus on the NSX paint department.

  Biography

  Former Paint Technical Leader PMC. Currently Paint Strategy Leader Honda Engineering North America. 33 year Honda Paint Shop experience. PMC responsibilities included Design/Specification of process, equipment and systems. Leadership of Paint team through development, trial production and mass production.

• 11:30–11:45 a.m.

  Student Poster Session

• 11:45 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Main Dining Room & Reception Area

  Lunch, Student Poster Session & Coatings Products Showcase

• 1:00–2:00 p.m. Main Auditorium

  Panel Discussion: From the Can to the Car – Extending the Boundaries of Technology

  • Joanne Hardy

    Global R&D Director, Axalta Coating Systems

  • Jonathan Karr

    Vice President, FANUC America Corporation

  • Jim Ohlinger

    Product Engineering Manager, PPG

  • Rick Ostin

    Director of Sales and R&D for Application Technology, Dürr Systems

  • Timothy P. Weingartz

    Paint Materials & Strategy Manager, Ford Global Paint Engineering

  • Ken White

    Director, Vehicle Systems Global Paint/GMNA Paint Execution, General Motors Company

  • Moderator: Jamil Baghdachi

    Professor, Polymers and Coatings, School of Engineering Technology, Eastern Michigan University
  • 

    Joanne Hardy

    Joanne is Global R&D Director of Axalta Coating Systems and is responsible for the innovation of new technology and product development. Previously, she was the NA Technology Director located in Wilmington Delaware where she led technology and product development for the Refinish and Industrial businesses. Prior to 2013, Joanne was with DuPont Performance Coatings which was acquired by the Carlyle Group in February, 2013. From 2009 to 2012, Ms. Hardy was the OEM Technical Manager for DuPont Performance Coatings located in Changchun China with a focus of transferring technology and developing an expanded product portfolio for the OEM business in Asia Pacific. Prior to 2009, Joanne held various Technical Manager and Research roles in Michigan for the OEM business. Joanne holds a BS in Chemistry from D’Youville College in Buffalo NY and is also a certified black belt.

  • 

    Jonathan Karr

    Jon Karr is Vice-President of the Paint Shop Automation Group at FANUC America and has over 33 years of paint shop automation experience. His division supplies robotic systems for painting and sealing, as well as application technology to automotive and general industrial customers worldwide. FANUC is a global leader in Factory Automation, including Robots, CNC, and Robomachines. Jon’s group supports the design and manufacturing of FANUC’s paint robot line, which has had its home in Michigan for 35 years.

    Jon’s career at FANUC America spans 28 years and began in Project Management. He has also held positions in Automotive Account Management and as Manager of FANUC’s Paint Product & Application Development Segment. His career includes a post as General Manager of FANUC’s European Paint Operations based in Luxembourg. Jon is also a past advisory board member of the SME Association of Finishing Processes (AFP). He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction from Bradley University.

  • 

    Jim Ohlinger

    Jim Ohlinger started his career in automotive coatings in 1982 as a contract engineering student in the GM (Fisher Body) Paint Lab while finishing his B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering at Wayne State University. After moving to PPG in 1984, he has held positions in technical and on various customer teams in engineering and managerial roles. He is currently Product Engineering Manager for all Decorative Coatings (sprayable products) and supervises the Global Product Managers for PPG’s Product Management group located in Troy, MI. He is responsible for managing the new product development process and new product pipeline with Research and Development. He frequently interfaces with OEM’s on a global basis on all facets of material development and process and facility design.

  • 

    Rick Ostin

    Rick is Director of Sales at Dürr Systems and has over 34 years’ paint automation experience in the automotive and aerospace industries working with both liquid and powder materials. He holds several US and international patents pertaining to paint application equipment design relating to fluid delivery and application techniques. During his career at Behr Systems and now Dürr Systems he has held various positions from engineering, product development, and Sales. Ricks Application Finishing Technology division works globally developing products to fill the demands of the North American market with a strong focus on Production Efficiency. He is a graduate of Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, Michigan. Dürr employs approximately 16,000 employees at 92 locations in 28 countries.

  • 

    Timothy P. Weingartz

    Manager of Paint Materials & Quality Strategies where his responsibilities include the global development and release of sustainable coating material systems and quality. His thirty four years in the automotive coatings industry have been focused on product engineering of improved material chemistries that advance customer value through cost, quality, and environmental performance.

    Prior to joining Ford Motor Company, Tim was the Senior Project Leader for product development at BASF, where he led the group responsible for the development of new colors, and new material technologies.

  • 

    Ken White

    Kenny White is the Director for Manufacturing Engineering Vehicle Systems for General Motors Company. GM is a leader in global vehicle design, manufacturing and sales.

    During his General Motors career, Kenny has held various positions of increasing responsibility in manufacturing and manufacturing engineering. Kenny helped start the joint venture between Toyota and General Motors in Fremont, CA. He has held manufacturing leadership positions in body, paint and general assembly. He was Director in General Assembly Manufacturing Engineering, responsible for new product program launches, tools and processing for all of North America. He was the assistant plant manager at the Flint truck assembly plant. He managed the conveyor and tooling group for all North America facilities.

    Kenny holds a Graduate Certificate from Stanford University in Product Creation and Innovative Manufacturing and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from General Motors Institute (Kettering University).

  • 

    Jamil Baghdachi – Moderator

    Dr. Baghdachi is a Professor of Polymers and Coatings at the Eastern Michigan University. He joined the Coatings Research Institute in 1997, after spending 20 years at various technical and managerial capacities at BASF Corporation, DuPont, and ARCO and Exxon Chemical Company. He received BS and MS degrees from the University of Tennessee and a PhD. from the University of Mississippi and has conducted postdoctoral work at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He is the author/editor of 7 technical books in related areas and has published over 75 refereed articles and holds 49 U.S. and international patents and is the recipient of 2015 American Chemical Society’s Roy W. Tess award in coatings. In 2014 he was inducted the Fellow of the American Chemical Society for his scientific and service contributions; in 2012 he was recognized by the American Coatings Association for many years of industry service and technical contribution and received the Industry Excellence Award from this Association.

    He has given over 100 keynote and invited lectures, with the most recent being the Mattiello Memorial Lecture at the Coatings Tech. Conference of American Coatings Association. He served as the 2014 Chair of the Polymeric Materials Science and Engineering, and continues to chair the science and technology committee of the American Coatings Association.

    Dr. Baghdachi Is the organizer of Chinacoat Scientific Conference and has been organizing the Smart Coatings and the Advanced Functional Materials symposia since 2005 and 2014 and currently is on the Scientific Advisory Board of Proctor and Gamble, Oxitento, AsianPaints, Mitsui Chemicals and a member of Board of Directors of Paragon Industries.

• 2:00–2:15 p.m. Reception Area

  Break, Student Poster Session & Coatings Products Showcase

• 

  P.M. Moderator Main Auditorium

  Grace N. Griffin Engineering Group Manager, Vehicle Systems Paint Materials & Facilities General Motors Company

• 

  P.M. Moderator Amphitheater 101

  Mark Nichols Technical Leader, Paint and Corrosion Research Ford Research and Advanced Engineering

• 

  2:15–2:45 p.m. Main Auditorium

  Padraig O’Kelly TeraView Ltd.

  Non-Contact Paint Thickness Measurement System for Industrial Deployment

  Abstract

  We present a non-contact, multi-layer coating thickness sensor based on the use of pulsed terahertz light.

  The coated surface is illuminated from a short distance with a terahertz light pulse. The reflected signal, containing reflections at the interface of adjacent coating layers, is analysed to determine the thickness of each layer.

  The unit has been designed and tested for deployment in manufacturing environments and is available in both manual and automated (robotic) forms.

  Being non-contact, it offers significant advantages over existing technologies: for example, line scans and measurement of curved surfaces, including windshield flanges.

  The system has been tested by a number of automobile manufacturers. Summary results of trials are discussed.

  Biography

  Padraig O’Kelly joined TeraView as Chief Operating Officer in February 2006 with well over 25 years’ experience within various high technology industries. He is responsible for all the Company’s Research & Development activities as well as Manufacturing. Prior to joining TeraView he held various posts during a 14-year span at Applied Imaging, a medical device manufacturer. He spent 10 years in GEC-Marconi in a wide variety of roles including Business Development and Project Management within its Simulation division.

• 

  2:15–2:45 p.m. Amphitheater 101

  Christopher Seubert Ford Motor Company

  IR Reflectivity of Paint: Autonomy and CO₂ Emissions

  Abstract

  Paint, specifically the particles and platelets contained within, reflect a range of electromagnetic wavelengths. The reflection of infrared (IR) wavelengths by paint is particularly important for two independent, and critical, technology spaces: detection of autonomous vehicles (AV) by various sensors and the reduction of CO₂ emissions. The effect of changes in pigmentation and layering on IR reflectivity must be well understood as the automotive industry moves to a more autonomous and environmentally regulated landscape. In this presentation, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) was used to study how paint color affects the visibility of vehicles to LiDAR-based AVs. An integrating sphere spectrophotometer was also used to determine how color affects cabin temperature and reduces/increases CO₂ emissions. It was found that cooler vehicles result from an increase in the paint’s total solar reflectivity (TSR), where even small pigmentation and visual color changes can lead to a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions. It was also found that this increased IR reflectivity results in a more visible vehicle to LiDAR sensors. This visibility is dictated by the diffuse reflectivity of LiDAR wavelength (905 nm), not the specular reflectivity.

  Biography

  Christopher is a Research Engineer at Ford Motor Company’s Research and Innovation Center in Dearborn, Michigan. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois and his M.S./Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, all in Materials Science & Engineering. Over the past 18 years, Chris has worked and published on a number of projects including UV/EB curable materials, scratch and mar behavior, paint durability, color measurement and modeling, as well as the scattering behavior of automotive paints and materials.

• 

  2:45–3:15 p.m. Main Auditorium

  Bradley Niederquell FANUC Robotics

  Internet of Things for Industrial Manufacturing and Zero Down Time

  Abstract

  The convergence of Internet of Things and industrial manufacturing has begun. Connectivity to equipment on the factory floor is growing at a rapid pace. This connectivity opens the door to new sources of data enabling applications that can leverage this data to deliver real business value.

  Expectations in the industrial domain are for increased uptime and toolsets that eliminate unplanned failures which can take down entire production systems. An architecture for safe, secure, reliable connectivity, combined with an infrastructure that can store and analyze Big Data in the cloud, can deliver the predictive and event based analytics required for modern manufacturers’ complex automation systems.

  This session will provide an overview of FANUC’s Zero Down Time (ZDT) system, the first widely deployed cloud based robotic predictive analytics system in the manufacturing sector. It is aimed at reducing downtime of robot systems in a variety of applications. The session will highlight the architecture and capabilities of the ZDT system and the vector for large scale application in a variety robotic application industries.

  Biography

  Brad has worked for FANUC Robotics since 1985 with assignments in the paint finishing division and Product Development. Currently Brad is an Engineering Director with responsibilities with robotic arc, laser and spot welding, dispensing and paint applications. ZDT is a key assignment for Brad where he is responsible for all controller based ZDT functions. Brad has been awarded 9 patents in a variety of Robotic Application areas. Brad received Bachelors of Science degree in Computer Science and Geology from Central Michigan University.

• 

  2:45–3:15 p.m. Amphitheater 101

  Michael R. Koerner Axalta Coating Systems

  Monitoring Paint Rheology From the Can to the Car

  Abstract

  Most automotive coatings are manufactured, delivered and applied via handling of dispersed phase solids in liquid media. So it should be no surprise that understanding rheology is a key enabler for successful management of many processes critical to our industry. This talk should provide a rheology-based view on several important aspects of paint manufacture, application, and film formation.

  Paint manufactures and application professionals have traditionally used simple viscometers to adjust material for fluid delivery systems. Based on limited information, we hope for good spray atomization and on-the-work film flow to give a suitable balance between leveling and sag resistance. Elevated temperature from automotive baking then provides a second opportunity for material flow before crosslinking finally sets the film structure.

  Research rheometers, and in particular test geometry adaptations, have expanded our capability to understand details of paint rheology at various steps in paint application. More recently, the use of high speed photography has been used to collect data directly from spray atomizers and resultant droplet spray patterns. Axalta believes that these techniques will be instrumental to guide further development for both paint and application developments.

  Biography

  Mike Koerner is a Technical Fellow currently leading the waterborne colorcoat development team as part of Axalta Research & Development in Wilmington, DE. After earning Chemical Engineering degrees from Drexel and Princeton, he started work at DuPont in 1987. Most of his career has been spent developing products and supporting Automotive OEM coatings business in North America, Europe and Asia. Throughout his professional career Mike has ongoing interest in all things rheology, especially on effects at a colloidal scale.

• 3:15–3:30 p.m. Reception Area

  Break, Student Poster Session & Coatings Products Showcase

• 

  3:30–4:00 p.m. Main Auditorium

  Timo Steimer EISENMANN Corporation

  E-Cube, A Breathtakingly Simple Separating System

  Abstract

  Using an intelligent filtration method, E-Cube removes overspray from the air without the need for chemicals, water or other additives.

  Biography

  Timo Steimer is the Head of Sales Automotive Systems NAFTA for EISENMANN Corporation. Prior to this role he was the Global Key Account Manager concentrating on all Detroit OEMs. Timo started in sales with EISENMANN focusing on “state of the art” smart paint shops and general assembly lines for automobile assembly plants. He has acquired over 15 years of experience in the automotive industry. He started his career in Germany designing, programming and building automation equipment, which led him to act as production manager of a German subsidiary in Michigan for several years.

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  3:30–4:00 p.m. Amphitheater 101

  Linqian Feng Eastman Chemical Company

  Fundamentals of Improved Solids, Appearance and Mechanical Performance in Automotive Coatings

  Abstract

  As OEMs strive to deliver improved products with a sustainable footprint, new opportunities for innovation are emerging throughout the value chain.

  Eastman is responding to these challenges by developing Tetrashield™ protective resins. These resins enable superior performance without any tradeoffs in environmental and regulatory compliance.

  Tetrashield™ resin systems have been designed to provide excellent outdoor durability while enabling an exceptional balance of chemical resistance and mechanical properties with significantly improved aesthetics. These solutions facilitate the use of higher application solids, resulting in lower energy costs and reduced VOC emissions.

  Fundamental techniques such as nano-indentation, in-situ rheology, scratch, and electrochemical impedance measurements were used as a part of our product development strategy in order to correlate lab results with field performance. In addition, rheological behavior of the formulated systems is studied to understand the impact of solubility properties and solids levels on application parameters and final film appearance.

  A combined molecular modeling and experimental study on designed model compounds explores how molecular architecture influences the underlying hydrolytic stability, solubility and mechanical properties of resins in coating formulations.

  Biography

  Lin currently serves as an Advanced Scientist in Coating Application Development Group at Eastman Chemical Company focusing on coating application development and new product development. In 2010, Lin received a Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Science and Engineering from Beijing University of Chemical Technology in Beijing, China. She went on to receive a PhD degree in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio in 2014.

  Lin has worked as PhD intern in Beauty Technology at Procter & Gamble in 2013 and now she has been working with Eastman Chemical for two years with a focus on polymer science and coating fundamentals. She has published more than 16 technical papers in peer-reviewed journals or conference proceedings.

• 

  4:00–4:30 p.m. Main Auditorium

  Chris Schweizer J & R Design Systems, Inc.

  Have We Reached the Limits of Our Traditional Paint Circulation System Design?

  Abstract

  The goals of world class automotive paint circulation systems will be discussed.

  Paint circulation systems have evolved over the past 20 years to address high solids paints, waterborne paints and automation advancements.

  In recent years, the paint manufactures and automation suppliers have given us new material properties and process requirements that are pushing paint circulation systems to their limits.

  To maintain and advance world class paint circulation systems, J & R Design Systems, Inc. will present the current challenges and options to meet them.

  Biography

  Chris Schweizer is the President of J & R Design Systems, Inc. J & R Design Systems, Inc. is a leader in the design, fabrication and installation of automotive paint and sealer delivery systems. In this role, Chris is responsible for:

  • Company safety
  • Customer/Sales support
  • Engineering and projects
  • Innovation

  During his J & R Design Systems, Inc. career, Chris has worked with a majority of the North American automotive companies and projects in Turkey, Czech Republic, China, India and Australia.

  Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Science/Earth Science from Michigan State University.

• 

  4:00–4:30 p.m. Amphitheater 101

  Jim Reader Evonik

  Understanding Marangoni Flow and Its Role in Additive Selection for Coatings

  Abstract

  The tears of wine, a coffee ring effect and, most recently, the unique way that whisky dries are all examples of Marangoni or surface tension driven flow. These examples have been used to both inspire and understand coating behavior and performance. This paper will review these unique effects and the principles of Marangoni flow and describe how understanding these properties affects the performance and selection of surface active materials, such as defoamers and wetting agents, for use in different types of paint and coating formulations.

  Biography

  Jim Reader graduated from the University of Warwick (UK) in 1988 with a Ph.D. in Chemistry. He joined Air Products and Chemicals in 1998 in Manchester (UK) as a Research Chemist and later an Application Development Chemist for the Epoxy Additives business. He joined the Specialty Additives business in 1996 and has worked in Europe and Asia before becoming a Lead Chemist in Allentown in 2008. Dr. Jim Reader joined Evonik Corporation as a Lead Chemist in January 2017. He has extensive experience in the both the development and application of surfactants and defoamers in many different applications including paints, coatings, graphic arts, adhesives, concrete admixtures and the production of latex gloves. He is an inventor on 1 patent and has written over 20 technical papers. His hobbies include soccer, bowling, tennis and board games.

• 4:30–6:00 p.m. Reception Area

  Networking and Cocktail Hour

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