Infiana and AkzoNobel Enter Cooperation
Films Manufacturer and Coatings Specialist Will Collaborate on FlexPLAS® Development
Forchheim (Germany) - Two innovative businesses will be working in close cooperation going forward: German specialty films manufacturer Infiana and AkzoNobel, the leading producer of paints and coatings. Focal point for this exclusive partnership will be the release film technology FlexPLAS® and its applications for composites production in the wind power industry. “Infiana and AkzoNobel are highly complementary organizations. Both are leaders in their respective markets. Our cooperation creates special synergies that will be of particular interest for the wind power industry,“ lauds Markus Stieglbauer, Global Business Manager Industrial Coatings at AkzoNobel. Markus Peske, Vice President Composites at Infiana, adds: “I see the cooperation between AkzoNobel and Infiana as an important step in optimizing production processes for turbine blades. We look forward to our joint future and believe that we have set a milestone in part manufacturing that will benefit the entire industry."
Combination of Film and Coating Optimizes Surface Quality
The collaboration between specialty films manufacturer Infiana and coatings specialist AkzoNobel allows for qualitative improvements in surface texture during wind turbine blade production. “Our testing has returned above-average results. Combining coating and film in the manufacturing of blade components creates an optimization in the production process,“ notes Stieglbauer. “Beyond the improved surface quality, there is also a reduction in process costs and lower environmental impact. The complex grinding and filling processes needed to activate the part’s surface are eliminated and coating weight can be further optimized,“ explains Soheila Salehi -Schneider, Project Leader FlexPLAS® at Infiana.
Significantly Shortened Production Time
In wind turbine manufacturing, process lacquer and topcoats are applied to turbine blades as lasting protection for the blade, as well as for optical reasons. Applying these lacquers is a complex process. First, all release agents must be removed from the cured component through cleaning, grinding, and filling before any lacquer can be applied. After this, gelcoats are applied in a series of layers. At the same time, the mold must be cleaned to prepare it for the next part. This is where the new technique comes in: by applying the gelcoat directly to the FlexPLAS® release film after it has been deep-drawn in the mold, the coating can be cured alongside the part in just one process step. “The advantages are obvious: relevant process times are reduced by up to 60 percent, the overall risk of coating defects is noticeably lower, the process becomes more environmentally friendly, and workplace safety is increased,“ adds Salehi-Schneider.
About FlexPLAS®:
The innovative FlexPLAS® release film technology makes it possible to produce composite parts without liquid release agents. With an elongation of up to 300%, the film can be applied to molds like a second skin. Both the mold and the component remain residue-free after curing; time-intensive cleaning and activation steps are no longer necessary, and the end product is immediately ready to paint and ready to bond. This substantially reduces corresponding process times and creates cost savings. The release film can be used in all relevant composite industries, including the aerospace, wind energy, automotive, and medical markets.
About the Infiana Group: The Infiana Group develops and produces innovative engineered films for consumer and industry applications. The Group employs about 800 employees at three production sites in Forchheim (Germany), Malvern (USA) und Samutsakorn (Thailand), and is active in the personal care (film products for hygiene packaging), healthcare (release and process films, films for packaging), construction (release and surface films), composites (release and process films) and pressure sensitive markets (siliconized release films). More information can be found online at www.infiana.com.
About AkzoNobel: AkzoNobel creates everyday essentials to make people's lives more liveable and inspiring. As a leading global paints and coatings company and a major producer of specialty chemicals, we supply essential ingredients, essential protection and essential color to industries and consumers worldwide. Backed by a pioneering heritage, our innovative products and sustainable technologies are designed to meet the growing demands of our fast-changing planet, while making life easier. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we have approximately 45,000 people in around 80 countries, while our portfolio includes well-known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International, Interpon and Eka. Consistently ranked as a leader in sustainability, we are dedicated to energizing cities and communities while creating a protected, colorful world where life is improved by what we do.
Press Contact:
Infiana Germany GmbH & Co. KG
Peter Kuhmann
Zweibrückenstraße 15-25
91301 Forchheim
Germany
Tel: +49 9191 81-0
Mail: info@infiana.com
