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Off
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Sunspots
Dark spots, some as large as 50,000 miles in diameter, move across the surface of the sun, contracting and expanding as they go. These strange and powerful phenomena are known as sunspots.
Subscriber of our newsletter might be aware about my keen interest in astronomy. Some of the
my recent astro photographs are now posted on the webpages of Association of Lunar & Planetary Observers A.L.P.O. SOLAR SECTION and The Inter University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics
(IUCAA)
ALPO solar section is part of Department of Planetary Sciences & Lunar and Planetary Laboratory,The University of Arizona USA
IUCAA PUNE is an institution set up by the University Grants Commission to promote nucleation and growth of active groups in Astronomy and Astrophysics in Indian Universities.
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IPC
Opinion Poll
Another Financial year has come to an end. The gross domestic product growth projection figures indicate that there is a strong reason to feel good about the economy. Several members of our virtual community have also expressed satisfaction with this years performance.
This is the time we when we try to estimate the powder consumption of India. What is your estimate of India Powder consumption? Please vote through our opinion poll.
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Advertorial
from Coatec India
Glide Coating
Glide coating for automobile components particularly spline shafts of steering assembly and spline propeller shafts or gear shifter forks. The process and been simplified for small and medium enterprises. The component is cleaned for all traces of oil and rust. It is spray coated with an adhesive primer. It is baked. The component is mounted on a PLC controlled dip coating system. The PLC is pre programmed for speed and three different time
intervals. The coating equipment dips the component into the coating bath and holds it there for a preset time. It then takes out the component and again holds it for a second preset time interval. The component is again dipped for a second time to achieve proper coating thickness. It is subsequently cured. To get proper profile and dimension the components are machined.
Insulation Coating
Insulation coating for motor rotors and
stators. The process has been simplified for small and medium enterprises. The component is cleaned for all traces of oil and rust. It is spray coated with an adhesive primer. It is baked. The component is mounted on a PLC controlled dip coating system. The PLC is pre programmed for speed and time. The coating equipment dips the component into the coating bath and holds it there for a preset time. The component is manipulated automatically to obtain uniform coating. It is subsequently cured. The component can be masked to obtain partial coating.
Wood finish on Metals and Plastics
Wood finish on metals and plastics. The process involves pre treatment of the substrate. After pre treatment a base coat of paint follows it. The color depends upon the final requirement of the customer. Different color of base will give different end results. The wood finish is obtained by transfer technology. The wood grain is available in different designs. The film is treated with a chemical spray. It is then placed on a water bath. The components to be coated are mounted on a jig, which in turn is mounted on a PLC controlled dip coating equipment. The components are dipped at a preprogrammed speed and angle into the coating bath. The film wraps around the component. The component is taken out and washed in specially designed spray booths. It is force dried. The film is yet soft and susceptible to damage. The
component is coated with clear spray lacquer and baked.
Electrocoating
Electrocoating is a method of depositing a film of organic coating using electric current to deposit the paint. The process works on the principal of "Opposites Attract". An electrocoat system applies electric charge to the metal part immersed in a bath of oppositely charged paint particles. The paint particles are drawn to the metal part where an electrochemical reaction takes place forming an even, continuous film over the complete surface. At the desired film thickness, the film insulates the part and electrocoating stops. Cathodic coatings are high performance coatings with excellent corrosion resistance. This process is environment friendly, can sustain 1000 hours of salt spray in accordance to test standard ASTM B 117, can coat intricate and recessed areas, has transfer efficiency better than 95%, is a water based technology, has fewer defects, predictable costs because coating can be controlled within 5 microns, better finish since the film is reproducible from part to part and from day to day and has reduced labor costs. Coatec India is for the first time in India offering CED coating systems for epoxy black and gray coatings at an affordable price. To design a system the volume of the tank and the surface area to be coated is required. Each system is designed keeping in mind the exact requirements of the customer. Since most of the crucial components are imported it takes up to 12 weeks to deliver the system. Components can be sent to us for sampling.
For further
details contact.
Coatec India, F-79, Industrial Area, Phase 7, Sector 73,Mohali 160055 Punjab
India, Voice: +91-172-2236435/36/37/38, Facsimile: +91-172-2236439,Cellular: +91-9814093493 |
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Advertorial
from Mitsuba |
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MITSUBA introduces
new Sprayright Table Top Series – ideal for big as well as small
production runs. |
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SPRAYRIGHT TABLE TOP SERIES –
EXPERT: |
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A
small handy Table-Top(21" X 11" X 18") accommodates
a Complete Powder spray system Suitable for both Carona
and Tribo Guns.
Ideal for big as well as small production runs, sampling,
colour matching prior to powder batch productions and
powder trials at customer’s premises.
A handy Table-Top model with full portability and can
be easily transported for powder trails or Complete production
runs.
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Spray
Gun Attachments include wide range of nozzles,
sampling cup attachments and corona classic attachments
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Nozzle and Lances :
In high voltage systems, field lines
are created in between the gun electrode and the work
piece, dictating powder flow patterns and coverage.
Selection from a range of nozzles and lance extensions
enables you to easily improve the finish and reduce
powder wastage. |
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For more information please contact :
MITSUBA SYSTEMS (INDIA) PVT LTD,
34/H, LAXMI INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, NEW LINK ROAD, ANDHERI (W),MUMBAI
– 400 053.
TEL: 91-22-2631 8633/2633 4735/56924151-52-53
FAX: 91-22-56924154.
Email : mitsuba@vsnl.com
Website
: www.powdergun.com
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Berger eyes firms abroad
- Paints major ready to penetrate market in South East Asia
Calcutta, March 8: Berger Paints is looking to penetrate the market in South East Asia with an acquisition in the region, preferably in Thailand.
"We have to look at profitable opportunities to deploy our funds," Berger chairman Kuldip Singh Dhingra said, speaking at the company’s extra-ordinary general meeting today, in which shareholders approved issuance of bonus shares.<more>
An Australian Company awarded Paint Line Project in India
An Australian company has been awarded a contract to build a Coil Coating line for National Steel & Agro Industries Ltd., based in Indore, India. National Steel & Agro Industries Ltd. is a reputed manufacturer of G.I. Steel Sheets and Coils and one of the leading exporters of G.I. Steel Sheets and Coils from India.
The line which has a capacity of 75,000 tonnes, is designed to supply painted galvanized steel to all major markets, including the white goods and auto grade markets.
The line will be fully engineered in Australia, and all strip transport and coaters will be built and supplied from Australia.
Using the company's Indian operation, local content has also been maximized, providing significant financial and logistic advantages to the client.
Escalating feedstock prices continue to compress
margins for epoxies
The Dow Chemical Company says that rising and volatile feedstock costs are
continuing to put severe pressure on epoxy producers moving into 2004.
Patrick Ho, newly appointed global business vice president of Epoxy Products &
Intermediates (EP&I) says, “We are encouraged by the improving 2004
supply/demand outlook for epoxies. However, the epoxy industry is experiencing tremendous pressure on
cost due to rising oil and energy costs. An immediate focus for Dow is to improve the quality
of the business by restoring profit margin to a sustainable level. Looking ahead, we
anticipate epoxy pricing improvement across all geographies, with the Pacific region being a
first priority, primarily driven by increases in demand, raw material and energy costs.”
Ho added, “Dow remains committed to the epoxy industry and to providing high-quality products
for customers. With acquisitions and new plants, Dow has invested considerably in the industry
reflecting the strategic importance of this business and our long-term commitment to it.”
In 2001, Dow announced its acquisition of Pacific Epoxy Co., Ltd., a manufacturer of
converted epoxy resins in the Republic of Korea. Dow also started up a 41,000 metric tons
per annum converted epoxy resin plant in Zhangjiagang, People's Republic of China, during
the second quarter, 2003.
Ho outlined some priorities for the EP&I business in 2004. Along with improving margins, the
business has placed an emphasis on responding to shifting patterns of economic growth and
emerging epoxy technologies.
“Along with being well positioned to support growth in Asia Pacific, we are looking carefully at a
number of growth areas for epoxy resins and are identifying ways to provide more value
downstream to customers and end-users,” said Ho. “There are areas of enormous potential in the
epoxy industry and we are well poised to remain the industry leader."
Prior to being named global business vice president of EP&I earlier this year, Ho served as president
of Dow Pacific. He joined Dow in Hong Kong in 1978, and has served in a variety of management
positions with polystyrene, polyolefins and polyurethanes.
Dow Introduces Web Site Focused on Solutions to Deliver Composites
Products to Market Faster
MIDLAND, Mich.-(March 22, 2004)-The Dow Chemical Company has announced the launch of a new web site, www.derakane.com/solutions, designed to illustrate how its composites resins business is "partnering" with specific customers to drive product innovation in today's rapidly expanding composites markets.
The new web site features four specific examples of Dow's ability to work with fabricators to accelerate product innovation. The site also acts as a channel to Dow's main web site for DERAKANE* Epoxy Vinyl Ester Resins, www.derakane.com.
Applications featured on the new web site include: a truck trailer made completely of fiber-reinforced composites to provide superior strength, durability and ease of repair; a yacht with a true vinyl ester hull throughout, reducing corrosion and improving durability; a high-impact, lightweight racing helmet; and a heavy-duty bus made with lightweight composites. Each of the applications is made with DERAKANE Resins from Dow.
Dow will be showcasing these applications and the success of its customers as part of its exhibit (Stand #M100/N59) at the JEC Composites Show (March 30 - April 1, Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, France). Dow is also serving as a sponsor of the JEC Composites Awards, designed to recognize excellence in partnerships among suppliers, customers and final users in developing composite solutions.
According to Gabriele Badini, global research and development director for composites at Dow, fabricators are increasingly looking to tap the innovation capabilities of their suppliers and partners to accelerate product development and time-to-market.
"It's all about bringing products to the market with speed and efficiency and at target costs," said Badini. "And that's where Dow and our extensive network of distribution partners can help. We have the technical strength and depth, the flexibility to address specific application challenges and, of course, the proven performance of DERAKANE Resins to help drive innovation."
He said the new DERAKANE "Solutions" web site also connects visitors to an enhanced catalogue of case histories (now featuring more structural composite applications); a new online corrosion recommendation request form; a chemical resistance guide to assist engineers in specifying and
designing FRP applications; an online form in which you can sign up for updates on the latest technical and market developments related to DERAKANE Resins and composites at Dow; and much more.
Dow is the world's leading provider of epoxy vinyl ester resins. DERAKANE and DERAKANE MOMENTUM* Epoxy Vinyl Ester Resins possess outstanding corrosion-resistant properties and satisfy critical
requirements in Fiber-Reinforced Plastic applications. Dow's selection of composite resins meets the needs of a broad range of market segments including building and construction, chemical processing, civil engineering and municipal infrastructure, marine, telecommunications, wind energy and many others.
Akzo Nobel opens international ICT Competence Center in India
Coatings Flash - March 01, 2004
Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes has opened an international ICT Competence Center in Bangalore, India. The global center should play a major role in the development of new IT related services for the collision repair industry. The center will work in close cooperation with the global ICT center in Velp, the Netherlands. This center is responsible for the development of IT bodyshop systems. The new center in India will mainly focus on test work and activities in the area of data retrieval and programming, but in the future software development will also be performed in India. "India gives us a window on human talent and especially Bangalore has developed itself to one of the ICT capitals of the world. The center is in line with our strategy to provide our customers with the best possible IT tools and services to make their businesses more profitable. The new center enables us to meet the needs of the global and regional car repair industry", said Chris Wall, Global Marketing Manager Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes.
Akzo Nobel to divest PUR adhesives and systems business
Arnhem, the Netherlands, March 23, 2004 - Akzo Nobel today announced its intention to divest the company's industrial polyurethane (PUR) adhesives and system business to the Sika Group. Akzo Nobel expects the transaction to be concluded on April 1, 2004.
International Coater's Congress takes places from April 22 - 23
"Solutions
for Today, Inspiration for Tomorrow", not only the exhibitors of
the world leading trade fair for surface technology "Surfacetechnology
plus Powder Coating Europe" impart solutions and inspirations for
this branch, but also the first European congress for surface
technology "ICC-International Coater's Congress". Parallel
to the leading trade fair, the technical congress takes places from
April 22 - 23, 2004 at the Exhibition Centre Hanover, Germany. Under
the motto "The Power of Surfaces" the congress embraces the
entire spectrum of surface treatment technology and features
international papers tailored to the special needs of different
industrial user groups. In addition, the most innovative concepts for
surface technology will be awarded with the "Best-Practice
Award" during the event.
Coaters, plant manufacturers, coatings producers and members of
institutes and service providers use this communication platform in
order to facilitate the information exchange about new technologies,
developments and trends in the field of surface treatment technology.
All delegates who register until March 26, 2004 will receive two daily
entrance tickets for the trade fair free of charge.
Contact: Vincentz Network, Maice Sandmann, Schiffgraben 43, D-30175
Hannover, Fax: +49 511 9910-279, E-mail:
maice.sandmann@coatings.de,
www..coatings.de/icc
Ciba Specialty Chemicals launches advanced color matching solutions
Coatings Flash - March 22, 2004
Ciba Specialty
Chemicals has launched a new color matching solution for inks, paints
and plastics. "Ciba Colibri QuickMatch Pro" is designed for
matching effect shades as well as printing inks on metallized
surfaces. "Following the success of Colibri color matching
solutions, we have developed further color services that enable our
customers to move into new application areas and to add value in
existing ones," says Hermann Angerer, Global Head of Ciba
Specialty Chemicals' Coating Effects Segment. The new product allows
matching of metallic colors and shades for inks to be printed on
metallic surfaces without the use of a multi-angle spectrophotometer.
Conventional shades can also be matched and Colibri QuickMatch Pro
features several new elements in addition to all the advantages of the
standard version.
Catalyst Lighting Group Announces Move of Corporate Offices, Manufacturing Facility and New Strategic Partnership
Tuesday March 2, 4:30 pm ET
FORT WORTH, Texas, March 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Catalyst Lighting Group announces the move of its corporate offices and manufacturing facility, to 7700 Wyatt Drive, Fort Worth, Texas, 76108. The location consists of approximately 38,000 square feet of production and office space that will accommodate the welding and fabrication of all painted poles. This move allows for the expansion of the corporate offices and places them contiguous to its production facility and immediately adjacent to its existing contract powder-coating facility. The company is also pleased to announce a strategic relationship with Saf-T-Box Storage Systems Limited Partnership to complete the painting of its lighting poles. Catalyst will complete the fabrication of its powder-coated pole products at its new location. The company has engaged Technical Change Associates (TCA) to assist in creating a world class manufacturing environment.<more>
Treffert acquires fibre board coatings business from BASF Coatings
Coatings Flash - March 08, 2004
BASF Coatings and the Treffert Group announced the signing of sales and purchase agreements for two transactions. BASF has agreed to acquire the Treffert's foil coatings business. In a separate transaction, Treffert has agreed to acquire the fibre board coating business from BASF Coatings' affiliates in Spain and Italy. The transactions are structured as a purchase of assets including customer order books and intellectual property rights.
Foil coatings are applied by a continuous reel to reel process to decorative papers. Coatings for composite fibre boards are applied on Medium Density Fibre board and similar substrates and can be printed to reproduce the wood design. Both systems are used to produce furniture and panels for walls, doors and profiles.
Berger reports profits for the first time in last six financial years
Coatings Flash - March 08, 2004
Berger International Limited (BIL), Singapore, announced that the revenues for 2003 decreased by 6.1 % to SGD 110.3 million (1 EUR = 2,1 SGD) as compared to SGD 117.5 million for the previous financial year. This was primarily due to the group's decision to reduce contracting sales and focus on manufacturing and distribution of paints. Net profit for the year before minority interests was SGD 3.1 million as compared to SGD 0.6 million, an increase of 452.3 %. Net profits attributable to the shareholders of the company was SGD 2.2 million as compared to a loss of SGD 1.1 million in the previous year. Commenting on the results, Mr. Jalaj Dani, BIL Chairman, mentions "For the first time in the last six financial years, Berger International Limited reported profits."
Volume of paints sales for the group increased by 13 % to 31.27 million litres from 27.75 million litres in the previous year. Gross profit for BIL was SGD 36.5 million as compared to SGD 37.0 million, a marginal decrease of 1.3 %. However gross profit margin has improved to 33 per cent from 32 per cent for the previous year, due to various steps undertaken by the units to reduce material costs. Due to initiatives to reduce costs in other operational areas, profit from operations increased by 26.9 per cent to SGD 5.23 million as compared to SGD 4.13 million. The year under review has been significant for BIL. This was the first complete year since Asian Paints, Asia's fourth largest paint company took controlling stake in the company.
Jotun: Pleased with the performance in 2003
Coatings Flash - March 08, 2004
The Jotun group generated turnover of NOK 5,476 million in 2003, against NOK 5,580 million in 2002, and profit before tax of NOK 418 million, against NOK 462 million in 2002. "Although we were unable to match the record results of 2002, we're still pleased with our performance in 2003," says President and CEO Knut Almestrand. The decrease in sales and earnings was due largely to a weaker US dollar. 2003 began with weak markets, but sales and earnings recovered during the second half of the year.
There were major variations in earnings between both regions and segments. Decorative coatings generated satisfactory earnings in most markets, while products for industrial and marine use faced particularly stiff international competition and tight margins. Jotun has made major changes in the production in USA and Europe, and the group is continuing to perform well in the Middle East and Asia. The first half of the year brought poor sales of decorative paints for domestic use in Norway, but activity picked up later in the year, especially for interior products. The good levels of activity seen during the second half of 2003 appear to be continuing into 2004. The restructuring and new efficiency measures make Almestrand optimistic about the group's future, and he expects Jotun to grow both volumes and earnings in 2004.
Jotun: New plant in the UAE
Jotun announced that they will open their new plant in the United Arab Emirates on March 29. Installation of plant and equipment is almost complete and commissioning work has already started on the new Al Quoz facility, which is Jotun's biggest factory. It is built within a sprawling area of 50,000 square meters which also houses an office building, customer service center, warehouse complex and distribution center. The total production area of the factory complex is more than 10,000 square meters.
Blue Box workshop cancelled
Coatings Magazine E-news - March 3, 2004
The Canadian Paint and Coatings Association has cancelled a workshop for member companies about the Blue Box program because of poor participation. The workshop had been scheduled for March 11. The CPCA says it will explore other means of providing member companies with details on how to meet their obligations.
Paint soaks up smog to clean city air
Coatings Magazine E-news - March 3, 2004
A new paint that gobbles smog will be on sale in Europe this month. Called Ecopaint, the coating is designed to reduce the levels of nitrogen oxides (N0x), which are the main contributor to smog production.
The coating, developed by Millennium Chemicals, Grimsby, Lincolnshire, England, is based on a polysiloxane polymer and is embedded with spherical nanoparticles of Ti02 and calcium carbonate. According to a February 4 article in the New Scientist, the polysiloxane base is porous enough to allow N0x to diffuse through it and adhere to the Ti02 particles. These particles absorb the UV radiation in sunlight and use the energy to convert N0x to nitric acid. The acid is then either washed away in rain or neutralized by the alkaline calcium carbonate particles, producing harmless quantities of carbon dioxide, water and calcium nitrate, which also wash away.
According to Millennium's Robert McIntyre, in a typical coating thickness of 0.3 mil, there will be enough calcium carbonate to last five years in a heavily polluted city. After that, the Ti02 will continue to break down N0x, but the acid produced from the process will discolour the paint.
The biggest challenge was finding a robust material that could break down the N0x, but not attack the base material as aggressively as it did the pollutants. McIntyre says that polysiloxane is resistant to attach by Ti02, though he adds developers are not sure why.
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Quick Links www.ipconweb.com
Upcoming
Event |
1st International Coater`s Congress 2004
during the SURFACE TECHNOLOGY
plus POWDER COATING EUROPE
Congress:
April 22-23, 2004
Trade Fair:
April 19-24, 2004
The European Coatings Conference:
"Polyurethanes for High Performance Coatings III"
18th - 19th March 2004, Berlin / Germany
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