Industrial Coating News
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Industrial Engineers remain at the forefront of Lean implementation in Canada, driving operational excellence and strategic transformation across industries. Today, Canadian industries constantly seek strategies to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver superior customer value. Lean Thinking, a philosophy centered on maximizing value while minimizing waste, has emerged as a powerful approach embraced by Industrial Engineers (IEs) across various regional sectors. The Role of Industrial Engineers in Applying Lean Principles IEs are uniquely positioned to lead Lean implementation efforts due to their deep expertise in systems analysis, process design, and operational optimization. Their core responsibilities in applying Lean principles span multiple areas of improvement across manufacturing and service sectors. IEs play a crucial role in identifying and eliminating the eight wastes of Lean—Defects, Overproduction, Waiting, Non-Utilized Talent, Transportation, Inventory, Motion, and Extra-Processing—commonly remembered through the acronym “DOWNTIME.” Key tool IEs leverage is Value Stream Mapping (VSM), which they use to visualize processes, identify bottlenecks, and quantify waste across operations. These insights form the basis for targeted improvements in flow and overall efficiency. Additionally, IEs focus on process optimization and standardization, often applying Single-Minute Exchange of Die (SMED) to reduce setup times and increase operational flexibility. At the same time, standardized procedures ensure consistency and minimize variability. Facility layout design and material flow optimization are also central to an IE’s Lean strategy, particularly in large-scale Canadian manufacturing facilities, where minimizing unnecessary movement translates into significant efficiency gains. Moreover, IEs implement pull systems to align production with actual demand, effectively controlling inventory levels and avoiding overproduction. Their contributions to ergonomics and motion studies help reduce physical strain on workers, improving safety, efficiency, and job satisfaction. Data-driven decision-making underpins the success of Lean initiatives, and IEs utilize performance metrics—including cycle time, lead time, and defect rates—to monitor progress and drive continuous improvement. They also play a key role in cultivating a Lean culture by conducting training sessions, facilitating cross-functional teams, and supporting problem-solving activities throughout the organization. Application of Lean Thinking in IE The integration of Lean with Industry 4.0 technologies—such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and big data analytics—is gaining traction. These tools enable real-time monitoring of production lines, predictive maintenance, and more targeted interventions, significantly enhancing Lean outcomes. Additionally, Lean methodologies are being adopted beyond traditional manufacturing sectors, with increasing application in service industries such as healthcare, finance, and logistics. IEs improve service delivery, reduce wait times, and optimize resource utilization. Sustainability is another growing area of focus, with IEs leveraging Lean practices to support environmental goals by minimizing resource use and energy consumption. Furthermore, there is an increasing emphasis on employee engagement in Lean transformations, as organizations recognize the importance of empowering all levels of staff to contribute to continuous improvement. Lean is also being extended across supply chains, where IEs work with suppliers and distributors to eliminate inefficiencies from end to end—particularly critical for Canadian firms operating within complex domestic and international supply networks. The integration of digital technologies, the application of Lean in service sectors, and the growing emphasis on sustainability are shaping the future of Lean in Canadian Industrial Engineering. While challenges exist, the potential benefits of a Lean approach position it as a cornerstone for the long-term competitiveness and success of Canadian businesses in the global marketplace. Industrial Engineers in Canada will continue to be at the forefront of driving this transformative journey.
Tuesday, December 05, 2023
Sustainable resins offer a solution as a greener alternative towards the environmentally conscious practices of the coating industry. FREMONT, CA: Over the past few years, resins and polymers for the coatings market have encountered numerous roadblocks. Increasing raw material costs, inconsistent supply chain reliability, and logistical difficulties are just a few factors contributing to uncertainty. Although there are indications of stabilisation, the market environment for binders is rather complicated. It has benefited from new disruptive technologies, regulatory changes, and product innovation. These factors have also led to the rise of new global market trends. These same causes have simultaneously produced some unfavourable dynamics. Even though the market has loosened, new ecologically friendly products and rising worldwide sustainable trends are driving the expansion of binders. Consumers are choosing to employ bio-based polymers and resins that help their business achieve its sustainability objectives. Additionally, they are concentrating on reducing their carbon impact, which has sparked the technological advancement of more environmentally friendly goods. Innovative Potential for Binders High-performance resins and polymers for coatings are in great demand due to the growing emphasis on sustainable solutions. Sustainable materials must be maintained at a price point that the coatings industry can afford. The greatest potential for innovation lies in the demand for protective coatings across, including automotive and construction. In particular, water-borne protective coatings and lightweight materials are in high demand. Global demand to cut down on plastic waste is one of the factors spurring more innovation in sustainable food packaging. The push towards eco-friendly solutions extends beyond coatings, impacting the entire supply chain. The coatings industry plays a pivotal role in responding to this demand by developing materials that enhance product protection and align with the broader sustainability goals of various industries. As the coatings industry navigates the challenges of raw material costs, supply chain reliability, and logistics intricacies, it simultaneously embraces disruptive forces that fuel innovation and sustainability. The dynamic interplay between market complexities and innovative
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Training programs for industrial enterprises provide workers with the skills needed to meet the industry's requirements. FREMONT, CA: Employees benefit from investing in industrial training programs to fill skills gaps and prepare for the rapid changes of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, commonly known as Industry 4.0. Additionally, as new digital tools are developed, company workflows and operations have grown dependent on technology. Businesses need to undertake industrial training programs to stay up to digital transformation and sustain growth and innovation. In the current scenario, it is essential for an individual to up-skill themselves to get the right job they seek. Individuals are better equipped to work with modern cutting-edge technologies with thorough training. Impact of Industry 4.0 The enormous technological change that is taking place in today's industries is known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Among other developing technologies, this movement involves the advent of big data, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI). The internet has significantly altered the training required for most industrial professions, the rapid growth of robotics and AI. Training is essential for both present and future employees due to Industry 4.0. More people need to access industrial training to close the skills gap. Resolving the labor shortage There is a labor deficit affecting the entire workforce. The value of every remaining employee has therefore increased dramatically. Industrial training programs could give current employees new skills to reduce the requirement for hiring new employees. It closes the skills gap in the industry and the workforce deficit. Employers must pay for industrial training programs, but this expense will more than pay for itself over the long and short term. Programs for industrial training As businesses don't know where to start, they are hesitant to launch industrial training programs. A new training program can be scary at first, but there are strategies to get it going in the correct direction. Identifying the specific skills that employees lack as a first step is essential. Hard talents should be items that can be learned, like a particular programming language or a novel type of software. The training program's objective would be to reskill staff. Education for skills development Industrial training programs help bridge the gap between employee skill sets and industrial enterprises' requirements. Giving current and prospective employees accessible training will quickly close the skills gap. Employees are empowered to keep learning and developing due to this education, which provides an exponential return on investment over time. An industrial training program produces a highly-skilled, adaptable team and a supportive workplace culture.
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Industrial coatings come with various key advantages, such as extending the life of equipment and buildings, being suitable for a variety of surfaces, and protecting buildings from harsh weather conditions. FREMONT, CA: Industrial coatings are designed and formulated to provide protection. Composite materials consist of a resin, a hardener, and a reinforcement. Polymers such as epoxy and Urethane are commonly used in coatings and linings due to their durability and chemical resistance. Epoxy and Urethane can be used together in specific applications to create a hybrid coating system. The polymers are reinforced with a hard material, such as ceramic, glass, quartz, aggregate, or a combination of materials that vary in size, such as powder, flakes, and beads of various sizes. Different materials, sizes, and ratios will affect the coating's functional and protective properties. In order to ensure strong performance, it is crucial to identify the right coating, as the application parameters will influence the product selection. There are various types of industrial coatings, so choosing a reputable manufacturer whose products provide a reliable, long-term solution is crucial. Industrial coatings are used in a wide range of industries, such as Manufacturing in general Treatment of potable water and wastewater The food and beverage industry The steel industry The mining industry Processes involving chemicals Coatings are used in many industries, too, including industrial pumps, valves, piping, mixers & agitators, tank linings, and floor coatings. Pumps, valves, and piping may be used in aggressive slurry applications that can damage uncoated equipment. New equipment can be coated to prevent damage, and worn-out equipment can be restored with coatings to extend its lifespan. Researchers have found that thin-film coatings can improve the flow efficiency of new pumps as well as restore the efficiency of refurbished pumps. Many specialty coatings are FDA-approved for use in food and beverage applications. Moreover, industrial coatings are frequently used as secondary containment to prevent spills and leaks. For aesthetic appeal, industrial coatings are used in locker rooms and bathrooms on floors and walkways. Aside from industrial coatings, organizations can also use them in everyday MRO activities, such as: Cracks and holes in floors can be repaired. Taking steps to eliminate slip, trip, and fall hazards Active leaks need to be patched Workers typically use industrial coatings to repair emergency leaks on valve bodies and piping. A coating's strength and versatility make it suitable for a wide range of simple and complex applications. Coatings for concrete and metal surfaces: A variety of materials can be coated with industrial coatings. Typically, they are used on concrete and metal surfaces. When left untreated, concrete and metal surfaces degrade over time. Chemical and physical attacks on concrete can be prevented by concrete coatings. Providing a barrier between the concrete and its environment, they protect it from continuous chemical exposure, erosive wear, abrasion, and impact damage. Composite coatings can be used to repair damaged or attacked concrete. Low spots, curbs, pads, and pitches to drains can be built back up. Additionally, organizations can also repair the footwork and bases of machinery. It may be necessary to top-coat these repairs to protect them from environmental factors or to achieve the desired finish - non-slip, high visibility, etc.
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Overcoating reduces the overall cost of the application since it takes less time to prepare the surface and clean it afterward. Given that the cost per square foot is cheaper, more maintenance work may be completed. Fremont, CA: The constantly changing environmental conditions cause many industrial coatings problems. The field environment varies depending on region and industry. For instance, the specifications for process piping in a refinery would be significantly different from those for a lead-coated water tower situated in a suburban neighborhood. However, there is a solution that can lessen the overall expense for these project types while still guaranteeing the contractor's safety: overcoating. Overcoating, which involves adding a protective coating over an already-applied one, can save a lot of time and money but isn't always appropriate. The key benefits of overcoating: Overcoating Requires Minimal Surface Preparation & Cleanup Several high-performance coatings only need a small amount of surface preparation before being overcoated, which also saves a lot of time. This is especially true for coatings like Rustbond that have exceptional wetting properties. These cross-linked, penetrating coatings, bond, and adhere to the previously applied, weathered coating and the cleaned, corroded portions, finally forming a barrier that serves as a tie-coat over which a topcoat can be applied. If considerable surface preparation using power tools or abrasive blasting is necessary, surface preparation might also result in downtime for hot work permits. There is less downtime because overcoating simply needs a dry, clean substrate, which enables additional application time throughout the day. Overcoating Generates Cost Savings for Application Rather than removing that existing coating, it could be pressure cleaned and overcoated in place of removing the current covering. With this approach, significant savings on lead abatement expenses like mobile shower units, containment, cleanup, and disposal would be possible. Overcoating lowers the overall cost of the application since it takes less time to prepare the surface and clean it afterward. Given that the cost per square foot is cheaper, more maintenance work may be completed. Furthermore, because many of the high-performance coatings available today have high solids by volume, they can cover more square footage with less volatile organic compounds (VOC). The Drawbacks of Overcoating: Surface tension increased by overcoating The overall surface tension rises when you add more coats to an already-applied coating. Given that the system is only as good as the original surface preparation, overcoating may not be a possibility if the pre-existing coating is thicker than 15 mils. Overcoating could result in early failures Assets have frequently undergone many coats of overcoating in the field, and as a result, the coating is now brittle, cracking, and checking due to stress. It's crucial to understand that these assets are not suitable for additional overcoating. In the wrong circumstances, overcoating can result in early failures like delamination. Overcoating may result in adhesion problems It's possible that a topcoat won't stick to an existing coating correctly. Applying a test patch of the overcoating system and performing adhesion testing in accordance with guidelines like ASTM D3359 - Rating Adhesion by Tape Test or ASTM D4541 - Pull-Off Strength of Coatings Using Portable Adhesion Testers should be done before providing the all-clear for overcoating. To decide whether the asset can be overcoated, this will act as a baseline. Excessive Coating Lengthens Drying Time Another drawback of an overcoated penetrating sealer is the length of time it takes to dry. The dry time is often substantially longer when using a penetrating sealer since the sealer needs to be in a wet stage for a longer period of time to adequately wet-out the surface of the current coating. This can thus result in unwelcome downtime during specific project phases. As one can see, other considerations come into play when deciding if an asset is a viable candidate for overcoating. Although overcoating can yield quicker results at a lesser cost than more conventional techniques, it's crucial to first evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of overcoating as a potential remedy for the situation.
Monday, April 10, 2023
Protecting businesses and customers from future supply challenges requires keeping adequate stock and having backup plans. FREMONT, CA: Business has experienced cascading effects from demand shocks and labor shortages to raw material constraints and inflation due to recent complex, evolving events. It is still possible for suppliers and customers to experience disruptions at all levels of their businesses, from tactical to operational to strategic, as the crisis continues to unfold. An increasingly uncertain world presents businesses with some market drivers, pain points, and opportunities. Depend on alternative solutions: There were other raw materials in short supply last year besides titanium dioxide. In 2021, almost 85 percent of our specialty resins, rosins, monomers, silicones, surfactants, pigments, and additives were in the sales control or allocation process. Several factors were at play, including production disruptions, surging demand, and ongoing supply chain issues. Raw materials shortages have a domino effect. Suppliers can only tell distributors or customers when their production will run or when the next truck will arrive if they know when the ingredients will arrive. Their local home improvement stores suffered from depleted paint inventory, among other items, and consumers saw the impact firsthand. Sustainability Matters: While the industry has faced upheaval caused by the epidemic, it still faces unrelenting pressure from two broad global trends: increasing regulation and balancing economic, environmental, and social interests. Increasing energy efficiency and becoming carbon neutral by 2060 are also top priorities for the government. Several chemical manufacturing plants have been forced to shut down because of environmental policies, resulting in a reduction in raw materials and specialty chemicals available for the global market. The industry is also bracing for tighter restrictions on air pollution in the United States, which could lead to regulatory changes related to volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOC regulations are a complex, ever-changing landscape. In response, the coatings industry has had to reformulate or formulate new products that sometimes sacrifice performance. But today, customers expect coatings that are high-performing AND environmentally friendly. Keep an Eye Out for Opportunities: As sustainability goals take hold, new business opportunities worldwide exist. In Italy, for instance, the government started providing generous financial incentives in 2020 to help buildings become greener, from insulation to solar panels to replacing boilers and windows. As a result of the tax credits, 110 percent of the costs of energy efficiency and structural improvements will be covered. According to studies, the incentives created 153,000 jobs last year and increased Italy's gross domestic product. Investing in infrastructure is essential. It prioritizes climate resilience and weatherization to cope with more frequent and severe droughts, floods, and wildfires, rebuilding roads and bridges, and upgrading airports and ports. It has been a technology push in the automotive industry to make things lighter and stronger, but construction projects are no different. The industry offers various opportunities in various fields, including concrete coatings, sealers and membranes, roof coatings, and industrial bridge coatings. These projects also require modifiers for cement, mortar, grout, stucco, and construction adhesives.