International. Dr. Klemens Bartmann, Global Chief Technology Officer of Axalta Coatings, participated in the 28th International Automotive Painting Conference (Surcar) in Cannes, France. Bartmann's speech focused on the lightweight body and how his company is creating new levels of technological innovation with sustainable processes for automotive companies.
Surcar brings together an international audience of commercial vehicle painting experts from more than 25 countries. This year, the conference focused on new lightweight car materials and designs and their effect on painting and repainting, as well as the latest advances in application technologies.
"With the trend of electric vehicles on the rise and with the benefits that come from making lighter vehicles, manufacturers are looking for new materials to counteract the weight of batteries," Bartmann explained.
In his speech, Bartmann focused on the implications of lightweight body design, from reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the body shop, to increasing the capacity of a style that offers the new, more flexible materials. Bartmann explained how these changes were affected by international regulation and exposed the advantages and challenges faced by different paint technologies for baking systems.
Bartmann demonstrated how Axalta is well positioned to meet the technological needs of future lightweight body design." The 3-Wet Water-Based Wet-on-Humid System, the 2-Wet Monocoat and the Eco Concept™ Technology are some examples of innovations we are offering our customers," said Bartmann. "We have also established technologies and products, such as vehicle coatings for the new substrates, and are continuously exploring new technology options for upcoming developments, such as curing temperature reduction for cataphoresis."
