TAGS: Powder Coatings
ESSE partners with Interpon powder coatings to switch from its enamel coating process to a powder coating and that its products retain their renowned reputation for color and style.
Delivering Innovative & Stylish Performance
Interpon was recommended as a partner for sharing ESSE’s passion for innovation. Since first being introduced four years ago, the two businesses have worked closely together to ensure the Interpon HT powder coatings deliver the exceptional levels of style and performance that Andy Pilkington, ESSE’s production manager and his team were looking for.
Pilkington explained, “
An enamel coating gives our cookers the gloss and shine that our customers expect in a premium-priced product.”
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But not only is enameling a complicated process, it can also ultimately be more costly for the consumer. Enamel chips can be very expensive to repair, and since powder coatings are less susceptible to chips and scratches, and are more sustainable, we decided to explore alternatives,” said Pilkington.
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Enamel has a reflective quality and it was important in switching to a powder coating that retained the aesthetic appearance. It was also important that our partner could replicate existing colors in our range since they prove extremely popular in our showrooms and have the stand-out appeal people are looking for,” added Pilkington.
Pre-treatment of Metals
The support is not limited to the product alone. It also included sending Interpon’s technical experts to advise and train Andy’s team on setting up the new line, and how the metal needs to be treated prior to the powder coating being applied to ensure the powder properly adheres to the surface.
The support also included engaging Interpon’s color scientists to create a bespoke Interpon HT PEPA powder coating for ESSE’s six specialist colors. Interpon HT PEPA is ideally suited to stoves and domestic appliances in applications where excellent overbake stability and resistance to yellowing are essential to maintaining quality performance and appearance.
ESSE had very stringent requirements. Mark Blewitt, sales director at ESSE said, “
Color is very important. Our products are high value items and are an important part of kitchen and interior design. The colors, therefore, have to be on-trend to meet our customers’ expectations.”
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Sustainability is also key. The move away from vitreous enamelling has helped ESSE to reduce energy consumption and move towards its lower carbon target,” added Blewitt.
Source: AkzoNobel Powder Coatings