Advanced Polymer Coatings Launches TriFLEX for Railcars

Advanced Polymer Coatings (APC) has launched TriFLEX, a new exterior coating system for the rail industry. Developed in partnership with global leaders in chemistry and major railcar operators, TriFLEX features APC’s newly developed Triple Resin Technology.

This new direct-to-metal coating system leverages Nobel Prize-winning technology to transcend the existing exterior coating landscape for the rail industry. This innovative solution combines three powerful resin systems to deliver unmatched benefits: superior chemical resistance for maximum protection, enhanced mechanical toughness for industry-leading flexibility and impact resistance, and outstanding UV stability and weatherability to withstand the harshest conditions.

The railcar protective coating system is the result of intensive laboratory development work, industry collaboration, and successful field trials. APC, home of the renowned coatings MarineLINE and ChemLINE, is currently in the midst of a multi-million dollar expansion project to double the size of its facility and quadruple its manufacturing capacity with new automated production lines.

Matt Sokol, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at APC, believes TriFLEX meets a key need in the rail industry and is excited about its global growth potential.

"The way TriFLEX was developed and the goals we set at the outset of the project are in APC’s core DNA to innovate to meet our customers' needs and create superior, industry-leading products," Sokol noted. "When developing these new products, it was important to view them as long-term solutions, not sacrificial layers."

"We saw a gap in the industry," Sokol added. "You can invest in a coating with excellent chemical resistance, but sacrifice performance in other categories, such as UV stability and impact resistance. Our triple resin technology, developed in collaboration with global experts in each field, differentiates TriFLEX and provides a complete suite of unmatched protection and performance for rail tank and hopper cars without sacrificing performance. This is an industry first and we are very proud to announce it."

Field trials of TriFLEX highlighted its excellent UV resistance, non-chalking, superior impact resistance and flexibility, as well as splash and spill (acid) resistance. Railcar operators who participated in the trial process also highlighted the product’s ease of application, quick drying and return-to-service time.

"Crucially, the feedback we received during the field trials indicated a significant improvement over existing products, and the feedback from railroads has been very positive," said Jake Valadez, APC Global Industrial Manager. "Unlike existing direct-to-metal exterior paints, TriFLEX offers increased flexibility, impact resistance and weatherability. The complete triple resin technology in a one-coat system is the innovation that gives it a competitive edge."

"TriFLEX is designed to perform in the harshest environments," added Valadez. "Not only is it durable, but it also has superior mechanical properties compared to traditional coatings. The advanced formula we created further ensures long-lasting color and gloss retention, maintaining a vibrant appearance over time. We believe it truly is a game-changer."