Curing Time Slashed by 80 Percent AkzoNobel and IPG Unveil Laser Breakthrough

AkzoNobel and IPG Photonics have launched a game-changing collaboration in the powder coatings industry, combining laser innovation with next-generation materials science. The joint effort enables Interpon powder coatings to cure in just minutes using IPG’s laser technology, a process that typically takes 15 to 20 minutes with conventional methods.

By tuning Interpon formulations to work with IPG’s laser system, this new approach delivers curing speeds up to five times faster while dramatically improving energy efficiency. Instead of heating an entire oven, the laser targets only the powder-coated surface inside a “cold booth”, minimizing thermal loss and cutting unnecessary power usage.

Beyond speed, the compact laser setup requires just half the space of standard ovens, opening up opportunities for more flexible production lines. It’s particularly suited for temperature-sensitive materials, eliminating the need for extended cool-down periods common in traditional setups.

According to both companies, customers in large-scale production can achieve over 50% reductions in capital and operational costs, along with a significant drop in carbon emissions. The exclusive partnership is currently focused on the EMEA market.

Jorrit van Rijn from AkzoNobel hailed the partnership as a leap toward a more sustainable future, highlighting its impact on efficiency and resource use. Trevor Ness of IPG emphasized the ability to accelerate market readiness, calling it a “new benchmark” for value and performance in the industry.

With this laser-powered process, AkzoNobel and IPG are redefining how fast and clean powder coatings can be—and reshaping what’s possible in modern manufacturing.