A Powder Coating Timeline
Late 1940s
Flame spraying of thermoplastic powder developed.
1953
Dr. Erwin Gemmer develops fluidized bed application and files for a patent.
1955
A patent is issued for fluidized bed application, and the method is introduced to the U.S. market.
1962 to 1964
The electrostatic spray process, developed by Pieter de Lange, enters the marketplace.
1950 to 1970
Various (thermoset) powder manufacturing methods are evaluated and used. The
extrusion process becomes the method of choice.
1966 to 1970
The “Los Angeles Rule 66” and the Clean Air Act are introduced. Powder coating
market objectives diverge in Europe and North America: Europe concentrates increasingly on
thermoset decorative applications, North America on high-film-build functional markets, such as
pipe coatings.
1966 to 1973
The four original thermoset chemistries-epoxy, hybrid, polyurethane and TGIC-are
introduced and become commercially available. Some melamine and acrylic chemistries remain
unsuccessful.
Early 1970s
Powder manufacture and use spread worldwide.
Late 1970s
The slurry application process is introduced but is unsuccessful. A rapid growth
phase in powder production and use begins in Europe.
Early 1980s
A rapid growth phase in powder production and use begins in North America and
Japan.
Mid-1980s
A rapid growth phase in powder production and use begins in the Far East.
1985 to present-New powder coating chemistries are introduced. Various types of resin systems
and crosslinkers become commercially available. Application equipment improvements lead to
increased transfer efficiency, reduced waste and lower overall costs
