Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/901126
POWDER COATING, November 2017 7 Drone shows promise in measuring coating thickness JACKSONVILLE, Fla.—The initial beta phase of a novel, computer-as- sisted drone to take dry film thickness (DFT) and surface profile measure- ments is expected to launch very soon, according to officials with software- controlled aerial robotics company Apellix, Jacksonville, Fla. Called the "Smart Bee," the drone uses specialized software, sensors, and an electronic coating thickness gauge sys- tem to collect and record nondestruc- tive DFT millage thickness measure- ments. It eliminates the need for scaf- folding and cranes, keeps workers safely on the ground, and improves produc- tivity by up to 15 times—all while auto- matically recording every measurement with the time, data, photo confirma- tion, and additional project data. The patent-pending technology consists of a base station with a portable comput- ing device, such as a laptop or tablet, and a high-resolution video display; an un- manned aerial vehicle with attached sen- sors, a video camera, and a DFT probe; and specialized software with embedded systems for flight control and communi- cations of the DFT measurements. The system operator flies the aircraft to within close proximity of the location where the DFT measurement is to be taken and recorded. Then, with com- puter-assisted flight from the onboard distance and other sensors, the operator is able to "touch" the wand/probe to the surface to take the DFT measurement. The readings and the general location of the measurement are then recorded. Based on strong early interest, the beta phase was targeted toward the maritime industry. Because of the unprecedented approach, the developers wanted to limit the initial commercial rollout to a small industry subset that they could closely monitor and work with. Eventu- ally, the company plans to make its products available for smaller users. In addition to the DFT drone, the de- velopers are working on a separate "Worker Bee" model that works as a tethered, drone-based painting plat- form for larger-scale vertical surfaces. The company is currently conducting feasibility studies on this version. Coil coatings firm unveils universal primer ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill.—Global coil coatings manufacturer Beckers Group recently introduced a new primer that can take the place of multi- ple other primers under polyesters, ure- thanes, PVDF, and other coatings. The universal primer provides a number of properties that make it effective for use under various topcoats. The high-solids primer provides corrosion protection and increased opacity, and it also im- proves total solar reflectance for dark substrates. Because it is compatible with a number of different topcoats, applica- tors are able to spend less time changing and cleaning lines. AkzoNobel reaches agreement with Elliott Advisers AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands— Paints and coatings manufacturer Ak- zoNobel has reached an agreement with hedge fund Elliott Advisors, bringing at least a temporary end to the dispute over the Dutch company's refusal to en- gage in merger talks with PPG. The agreement, which AkzoNobel says is part of a move to normalize relation- ships with shareholders, included dis- cussion of the separation of the com- pany's Specialty Chemicals business. That arm of the company brought in $5.6 billion in revenue last year. Ak- zoNobel's discussions with Elliott re- sulted in the two parties reaching an agreement regarding the plan to sepa- rate the arm from the company. Elliott's dispute with AkzoNobel cen- tered around the Dutch paint company's repeated refusals to consider merger pro- posals from rival PPG Industries, Pitts- burgh, Pa. After PPG's initial merger proposals were rebuffed by AkzoNobel management, Elliott stepped in to chal- lenge company management. The hedge fund urged AkzoNobel to meet with PPG, then attempted to call an Extraor- dinary General Meeting on the topic of ousting the company's Supervisory Board chair, Antony Burgmans.