AVON, OHIO headquartered manufacturer Advanced Polymer Coatings (APC) is today expanding its work in the rail industry by launching TriFLEX™ – its revolutionary new exterior coating system for the rail industry.
Developed in collaboration with global leaders in the chemical sector and major rail rolling stock operators,TriFLEX™ is an industry-changing product that harnesses APC’s newly developed triple resin technology for rail tanks, hopper cars and other rolling stock.
The new direct to metal coating system uses Nobel Prize-winning technology to outperform existing exterior coatings in the rail industry. The innovative solution combines three powerful resin systems, offering unparalleled advantages: superior chemical resistance for maximum protection, enhanced mechanical toughness providing industry leading flexibility and impact resistance, and exceptional UV stability and weatherability to withstand the harshest conditions.
The rail car protective coating system is the result of intensive lab development work, industry collaborations, and successful field trials. TriFLEX™ also marks the latest major investment by fast growing APC which already supplies its ChemLINE product to the rail sector to coat the interior of rail cars.
The innovative business is undertaking a multi-million-dollar expansion project, doubling the size of its factory with new automated production lines that will quadruple its manufacturing capacity.
Matt Sokol, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at APC, said TriFLEX™ meets a major need for the rail industry and is excited by its global possibilities.
He said: “The way TriFLEX™ has been developed, and the aims we set out to at the start of the project, are in the DNA of APC, which is to meet the needs of our customers through innovation and to create stand-out, industry leading products. It’s important when developing these new products that they’re looked at as long-term solutions, not sacrificial layers.
“We believe there’s a gap in the industry. You can invest in a coating with great chemical resistance, but you sacrifice performance in other categories like UV stability and impact resistance. The triple resin technology we have developed, working with global experts in their fields, sets TriFLEX™ apart and provides a complete package of unmatched protection and performance without sacrifice for rail tank cars and hopper cars. It is an industry first and we are very proud to announce its launch.
“It comes at an incredibly exciting time for APC. We’re seeing significant growth and investment across the business. TriFLEX™ will also play an important part in the growth of our manufacturing capability.”
Field trials of TriFLEX™ have highlighted its excellent UV resistance, non-chalking, superior impact, and flexibility along with its resistance to Splash and Spill (acids).
The product’s easy application and quick drying and return to service times have also been highlighted by rail rolling stock operators involved in the trials process.
Jake Valadez, Global Industrial Manager at APC, said: “Critically the response we’re having on field trials is showing considerable improvements on existing products with great feedback from rail companies.
“Unlike existing direct to metal exterior coatings, TriFLEX™ affords a much higher degree of flexibility, impact, and weathering resistance. The one-coat system’s complete, triple resin technology is the innovation which gives it the competitive edge. TriFLEX™ has been designed to deliver exceptional performance in the harshest of environments. It is not just durable, but it also offers superior mechanical performance compared with traditional coatings.
The advanced formula we have created further ensures long-lasting color and gloss retention, maintaining a vibrant appearance over time. We believe it really is a game-changer.”
For more details on TriFLEX™ and APC contact: tel: +1 216-438-9076 visit: www.adv-polymer.com write: 951 Jaycox Rd Avon, OH 44011 United States
BACKGROUND
TriFLEX™ is the ideal solution for exterior coating issues revolving around:
- Corrosion caused by weathering, UV rays, chemicals and solvents that contribute to premature coating failure
- Damage caused by temperature fluctuations, from high heat and humidity to extreme cold and dry air conditions
- Premature coating failure due to physical damage of the external coating solution from abrasion, leading to substrate exposure and ultimately corrosion
Notes to editors
Company background
Advanced Polymer Coatings (APC) was founded in Avon, Ohio, USA in 1997 by Donald Keehan. The company is a world leader in developing specialty coatings — MarineLINE, and ChemLINE — for high performance applications.
These coatings protect against damage from corrosion and chemical attack and provide safe storage and transport of chemicals and products whether on land or sea.
MarineLINE is the recognized industry leader in the marine industry, delivering a polymer lining system that protects cargo tanks of chemical and product tankers.
ChemLINE covers a family of industrial coatings used for over-the-road and rail transportation, tank (ISO) containers, tank storage and terminals, and equipment protection at chemical processing, petroleum and refining, and power generation facilities, and concrete and secondary containment protection.
To cater to the growing demand for MarineLINE in shipyards worldwide APC is doubling the size of its US factory with a multi-million dollar, eight figure expansion project.
The factory will further enable APC to store more resin cutting costs of raw materials while the new equipment provides the company with more production versatility freeing up manufacturing capacity for spot business.