Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coatings can resist extreme weather conditions, they last longer, have high compressive strength, and are very wear-resistant. They can also resist corrosion and are UV resistant. Rapid technological advancements have led to the emergence of various coatings materials with special characteristics. Among the advanced coating materials, polyurethane foam and thermoset fibers are the most important.
There is a compelling need for the automobile and transportation industries to adopt original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coatings to protect their most vital assets such as engines, vehicles, and brakes. For instance, in September 2021, PPG Auto Coatings launched dielectric coatings for its electric vehicle (EV) battery solutions at The Battery Show in Michigan State, U.S. While OEM products can be quite expensive, they are perceived as a 'consumable' option that will benefit the company in the long run. However, with the rising technological advancements in the market and the threat of adverse impacts on the environment, if excessive waste is created, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coatings are now becoming a much more viable option. With the growing demand for these coatings from the automotive and transportation industry, it has become vital to adopt these coatings to protect the assets of these industries from the detrimental effects of heat and water.
One of the most important technological advancements in the market of coatings is the concept of modularization. This concept is highly beneficial to the automobile and transportation industries as it allows the manufacturing and production of customized parts at a relatively lower cost.
Other technological advancements include the concept of thermoplastic coatings. Thermoplastic coatings have the potential to solve all the problems associated with the growth of coatings. In this process, the liquid polyurethane or other solid polymer is sprayed onto the surface that requires coating. The advantages of such a method include economic, environmental, and qualitative benefits. Cost reduction in manufacturing due to scale economies and the resultant volume reduction in vehicle production are some of the other benefits. Thus, technological advancements in coatings and the increasing demand for these coatings are the major factors behind the rising popularity of these products.