Image courtesy of PCT Ebeam and Integration
IONOMY™ Partner Spotlight: PCT Ebeam and Integration
Enabling electron beam curing for energy-cured coil coating
Energy curing is redefining how coil coating lines are designed, operated and optimized. By replacing thermal ovens with UV and electron beam (EB) technologies, it enables faster curing, reduced energy consumption and more compact production footprints.i
Electron beam technology plays a distinct role within this transition. It cures coatings instantly without the need for heat, which not only improves efficiency but also changes how production environments are designed and managed. This shift creates both opportunities and challenges as coil coaters adapt existing processes and infrastructure.
Within the IONOMY™ ecosystem, PCT Ebeam and Integration contributes its expertise in electron beam systems and process integration, supporting coil coaters in implementing EB curing at industrial scale.
A specialist in electron beam systems and integration
PCT is a manufacturer of electron beam equipment and a system integrator, focused on developing new applications for EB technology. The company works closely with customers and partners to define process requirements and deliver tailored equipment solutions aligned to specific industrial needs.
Its experience spans multiple industries, including food packaging, décor paper, medical materials, batteries and hydrogen fuel cells. This cross-industry experience provides a strong foundation for adapting EB technology to the specific requirements of coil coating, including early applications in metal processing.
Experience across applications
PCT’s experience also includes early applications of energy curing within metal processing and coil coating environments.
In these applications, electron beam technology has been used to improve process efficiency and reduce overall energy consumption, while enabling more compact production setups by removing the need for large thermal ovens.i
In more advanced processing environments, EB curing has also supported high-speed production and enabled new surface design possibilities, demonstrating how energy curing can deliver both operational improvements and expand the aesthetic possibilities of coated steel products.ii
Together, these examples provide practical reference points for coil coaters considering how energy curing can be applied within modern production environments.
PCT’s role within the IONOMY ecosystem
Within the IONOMY ecosystem, PCT serves as the electron beam curing partner, providing expertise on both process requirements and equipment integration. Its role is to support the implementation of EB technology within coil coating lines, ensuring that curing performance and system integration are fully understood.
Working alongside coatings, application and engineering partners, PCT contributes to a system-level approach where coating chemistry, application, curing and line design are considered together. This reflects IONOMY’s objective to provide a coherent and practical pathway to energy curing.
How electron beam curing works
The benefits of electron beam technology extend beyond curing speed and energy savings.
Because the electron beam curing process does not rely on heat, there is no strip heating and therefore no requirement for cooling stages. This simplifies the overall process and further reduces energy demand.
The absence of solvents removes the need for explosion-proof equipment and contributes to a safer and less complex production environment. Coating formulations can also be more concentrated, reducing overall coating volumes.
Together, these factors deliver additional operational advantages, including lower maintenance requirements, improved working conditions and a significantly smaller production footprint. They can also help reduce constraints on how and where coating lines are designed and installed.
Designed for the realities of coil coating
PCT’s EB systems deliver a wide, uniform zone of electron energy, enabling coatings to cure instantly as the metal strip passes through the unit, without significant temperature increase.
The equipment is engineered for the demanding conditions of coil coating lines, including high strip tensions and continuous operation. Design features such as the ability to accommodate strip joins without interrupting the process reflect the practical requirements of industrial production environments.
Industry readiness
Interest in energy curing is increasing across the coil coating industry, driven by sustainability objectives and the potential for operational efficiencies. At the same time, adoption remains cautious, with many manufacturers seeking greater clarity on performance, reliability, investment journey, and commercial readiness.
A key challenge is bridging the gap between awareness of the technology and confidence in its practical application. Within IONOMY, this is addressed by combining expertise across the value chain, supported by real-world installations and shared development work.
Working within the IONOMY ecosystem
PCT has long recognized the potential of energy curing in coil coating, supported by its heritage in metals processing. Being a partner in the IONOMY ecosystem provides an opportunity to collaborate with industry leaders and accelerate adoption through a coordinated approach.
This model enables technology development, engineering expertise and application knowledge to be aligned in support of coil coaters managing a complex transition.
Looking ahead
Electron beam technology offers a pathway to step-change improvements across environmental performance, operational efficiency and workplace conditions.
As the industry moves towards implementation, PCT’s role is to support coil coaters with the expertise and solutions required to adopt EB curing with confidence, helping translate potential into practical, scalable outcomes.
This article was developed with Karl E. Swanson, President, PCT Ebeam and Integration, a partner in the IONOMY™ ecosystem.