PPG Aerospace Coatings Qualified at Eclipse

Eclipse Aerospace has selected PPG Aerospace, part of PPG Industries, to provide chromate-free coatings for its Eclipse 550 twin-engine jet.

 

“Eclipse Aerospace is pleased to offer our Eclipse 550 customers the superior exterior coating system provided by PPG Aerospace,” says Edward Lundeen, Eclipse Aerospace senior vice president, business operations. “The economics of PPG’s coating system, combined with their excellent technical support, simplified our selection decision. The decision to move away from chromate-based paint to a chromate-free product has reduced our environmental exposure and resultant costs while providing a safe work environment for our personnel.”

 

Desothane HD/CA 9000 series basecoat/clearcoat and Desoprime 7502E chromate-free primer by PPG Aerospace are qualified for production aircraft at Eclipse and will be used on every Eclipse 550 jet, according to Kevin Brooks, PPG global segment manager, original-equipment aerospace coatings.

 

“PPG and Eclipse collaborated to develop a coatings system that provides the most advanced technology and superior finish available today,” Brooks says. “We are dedicated to supplying Eclipse with a coatings system that sets the standard for weight reduction and supports the need for lower operating costs. Furthermore, we are proud that Eclipse has become one of the first airframe manufacturers to qualify and use this PPG system.”

 

High-solids, chromate-free Desothane HD/CA 9000 series basecoat/clearcoat consists of a heavily pigmented basecoat that provides color in one coat, instead of the typical two or three coats, saving material, weight, and application time, according to PPG. The clearcoat is said to provide extended service life, improved buffability, and a smother surface that is easier to clean.