Environmentally conscious finishes: powder coatings on IBM products

An increased emphasis by computer manufacturers on designing for the environment (DFE) is resulting in the development of new products with improved environmental attributes. One area to be considered during the design process that has a significant, although sometimes overlooked, environmental impart on a product is the area of product finishing. In particular, the method by which a metal chassis for a business machine is coated to provide a decorative finish is not only aesthetically pleasing but also capable of meeting the physical requirements necessary in a customer environment. This paper considers the choices a designer has for "finishing" a metal chassis. Most notably, it investigates the advantages provided through the use of decorative powder coatings in place of liquid coatings. Powder coatings provide a high quality finish with a material that is completely recyclable and with virtually no emissions. IBM has increasingly utilized powder coatings in applications across product lines. Most applications have resulted in reduced finishing costs and improved quality performance of the completed parts. As beneficial as powders have been in the finishing requirements of IBM products, obstacles remain which are discussed.