Axalta Celebrates Prestigious R&D 100 Award for Ground-breaking Paint Technology

Axalta has been honoured with a 2025 R&D 100 Award in the Mechanical/Materials category for its innovative Spies Hecker Permasolid® Speed-TEC Fast Cure Low Energy (FCLE) Collision Repair Paint System. In addition, the company’s Total Cabinet Coating Solution earned recognition as a finalist in the same category.

The award-winning Spies Hecker Permasolid® Speed-TEC FCLE Repair System sets a new benchmark for rapid processing, reduced energy usage, and superior paint performance. Comprising two key products – the Speed Surfacer 5560 and Speed Clear Coat 8820 – the system offers exceptional efficiency. It reduces energy consumption by up to 49% and shortens cycle times by half compared with traditional methods. This patented technology delivers remarkable durability, vibrant colour, and a flawless finish, establishing a new sustainability standard in automotive refinishing.

Robert Roop, Ph.D., Axalta’s Chief Technology Officer, expressed his pride in the achievement:
“I am incredibly proud of our team of scientists who continue to develop purpose-built innovations that address real-world challenges for our customers. This recognition from the R&D 100 Awards reinforces our commitment to creating solutions that enhance productivity, minimise costs and waste, and ultimately improve customer satisfaction.”

The FCLE system tackles industry challenges by providing a clearcoat and surfacer that cure rapidly, whether air-dried or through a short bake cycle. This advancement not only conserves energy but also accelerates throughput while maintaining the highest standards of finish quality.

Axalta’s Total Cabinet Coating Solution, also recognised as a finalist, brings significant benefits to cabinet manufacturers and homeowners alike. Designed to deliver exceptional aesthetics and performance, the system streamlines production and reduces waste. Its sprayable solvent-borne edge primer and topcoat replicate the appearance of a two-coat finish in a single application, improving quality and cutting rework by up to 70%. Furthermore, the 100% non-volatile UV-curable roll coat enamel ensures superior colour consistency and stability.

Since its inception in 1963, the R&D 100 Awards programme has celebrated revolutionary technologies from leading global organisations, research institutions, and smaller innovators. This year’s winners were announced at a ceremony on 20 November in Scottsdale, Arizona. Now in its 63rd year, the awards remain one of the most esteemed accolades in the international science and innovation community.