The Environmentally Responsible Choice
The Surprising Effect of Covid on Rebar Trials…
Covid has changed the world in many different ways over the last 18 months or so. In an industry with clear processes and that’s perhaps change adverse, who would have thought it has also changed the way rebar coating trials are run. It has, and here’s what to expect.
Picture this: It’s 2019, and on a rebar coating line, the Pureflex rep, Pureflex technical team and R&D specialists huddle around a space heater, their breathe clearly visible like mist in the freezing 20ºF air. With fingers numb from the cold they’re recording the coating parameters during a Pureflex powder for rebar trial that can only take place during the slower winter months. They’re the support team for IFS Pureflex and they’re there to make sure the trial is a success for everyone involved.
It’s been a process to get this far. In 2019 and prior, a first run trial would use around 1,500-4,000lbs (which is about 2-3 pallets) of powder. The trial would be scheduled in for the cold winter months and the support team assembles to work closely with the paint line operators
If this initial trial was successful – and with Pureflex powder for rebar we have an excellent success rate – then a second trial would be scheduled, whereby a further 5,000 -10,000lbs would be tested to confirm product application consistency and performance.
On completion of the second trial, it would then be determined if there’s an opportunity to begin supplying – and help the customer save. Pureflex is chosen.
Fast forward to 2021.
We’ve been through months of changes courtesy of the global pandemic. Social distancing and mask wearing are the norm. Many of us are vaccinated, and everyone is working hard to protect their people and their business during these difficult times.
The rebar trial now looks VERY different. It’s at least 65F warmer – instead of an icy mist, the customers paint line operators are wiping sweat from their brow while juggling a Facetime call with the Pureflex technical team. No powder suppliers are allowed in the plant, so technology is used to make sure that full support is given to the team, albeit remotely. And this is it. This is the one and only trial, and we’re running a full truckload of powder to test for application efficiency, performance – the works. When the trial is successful, continued supply is expected. Simple.
The trial process may have changed significantly, but the quality powder, designed with ultimate performance and application efficiency in mind has not, Pureflex is still an industry leading coating for rebar – with a dedicated and knowledgeable support team behind it. That’s also the future