Powder coating in the can.(Nordson Corp's Weld-Arm powder coating system)

Many manufacturers of three-piece cans must stock 50 different liquid lacquers. Each lacquer formulation works specifically with a foodstuff or "pack." For example, one lacquer is formulated specifically for tomatoes, which are acidic, and yet another for corn, which is more benign.

Powder coating of cans, however, promises to bring modern manufacturing efficiencies to can production for the food industry. It also may be the answer that allows Weirton Steel Corp. (Weirton, WV) to maintain its competitive position in the three-piece can production market.

The story begins more than two years ago in Europe. Recognizing an opportunity to aid can manufacturers, the Container Systems Group of Nordson Corp. (Amherst, OH) began developing a …