RadTech strikes assertive pose. (RadTech International North America)(includes related article) (Special Report: RadTech '94)

Technology's supporters look to spread the word to users and regulators

St. Louis -- RadTech International North America, the U.S.-based alliance of companies involved in radiation curing of coatings and inks, is poised to assume a more assertive posture in the environmental and marketing arenas.

Such was the clear signal given by two top RadTech representatives at the organization's recent RadTech '94 conference and exhibition in Orlando, Fla.

Camille Rechel of Borden, Inc., current RadTech president, and David Harbourne of Fusion UV Curing Systems, chairman of the RadTech Marketing Committee, took turns outlining the organization's ambitious agenda.

RadTech, still relatively youthful with a 1987 launch, is maturing and is ready to begin flexing more muscle, Rechel and Harbourne said. The two discussed "The New RadTech -- A Progress Report" at the opening session of RadTech '94.

This two-part report focuses primarily on radiation-cure technology from the coating and ink production standpoint, with attention also given to key application issues addressed at RadTech '94. Also reviewed are marketing trends discussed at the conference.

The first part of this report appeared in the June 6 APCJ. The reports are designed to provide highlights; the complete conference proceedings are published by the RadTech organization.

The conference featured a total of more than 120 technical papers that addressed a wide swath of issues of interest to the members of an organization whose ranks span raw material suppliers, coating and ink producers and end users.

The conference also was accompanied by an exhibition featuring 71 booths showcasing the products and services of raw materials suppliers, coating and ink manufacturers, and end users. Attendee registrations totaled 1,600.

In her opening-session comments, Rechel said the addition of industry veteran Dr. Alexander Ross to the RadTech staff in a government-affairs capacity is an example of the organization's more aggressive posture. She also ticked off other accomplishments and objectives, including:

* The recent development of ASTM VOC test methods for UV-cure coatings. It was determined the new methods were more accurate than previous guidelines.

* The start of a program to work with the EPA to define barriers to the use of UV/EB curing.

* Plans to compile lists of radiation-cure end-users that would promote the technology in the EPA's eyes as an environmentally friendly coating technique.

RadTech also launched an educational foundation to …