Advanced Polymer Coatings Launches TriFLEX for Rail Cars

Advanced Polymer Coatings (APC) has launched TriFLEX, its new exterior coating system for the rail industry. Developed in collaboration with global leaders in the chemical sector and major rail rolling stock operators, TriFLEX harnesses APC’s newly developed triple resin technology.

The new direct-to-metal coating system harnesses Nobel Prize-winning technology to outclass the existing exterior coating landscape within the rail industry. This innovative solution combines three powerful resin systems, offering unparalleled advantages: superior chemical resistance for maximum protection, enhanced mechanical toughness providing industry-leading flexibility and impact resistance, and exceptional UV stability and weather ability to withstand the harshest conditions.

The rail car protective coating system is the result of intensive lab development work, industry collaborations, and successful field trials.

APC, home of established coating products MarineLINE and ChemLINE, is undertaking a multi-million-dollar expansion project, doubling the size of its factory with new automated production lines that will quadruple its manufacturing capacity.

Matt Sokol, vice president of sales and marketing at APC, believes TriFLEX meets a major need for the rail industry and is excited by its global possibilities.

“The way TriFLEX has been developed and the aims we set out to at the start of the project are in the core DNA of APC, which is to meet the needs of our customers through innovation and to create stand-out, industry-leading products,” Sokol noted. “It’s important when developing these new products that they’re looked at as long-term solutions, not sacrificial layers.

“We believe there’s a gap in the industry,” added Sokol. “You can invest in a coating with great chemical resistance, but you sacrifice performance in other categories like UV stability and impact resistance. The triple resin technology we have developed, working with global experts in their fields, sets TriFLEX apart and provides a complete package of unmatched protection and performance without sacrifice for rail tank cars and hopper cars. It is an industry first, and we are very proud to announce its launch.”

Field trials of TriFLEX have highlighted its excellent UV resistance, non-chalking, superior impact, and flexibility, along with its resistance to splash and spill (acids). The product’s easy, application and quick drying and return to service times have also been highlighted by rail rolling stock operators involved in the trials process.

“Critically, the response we’re having on field trials is showing considerable improvements on existing products with great feedback from rail companies,” said Jake Valadez, global industrial manager at APC. “Unlike existing direct-to-metal exterior coatings, TriFLEX affords a much higher degree of flexibility, impact, and weathering resistance. The one-coat system’s complete, triple resin technology is the innovation that gives it the competitive edge.

“TriFLEX has been designed to deliver exceptional performance in the harshest of environments,” Valadez added. “It is not just durable, but it also offers superior mechanical performance compared with traditional coatings. The advanced formula we have created further ensures long-lasting color and gloss retention, maintaining a vibrant appearance over time. We believe it really is a game-changer.”