Abstract: This invention teaches that the use of high intensity light radiation equipment and unsaturated coating compositions for free radical curing will reduce energy consumption for coating the cleaned and prepared surfaces of coil sheet stock. Coating compositions as described reduce or eliminate solvents inherent in conventional heat cured conventional coil coatings and may eliminate air quality compliance equipment and the associated costs. Viscosity variations associated with solvent evaporation and the associated film faults are eliminated.

Abstract: This invention teaches that the use of electron beam equipment and modified acrylic unsaturated coating compositions for free radical curing will reduce energy consumption for coating the exterior surface of tubing. The faster rate of polymerization of this coating composition allows for the replacement of a conventional oven or induction heater unit with an electron beam unit requiring much less floor space and generating much less heat. Pigmented coatings formulated according to this invention can be cured with an electron beam more efficiently than light radiation equipment and will meet the commercial coating requirements established by tube coaters. The application of the above specified type liquid coatings involves reduced maintenance costs and labor to operate as compared to powder coating systems and light radiation curing equipment.