Water Gremlin Receives RadTech's Sustainability Award for Solvent-Free Battery Terminal Coating Process

New UV Cured Coating Process Reduces Environmental Impact

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP, Minn. — JUNE 19, 2022 — Water Gremlin Company has been recognized with RadTech's 2022 Sustainability Award for Innovation in Ultraviolet and Electron Beam (UV+EB) Technology for their patented, solvent-free, UV cured battery terminal coating process. RadTech International is the largest global trade association for the UV+EB industry, dedicated to supporting material innovation, responsible use, safety and education.

Water Gremlin manufactures battery terminals for a wide range of applications such as automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, marine, storage and military. Lead-acid batteries also are used in hybrid, electric and combustion engine vehicles. The coating on a terminal is used to prevent leaking between the terminal and the plastic cover of the battery – allowing the battery to last longer, perform better and function safely. The traditional coating on a terminal is a solid polymer, which requires a solvent to aid in the application of the coating.

Water Gremlin invented a solvent-free UV curable coating process that results in a significantly reduced environmental impact. In addition, UV coated battery terminals are proving to be more durable and dependable than traditional coatings. The process is part of Water Gremlin's ongoing efforts to safeguard the environment by eliminating solvents and reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions in its coating operations.

The new UV cured coating process uses a thin film on the battery terminals. UV light then solidifies the film. In addition to being solvent-free, the process uses less energy than traditional heat-cured coating processes.

“Both Water Gremlin Company and our customers have conducted extensive testing on battery terminals that use this innovative coating process,” said Bradley Hartsell, President, Water Gremlin Company. “We've found the new process allows us to deliver the highest-quality products that our customers expect, while continuing to reduce our environmental impact.”

Water Gremlin plans to continue to develop and expand UV cure technology to significantly reduce usage of solvents for coating parts in the White Bear Township manufacturing facility.