David Savastano, Contributing Editor10.26.21
It is clear that the automotive refinishing market is always looking for new solutions, and coatings manufacturers are developing new innovations.
Patricia Morschel, VP, marketing and commercial operations, Global Refinish for Axalta, reported that there is an ever-increasing demand for comprehensive coating solutions that not only perform and increase productivity, but coatings that are also eco-friendly.
“This is an area of continuous investment by Axalta,” added Morschel. “Cycle time is a critical component for larger bodyshops and has been an area of particular focus for us when developing new products. In North America, our new ultra-productive, single-visit Spies Hecker waterborne application system eliminates the drying time between coats.”
Joel Johnson, vice president, Automotive Refinish Coatings for BASF, noted that the market is always changing.
“As the auto refinish market continues to evolve, so do the needs of our customers. It is our duty to be innovative in everything we do so that we can meet those needs,” Johnson added. “One way we achieve this is by continuing to invest in our solutions and ensure our technology stays aligned with advanced vehicle technologies, including ADAS. We also leverage our OEM relationships to make sure our customers will be taken care of and enjoy a successful future. As the industry continues adopting newer technologies, we’ll be prepared to meet the demand for new solutions.”
Patrick Bourguignon, director of AkzoNobel’s Automotive and Specialty Coatings business, said that digital tools are benefitting bodyshops.
“At AkzoNobel, we launched a digital workshop production measurement system called Carbeat three years ago. This digital cloud-based tool enables the bodyshop to track work in progress, identify and eliminate bottlenecks and provide their customers with real-time repair status updates,” said Bourguignon.
“Using traditional coatings at lower temperatures to repair vehicles with battery and hybrid power trains significantly impacts performance and reduces bodyshop efficiency, as these coatings take much longer to cure and thus slow down the overall repair process,” Bourguignon added. “At AkzoNobel, we have developed vehicle refinish coatings that are able to cure at significantly lower temperatures, along with low energy, no heat (using ultraviolet (UV) light) products, which has the double benefit of not only improving efficiency, but also reducing energy consumption, CO2 emissions and costs.
Chancey Hagerty, PPG vice president, global automotive refinish, discussed the role of digitalization in auto refinishing.
“At PPG, we see and recognize how digital solutions are transforming customer experiences and business operations all around us,” Hagery said. “As a global leader in automotive coatings and digital color matching technologies, PPG utilized our broad, cross-industry expertise to develop PPG LINQ – the first industry-wide connectivity platform that is designed to improve the overall customer experience, partner relationships and internal body shop operations. Refinish body shop customers will be able to streamline their entire repair process using the cloud-based PPG LINQ platform and its interconnected digital hardware, software and innovative services, leading to results that are more consistent and cost-effective.”
The first set of PPG LINQ technologies and services will start to become available beginning in early 2022 as part of a multi-year rollout. The PPG MOONWALK system, PPG’s automated paint mixing system for refinish body shops, marked the first of many customer centric innovations that fall within PPG’s digital ecosystem powered by PPG LINQ.
New Product Introductions
New products are the lifeblood of any industry, and the automotive refinishing field is always looking for new developments. Johnson pointed out that BASF has introduced the Glasurit 100 Line of waterborne paints.
“We are committed to innovation and continuous improvement,” said Johnson. “Our customers benefit from an evolving portfolio designed to meet and exceed our customers’ needs. One of the latest innovations from BASF is Glasurit 100 Line, which offers the fastest waterborne application process and most sustainable solution on the market. Its innovative modern basecoat technology, advanced pigmentation and color matching, and state-of-the-art spectrophotometer color retrieval is setting new standards in the industry. Some of the many benefits of using Glasurit 100 Line are a streamlined process with wet-on-wet, non-stop application with simplified tri- and quad-coat finishes; faster application with an average of 35% time savings; and coating efficiency – on average Glasurit 100 Line goes 20% further than competing products.
“BASF recognizes the importance of sustainability of Glasurit 100 Line has the lowest VOC values on the market, far lower than any global VOC requirements,” Johnson added. “Not only will customers save on process times and material consumption, but they will improve their environmental footprint as well.”
“We’ve also launched Refinity, a cloud-based platform that offers one-stop access to our color, learning, business management, support and trusted partner solutions,” said Johnson. “With one platform, one password and one seamless digital solution, customers will enjoy easy access to a variety of tools that will help them work more efficiently.”
Among Axalta’s recent innovations is Spies Hecker Permahyd Hi-TEC basecoat, which Morschel said is the most advanced waterborne basecoat technology currently available in the market.
“Our scientists created a revolutionary paint formula that allows water and pigment to work together to achieve the desired appearance in fewer coats,” Morschel added. “The Permahyd 2K sealer, which was awarded a 2021 Edison Award, is also a component of the time-saving waterborne application system. Using this sealer reduces sealer application time to five minutes or less compared to 20 minutes with traditional products. And, last but not least, we recently introduced the first-ever waterborne clearcoat, which reduces harmful VOC emissions by up to 60%. By utilizing this application system, repairs can be completed 55% faster than using competitor products.”
Morschel also pointed to Axalta’s Advanced Color Proofing, the latest enhancement to Axalta’s proprietary color retrieval software, ColorNet.
“Customers in North America who leverage Advanced Color Proofing have the benefit of 3D modeling, giving refinishers the ability to view renderings of paint colors on vehicles from multiple angles and digitally rotate the view to determine color match and blendability across panels,” Morschel said. “Using this enhancement saves our customers time, materials and maximizes productivity in the shop by reducing the need to mix paint and create test panels.
“Another tool that provides exact matching of a color formula is Fillion Technologies’ automated Daisy Wheel, which is the most productive paint process currently available,” added Morschel. “Using the Daisy Wheel, color formulas are mixed with an accuracy of one hundredth of a gram, and it’s easy to use and frees up valuable time for refinishers allowing them to focus on other critical steps in the refinishing process.”
“PPG is committed to providing sustainable and technologically advanced solutions to support the needs of body shops now and well into the future,” Hagerty said. “In addition to launching our PPG LINQ end-to-end digital solution and PPG MOONWALK automated paint mixing system, we will be launching several new refinish products designed to improve productivity and cycle time for collision repair centers. Details on these new products will be announced as they become available to various markets.”
Bourguignon reported that aspartic chemistry-based low-bake/air-dry products are also being developed.
“AkzoNobel recently launched Sikkens Autoclear Aerodry and Lesonal Ultra Air Clear in the EMEA market – these clearcoat technologies are exceptionally flexible due to their ability to be cured at ambient temperatures, making them ideal for the refinish of hybrid/ electric vehicles as well as traditional powered vehicles,” he reported.
“Sikkens Autoclear Aerodry was developed to help bodyshops maximize their productivity and need for flexibility. To free up space for another job, businesses can roll out the previous vehicle or panel after a five-minute flash-off and leave it to air-dry for 45 minutes. But if meeting a tight deadline is the problem, bodyshops can opt for a five-minute bake at 60°C,” said Bourguignon.
“Sikkens Autoclear Xpress, recently launched in the North American market, is delivering the latest cutting-edge developments in rapid cure technology. It is designed to accelerate production and reduce the cycle time of any high-performance bodyshop. We introduced this product to be used over Autowave and Autobase Plus, with the goal of offering customers an energy-efficient clearcoat that enhances the proficiency of their business.”
Patricia Morschel, VP, marketing and commercial operations, Global Refinish for Axalta, reported that there is an ever-increasing demand for comprehensive coating solutions that not only perform and increase productivity, but coatings that are also eco-friendly.
“This is an area of continuous investment by Axalta,” added Morschel. “Cycle time is a critical component for larger bodyshops and has been an area of particular focus for us when developing new products. In North America, our new ultra-productive, single-visit Spies Hecker waterborne application system eliminates the drying time between coats.”
Joel Johnson, vice president, Automotive Refinish Coatings for BASF, noted that the market is always changing.
“As the auto refinish market continues to evolve, so do the needs of our customers. It is our duty to be innovative in everything we do so that we can meet those needs,” Johnson added. “One way we achieve this is by continuing to invest in our solutions and ensure our technology stays aligned with advanced vehicle technologies, including ADAS. We also leverage our OEM relationships to make sure our customers will be taken care of and enjoy a successful future. As the industry continues adopting newer technologies, we’ll be prepared to meet the demand for new solutions.”
Patrick Bourguignon, director of AkzoNobel’s Automotive and Specialty Coatings business, said that digital tools are benefitting bodyshops.
“At AkzoNobel, we launched a digital workshop production measurement system called Carbeat three years ago. This digital cloud-based tool enables the bodyshop to track work in progress, identify and eliminate bottlenecks and provide their customers with real-time repair status updates,” said Bourguignon.
“Using traditional coatings at lower temperatures to repair vehicles with battery and hybrid power trains significantly impacts performance and reduces bodyshop efficiency, as these coatings take much longer to cure and thus slow down the overall repair process,” Bourguignon added. “At AkzoNobel, we have developed vehicle refinish coatings that are able to cure at significantly lower temperatures, along with low energy, no heat (using ultraviolet (UV) light) products, which has the double benefit of not only improving efficiency, but also reducing energy consumption, CO2 emissions and costs.
Chancey Hagerty, PPG vice president, global automotive refinish, discussed the role of digitalization in auto refinishing.
“At PPG, we see and recognize how digital solutions are transforming customer experiences and business operations all around us,” Hagery said. “As a global leader in automotive coatings and digital color matching technologies, PPG utilized our broad, cross-industry expertise to develop PPG LINQ – the first industry-wide connectivity platform that is designed to improve the overall customer experience, partner relationships and internal body shop operations. Refinish body shop customers will be able to streamline their entire repair process using the cloud-based PPG LINQ platform and its interconnected digital hardware, software and innovative services, leading to results that are more consistent and cost-effective.”
The first set of PPG LINQ technologies and services will start to become available beginning in early 2022 as part of a multi-year rollout. The PPG MOONWALK system, PPG’s automated paint mixing system for refinish body shops, marked the first of many customer centric innovations that fall within PPG’s digital ecosystem powered by PPG LINQ.
New Product Introductions
New products are the lifeblood of any industry, and the automotive refinishing field is always looking for new developments. Johnson pointed out that BASF has introduced the Glasurit 100 Line of waterborne paints.
“We are committed to innovation and continuous improvement,” said Johnson. “Our customers benefit from an evolving portfolio designed to meet and exceed our customers’ needs. One of the latest innovations from BASF is Glasurit 100 Line, which offers the fastest waterborne application process and most sustainable solution on the market. Its innovative modern basecoat technology, advanced pigmentation and color matching, and state-of-the-art spectrophotometer color retrieval is setting new standards in the industry. Some of the many benefits of using Glasurit 100 Line are a streamlined process with wet-on-wet, non-stop application with simplified tri- and quad-coat finishes; faster application with an average of 35% time savings; and coating efficiency – on average Glasurit 100 Line goes 20% further than competing products.
“BASF recognizes the importance of sustainability of Glasurit 100 Line has the lowest VOC values on the market, far lower than any global VOC requirements,” Johnson added. “Not only will customers save on process times and material consumption, but they will improve their environmental footprint as well.”
“We’ve also launched Refinity, a cloud-based platform that offers one-stop access to our color, learning, business management, support and trusted partner solutions,” said Johnson. “With one platform, one password and one seamless digital solution, customers will enjoy easy access to a variety of tools that will help them work more efficiently.”
Among Axalta’s recent innovations is Spies Hecker Permahyd Hi-TEC basecoat, which Morschel said is the most advanced waterborne basecoat technology currently available in the market.
“Our scientists created a revolutionary paint formula that allows water and pigment to work together to achieve the desired appearance in fewer coats,” Morschel added. “The Permahyd 2K sealer, which was awarded a 2021 Edison Award, is also a component of the time-saving waterborne application system. Using this sealer reduces sealer application time to five minutes or less compared to 20 minutes with traditional products. And, last but not least, we recently introduced the first-ever waterborne clearcoat, which reduces harmful VOC emissions by up to 60%. By utilizing this application system, repairs can be completed 55% faster than using competitor products.”
Morschel also pointed to Axalta’s Advanced Color Proofing, the latest enhancement to Axalta’s proprietary color retrieval software, ColorNet.
“Customers in North America who leverage Advanced Color Proofing have the benefit of 3D modeling, giving refinishers the ability to view renderings of paint colors on vehicles from multiple angles and digitally rotate the view to determine color match and blendability across panels,” Morschel said. “Using this enhancement saves our customers time, materials and maximizes productivity in the shop by reducing the need to mix paint and create test panels.
“Another tool that provides exact matching of a color formula is Fillion Technologies’ automated Daisy Wheel, which is the most productive paint process currently available,” added Morschel. “Using the Daisy Wheel, color formulas are mixed with an accuracy of one hundredth of a gram, and it’s easy to use and frees up valuable time for refinishers allowing them to focus on other critical steps in the refinishing process.”
“PPG is committed to providing sustainable and technologically advanced solutions to support the needs of body shops now and well into the future,” Hagerty said. “In addition to launching our PPG LINQ end-to-end digital solution and PPG MOONWALK automated paint mixing system, we will be launching several new refinish products designed to improve productivity and cycle time for collision repair centers. Details on these new products will be announced as they become available to various markets.”
Bourguignon reported that aspartic chemistry-based low-bake/air-dry products are also being developed.
“AkzoNobel recently launched Sikkens Autoclear Aerodry and Lesonal Ultra Air Clear in the EMEA market – these clearcoat technologies are exceptionally flexible due to their ability to be cured at ambient temperatures, making them ideal for the refinish of hybrid/ electric vehicles as well as traditional powered vehicles,” he reported.
“Sikkens Autoclear Aerodry was developed to help bodyshops maximize their productivity and need for flexibility. To free up space for another job, businesses can roll out the previous vehicle or panel after a five-minute flash-off and leave it to air-dry for 45 minutes. But if meeting a tight deadline is the problem, bodyshops can opt for a five-minute bake at 60°C,” said Bourguignon.
“Sikkens Autoclear Xpress, recently launched in the North American market, is delivering the latest cutting-edge developments in rapid cure technology. It is designed to accelerate production and reduce the cycle time of any high-performance bodyshop. We introduced this product to be used over Autowave and Autobase Plus, with the goal of offering customers an energy-efficient clearcoat that enhances the proficiency of their business.”
