Buyer's Guide 2022 by Media Matters

#1 SOURCE FOR THE INDUSTRY’S HOTTEST PRODUCTS!

SPECIAL E D1I 5T.9I O9 N $

2022

100+

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES INSIDE

BUYERSGUIDE.COL L I S I O N R EPA I R M AG .C O M Canada Post Canadian publication mail sales product agreement No. 40841632. A special edition of Collision Repair Magazine. 86 John St. Thornhill, ON, L3T TY2

SOME SEE ONLY PAINT. WE SEE A REFLECTION OF WHO WE ARE. Every vehicle finish mirrors what we value most as a company—our commitment to delivering the industry’s most advanced coatings that meet the demands of an ever-changing marketplace. And a passion for partnering with our customers to help them succeed at every level of their business. Our values have been guiding us for more than 115 years running, so our dedication is always there for the world to see.

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CONTENTS 2022

CONTENTS

SPECIAL ANNUAL EDITION

FEATURES 07 PUBLISHER’S PAGE 08 NEW AND HOT PRODUCTS 16 BACK TO REALITY

18 DON’T BE FUEL-ISH 20 MIND YOUR BUSINESS 22 WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE 24 TO 2022 AND BEYOND 28 THE ASTECH APPROACH

30 READING COMPREHENSION 70 HOW CLEAN IS YOUR PAINTBOOTH? 73 HOT SWATCHES 76 AUTOMATED PAINTING EFFICIENCY 92 HIGH DEMANDS DO’S AND DON’TS 96 A CUT ABOVE 114 THE LAST WORD

96 BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 3

CONTENTS

CONTENTS 2022

ABRASIVES

68 AUTO GLASS

SPECIAL ANNUAL EDITION

ADHESIVES

HEALTH / SAFETY

88 SOFTWARE/MANAGEMENT

102 TOOLS

4 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

ALIGNMENT / MEASUREMENTS

PAINT

94 PDR/NON STRUCTURAL

107 SCANNING/ESTIMATING

PAINT HARDWARE

98 RECYCLING

110 WELDING

For over 30 years, our CARSTAR family has led the industry in collision repair excellence. Want to learn more about what it takes to join CARSTAR? Contact Collin Welsh today at cwelsh@carstar.ca

PASSION MEETS PERFECTION Würth Body Shop Products

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Würth has you covered.

PUBLISHER’S PAGE

WE’VE GOT IT ALL TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE NOW—AND THE FUTURE

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Orest Tkaczuk | orest@mediamatters.ca EDITOR Allison Rogers | allison@mediamatters.ca

BY DARRYL SIMMONS

PUBLISHER Darryl Simmons publisher@collisionrepairmag.com

STAFF WRITERS Max Reid | max@mediamatters.ca

here’s something special about

on the market. Make sure to visit and

a new product Buyer’s Guide.

wander through our online guide at

Cracking open the magazine and

buyersguide/collisionrepairmag.com. Here

flipping through the pages is sure to get

you can search and save your choices so

your blood flowing and pulse racing with

you will be well prepared to discuss options

excitement and anticipation.

with your jobbers, reps and manufacturers.

And this year’s 2022 Buyer’s Guide is guaranteed to make that happen!

The last couple of years have demonstrated the need to be fully informed, trained and

The Collision Repair magazine team

equipped to repair the constantly evolving

pulled out all stops as they searched high

vehicles that roll, scrape and slide into our

and low to bring you a curated look at the

facilities. With this guide in hand, you will

best and brightest products and services

be well on your way to knowing not just

THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS HAVE DEMONSTRATED THE NEED TO BE FULLY INFORMED, TRAINED AND EQUIPPED TO REPAIR THE CONSTANTLY EVOLVING VEHICLES THAT ROLL, SCRAPE AND SLIDE INTO OUR FACILITIES. WITH THIS GUIDE IN HAND, YOU WILL BE WELL ON YOUR WAY TO KNOWING NOT JUST WHAT YOU NEED FOR SAFE REPAIRS TODAY, BUT WHAT LIES JUST AHEAD OVER THE HORIZON. to help bring your business to new heights

what you need for safe repairs today, but

in 2022. Everything is perfectly organized

what lies just ahead over the horizon.

making it easy for you to search and

So, look through the guide and see what’s

browse. And that’s not all! In addition, there

on the market and start planning to turn

are valuable insights from industry thought

your wish list into reality. All the best on

leaders as to how to build and expand your

your ensuing journey!

production capability and your profitably

ART DIRECTOR Yvonne Corvers | yvonne@mediamatters.ca VP OF INDUSTRY RELATIONS & ADVERTISING Gloria Mann 647.998.5677 | gd.mann@rogers.com DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS SOLUTIONS Ellen Smith 416.312.7446 | ellen@mediamatters.ca INDUSTRY RELATIONS ASSISTANT Wanja Mann (647) 998-5677 wanjamann1@gmail.com DIGITAL OPERATIONS MANAGER Cassie Doyle | cassie@mediamatters.ca CONTRIBUTORS Ros Macdonald, Bianca Mazziotti, Chelsea Stebner, Stefano Liessi, Erin McLaughlin

SUBSCRIPTION $15.99 For the Special Edition The Buyer’s Guide is an annual special edition of Collision Repair™ magazine which is published bi-monthly, and is dedicated to serving the business interests of the collision repair industry. It is published by Media Matters Inc. Material in Collision Repair™ magazine may not be reproduced in any form without written consent from the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising and disclaims all responsibilities for claims or statements made by its advertisers or independent columnists. All facts, opinions, statements appearing in this publication are those of the writers and editors themselves, and are in no way to be construed as statements, positions or endorsements by the publisher. PRINTED IN CANADA ISSN 1707-6072 CANADA POST CANADIAN PUBLICATIONS MAIL SALES PRODUCT AGREEMENT No. 40841632 RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED Send change of address notices and undeliverable copies to: 317 Reid St., Peterborugh ON K9J 3R2

“We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada”

and financial success. In these pages, our selection is limited, but a quick click on the web will bring you to a full showcase of what is available

Collision Repair’s Annual Buyer’s Guide magazine is published by Media Matters Inc., publishers of:

BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 7

NEW HOT AND

THE MOST SOUGHT-AFTER SUPPLIES FEATURED AT SEMA 2021

8 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

NEW PRODUCTS

NEW AND HOT PRODUCTS FOR By Allison Rogers

t’s not a SEMA Show spectacle without the glitz and glory of the New Products Showcase. This year’s showcase marked the first time new collision repair and refinish products were featured on the Las Vegas strip since 2019—meaning the repair community was raring to get a glimpse at the latest tools on the market.

2022

BEST NEW COLLISION REPAIR/REFINISH PRODUCT The winner of this year’s Best New Collision Repair/Refinish Product was the KECO Body Repair Glue Pull System. KECO’s Glue Pull System comes with a shop light and stand as well as a cart that’s said to offer complete GPR solutions.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 9

NEW PRODUCTS

NEW AND HOT PRODUCTS FOR

RUNNER-UP NEW COLLISION REPAIR/REFINISH PRODUCT The two runner-ups in the Collision Repair and Refinish category are the Eagle electronic measuring system from Celette Inc. and the Drain Cleaner SR250 from Reliable Automotive Equipment. 10 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

2022

NEW PRODUCTS

Meet the new 3M™ Performance Spray Gun. The smarter spray gun. Designed for the modern painter. The first ever spray gun designed specifically to deliver top-of-the-line performance with revolutionary replaceable nozzle technology that saves you time. Experience faster cleanup, faster changeovers and faster cycle times. Bringing you the best of 3M Science, all packed into the smartest, lightest spray gun in the world.

Experience the smarter way to spray.

Precision performance.

Faster cycle times.

Cleans in seconds.

Lightest in the world.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 11

NEW PRODUCTS

NEW AND HOT PRODUCTS FOR

2022

BASF GLASURIT 100 LINE Other products featured in this year’s New Product Showcase included the BASF Glasurit 100 Line, which the company says is the first basecoat line on the market that offers a VOC value below 250 g/l.

4 5

3M’S NEW CUBITRON NET DISCS 3M’s new Cubitron net discs were also on display, touting the motto: Dust is the Enemy. The 3M Automotive Aftermarket division says the new abrasives offer prime dust extraction properties thanks to its innovative mesh technology. The company says the open net structure provides a virtually dust-free environment—up to 95 percent or higher in dust extraction performance than other net abrasive families.

12 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

ADAS COPILOT PRO Frank Terlep’s ADAS CoPilot Pro was also featured in this year’s lineup. Through its mobile apps and web portal, the ADAS CoPilot Pro system provides instant access to a vehicle’s ADAS systems, components, location, calibration requirements, repair procedures and other ADAS-related information based on a vehicle’s VIN.

Advertorial

NEW PRODUCTS

AUTEL MAXISYS IA800 INTELLIGENT ADAS - OPTICAL POSITIONING SYSTEM

PROCESS IS PRECISION W 1 PRE-CHECK >

2 POSITION >

3 PERFORM >

4 PROVIDEDONE!

hen it comes to the calibration of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) components, there are two essential servicing concepts, follow the prescribed vehicle manufacturer instructions and document everything from pre-calibration setup to post-calibration validation.

The Autel Standard Frame ADAS Calibration System, the MaxiSYS IA800 Intelligent ADAS optical positioning system adaption package combined with the Autel calibration software enable technicians to perform these procedures via the most efficient and affordable calibration solution in the industry.

the vehicle manufacturer’s allowed tolerances. Ensuring a vehicle is correctly aligned is essential to ensuring a correct ADAS component calibration. If within OE-specified tolerances, the technician can proceed to optical positioning of the frame to the vehicle. A 4-wheel alignment should be performed if the vehicle is out of the OE’s tolerance range. The IA800 system is incredibly user-friendly, with the tablet displaying vehicle-specific, step-by-step instructions for the technician.

the current values match the required values. Checkmarks display for each parameter once the required position values are met, and that’s it, the vehicle is ready for calibration. Compare that setup with one using mechanical tools such as plumb bobs and measuring tape that takes 40 minutes on average.

This complete solution of software, frame, and targets, and now with the IA800 optical system enables technicians to realize a verifiable component calibration workflow of Pre-Check (alignment), Position (OE-specified target to vehicle positioning), Perform (camera, radar. Lidar, and Night Vision component calibration with any MaxiSYS tablet with ADAS calibration software) and Provide (detailed documentation of complete process).

Wheel clamps with camera targets are attached to the rear wheels, and a standing target component is placed in the front or to the side of the vehicle, depending on the vehicle make, model and year. The MaxiSYS tablet, now placed securing on the frame, is paired with the cameras. The system recognizes the positioning targets and calculates the current angle, distance, and offset position of the frame to the vehicle. The technician follows the onscreen instructions to move the frame or adjust its angle until

The IA800 employs six high-resolution cameras and ADAS positioning software to transform Autel’s Standard Calibration frame into a rapid yet precise frame centering and vehicle distancing unit, enabling technicians to accomplish target to vehicle placement in minutes.

The IA800 advanced 3D camera technology provides the most accurate and fastest calibration frame placement.

Added value to the system is its alignment PreCheck capability that uses the IA800’s camera system and targeted wheel clamps attached to all four wheels to determine the vehicle’s current alignment specifications and compare them with

• • •

USSUPPORT@AUTEL.COM 855-288-3587 WWW.AUTEL.COM

SCAN TO WATCH

TRAINING VIDEOS

YOUTUBE

BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 13

NEW PRODUCTS

NEW AND HOT PRODUCTS FOR

2022

TRU-POINT ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM (ADAS) CALIBRATION John Bean brought its new Tru-Point advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) calibration unit to SEMA this year, showcasing what the company calls its one-stop solution for ADAS calibration. Tru-Point uses advanced camera technology, targets and top-of-the-line software, says John Bean.

7 EVERCOAT OPTEX LIGHT SPEED CURE PREMIUM BODY FILLER

Another up-and-comer on this year’s SEMA New Product roster was the Evercoat Optex Light Speed Cure Premium Body Filler, the newest innovation from Evercoat. According to the company, this body filler can decrease dry to sand time from 20 minutes to just three minutes by using dual cure technology that uses both catalyst and LED cure. The product also uses EcoResin technology for fast, easy sandability and colour changing technology that visually changes from pink to green when dry.

Does your company have a new product you’d like featured in Collision Repair mag? Send it to editor@collisionrepairmag.com for consideration in next year’s Buyer’s Guide!

14 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

CWB Automotive Repair Technician Welding Program NOW AVAILABLE Get the training and welding qualification you need to stay ahead of the game. Automotive Welding Qualification is a must-have for all technicians that repair and weld vehicles in your collision repair facility. To achieve the highest quality repair, utilize best practices, and ensure vehicles are properly and safely repaired, choose the CWB Automotive Repair Welding Qualification program for your team. For over 70 years, the CWB Group has provided training and testing services to companies across Canada seeking Certification and Welder Qualification.

CWB Automotive Welding Qualification Benefits • Automotive Welding Training and Qualification at your own facility with your own equipment • Ensure all your technicians have the training and skills needed for welding • Increased skill levels = quality assurance for Collision Repair Facilities • Satisfies welding certification requirements for most OEM Certification programs • Third party oversight and onsite training by certified welding specialists • Enhanced credibility provided by CWB Automotive welding certifications • Savings when you register multiple technicians to participate • Technicians receive CWB Automotive Welding accreditation after completing training and testing

Register for Welding Education and Certification today at: www.cwbgroup.org/autorepair Direct Testing scheduling at: cwbautomotive@cwbgroup.org | 1.800.844.6790 ext. 290

COVID CONVO

BACK TO REALITY GETTING READY FOR THE NEXT NEW NORMAL

By Ros Macdonald

“THE PANDEMIC FORCED THE REALIZATION OF DOING MORE WITH LESS. CRISIS FORCED EVERYONE TO LOOK AT THE FIXED COST SIDE OF THEIR BUSINESS AND MAKE DECISIONS BASED ON THOSE NUMBERS.” — JOHN COX, ACOAT SERVICES MANAGER AT AKZONOBEL

16 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

early two years of COVID health concerns, lockdowns, and policy changes have turned our world upside-down. Businesses all over the world were put in precarious positions, forcing many to bring services online and cut down on overhead. Collision repair facilities are no exception, dealing with lower-than-normal repair volumes. With staffing shuffles aplenty and employees that are, frankly, used to a more lax schedule, teams might question if they can still handle post-pandemic crunch times. On the other hand, the downtime provided an opportunity to streamline operations and prepare to come out the other side stronger than ever. The next new normal could even make way for better performance than before. “If it’s broken we can fix it” is a mindset familiar to those in the collision repair industry, which came in clutch in these strange and difficult times. Brad Kruhlak, Technical Manager at AzkoNobel says of repair teams: “During the pandemic they probably perfected some skills they never

had before, and if you perfect a process, things will fall in place a lot quicker for you.” The downtime allowed facilities to smooth out inefficient or dysfunctional aspects of their processes and operations, and practice the perfected strategies again and again. John Cox compares this phenomenon to a familiar saying in sports. “You don’t necessarily get better with games, you get better when you practice.” The reduced pace of business also drove facilities to address unnecessary expenditures that might have flown under the radar in busier circumstances. “The pandemic forced the realization of doing more with less,” says John Cox, Acoat Services Manager at AkzoNobel. “Crisis forced everyone to look at the fixed cost side of their business and make decisions based on those numbers.” This encouraged facilities to right-size their staff, wages, and materials. Reducing overhead is something businesses aspire to in normal times, and teams can carry these lessons forward while ramping up production. This involves growing

COVID CONVO

teams at an appropriate pace and keeping costs lean wherever possible. The situation of crisis additionally drove home the importance of communication, pushing companies to have urgent conversations about next steps, and relay clear messages to staff, stakeholders, and customers. Companies discussed grievances and dreamt up creative solutions to the problems created by the pandemic. Just like a clean shop floor, organized communication and documentation kept things running smoothly. When operations go back to normal, how will facilities keep these lines of communication open?

“THE PEOPLE WANT TO KNOW: ARE WE WINNING OR LOSING, ARE WE AHEAD OR BEHIND?”

One solution involves improving procedures to keep track of staff and their tasklists, be it a better shift tracking system, checklists, end of day reports, or morning meetings. “A quick pitch meeting in the morning and the afternoon can accomplish a lot, just reminding people what their roles are,” says Kruhlak. Facilities might also benefit from creating production boards with step-by-step instructions and diagrams, so employees can get immediate answers to common questions when it’s crunch time. This is especially important for new staff members who haven’t memorized the goings-on of the workplace. John Cox suggests creating a production goal and a scoreboard to motivate your staff: “The people want to know: are we winning or losing, are we ahead or behind?” Covid has raised all kinds of discussions of health and wellness, from digital hygiene to the necessity of staying home when we

are sick. The last thing a business wants to happen during critical moments is a sick staff member infecting the whole team. Collision repair facilities can benefit from a simple daily survey of symptoms, or even use automated text messages asking staff if they are experiencing symptoms. More personal check-ins, on the other hand, can help staff set individual goals, and helps management learn from the team’s ideas and grievances. “The people in the trenches most of the time have the best ideas because they know what’s working and what’s not working,” maintains Cox. Smart managers take notes during check-ins and review them before the next meeting. Staff members are encouraged to perform at their peak capacity when their company cares about their individual progress and celebrates their achievements. Managers that have taken the time to get to know their team and their equipment

will reap the benefits as production ramps up. Companies can get a temperature check on the capacity of their facility, and prevent burnout as the workload increases. It is imperative not to take on more jobs than the team can handle, as staff might not be ready for a pre-pandemic level of production, especially new additions to the team. Are there parts or materials shortages? Is a company understaffed? Communicating about these issues sooner rather than later will pay off. Facilities that do find themselves short on materials or dealing with supply delays might be tempted to waste time as they wait for deliveries. Instead, focusing on repairs that do not require new materials can maximize productivity. The shifting sands of covid such as delays, new staff, and parts shortages can cause hiccups with customers. Being transparent and straightforward with clientele can encourage patience and understanding. Customers are likely dealing with some of the same issues in their workplace and will be empathetic to the situation. After all, one thing we can all take away from this global crisis is the importance of mutual support. “From the person washing cars, to painting cars, to pulling the frames, they all have ideas,” says Kruhlak. This mind-set fosters a deeper sense of teamwork, setting collision repair facilities well on their way to tackling the challenges of the next new normal. BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 17

TECHNOLOGY

DON’T BE FUEL-ISH

THE DARK TRUTH ABOUT EV ADOPTION IN CANADA—AND POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS

THE GOVERNMENT HAS STARTED THE CLOCK WITHOUT MAKING SURE EVERYONE IS EVEN AT THE STARTING LINE.

By Max Reid

f you looked at Canada strictly from its federal stance on EVs, you could be forgiven for mistaking Toronto as the nation’s capital. As automakers and governments of all levels start implementing legislation to mandate the sales of EVs, as well as the curtailment of carbon emissions, our fellow Canadians outside of major urban centres have, and continue to express dissatisfaction toward plans that they feel don’t take their daily reality into account. People in the prairies aren’t any keener on environmental disaster than we are in the city. So, when they hear, “EVs are going to be mandatory soon, get in line. By the way, we still have no solution for cold weather charging,” people are justifiably peeved. However, there is a flip side to that coin that warrants discussion. Saskatchewan, for example, is still 40 percent reliant on coal and coke-based power, according to Canada Energy Regulator. Alberta’s coal and coke usage currently sits at 43 percent. Were Saskatchewan and Alberta to be put on the same EV playing field as everyone else, it would contribute to, and worsen, an energy infrastructure that is simply incompatible with environmental sustainability. Without the ability to close the loop on EVs, as both a clean method of travel for the individual and an effective platform upon which to cut larger-scale carbon emissions, the government has started the 18 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

clock without making sure everyone is even at the starting line. Luckily, we have people in our industry working hard to find ways to close that loop and develop technology that extends the good intention of the electric vehicle to the power grid at-large. The answer may lie in bi-directional charging. Bi-directional charging is a reciprocal form of EV charging where, as a regular charging station transfers stored energy from the power source (i.e., house, gas station, etc.) to the vehicle, a bi-directional charging station can return stored energy back to the house, helping power the home while the vehicle is not being used. This technology puts power back into the hands of the consumer, almost literally, allowing them to directly contribute the energy stored in their vehicle to the powering of a home. Of course, this is only a band-aid applied to the wider issue of getting these provinces off harmful energy sources, but that it is an issue to be solved by a different magazine. EVs are here to stay; that’s just the truth

of it. There have been just a few too many hurricanes, forest fires, oil spills and tainted water to be content with the status quo. Operating an EV infrastructure within a pre-existing natural gas-based framework is obviously less than ideal, but it will by no means stop the work either. Nova Scotia, for example, despite a mix of available energy sources, derives 63 percent of its power from coal, and yet is also taking large strides toward establishing a robust EV infrastructure, having recently closed its charging loop, connecting the entire province to the charging grid. Tradition, legacy and ego aside, if Saskatchewan and Alberta can’t get on board with clean energy some time soon, EVs will very likely never fulfill their purpose. There are issues with EVs and their handling of the extreme cold and long distances, but the work is being done and those issues are not unique to the West. If there is an anti-prairie conspiracy afoot, it hasn’t been well hidden. The climate is in crisis and Canada demands clean energy.

PRODUCTION PLANNING

MIND YOUR BUSINESS SET YOUR SCHEDULING STRAIGHT

By Allison Rogers

W It’s hard for painters to not look at dismantled parts as a carrot from a string. There may be certain colours where it makes sense to jamp and hang your sheet metal before painting—but efficiency increases if your painter only visits those parts once.

What looks to be a $2,000 job on-sight can very realistically double, triple or more when the panels are peeled back, especially in today’s camera and sensor-heavy vehicles.

20 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

hen you put a vehicle into production, are you 100-percent confident it’s ready to be repaired and will glide through your shop with no stoppages? In a time like today, it may be tempting to take in every set of keys tossed your way— but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that’ll land you in a world of trouble. When it comes to repairing scheuling, a 2018 survey conducted by Dave Luehr’s Elite Body Shop Solutions found that, out of 200 people surveyed, 59 percent made their schedules by counting estimated labour hours; 22 percent tied their schedules to the number of vehicles, and ten percent admitted to simply winging it. It’s easy to understand why the ‘grab the keys’ mindset is a default, especially in COVID-19 times. Certain business owners find a sense of comfort in holding a stockpile of work, but the same people will oftentimes revert to complete shutdown in times of stress, saving the problem for another day, when it will swell twice as big.

PRODUCTION PLANNING

Cycle time is the work-in-process divided by your average number of cars delivered daily; thus, a five-day cycle time with ten WIPs would require you to push out two cars per day. Easy enough— until those extra jobs pull in.

What’s your answer when asked about your cycle times? Do you shell out the cliches or take the time to consider that you might just have too much work on your docket? You can blame the insurance adjusters or your technicians; but not before you take at the inner workings of your scheduling and production.

Be realistic with your output Say you have ten cars in process and a five-day cycle time, outputting an average of two cars per day. You get a call from an adjuster—there’s been a four-car fender bender six blocks from your shop! All four drivers want their cars to go to you; can you take them?! You haven’t magically manifested new staff, nor have they grown extra limbs. Your output, in most cases, will stay the same. Cycle time is the work-in-process divided by your average number of cars delivered daily; thus, a five-day cycle time with ten WIPs would require you to push out two cars per day. Easy enough—until those extra jobs pull in. Despite any comfort you may find in having lots to do, excessive inventory is a key contributor to poor cash floor, wasted materials and resources. Not to mention, when everyone is rushing toward the common goal, the mission of the job can be overlooked; in a nutshell, your repair may not be the best it could’ve been, lines can be missed on repair sheets and valuable dollars are overlooked.

Single file, please While it’s not fruitful to simply toss blame on your team, you can help guide your technicians and painters on a path to productivity. Oftentimes—especially when young, keen staff—you’ll see technicians try to ‘batch’ jobs together, roughing out multiple jobs and mixing materials in bulk for application. For one, this can lead to overproduction; plus, if you’re working with filler and it dries before you’ve cleared your first task, you are out of luck. Try again. On the booth end of things, it’s hard for painters to not look at dismantled parts as a carrot from a string. There may be certain colours where it makes sense to jamp and hang your sheet metal before painting—but efficiency increases if your painter only visits those parts once.

ing a chart to reflect your different job sizes. If there’s no slot left for the type of job you’re looking to take in, you don’t have the bandwidth.

“CAN I PUT A CAT 3 IN THE PLACE OF THREE CAT 1S?”

Mind the gap What looks to be a $2,000 job on-sight can very realistically double, triple or more when the panels are peeled back, especially in today’s camera and sensorheavy vehicles. If you do not triage your vehicles already, it’s a practice you may want to consider. On average, a CAT 1 (category 1) repair is a job between $0 and $1,499; a CAT 2 ranges from $1,500 to $3,999 and CAT 3 encompasses anything more than $4,000. You don’t have to follow any stringent principles, though: it can be as easy as fil-

In theory, yes—but you need to break your work down into an optimum mix, not just work to make the sheet make sense. Be cautious about bringing in too many small jobs to fill the schedule. Scheduling is a beast—there’s no dodging that. Whether there’s not enough work, too much work, techs on vacation or unexpected jobs, you’re never going to get a grip on it all at once. At most, you can do your best to plan the process and stop the possibility of bottlenecks in its tracks. BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 21

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE AND ALL THE PROFITS SHRINK

By Max Reid

he effects of climate change are becoming a fact of life across much of Canada. We typically regard weather events like flooding as a symptom mainly suffered by our coastal provinces, however, the reality of the changing climate is quickly making its way inland to confront a comparatively unprepared central population. For the collision repair industry, this means water-damaged vehicles will become a more prevalent part of the work mix and the due diligence required of techs and shop owners will only expand. Personal finance advocates at Money Wise have already begun receiving reports that vehicles damaged in flooding in the southern United States are making their way into the Canadian used vehicle market due to water damage going unreported at the time of shipping. In April of 2008, Canada’s Registrar of Imported Vehicles declared all flood-damaged vehicles unrepairable, preventing them from being licensable for drivers, but eligible for import as scrap. However, with the North American auto industry in a crunch for used vehicle inven22 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

tory, some bad actors are lying on the damage reports of flooded vehicles to bypass salvage laws and capitalize on a limping used vehicle market. As a result, the buck has been passed on to the individual at the body shop to be able to identify the signs of water damage and address them appropriately. There are a few clues techs and estimators can look for to determine whether a customer could be driving a flood-damaged vehicle. The first and probably most obvious place to check to see if a vehicle has been

in a flood is the carpeting. If it is exceptionally muddy or musty (and doesn’t just look like someone’s messy work truck), there is a possibility that the vehicle was submerged in water at some point. On the flip side, a suspiciously new carpet in an older vehicle could also tip off a perceptive technician that a cover-up is afoot. Money Wise also recommends checking seat-mounting screws to see whether the seats have been removed to help dry the carpeting, as well as checking any other exposed screws for signs of rust.

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

THE BUCK HAS BEEN PASSED ON TO THE INDIVIDUAL AT THE BODY SHOP TO BE ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE SIGNS OF WATER DAMAGE AND ADDRESS THEM APPROPRIATELY.

In April of 2008, Canada’s Registrar of Imported Vehicles declared all flood-damaged vehicles unrepairable, preventing them from being licensable for drivers, but eligible for import as scrap.

A vehicle’s lights can also be left with a visible waterline that would indicate whether it has been submerged at some point. As far as what to do once you’ve determined that a vehicle was in a flood, the answer is nothing. While ordinarily salvage imports may be rebuilt to be put back on the road, the RIV specifically states that vehicles damaged in a flood are the exception.

“Salvage or rebuilt salvage vehicles can be licensed in Canada provided the original damage was not flood related and the vehicle is admissible under Transport Canada’s List of Vehicles Admissible from the United States,” according to the RIV’s website. Writing off a repair job is never ideal, but neither is putting a customer in danger for a quick buck. Keep your eyes peeled out there after the rain falls.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 23

INDUSTRY OUTLOOK

TO 2022 AND BEYOND FROM PAINT MATERIALS TO IMPROVED ADAS AWARENESS, THERE’S A LOT IN STORE FOR THE CANADIAN MARKET

By Allison Rogers and Max Reid

ith the events of the last 18 months considered, the only direction to look for the future is upward. If there is one sentiment any veteran collision repairer stands by, it’s the fact that the last five years have delivered more disruption and change than the previous 20 years combined. Imagine the possibilities the next five years, not to mention the next 10, or 20.

Here are a few of the aspects Canada’s collision repairers are anticipating, according to Collision Repair mag’s sources. A carbon fibre incorporated taillight.

Mixin’ it Up Recall the shockwaves felt in bodyshops across North America when Ford announced the aluminum F-150, back in 2015? Well, there could be more substrate switches of the eco-conscious variety in the future for the vehicles of tomorrow. At the end of 2020, the Canadian government announced a $1.2 million pour into Green Nano Technologies for its research into wood-fibre composite use for automotive parts. In a similar, eco-friendly vein, Leamington, Ontario-based Competitive Green Technologies (CGT) has a partnership with Ford and McDonald’s; the green minds at CGT take coffee waste from McDonald’s and use a patented process to transform it into resin for car parts. With the over-arching goal of minimal collision damage in mind, automakers are also turning their sights to carbon fibre car parts. Touted as a lighter, stronger alternative to steel and even aluminum, luxury automakers, in particular, are keen to incorporate the material in their models to add that certain wow factor. McLaren even incorporated a carbon fibre chassis in its Elva model in 2019. While luxury makes are not the everyday repairer’s frequent find—the Elva literally has no windshield, making it pretty impractical and unattainable for the everyday commuter—such ideas could one day trickle down to average light vehicles. 24 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

INDUSTRY OUTLOOK

The Path to Paint Perfection

The Big Guns

The paint matching technology of 2021 is far from the thick and weathered colour flipbook that sat poised on your desk through the ’80s. With today’s spectrophotometers in tow, you’ll rarely run into a colour matching nightmare; but that’s only if you know what you’re doing. The sophisticated spectrometers of today feature a colour camera that captures multiple colour images of the car’s surface. The images taken will then be used to identify the texture of the colour conjunction using multiple angles to ensure the best match. AkzoNobel touts its Automatchic Vision (AMV) spectrophotometer combined with its MIXIT colour retrieval software. The company says the tool “takes the guesswork out of colour matching,” measuring colour at multiple different angles, and, when synced with AkzoNobel’s MIXIT software, can provide “the most accurate level of colour match.” In the same vein, mixing methods are starkly different from the daily practices of two decades ago. Moonwalk is PPG’s automated paint mixing system designed to “transform body shop mixing rooms into cleaner, safer and much more efficient operations,” according to the coatings giant. MoonWalk replaces manual mixing processes with a splash-free, self-contained system that eliminates spills and achieves extreme mixing accuracy, according to PPG’s website. The system’s computer uses an interface that connects to the integrated mixing system and colour management software. With the bevy of changes automotive coatings and corresponding processes have experienced in the last two decades of collision repair, it’s difficult to imagine further advances. Does it seem like a dream to have car paint with an unlimited pot life? Not for Car-Rep’s customers: the company’s Wise 2K technology is another revolution to automotive paint, especially for DIY fans. Car-Rep’s Wise 2K technology features both the hardener and the paint in a patented one-compartment can that allows the hardener to only activate once sprayed—not inside the can. This not only makes the paint easy to use, says the company, but it also equals unlimited pot life—so you can use the entire contents of each can with no wasted product. “We estimate about 50 percent cost savings in labour time and product waste with Car-Rep Wise 2K,” said Auli Parviainen, managing director of Car-Rep and Maston North America. Parviainen said some hobbyists—and clear fans of the product—are even using Wise 2K to paint complete cars. “Texas BMW Garage is painting his classic BMW entirely with our system; our 2K primer and clearcoat, and there’s another classic Volvo being painted with our black epoxy as well.”

Where paint advances, the tools used to spray it are improved as well—take 3M’s new Performance Spray Gun as a testament. With a 10-plus-year research and development initiative behind it, the new tool has been turning heads since hitting the market in March. “Using the Performance Spray Gun, cycle time—both with cleaning and changeover—can really be enhanced to take on more throughput,” 3M Automotive Aftermarket Application Development Specialist Bill Suzuki told Collision Repair. The ability to spray multiple materials in a given booth cycle and change coatings simply by wiping the needle clean is a gamechanger for painters.” The company also touts 78 percent transfer efficiency at HVLP settings with the new tool. Designed with automotive refinishing topcoats in mind, 3M also offers a variety of atomizing heads for the Performance Spray Gun, ranging from 1.2 mm to 2 mm. “There’s an attachment for nearly every coating in the bodyshop,” said Suzuki. “Soon we’ll have attachments to spray thicker coatings—that’s a next phase launch but keep an eye out for that.” Even still, Suzuki says most of the feedback he’s received has been on the spray gun’s impressive lightweight feel, which is said to be up to 50 percent lighter than other industry sprayers. “We’ve heard a lot of surprise from our customers using the Performance Spray gun for the first time,” he said. “Metal spray guns have been prevalent forever; coming in with a composite gun shakes up the industry a bit. But we are ready to open people’s minds.”

Axalta’s spectrophotometer is also a popular choice among painters, selling more than 60,000 units globally. Refinishers can take the device’s colour readings from a vehicle’s paintwork using the spectrophotometer, which then wirelessly sends the readings to Axalta’s online global colour database.

“THE ABILITY TO SPRAY MULTIPLE MATERIALS IN A GIVEN BOOTH CYCLE AND CHANGE COATINGS SIMPLY BY WIPING THE NEEDLE CLEAN IS A GAME-CHANGER FOR PAINTERS.” — BILL SUZUKI, APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST, 3M AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 25

INDUSTRY OUTLOOK

Shake ‘n’ Bake It’s not simply the tools that spray that have seen ample improvements in the last 20 years; spray and paint booths have only gotten hotter in recent years. Symach’s DryKing is a sparkling example of top-notch, streamlined drying. Touted as a high-performance automated system, Symach says its DryKing is built with the best materials on the market. It’s able to recognize different operations performed in the booth and automatically alters the program using the maximum ventilation speed for the painting phases and the average speed for drying.

Get Your ADAS in Gear Last year, Canadian startup adasThink unveiled a whitepaper wherein the company revealed 88 percent of calibrations were missed by Canadian bodyshops. Out of 100 estimates analyzed, 85 were missing a line item for ADAS calibration. “There is certainly a gap in skills and knowledge when it comes to ADAS calibrations,” said Nick Dominato, co-founder of adasThink. “Bodyshops are great at fixing cars: replacing panels, fixing bumpers, painting the car— modifications of the physical structure of the vehicle—but they’ve never needed to be experts in electronics.” Today, more than 80 percent of new vehicles feature advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and, by 2025, it’s predicted that every new model will come equipped with advanced driver assistance systems. Further, the feds and new USMCA agreement suggest that every vehicle manufacturer in North America should have automatic emergency braking systems incorporated. “How many vehicles return to the collision repair facility following repair because a feature no longer works, all because the shop didn’t know they needed to initialize it. How many vehicles have the safety pinch sensor functioning incorrectly, because the shop was unaware they needed to do something to it? “This is all technology that’s been around for decades, and we still miss it.” 26 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

John Marlowe, co-owner of Level5Drive.

Derek Wilshire, regional vice president for Canada, LKQ.

Ready to Recycle In the immediate aftermath of provincial pandemic restrictions, collision centres across North America complained of parts shortages. Contrary to popular belief, your parts are not stuck in the Suez Canal; it’s more a matter of across-the-board shortages. Though, in the face of new parts shortages, the auto recycling sector is urging repairers to look toward the equally viable recycled original equipment (ROE) market. Big players in the used parts game are certainly prepared to dominate the post-pandemic market. Companies like LKQ display the best possible reflection of the auto recycling and collision repair industries. The company never stagnates in the way things are and approach the future with a critical and progressive outlook, while always keeping genuine care for people clearly in focus. “We’ve probably grown a lot, but people—whether it’s our customers keeping their customers on the road, or it’s our employees, keeping them safe and employed—people have always been at the forefront of our priorities,” said LKQ regional VP Derek Wilshire. LKQ wants to be a company you can rely on, in the high times and the low, to provide drivers of all types with an ethical auto recycling experience. “I think we’ve always held true to our promise—and that is to be there and be that partner, in our community, for our customers and our employees in the industry as well.”

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TECHNOLOGY

THE ASTECH APPROACH REPAIRIFY (ASTECH) PRESIDENT CRIS HOLLINGSWORTH ON WHAT’S AHEAD

QA &

By Max Reid

hether it be as rudimentary as a backup camera or tire pressure gauges, or as complicated as a fully self-driving platform, ADAS components can be found in nearly every vehicle on the road today, and they aren’t getting any less complicated. Companies like asTech help provide shops with the tools and documentation to stay current with the always-changing world of advanced driver-assistance systems. Through asTech’s acquisition of adasThink, and the more recent investment from 3M, the company’s reach is extended further than ever, to help get shops prepared for these new components. That is why Collision Repair got a hold of Cris Hollingsworth, president of Repairify, asTech’s parent company, to talk about the future landscape for collision repairers in an increasingly ADAS-heavy world. Collision Repair: With the widespread use of ADAS technology becoming more prevalent and an overall decrease in collisions expected to result from that, how do you expect the business landscape for collision shops to change?

Cris Hollingsworth, president of Repairify (asTech).

28 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

Cris Hollingsworth: If that does happen, we know it’s important to help empower the shops and our business partners to be prepared for the sophistication of the vehicles. Our company recently acquired adasThink; we’re very pleased with that because of the additional services that we can provide to our customers. The data is validating that 80-plus percent of vehicles today require one or more calibrations. What we see is that with the growing sophistication of and complexity of parts, shops will be evolving; this will be both a challenge and an opportunity for shops. It is a challenge to make certain that they stay current with

the right tools, technology and equipment in order to do those calibrations. It is not simple to do a calibration. Today, it involves exterior components, like targets or alignment systems, or even just having a level floor. CR: What proportion of collision shops today do you believe are currently capable of ADAS calibrations? CH: asTech has internal data and we look at it constantly to determine exactly how many of our customers are capable of doing certain kinds of calibrations. The challenge is that calibrations have become so widespread and deep that shops have different capability levels. There are facilities capable of doing 50 percent of the calibrations that are present on vehicles today, and there are shops that can do 100 percent of them. It’s not something you can put a percentage on. What is most important here is the fact that we see the way that we can help the industry. There’s going to be more calibrations in the future and shops need to be prepared to do them. At asTech, we’re simply trying to provide the tools and equipment for them to be able to get back to really what is the core objective, which is to fix the vehicle properly and return it to its OE operating conditions. CR: How can the products and services that asTech provides help shops in their dealings with insurers? CH: We’re focused on accuracy and complete quality repair. Going back to the adasThink acquisition; what we see as the first and foremost thing is to help the shop to properly identify the ADAS systems that are in a vehicle. That is what we are accomplishing with that kind of data product.

TECHNOLOGY

The second piece then, is to make certain that we enable shops, through our course solutions—to make certain that we provide them with documentation, so that they are doing repairs to the OEM standards. At the same time, we provide the reports and the documentation to support the reimbursement for the shop with the [insurance] carriers and through the DRP programs, so that the carriers are comfortable in the fact that the shop has identified the systems that are in the car and the shop did use the appropriate tool. The carrier can effectively look at the file and say, ‘I can see here the shop actually referenced OE documentation on how to do that calibration.’ We provide all of that to our shops. We see it as a sort of total service solution. CR: Could you talk a little bit about the relationship between OEM certification and ADAS technology? CH: The industry is becoming more aware that vehicles today are incredibly sophisticated. I like to refer to the fact that vehicles are becoming a platform for a link of networked computers. ADAS technology is focused on the safety and service of the vehicle; and with so much more ADAS technology being installed and implemented as it continues to evolve forward.

Really getting down to making certain that you repair those systems—especially the integrated, networked systems they have become today—repairing them to OEM standards has really become critical, especially to our shop

THERE’S GOING TO BE MORE CALIBRATIONS IN THE FUTURE AND SHOPS NEED TO BE PREPARED TO DO THEM.” – CRIS HOLLINGSWORTH, PRESIDENT, REPAIRFY (ASTECH) partners. Their goal is to return the vehicle to the appropriate working standard for the customer and following the OE repair process. In the past, you were driving a highly mechanical device. You had mechanical parts that were physically interfacing with each other, in order to make the vehicle operate. Today, you’re actually driving a sophisticated network ecosystem of computer technology. CR: What do you see as being the most significant safety concern that ADAS will have to address in the near future?

CH: ADAS is definitely about safety, but ADAS is also about service. When people say ADAS, that term is specifically about safety, but the two are almost becoming merged. A lot of the systems on the vehicle are not necessarily a ‘safety’ system. A lot of the systems that have become really automated are also about service, like automatic tire pressure gauges. The industry has an opportunity. There is a tremendous amount of data able to be aggregated around what is happening in collision events with the ADAS systems that are on vehicles today, based upon the behaviour of the driver; how did that ADAS system work properly, and how did it fail. We have automotive intelligence that we are working to bring to market and be able to help that industry with that data and be able to say ‘based on how the scans and calibrations were done, this is what happens most times this vehicle is in a collision.’ From that data we can extrapolate things like an ADAS system that is not behaving the way that the driver is behaving. Through that type of collaborative process in the industry, the data will tell us where the industry needs to make those changes. Let the data speak. The data will tell us exactly where ADAS systems are working and where they’re not. BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 29

LET’S TALK TRAINING

READING COMPREHENSION WELCOME TO REALITY—HOP ABOARD OR HOP OFF

By Stefano Liessi

ime flies when you are having fun—but it also seems to whiz by when we’re under pressure. I have been in this industry for 39 years and can admit that much of it is a blur. When I look back on the changes that have come to fruition in this time it is equivalent to standing at the bottom of a mountain looking up. Have I learned anything over those years, absolutely, do I know everything I need to know? Absolutely not. I am constantly learning new innovative ideas and tooling applications. If you had told me at the beginning of my career that ‘computers’ were going to be a dominant component of the automotive collision repair industry, I would have laughed at you, made my way to the lunchroom, grabbed another coat hanger and continued to oxy acetylene braze in that patch on that ’79 Parisienne. Moving forward to 2021 I am dining on some well-done crow, reading tech sheets, and looking up OEM information on my computer. The days of “heat ‘er up till she’s red” are long gone. So, what do we do now? The answer: spend a considerable amount of time making sure that we are getting it right the first time by sourcing our Tech Advisor, AllData, and OEM literature. We are learning that every manufacturer has a different ideology with regards to what and how we repair, no longer is it a one slice does all. Yet, as it has been over the decades, we just slowly morph these new approaches into our processes by osmosis and surprise. Nothing like learning something second hand six months later. Even still, there are some that refuse to acknowledge the changes, fighting the new reality of our industry to the bitter end. There are some that get on every moving band wagon passing through town. It is time to embrace change, but this all depends on a few factors: do you take pride in what you do every day? Are you genuinely concerned with doing the right repair to put the vehicle back to OE spec? Are you 30 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

truly engaged with the idea of researching repair techniques and applying them? Yes, is the correct answer to all these questions, by the way. In general, the idea of procedural focus as applied to structural repair is new to our structural repair techniques. A lot of information that I gather is through articles and interactions in industry, so I decided to do some digging myself on how to go about gathering some firsthand knowledge as if I was an appraiser or technician in a shop. I decided to delve into a 2017 Acura MDX hit on the left side rocker, which includes various layers of HSS and UHSS not to mention three different welding processes. I discovered all this information after spending well over an hour going through the OE procedures available on Tech Advisor, along with repairability matrix documents from I-CAR while creating an estimate on Mitchell. Was all the information systematically available in one location? No. Was I able to complete a full tear down and itemize everything in that time? No—I do not literally have a vehicle in my office. From this exercise alone it is evident that creating an estimate properly requires far more time than ever before. Welcome to 2021. Now let us delve into the repair. As a technician, I now have a plethora of sheets loaded with technical information to read, averaging approximately 250 words/minute equates to approximately two minutes per page, now throw in the comprehension aspect—and double that time minimum. I found out that all plug welds on panels <1mm are a 6mm hole, 1mm – 1.5mm material requires plug weld holes of 8mm, material >1.5mm are 10mm holes. I also found out that weld through primer must be Zinc based (not copper), there are three different weld applications in the one procedure – MAG plug – STRSW- MIG braze. Oh my, it does not stop just there—oh no, no—how about the fact that some of these weld procedures have parameters as well, such as, all STRSW performed on 1180-1500mpa MUST be done using manual

LET’S TALK TRAINING

settings on you welder (not auto). Your MIG Brazing is done utilizing two strategically placed 8mm plug holes. Did I mention that Honda provides a list of 31 “welding conditions” that you use to set your STRSW for indicated welds, this application utilizes 4 of these “conditions”—of which, for this repair, you need to flip through multiple times. Now, we also need to destructively test our welds, for each type of weld, Plug, Braze and Spot. Honda provides a formula to utilize in

CREATING AN ESTIMATE PROPERLY REQUIRES FAR MORE TIME THAN EVER BEFORE. WELCOME TO 2021. measuring the tear out. It is a mathematical formula involving square root, for those of you that said you would never need that new math. This means adding time and line items to the sheet for welder set up and destructive testing, not one line, but three as they all require different parameters to be met. If we don’t add these line items, we give a false image of the actual time to complete the repair process, skewing your KPIs —another modern day repair influencer for another article. Remember, even with all of this we have not even begun to dip into initializations, calibrations, DTCs, and specifics for ADAS modules. Not to mention measuring and documenting the process. This is only for one make, model, and year. This does not give you a one and done application, the research needs to be continuously done for each vehicle you are estimating regardless of make and model. Line items on your sheet to look this up? — you bet’cha. This is our new repair world. How are you feeling now? Normally I conclude my columns with a statement that reads along the lines of “In my opinion, and you are entitled to my opinion” however, this tag line does not apply today. The information and ideologies I write about today are fact. These points are not up for debate or negotiation by anyone, they are required to be understood, applied, documented, and accounted for during any repair by any person. If you plan on repairing vehicles, then this is just the beginning of what is involved. If you are a repairer, estimator, owner, or insurer, you had better get on board as we are all still at the bottom of the mountain.

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A Red Seal technician and founder of Canadian Collision Specialist, Stefano Liessi enhances his experience with 12 years of I-CAR instructing, coupled with high school teaching to bring training that encompasses all learning types. With experience on the corporate side of the industry, as well as in management and ownership, Stefano’s focus is proper repairs and equitably for all people involved in the collision industry.

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BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 31

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PROFILE

THE ARSLAN AUTOMOTIVE WAY YOUR SOURCE FOR OEM APPROVED EQUIPMENT

According to the company, the Accuweld 60-TM750FK Arc Dent t’s no secret that Arslan Automotive is a staple name in the collision repair industry, due to the professional quality and reliability of its 3D Puller system is a high-end synergic welder with programs dedicated measuring and welding equipment brands, which have become well- to both aluminum and steel and is capable of repairing dents and strengthening thin metal sheets, especially when it comes to aluminum. recognized in Canada among collision repair professionals. The system also features a colour graphic display with a simple-to-use Arslan Automotive Canada Ltd. has been going strong for 43+ years. interface, with customizable and storable The company is best known programs, plus, an SD-Memory Card to for its globally known TECNA “WE’VE DONE OUR HOMEWORK, OUR SOFTWARE update and add programs. Arslan has Smart/Smart Plus Inverter Spot PROGRAMMING, WE’VE SIGNED OUR AGREEMENTS been focusing on the Canadian market, welding equipment, including and introducing the Accuweld line to its popular Accuweld inverter AND NOW WE’RE GOING INTO S.KOREA FOR 2022. U.S. sales agents and customers at 2021 pulse MIG/MAG welder models COVID IS SUBSIDING, PEOPLE WILL BE WORKING AND SEMA Show in Las Vegas both of which have captured a Arslan also made some major progress significant slice of the Canadian THEY WILL BE ASKING FOR THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT TO this year in the South Korean market. market. They also manufacture WORK WITH, AND WE WILL BE THERE, WITH THE RIGHT The company recently has announced Accuvision-3D, an innovative 3D the signing of an agreement with the measuring system, developed by 3D MEASURING EQUIPMENT.” Kia and Hyundai National Car Dealers Arslan Automotive Canada and — ARSLAN AUTOMOTIVE Associations of Korea, to support and made in Montreal. According promote the installation of Accuvisionto the company, the 10-AV700 3D measuring system is “the quickest, simplest and most versatile and 3D measuring systems in all Korean collision repair facilities. Hyundai accurate” 3D measuring system in the world and Arslan Automotive and Kia vehicles make up 90 percent of cars purchased in Korea. The shows no signs of slowing down its sales of these systems with over deal was quite an undertaking, as Arslan had to create a Korean language 350 shops in Canada and US having adopted the system for their 3D version of Accuvision-3D that is also programmed with chassis data specific to vehicle models sold in Korea. measuring since its genesis approximately 3 years ago. Arman Gurarslan, President and owner of Arslan Automotive In 2021, the company introduced a new line of 3 Pulse MIG welding machines and an Inverter Arc Dent puller repair system for dents, under Canada spoke of the agreement, stating, “We’ve done our homework, the brand name Accuweld, Pulse MIGs that are available in single torch our software programming, we’ve signed our agreements and now we’re (mdl.60-TM736), two torch, (mdl.60-TM742) and three torch (mdl.60- going into South Korea for 2022. Covid is subsiding, people will be TM743) models with state of the art features as auto-setting torches, 4 working and they will be asking for the right equipment to work with, and we will be there, with the right 3D measuring equipment.” wheel wire drive system and more.

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PROFILE

SOLERA SUPPORTS SOLUTIONS ON FOUR FRONTS

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BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 35

PROFILE

INTEGRATED CAR PART PRO (IPRO) PART POLICY ENHANCEMENT POLICY IS NOW PART OF THE SEARCH!

ow great would it be to have a way to ensure that the parts being searched and selected work within an insurance carrier’s guidelines? Designed to meet the collision repair industry’s increasing needs for alternative parts with estimating system integration, Integrated Car Part Pro (iPro) has a new enhancement that simplifies the appraisers searching and selecting to work within guidelines. Parts that are not allowed (e.g., airbags) will be filtered out automatically and will not be searched. This is important as newer appraisers and shops may not be as familiar with which parts comply and which do not comply so the fact that iPro automation can do this for its partners guidelines is ideal. This article will explain the new functionality as well as highlight the features that streamline the workflow. HOW THE PART POLICY IS APPLIED The insurance policy will be applied automatically if the policy is configured in iPro. The end user doesn’t have to worry about selecting a part that isn’t permissible by an insurance carrier. For insurance carriers with a policy on body parts that requires “same year or newer” and/or mechanical parts must be “same mileage or less,” these specifications can be easily applied. For example, some carriers may have restrictions on parts for cars less than five years old or have less than 60,000 miles. This can be addressed automatically by iPro’s new part policy enhancement. Other key features include: • All parts matched in iPro can have a policy set for it. • Specific part type parameters can be customized in accordance with the insurance carrier’s policy e.g., recycled or certified aftermarket front bumper reinforcements only. • Certain parts may be locked based on the insurer’s policy and parameters may be specified for certain part types (e.g., only A grade recycled front doors or CAPA certified hoods). Car-Part.com CEO Jeff Schroder says, “iPro’s part policy enhancement enables users to easily search and select parts that work with partner

insurer guidelines. This simplifies workflow while maintaining optimal supply chain results in the iPro marketplace.” In addition to this part policy feature, Car-Part continues to automate assembly automation in iPro. ASSEMBLY AUTOMATION A recycled assembly consists of multiple parts that are sold together forming a single assembly. Some companies struggle sourcing recycling parts because estimating systems are based off an OE component parts numbering system and the recycling industry is based off recycled assembly Interchange. This is where iPro can help bridge the gap with iPro assembly automation technology and alternative parts utilization features. With assembly automation, iPro automatically matches the right components with the assemblies that include them. For years, iPro has been identifying components on an estimate and mapping them to recycled replacement part assemblies to help increase overall alternative part usage. iPro’s new assembly automation feature: • Automatically associates many assemblies with their components (e.g., a front door assembly will automatically associate a front door shell, movable glass, window motor, and a power glass regulator). • S implified workflow and assembly automation technology so an estimator doesn’t duplicate parts on the final estimate and reduces part costs by not paying for components already included within the assembly. • I ncludes front and rear bumpers, front and rear door assemblies, and hoods. It may sound complicated but it’s not. iPro’s automation handles the complexity so the user doesn’t need to. If you would like more information about iPro’s new part policy enhancement, assembly automation, or how to join the iPro marketplace, please visit products.car-part.com or email ProTeam@Car-Part.com.

CAR-PART.COM 859-344-1925 http://Products.Car-Part.com ProTeam@Car-Part.com BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 37

What you join matters, who you join matters MORE. Since 2013, CCS has been the network of choice for Canada’s most progressive new car dealer collision centres. For dealers, by dealers, our tailor-made solutions will help grow your business by retaining more customers and putting you on the map with our national insurance partners. For the road ahead and the road less traveled, CCS will be there for you. If you are a new car dealer anywhere in Canada, find out more by booking your test drive of CCS today.

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CANADA’S NEW CAR DEALER COLLISION REPAIR NETWORK

PROFILE

NEW CAR DEALERS, UNCOMPLICATING, COLLISION REPAIR

ver 85 collision centres. Over 225 new car dealers. Over 250 OE Certifications. 7 Provinces and 1 Vision, to become Canada’s largest and most preferred new car dealer collision network. Our numbers have changed over the years, but our vision remains the same. “We have successfully brought new car dealers together, been able to execute on improving performance, and have delivered for our partners an exceptional level of quality and customer service across the country,” says Sandy Liguori, President of CCS and the Woodchester Auto Group. “As President and as a member of CCS, I can confidently say that there has never been a better time to be a part of the network.” Built from the ground up by dealers, for dealers, CCS’ tailor-made approach focusses on 3 key areas. Retaining more of your current customers, improving the performance and profitability of your business, and putting you on the map with our national insurance partners. A dealer exclusive network, co-operative ownership structure and unique approach to how CCS supports its members, has attracted some of the largest and most successful dealership owned collision centres to the network over the last 8 years. “One thing that becomes immediately clear about CCS is the quality of the locations in our network, it really is a key differentiator for us compared to our competition,” says Mike Beier, General Manager of CCS. “These are names and brands that have been a part of their communities for decades, in some cases generations, this is what sets us apart. Leveraging the individual identities of our members, bringing the collision centre to the show room, and being the one-stop automotive destination for all of our customers, this is what really makes CCS unique.”

ters, ers MORE.

e for Canada’s most progressive new car dealer r-made solutions will help grow your business he map with our national insurance partners.

CS will be there for you. If you are a new car king your test drive of CCS today.

Our members tell our story best, Chris Laking, owner and president of Laking Toyota, Northern Nissan and Imperial Collision in Sudbury, Ontario noted that “CCS has been a vital partner in the growth of our business. From providing management tools, to hosting meetings with like-minded repair shops, CCS is a key partner in the growth and evolution of our successful collision repair business. The ability to share ideas on how to run our business and not be directed, makes CCS a unique partnership.” Steve Billings, Director of Body Shop Operations for the Kaizen Group of Dealers in the Alberta market cited, “As an original Alberta member joining CCS in 2015 the three Kaizen collision centres have experienced a steady increase in our insurance referrals. The CCS team with their industry knowledge are a great resource for my collision centre managers and front office staff, they share best practices that help my teams to be more productive.” Corrado Olindo, Collision Centre manager at Highland Chevrolet Cadillac in Aurora, Ontario says, “In the past, we felt that as a dealer we had to chase business for our body shop. Today, by implementing key CCS initiatives, Highland has elevated their game to compete not only at the dealership level but with the largest players in the industry while achieving record levels of customer retention, personnel development, and profitable growth.” “We have accomplished many great things so far, but the opportunity for CCS and our network in the years ahead is staggering,” says Sandy Liguori, “we are at a point in time where dealership owned collision centres have all of the tools available to them to succeed, and a network that shares their values and vision. We are excited for what lies ahead.”

Sandy Liguori, President of Consolidated Collision Services and Woodchester Auto Group in Mississauga.

on. To be the best.

ers.com

Consolidated Collision Services

CONSOLIDATED COLLISION SERVICES 441 Hanlan Rd.Woodbridge, ON L4L 3T1 info@ccsdealers.com www.ccsdealers.com

BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 39

MORE WAYS TO BUY & SELL • Online Bidding • Featured Auctions • Run and Drive • Autobid

• Site Sales • Impact 360 View™ • Impact Engine StartsTM • Impact Key ImageTM

ImpactAuto.ca

Download the AuctionNow app for iOS and Android

BE INFORMED WHEN YOU BUY

PROFILE

IMPACT AUTO AUCTIONS CANADA ADDS FURTHER DIGITAL FEATURES TO MERCHANDISING PLATFORM

mpact Auto Auctions Canada provides the advantage in salvage auto auctions, with its digital auction model giving buyers more access across North America’s broadest salvage auction facility footprint, broad product selection and exceptional customer service. The global IAA (Insurance Auto Auctions) name boasts more than 170 corporate-owned facilities across the United States, Canada and the UK. A subsidiary of the global brand, Impact Auto Auctions Canada provides vehicle suppliers and buyers with powerful solutions to process and sell insurance total loss, recovered theft, fleet lease, donation and rental vehicles. In 2020, Impact Auto Auctions introduced the salvage auction industry’s first 360 walk-around digital experience, Impact 360 View. Through the Impact 360 view, which provides high-resolution images and panoramic video, buyers can virtually inspect vehicle parts, components and damage through digital images and video. All Impact

personalization. The platform engages buyers with a vehicle digitally through unique, multiple touchpoints that provide the details needed to make confident online bidding and buying decisions. Merchandising tools and features provide buyers with an unmatched research process, improved purchasing guidance and greater trust. With its global reach, Impact attracts buyers across the globe. To learn more about the company, visit impactauto.ca.

IMPACT AUTO AUCTIONS CANADA’S NEW ENGINE STARTS OFFER 10-SECOND UNDER-THE-HOOD VIDEOS WITH FULL SOUND, ALLOWING BUYERS TO LISTEN TO THE VEHICLE ENGINE BEFORE CONSIDERING PURCHASE. Impact Engine Starts was added in 2021.

branch locations throughout Canada offer Impact 360 View for vehicles twelve years old and newer, unique classics, highend vehicles and exotics. The technology’s benefits include enhanced imagery, zoom and pan capabilities as well as additional views beyond 5MB HD providing internal and external insight on critical areas of the vehicle. The company has recently enhanced the 360-view program to include the Feature Tour tool, which allows buyers to identify value-added features and options present quickly and easily on each listed vehicle. In addition to these new features, Impact Auto Auctions added Engine Starts to its merchandising platform this year, which offers 10-second under-the-hood video with full sound, allowing buyers to listen to the vehicle engine before considering purchase. “For recyclers, it’s huge,” said Vinesh Mistry, director of marketing and communications for Impact Auto Auctions Canada. “The engine and transmission are critical components when considering purchasing a vehicle, so we’re excited to bring that feature to Canada in 2021.” The company is focused on bringing to market a complete merchandising capability including imagery, information, and

Impact Auto Auctions Canada provides the advantage in salvage auto auctions with its digital auction model across North America’s broadest salvage auction facility footprint, broad product selection and exceptional customer service.

IMPACT AUTO AUCTIONS

www.impactauto.ca

BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 41

THE NEW

GOLD STANDARD

CALL US TODAY!

PLATINUM IS

YOUR COLLISION AND AUTO REPAIR SOLUTION

Calgary, AB Winnipeg, MB Brampton, ON Ottawa, ON Windsor, ON Sainte Sophie, QC Saskatoon, SK (888) 588-1841 (800) 693-4153 (800) 747-0601 (800) 267-8212 (800) 265-7372 (800) 363-2567 (877) 336-1239 LKQ offers an extensive nationwide inventory of recycled OE, reconditioned, remanufactured, refurbished, and aftermarket automotive and truck parts. As the leader in auto parts we stock a vast inventory of high quality parts. Our mission is to be the leading global value-added distributor of vehicle parts and accessories. We offer our customers the most comprehensive, available and cost-effective selection of part solutions.

Edmonton, AB Moncton, NB Cumberland, ON Stoney Creek, ON Winnipeg, ON St.Jean-sur-Richelieu,QC 6651 (800) 363-2567 (888) 417-2242 (877) 445-5537 (800) 555-5555 (800) 668-9593 (800) 665-CAPA CERTIFIED TOP 5 REASONS TO CHOOSE LKQ •

Industry Leading Warranties

•

Promise of Protection

•

Wide Selection of Parts to Choose From

•

Outstanding Customer Service

•

Any Part, Any Repair. Any Where.

LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY

All Keystone Platinum Plus products offer the highest standards and Industry-leading Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Over 90% of Keystone Platinum Plus aftermarket collision repair products are CAPA certified

Ponoka, AB Dartmouth, NS London, ON Trenton, ON Montreal, QC St.Mathieu-de-Beloeil,QC (855) 830-6235 (877) 301-2639 (888) 826-8666 (800) 267-6306 (800) 665-7562 (800) 465-5253

NOTE:Eligible parts only. Wheels are excluded from CAPA certification bur are subject to strict SAE standards.

BUMPERS • DOORS • FENDERS • GRILLES HOODS • LIGHTING • MIRRORS • WHEELS

CALL US TODAY!

Pit Meadows, BC Upper Brookside, NS Niagra Falls, ON Whitby, ON Pintendre, QC Regina, SK (800) 663-9444 (800) 565-2433 (800) 668-9593 (800) 747-0601 (800) 463-5158 (877) 336-1239 Calgary, AB (888) 588-1841

Winnipeg, MB (800) 693-4153

Brampton, ON (800) 747-0601

Ottawa, ON (800) 267-8212

Windsor, ON (800) 265-7372

Sainte Sophie, QC (800) 363-2567

Edmonton, AB (888) 417-2242

Moncton, NB (877) 445-5537

Cumberland, ON (800) 555-5555

Stoney Creek, ON (800) 668-9593

Winnipeg, ON (800) 665-6651

St. Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC

Ponoka, AB (855) 830-6235

Dartmouth, NS (877) 301-2639

London, ON (888) 826-8666

Trenton, ON (800) 267-6306

Montreal, QC (800) 665-7562

St. Mathieu-de-Beloeil, QC

Pitt Meadows, BC (800) 663-9444

Upper Brookside, NS (800) 565-2433

Niagra Falls, ON (800) 668-9593

Whitby, ON (800) 747-0601

Pintendre, QC (800) 463-5158

Regina, SK (877) 336-1239

(800) 363-2567

(800) 465-5253

Saskatoon, SK (877) 336-1239

PROFILE

LKQ has locations across North America and has even expanded into the European market.

THE COMPLETE PACKAGE LKQ OFFERS RECYCLED AND AFTERMARKET PARTS, PBE SUPPLIES AND MUCH MORE. LKQ Corporation, an S&P 500 company, was formed in 1998 through the acquisitions of wholesale recycler businesses and expanded into the aftermarket business in 2007 with the acquisition of Keystone Automotive Industries. In addition to recycled and aftermarket parts, LKQ distributes a full line of paint, body and equipment supplies, specialty parts, glass, high performance engines and much more. LKQ is a leading provider of alternative and specialty parts to repair and accessorize automobiles and other vehicles. LKQ’s extensive nationwide inventory includes: recycled OEM, reconditioned, remanufactured, refurbished and aftermarket automotive and truck parts. LKQ is committed to providing the highest quality standards in the business. The companies commitment to quality allows LKQ to back its recycled and aftermarket collision products with industry leading lifetime warranties. To learn more, visit LKQ’s website at www.LKQCorp.com/warranty.

LKQ also stands behind its customers, offering groundbreaking Promise of Protection and Promise of Calibration programs. LKQ’s Promise of Protection Program, which indemnifies licensed auto repair shops that purchase and install any LKQ recycled OEM, aftermarket or remanufactured product from claims, liabilities, actions and costs that might result in injury or death due to any defect in that product. The Promise of Calibration warrants that all recycled OEM, reconditioned OEM, KeysIQ, and aftermarket parts and glass purchased directly from LKQ (product) and installed on a private passenger vehicle are suitable for the calibration of appropriate ADAS components with properly operating systems. LKQ’s mission is to be the leading global value-added distributor of vehicle parts and accessories. With over 500 locations throughout Canada and the U.S., LKQ offers its customers the most comprehensive, available and cost-effective selection of part solutions. For more information about LKQ Corporation, please visit lkqcorp.com.

THE NEW

GOLD STANDARD

LKQ CANADA AUTO PARTS LKQ CORPORATION 3485 Steeles Ave. 500 West Madison Street Suite 2800 Chicago, IL 60661 ISEast Brampton, ON L8T 5W7 1-800-747-0601 1-866-LKQ-CORP lkqcanada.ca/en lkqcorp.com orderkeystone.com

YOUR COLLISION AND

PLATINUM

BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 43

DELIVERING INDUSTRY DRIVEN SOLUTIONS Equipment | Training | Support

Welding Welding

Dustless Sanding

Riveting & Bonding

PBE Solutions

• Automatic Spot Welding • MIG/MAG Pulse Welding • Aluminum, Steel and MIG Brazing • Plastic Welding • Fume Extractors

• Dust-Free Sanding System • DE Combi Sanding System • DE-Pro Sanding System • Orbital Vacuum Air Sander • Sanding Block

• PR-5 Rivet Gun • Blind Rivet Adapter • Installation/Removal Dies • Lockable Workstation • Knowledge Center for hands-on training

• Aluminum and Steel Dent Repair Systems • Glue Tab Dent Repair Kit • Windshield Repair Kit • Ion Spot Anti-Stat Gun • Abraisives: I-Grit and SANDamigo

Pro Spot International, Inc. 5932 Sea Otter Place, Carlsbad, CA 92010

www.prospot.com info@prospot.com 877-PRO-SPOT

Made in the USA

PROFILE

PRO SPOT ON POINT

COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION FUELS PRO SPOT’S SUCCESS

In 2018, Pro Spot opened its new Education and Training Center in Carlsbad with classroom and full demonstration areas.

rom its early work with Ford on the all-aluminum Ford F-150 to the futuristic i4s Spot welder with a myriad of features not seen before, Pro Spot leads the industry in providing new and timely products and services to the collision industry. Based in Carlsbad, CA, Pro Spot celebrated its 30-year anniversary in 2018. Starting as a small, 139 sq. m. (1,500 sq. ft.) manufacturing facility in neighbouring Escondido, Pro Spot has continually expanded and now boasts a 6,500 sq. m. (70,000 sq. ft.) location housing manufacturing, R & D, engineering, education center, materials testing lab and head office sales, marketing and customer service. Led by founder, Ron Olsson, Pro Spot services the collision industry worldwide with additional offices, warehouse and education facilities in Nashville, Italy, Germany and Sweden. With its extensive distribution network, Pro Spot has the ability to provide on-site training and maintenance service to all of its customers with factory-trained representatives to serve shops needs. “We believe that our purpose as a manufacturer is to provide the right products to the collision repair industry at the right time to help our customers repair vehicles with products that work with the latest OEM materials and processes,” says Olsson. TRAINING AND EDUCATION CENTER In 2018, Pro Spot opened its new education and training center in Carlsbad with classroom and full demonstration areas. Pro Spot Director of Training Ryan Swanson provides hands-on technical and sales training to distributors, customers and I-CAR training to industry technicians. Many OEMs have used the facility to test out products for their collision repair programs.

APPLICATIONS ENGINEERING LABORATORY In 2019, Pro Spot opened a brand new Materials Testing Lab at its Carlsbad location. This state-of-the-art lab features some of the latest and most advanced testing equipment. Pro Spot now has the ability to work with all of the latest materials being brought out by OEMs to ensure that Pro Spot equipment stays current with the latest materials developments. PRO SPOT GOES GREEN In 2017, Pro Spot decided to use the massive amounts of sunshine in southern California to good use. The entire roof of the Carlsbad headquarters became one giant solar panel. At more than 1,670 sq. m. (18,000 sq. ft.) it now provides clean renewable solar power directly to the manufacturing operations saving the manufacturing centre countless dollars.

Factory Technicians put the new i4S Spot Welder through its testing paces before shipment.

PRO SPOT 5932 Sea Otter Place, Carlsbad, CA 92010 1-760-407-1414 prospot.com BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 45

SATA® Air Filtration

The new SATA filter 500 series 100% technically clean air Air flow with 4 connections approx. 3.800 Nl/min (135 cfm) Optimised compressed air treatment through separation of water,

particles and harmful substances Fine filter and activated charcoal filter cartridges fit perfectly by being simply inserted - without screw fittings or additional seals Maintenance-free bayonet lock with haptic and acoustic feedback Line connection optionally left or right Synchronised maintenance: Filter maintenance only necessary every 6

months for all stages www.sata.com/filter

YouTube

SATA Canada Inc. 125 Buttermill Avenue Vaughan, ON L4K 3X5 Phone: +1 905 660 1101 Toll-free: +1 844 554 SATA (7282) Fax: +1 905 760 1250 contact@sata.ca www.sata.ca

PROFILE PROFILE

THE SATA STRATEGY EQUIPMENT, TRAINING AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

ATA Canada is headquartered in Vaughan, Ontario. The facility occupies a total of 1,395 sq. m., including offices, warehouse and training centre. The headquarters also features a service and repair facility with the goal of turning any product around within a 24-hour period. SATA Canada recently received approval from the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development to offer an automotive painter apprenticeship program at its in-house training centre. SATA spray equipment has been available in Canada since the 1980s. When glossy surfaces are of utmost importance, painters swear by SATA. SATA products are designed and manufactured in Germany allowing demanding customers worldwide to obtain the perfect tools, to create perfect finishes.

SATA sets the standard for paint spray guns, cup systems, breathing protection, filter technology and accessories. The company’s close cooperation with painters from various trades and industries as well as its research and development departments with application technicians from the leading paint manufacturers allow us to produce superior products of the highest quality. “SATA Quality” is a firm conviction for any painter: reliability, durability and ergonomics of their SATA products are not something to be questioned. The home of the SATA brand is Kornwestheim, a town in the district of Ludwigsburg, Baden-Württemberg, about 10 kilometers north of Stuttgart. SATA is a leading spray gun manufacturer with 276 employees, active in over 100 markets worldwide with 2,436 customers. SATA has a long history of producing superior products of the highest quality dating back to 1907. The company’s original focus was on medical instruments but began production of spray guns in 1925. Throughout its history SATA has focused on meeting the demands of new technologies and perfecting its equipment to attain consistency for the industry. In 2005, SATA pioneered a multi-purpose cup system, SATA RPS (Rapid Preparation System) for the efficient mixing, painting, refilling and storing of paint.

Participate in the SATA Loyalty Program and collect coins with every cup. Scan the QR code located on every box of SATA RPS cups, collect points and convert them into attractive rewards for your shop. SATA continues a tradition of quality and technological leadership with the introduction of the SATA air vision 5000 system for health protection and the SATAjet X 5500 spray gun. SATA is the first spray gun manufacturer to offer a nozzle system based on two distinct spray fan shapes for each nozzle size. Parallel and oval-shaped. The SATAjet X 5500 provides an incredible wealth of perfect solutions. For all kinds of painters. Using only one spray gun. Launched in early 2021 the new SATA filter 500 series offers bodyshops 100% technically clean air. The SATA filter series 500 is available either as a one-stage sintered filter with water and oil separator, as a two-stage combination filter with sintered and fine filter, or as a three-stage filter unit with additional sintered activated charcoal filter. Every six months, all filter stages are maintained together in a procedure that takes just a few minutes without the need for tools, thanks to the bayonet lock and defined position of the filter cartridges, which are replaced simply by inserting them. For the first time in more than fifteen years, apprentice and working painters will have the ability to achieve a 410N painter certification (Red Seal equivalent). SATA Canada announced its first Automotive Painter (410N) apprenticeship course. The Ontario college program will run an 8-week / 5 day a week sessions; open to new students and those already in the industry wishing to upgrade their skills to become a tradesperson meeting the national standard in their trade. SATA Canada is dedicated to addressing the skilled labour shortage in the re-finish industry. It is our privilege to train the next generation of painters for a safe and dynamic career in an in-demand trade.

SATA CANADA INC. 125 Buttermill Ave.Vaughan, ON, L4K 3X5 Office: +1 905 660 1101 Toll free: +1 844 554 SATA (7282)

www.sata.com BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 47

Multibench workstation

TOUCH

PULL UP!

electronic measuring system

repair system

Q5.2

14,500A

welding machine

106 EXT

structural straightening bench

Spanesi Americas, Inc. 123 Ambassador Dr. STE 107 Naperville, IL 60540

224-SPANESI (224-772-6374) www.spanesi-americas.com facebook.com/spanesiamericas

SPANESI, A FAMILY COLLISION REPAIR TRADITION

PROFILE

MORE THAN 50 YEARS OF PASSION AND INNOVATION

he week before Orazio Spanesi’s 14th birthday, he was approached by a friend with exciting news—there was a job available. Orazio was enthusiastic because his family lived in the country, and they were impoverished. So, he rushed over to meet with the business owner. During their conversation, the owner offered Orazio a job in a collision repair A young business and gave him a bicycle to use Orazio to get to work. Spanesi. The bicycle was too tall. But that didn’t stop Orazio. He learned how to ride the bike by putting one of his legs under the crossbar and rode that bicycle to work for more than two years.

THE SPANESI 3600 CONCEPT Spanesi’s vast and deep array of collision repair equipment offerings are widely accepted in most OEM repair programs today. Spanesi is the only company to offer a complete Spanesi 360o Concept for the collision repair industry. From structural repair benches, threedimensional electronic measuring systems, vacuum systems, prep stations, spray booths, MIG / MAG welders (aluminum, steel, and silicon-bronze), squeeze-type resistant spot welders, office furnishings, paintless dent repair systems, and facility design services. Even today, all Spanesi’s products are used in Orazio’s collision repair facility, which is now surrounded by his manufacturing plant in that small village of Padova.

ORAZIO OPENS HIS FACILITY In the summertime of 1969, Orazio Spanesi opened his first collision repair facility in the small village of Padova, Italy. Orazio used tools he created to repair his customer’s vehicles. “Immediately, I knew that I could create equipment,” explained Orazio. “I never did it just for me, but I made it with the idea of selling it.” While Orazio designed and tested his tools in his own business, he was also curious about what the rest of the world offered. He began traveling and visiting the national and international tradeshows, looking for the correct answer to his efficiency needs. Orazio realized that those tools just didn’t exist along the way, and the market was too slow to adapt to his business’s needs.

Orazio took his passion, intuition and experience to the collision equipment manufacturing industry in 1989.

SPANESI BEGINS MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT Orazio took his passion, intuition, and experience to the collision equipment manufacturing industry in 1989, and when he founded his namesake business, Spanesi®, S.p.A. The very first frame straightening bench was manufactured in 1989, along with the Spanesi Universal Jig System. To date, the original Universal Jig System is still sold and has only had to be updated to accommodate aluminum vehicles. In 1992, Orazio recognized there had to be a better way of measuring vehicles. So, he set out to show the world how to measure, repair, and document damaged vehicles. Designed from the ground up, Spanesi produced their first Touch electronic measuring system.

A glimpse inside Spanesi America’s U.S. Training Centre.

SPANESI AMERICAS, INC. 123 Ambassador Dr. STE 107 Naperville, IL 60140 USA 224 SPANESI | (224) 772-6374 www.spanesi-americas.com BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 49

Productivity ProductivityBuilding Building 2K 2KSolutions Solutions From From substrate substrate toto final final finish, finish, SprayMax SprayMax 2K2K products products can can enhance enhance shop shop productivity productivity while while delivering delivering premium premium quality quality results results with with anan adjustable adjustable broad broad jetjet nozzle nozzle for for superior superior control control and and transfer transfer efficiency. efficiency.

• • • •

•Easy Easy toto use use •No No cleanup cleanup time time •Meets Meets OE OE specifications specifications •A A product product for for every every repair repair need need

2K2K SprayMax SprayMax Primers Primers and and Fillers Fillers

2K2K FillClean FillClean and and 1K1K FillClean FillClean solvent-based solvent-based

2K2K Clears Clears and and 1K1K Spot Spot Blender Blender areare

setset the the foundation foundation forfor durable durable

and and water-borne water-borne aerosol aerosol containers containers areare

the the perfect perfect complement complement toto any any

small small damage damage repairs. repairs.

compatible compatible with with allall popular popular manufacturer manufacturer

basecoat basecoat application. application. A full A full range range of of

Featuring Featuring excellent excellent adhesion, adhesion,

paint paint brands brands – perfect – perfect forfor cut-ins, cut-ins, parts parts

options options can can match match OEOE clear clear finishes finishes

smooth smooth flow, flow, and and outstanding outstanding

and and small small panel panel refinishing. refinishing. The The FillClean FillClean

while while achieving achieving excellent excellent flow flow and and

sealing sealing properties. properties.

system system allows allows forfor advanced advanced colour colour

durability durability without without colour colour deviation. deviation.

preparation preparation soso painting painting and and blending blending is ready is ready when when you you are. are.

Go Gowith withthe thePros. Pros.Go GoSprayMax. SprayMax. www.spraymax.com www.spraymax.com

PROFILE

THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR AEROSOL SOLUTIONS WHERE SPEED AND PROFITABILITY MEET

eter Kwasny GmbH based in Gundelsheim, Germany has long been recognized as an industry leader by achieving breakthrough solutions in small damage repair with the SprayMax system. Professional automotive repairers appreciate the process flexibility with both 1K and 2K technology options and how SprayMax can reduce cycle time and add throughput to their operations. In addition to saving time and material costs, they still maintain spray gun-like quality results with this premium aerosol system. A key advantage of SprayMax is the patented variator nozzle for improved atomization and adjustable control of the spray pattern. To deliver true two-component technology, SprayMax designed a unique can which houses hardener in a separate internal chamber until its needed to activate the primer, paint or clear. Kwasny works globally with countless OEM paint manufacturers to develop and test new products to solve common repair challenges while ensuring compatibility across technologies. The company takes great pride in being certified by many OEM automobile manufacturers in both the products SprayMax markets and the application techniques it designs. Over the years the line has grown and now encompasses a wide range of surface preparation, primers, primer fillers, base coats, topcoats, clears and spot blender enabling professional results from substrate to final finish. This flexibility allows for impressive results whether in-booth or on the shop floor with standard air filtration equipment. To ensure customers get the most out of the SprayMax system, the company has a team of product specialist, technical agents, and distributors who can introduce the line or individual products to get you started. There are also helpful demonstration videos which cover everything from plastic to metal/plastic to in-process repair procedures on both 1K and 2K technologies. Adopting the SprayMax system can transform shop productivity with easy to follow costefficient repair solutions. You can learn more about SprayMax products by visiting spraymax.com and downloading the product comparison brochure along with product guides for the latest information. Need a personal follow-up? Just call SprayMax’s Customer Support Line at 1.844.426.6330.

Peter Kwasny GmbH Gundelsheim, Germany Head Quarters and Production Facilities.

A technician repairs a metal fender with SprayMax products.

PETER KWASNY INC. 62-64 Enter Lane, Islandia, NY 11749 PETER KWASNY SPRAYPAINT CANADA INC. 2275 Lake Shore Boulevard, Suite 530, Toronto, ON, M8V 3Y

spraymax.com BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 51

“Mixing the perfect colour match.” That’s NAPA know-how.

The best choice, the best quality, the best technique, the best tools, the best colour match: when it comes to paint, our experts’ knowledge is unmatched.

napacanada.com

PROFILE

PAINT, BODY SUPPLY AND BEYOND NAPA/CMAX—YOUR SOURCE FOR ALL THINGS AUTOMOTIVE

AT NAPA/CMAX WE ARE VERY HAPPY TO PARTNER WITH COLLISION CENTRES; WE WANT TO BE A PARTNER, NOT JUST A SUPPLIER.

ith its 96-year history in the Canadian automotive landscape, NAPA and NAPA/CMAX, has quite the reputation as the only distributor providing paint and body supply products from coast to coast. NAPA/CMAX has more technical reps than ever before— meaning wherever you are in Canada, a representative is ready to assist you in finding exactly what you need. From scanners and car benches to welders, paint and so much more; NAPA/CMAX is prepared

to connect you with your product solution, whatever your needs may be. NAPA/CMAX handles much more than just paint and body —the company offers nearly every tool an automotive repairer needs in their arsenal. “At NAPA/CMAX we are very happy to partner with collision centres; we want to be a partner, not just a supplier,” says the company. For more information on NAPA/CMAX, visit NAPACanada.com.

NAPA | CMAX NAPACanada.com

BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 53

PROFILE

MOTIVATED REP AGENCY BUILDING STRONG PARTNERSHIPS WITH DISTRIBUTION AND FOCUSING ON THE NEEDS OF OUR CUSTOMERS

otivated Rep Agency was started by Tyler Zacher-King and is homebased in Ontario. Motivated Rep Agency is an enthusiastic and focused Sales and Marketing Agency that is committed to sales growth through education, technical training and pull-through Sales and Marketing. The company’s goal is to build success through strong partnerships via distribution and focus on the needs of its customers. With 15 years of sales and marketing experience in the automotive aftermarket, Motivated Rep Agency is designed to ensure your business and partners prosper and profit together in the long-term. Motivated Rep Agency is proud to support and representative key manufacturers in the automotive aftermarket. Motivated Rep Agency has partnered with unique manufacturers allowing the company to offer products that are both time-savings and process-oriented to assist collision repair facilities during this unprecedented time. As Motivated Rep Agency adapts to the changes that come with COVID-19, the company is excited to offer a hybrid learning experience with online and in-shop training to provide

collision repair centres with the support desired to be confident in wielding their new products and processes. Contact Tyler Zacher-King and Motivated Rep Agency at 519-802-6023. Email sales@motivatedreps.com or visit the company website at motivatedreps.com.

PLIOGRIP OEM APPROVED PANEL BOND , PLASTIC REPAIR and SEAM SEALERS PLIOGRIP OEM APPROVED PANEL BOND , PLASTIC REPAIR and APPROVED SEAM SEALERS PLIOGRIP OEM

PANEL BOND , PLASTIC REPAIR and SEAM SEALERS

PLIOGRIP OEM APPROVED PANEL BOND , PLASTIC REPAIR

PLIOGRIP OEM APPROVED and SEAM SEALERS PLIOGRIP OEM APPROVED PANEL BOND , PLASTIC REPAIR PANEL BOND , PLASTIC REPAIR PLIOGRIP OEM APPROVED and SEAM SEALERS

D and SEAM SEALERS PANEL BOND , PLASTIC REPAIR AIR and SEAM SEALERS PLIOGRIP OEM APPROVED PANEL BOND , PLASTIC REPAIR www.motivatedreps.com and SEAM SEALERS motivatedreps.com. PLIOGRIP OEM APPROVED PANEL BOND, PLASTIC REPAIR and SEAM SEALERS

54 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

BLOWTHERM PAINTBOOTH EXTRA

CAR-O-TRONIC VISION X3

BENCHRACK 4200 - 6200 A truly universal and versatile addition to any body shop – the BenchRack systems are designed to hold and lift virtually any type of unibody or full frame vehicle.

The new spray booth EXTRA for passenger cars is the latest development from Blowtherm aimed at the most demanding spray booth operator. It has been developed to provide exceptional results along with higher productivity. Equipped with the optional Blowpower system, the model Extra provides exceptional performance in terms of energy saving, increased productivity and reduced environmental impact.

The most advanced, accurate and easy-to-use electronic measuring system on the market. The sensor-equipped Measuring Slide with a built-in versatile remote control and protective rubber “bumper-zones” delivers real-time data three times per second to the advanced and easy-to-use software. Photo-based, and backed by Car-O-Data, the world’s most comprehensive vehicle database, it allows you to accurately and quickly target measuring points.

The unsurpassable BenchRack combines drive-on convenience with a hydraulic lift and removable ramps. Add the tilt feature, which makes loading easier when approach space is limited, and you have a repair bench that can handle everything from slight cosmetic work to full-frame repairs.

All repair and service operations can be performed quickly and effectively using a single set-up.

CTR9 WELDER CTR9 fully automatic welder comes with a new, revolutionized light-weight transformer gun.

With its 355° swivel handle and ergo-grip, it enables perfect working positions for anyone, for any job. The gun is supported by a telescopic arm in a durable and lightweight extruded aluminum that can be easily adjusted. A compact power unit with a low center of gravity gives mobility and stability, a 16,000-amp transformer and CANBUS communication ensure a perfect weld every time.

PROFILE

TITANIUM TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT SPECIALIZING IN EQUIPMENT FOR OEM CERTIFICATION

The Xpress800 rivet gun is Ford, Mercedes Benz, Tesla, GM and JLR certified.

Cameleon is essentially two toolboxes that, with the use of a computer, allow you to build any jig for any vehicle.

Airopower 53

Mini Frame Machine

Use the Airopower Standard Kit and add the Airopower 53 to cover the maximum range of repair

56 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

Airopower Accessory 53 Pieces Kit

itanium Tools and Equipment Inc was established in 2013, but the history of the owner Matthew Bannister and the connection to the collision repair industry goes back more than 30 years. In fact, it was the collision industry and his father Richard’s involvement with the Spraybake Spray booth company that brought them from England to Canada in 1986. Matt has represented Celette, Wielander and Schill and ProSpot for more than 20 years and introduced the famous Miracle System of panel repair to the Canadian market. Titanium also keeps in stock many products from Dent Fix, Induction Innovations, DJS dollies and Flexible paint stands. The office, warehouse, training center and service center is located just north of Toronto from where the company provides sales and service across Canada. When you work with Titanium Tools, you can expect quality tools at competitive prices, backed up by good service and support. Buying quality tools is important, but equally important is also the support behind them. “At Titanium, years of experience with the same brands means we have experience on what goes wrong and keep the spare parts in stock. In many cases we provide loaner machines which gets you going quickly,” said the company. “Our dedicated service person has been trained in California and Germany and will get you running ASAP.”

This high-quality Miracle panel repair system is made from titanium and aluminum, making it resilient and sure to last more than 20 years, says Titanium Tools and Equipment.

EP-53AK Features: 5.25 ton push-pull pneumatic ram • No anchoring the vehicle • Portable • Fast set up • Takes up less space than a frame machine • Costs less than a frame machine • Includes the blue cart.

PROFILE

NEW PRODUCTS, NEW HORIZONS FOR WEDGE CLAMP BC COMPANY TAKES ON CELETTE AND EXPANDS U.S. REACH

n a world where cars can literally park themselves or brake before hitting a wandering moose, there are still body shops that don’t measure damaged vehicles as part of their before, during, and after repair process. And that concerns Mark Greenberg, President of Wedge Clamp Systems, which specializes in anchoring and measuring tools for the collision repair industry. “I recently had a conversation with a big shop in Utah that said www.colbertcreative.com (604) 681-5386 they don’t think they need to measure every collision repair,” laments Greenberg. “But if you want to be able to show the customer and the insurance company before and after measurements, and ensure the vehicle is restored to factory specifications, you have to measure electronically to prove that the repair has been properly performed.” Greenberg was promoted to Wedge Clamp in late 2018 from his head office job as General Manager of Business Development at the Craftsman Group of Companies, which owns Wedge Clamp. Sales have been on a steady upswing, doubling last year alone thanks particularly to the popularity of its Eclipse Plus laser measuring system and its newly acquired, Italian-made (and Ford-approved) CMO SPR riveter. Two new partnerships promise even brighter horizons ahead. One is with St. Louis-based Solidus Equipment Systems, one of the largest equipment suppliers in the industry. “We’ve been looking for more presence in the U.S., and that’s what we’re hoping Solidus will provide,” says Greenberg. “They’re a master distributor, with a lot of sub-distributors and salespeople reaching almost every state. They were looking for an electronic measuring system they could package with their benches. Our Eclipse Plus was the answer.”

1.800.615.9949 info@wedgeclamp.com www.wedgeclamp.com Distributor territories availa

Wedge Clamp President Mark Greenberg demonstrates one of the company’s hot new products, the Italian-made CMO SPR riveter.

Wedge Clamp’s mission to grow the number and scope of collision repair products it offers has recently led to a new distribution deal of its own – the Celette brand of benches, welders and dent repair stations. The signature European-made bench uses dedicated and universal jigs to position and precisely measure damaged vehicles before, during, and after the repair process. “A lot of shops still don’t have the equipment needed to restore vehicles to OEM specifications,” says Greenberg. “We’re here to change that.” Wedge Clamp began in the 1980s as a maker of anchoring systems. The company is based in Richmond, B.C.

THE BRIGHTEST WAY TO MEASURE. F

ast and ultra-accurate, the Eclipse Plus uses laser scanners that record and transmit frame measurements to your computer screen so you can compare to databases of manufacturer specifications (included). Deviations glow red or yellow; green means full restoration. Comes with Windows 10 operating system, under-hood measuring, comparative side body measuring and live online training and technical support. A brilliant upgrade for every shop.

www.colbertcreative.com (604) 681-5386

BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 57

ABRASIVES

A MICROSCOPIC MOVEMENT BIG CHANGES ARE NOT ALWAYS VISIBLE TO THE NAKED EYE

Don’t believe abrasives have transformed alongside new technologies? Well, bust out your microscope and prove yourself wrong.

n many ways, stability owned the last century—at least in the auto industry. In recent years, however, the only constant to rely on is change. In our industry, auto manufacturers have spent the past decade making drastic changes to how they are made, and abrasives are no exception. The science of abrasives has undergone a transformation in recent years, and it’s nearly as impressive as the science of automobile design. However, the impact of these revolutionary advances can only be seen under a microscope. As automobiles become more complex, so do the materials used in their construction. With the proliferation of materials—like aluminum, super polymers, high-strength steel alloys, carbon fibre—has come the

58 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

need for abrasives able to deal with the properties of each of these new materials. If you have the chance—and the microscope—find an old, long-forgotten role of sandpaper, and compare it to a new one. You will see two completely different things. One will be a jagged mountain range of quartz sand stuck into a thin adhesive layer. The other will be a single, solid strip of precision-engineered carbon domes, just spongy enough to accommodate metallic ripples while carving away even the hardest lacquers. There is no doubt that deciding which products will serve the needs of your business is a difficult task. A glance through the following pages should help to smooth out the decision-making process.

With the proliferation of materials—like aluminum, super polymers, high-strength steel alloys, carbon fibre—has come the need for abrasives able to deal with the properties of each of these new materials.

ABRASIVES

7983 Siasponge flex SIA ABRASIVES

Total Automotive Sanding System 3M CANADA

siaabrasives.com

3M.ca/CollisionRepair

Like any good workplace, the 7983 Siasponge flex is built to adapt to every curve, shape, and contour for an even sanding pattern. According to Sia Abrasives, the extra-soft foam of siasponge flex ensures maximum conformability. The product is designed to provide perfect finishes and high flexibility while being wrinkle-free and washable with a long lifespan, says Sia Abrasives. It has a wide range of applications and can be used for keying wood, plastics, conventional old and new varnishes, primer filler, and paints; fine sanding; producing matt finish on varnishes; and more.

Engineered to support the ongoing need for cleaner, safer, more efficient and profitable shops, the Total Automotive Sanding System combines best-in-class 3M abrasives with premium power tools and dust extraction solutions from Festool Automotive Systems. The result is one of the most effective and comprehensive surface preparation and finishing systems in the automotive collision repair industry.

Sharp Foam Pads FINIXA

DE-Pro Sanding System PROSPOT

finixa.com

prospot.com

The Sharp Foam Pad with a soft backing foam allows it to adapt perfectly to all profiled work pieces, and it reduces sanding through and guarantees an even and uniform sanding pattern. There is no risk of sanding through thanks to ‘pressure-equalizing’ foam. It can be crumpled up and stretched without creasing. There is consistent performance throughout the life of the product and ensures a high quality and even finish. The abrasive grain does not cut into the substrate as deeply and breaks off less, resulting in a more even surface finish. The Sharp Foam Pad is very handy, as both sides can be used wet or dry and can be rinsed with water.

The new DE-Pro Sanding System the third offering in Pro Spot’s DustFree Sanding line up. This all in one system provides a detachable, easy to move dust extractor designed to preform in the most demanding body shops while providing a safe and clean dust extraction solution. It is completely air-powered and contains no electrical parts, making it safe for use in all paint booths, prep areas and on steel or aluminum materials. With this mobile, 2-in-1 Sanding System, the ability to sand with a dual-action orbital sander or a hand block makes it possible to sand the toughest locations on any vehicle. BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 59

ABRASIVES

Emerald Sanding Discs WURTH

3M™ Cubitron™ II 3M CANADA

shop.wurth.ca

3M.ca/CollisionRepair

F TIRE 9 18X7 E18 9 DA O HON 4LBS ) 235/55R 18 99V BLE FED N R IO A . BY )P 89 M F D 00KG ( 4 546LBS ) P235/55 APPLICPREVENT URE 2 2 S CT IC L E LL V E H R 2 5KG ( 381LB TO A THEFT NUFA MPV GVW R F 115 0KG ( 2 FORMS Y AND OF MA TYPE: GAW R R 108 LE CON E SAFET HE DATE0000000 GAW VEHIC EHICL T ON T 00000 THIS OTOR V EFFEC 00000 .: M IN RAL DARDS VE. V.I.N -- A STAN WN ABO -- A SHO

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ROTATING SHAFTS ARE DANGEROUS

YOU CAN SNAG CLOTHES, SKIN, HAIR, HANDS, ETC

SHUT OFF ENGINE BEFORE WORKING ON POWER TAKE-OFF OR DRIVEN EQUIPMENT.

DO NOT PAINT OVER THIS LABEL!

Do not exceed maximum capacity of the liftgate. Overloading may cause sudden liftgate failure o r malfunction causing serious personal injury o r property damage. The maximum capacity of thi s lift is 969 kg or 2000 lb. w hen the load is centered no more than 18” from the hinge center line of the platform

DANGER

THIS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

EXPOSED ROTATING SHAFTS MUST BE GUARDED.

DO NOT WORK ON OR NEAR AN EXPOSED SHAFT WHEN ENGINE IS RUNNING

WARNING

READ P.T.O. OWNERS MANUAL LIFTGATE HAZARDS FOR MORE SAFETY INFORMATION

CAN RESULT IN CRUSHING OR FALLING

WARNING

KEEP HANDS AND FEET CLEAR OF PINCH POINTS

IF RIDING LIFTGATE, MAKE SURE LOAD IS STABLE AND FOOTING IS SOLID

CRUSH RISK

ATION FORM OL IN ONTR

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siaabrasives.com

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S Performance Sanding Discs SIA ABRASIVES

N ATIO ORM AR 0 G INFONT 3 RE or 1114 Lbs.

ADIN

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3M™ Cubitron™ II Abrasive Discs, Wheels and Belts feature revolutionary Precision-Shaped Grain technology, which slices through paint and metal with ease, even high-strength steel or aluminum. The secret is that this proprietary material continuously fractures to form sharp points and edges – slicing cleaner and faster, staying cooler and lasting twice as long as other high-performance abrasives. So now you can take on the tough jobs while keeping your edge.

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TIRE

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Wurth Emerald Sanding Discs feature a premium aluminum oxide for superior performance with extended service life by reducing problems with disc tearing. They have superb moisture resistance, are flexible and very rugged. Wurth Emerald Discs are 100 per cent waterproof and therefore ideal for wet or dry sanding applications and designed to prevent clogging and reduce heat with its open-grain design.

Keep hands clear CAUTION whileAUTOMATED machine is EQUIPMENT MAY START UP running. WITHOUT WARNING

READ AND UNDERST AND ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND W ARNINGS BEFORE USE.

Auto Data Labels is the Largest Manufacturer & Distributor of Replacement Vehicle Information Labels in the United States and Canada. 0000

0000

Federal Safety Certifications | Tire Pressure Under Hood | Vehicle Warnings

Auto Data Labels produces any type of replacement VIN sticker, tire pressure, or vehicle information label for all vehicle years, makes and models.

U.S. DELIVERY IN 1-3 DAYS! CANADA DELIVERY IN 2-4 DAYS! Auto Data Labels is a preferred vendor for MSOs and regularly serve the independent collision repair facility community, dealership collision repair centers, and insurance companies throughout North America. TO PLACE YOUR ORDER OR TO LEARN MORE: Visit www.autodatalabels.com, Contact your local sales rep Email labels@AutoDataLabels.com

60 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

The S Performance sanding disks from Sia Abrasives are a high-efficiency product that allow users increased extraction performance from the high concentration of holes, which reduce dust exposure and accelerate cleaning of work pieces and machines. Not only that, the abrasive doesn’t need to be changed as frequently as others thanks to fewer sanding disc blockages, extending the lifetime of the disc and saving money. With simple positioning and convenient mounting, the disc can be easily adjusted and quickly attached to the backing pad without any issues.

ABRASIVES

Indasa Autogloss Compound Plus MOTIVATED REPS

RHYNOGRIP HT Line MOTIVATED REPS

motivatedreps.com

Indasa Abrasives’ Autogloss Compound Plus includes a number of exciting features and benefits. Fast cutting abrasive power means users can expect a permanent removal of P1500 scratch marks. The product is dry use, for a cleaner and quicker process with no excessive dusting or splatter. Its silicone free formulation is safe for the bodyshop, and a single stage process allows for superior system efficiency to achieve a gloss finish. The product also reduces heat build-up, is VOC free, produces a high gloss level and is a multi-substrate.

Indasa HT Line (High Tech) Series comprises a high performance grip sanding disc revolutionizing the abrasives industry with advances found nowhere else, useful in a range of applications from heavy sanding to micro-fine finishing. It’s flexible backing is adaptable to sanding contoured surfaces and high initial cutting action for fast stock removal. The uniform scratch pattern provides the ultimate surface finish with high strength resin bond for minimal grit shedding. Indasa HT Line (High Tech) Series’ has advanced clog resistance technology for long working lifetime. It has excellent dust extraction and surface finish.

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INCREASING THE COMFORT, SPEED & FINISH QUALITY WITH SHARP FOAM PAD

HIGH INITIAL CUTTING POWER WITH LONGER DISC LIFE FROM SHARP WHITE DISC

The Sharp Foam Pad with a soft backing foam allows it to adapt perfectly to all profiled work pieces, and it reduces sanding through and guarantees an even and uniform sanding pattern.

The SharpWhite Sanding Disc sands up to 20% faster than the average sanding disc. Using SharpWhite significantly reduces labour costs and allows technicians to do more repairs.

LEARN MORE

BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 61

ADHESIVES

A BALANCED DIET ADHESIVES DON’T HAVE TO BE THE WRONG MOVE

Some modern structural adhesives are capable of bonding together different materials at the molecular level.

hat’s one word that can describe a healthy diet? There are many but consider this important one: balance. Want to eat well? Then you must get your greens in, your fruit, your fibre, protein. If you’re sick you eat more vitamin C, if you’re thirsty you chug a big glass of water. Vehicles, much like a body, need a whole range of repairs to ensure it functions smoothly. And, despite their not-so-positive reputation—that includes adhesives. Yes, they must be used wisely, or you might find yourself treading through muddy water. But when used wisely, adhesives can be an excellent tool. Nobody likes dropping tons of money on repairing their car, and most autobody repair clients will seek out the best deal. So, if a repair business can bring vehicles back to pre-accident conditions for less money than its competitors, and without compromising anyone’s safety, it will thrive. To do this, businesses must take advantage of a broad spectrum of proce-

62 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

dures—including structural adhesives. Don’t scoff so fast; times have changed. Some modern structural adhesives are capable of bonding together different materials at the molecular level. The inclusion of high-tech superalloys also means that—when the heat of a weld could disrupt the structural integrity of a piece of equipment—adhesives are the simply only option for bonding. In 2020, General Motors used epoxy-based structural adhesives in the Cadillac CT6, allowing it to make use of different steels and aluminum parts without destroying their integrity. Ford’s use of structural adhesives dates back even further.

Over the next few pages, we will showcase a variety of cutting-edge chemical compounds capable of feats you may never have imagined.

Vehicles, much like a body, need a whole range of repairs to ensure it functions smoothly. And, despite their not-so-positive reputation— that includes adhesives.

ADHESIVES

Pliogrip Adhesives MOTIVATED REPS

Fusor® 2098 PARKER LORD

motivatedreps.com

fusor.com

Most Recognized OEM Adhesive System Available. Pliogrip™ structural adhesives have been used for composite bonding in automotive and heavy truck applications for more than 40 years. Formulated to bond composites, plastics, metals and glass, and available in two-part polyurethane, epoxy and methacrylate technologies, Pliogrip structural adhesives can be an effective solution in a wide variety of applications. Consider Pliogrip adhesives for bonding and assembly of automotive composites, lightweight vehicles, fiberglass boats, metal fabrications, Panel Bonding and virtually any application that requires a strong, reliable bond. Now available in Canada! Contact Motivated Reps for more information and where to purchase.

Parker LORD’s Fusor® 2098 adhesive is a two-component, epoxy-based, structural metal bonding adhesive, which, according to Parker LORD, provides the strength and durability of OEM quality repairs. The adhesive can be used for weld bonding, rivet bonding, and bonding of replacement structural and non-structural auto body panels. Fusor® 2098 adhesive replaces any structural adhesive currently used by automobile manufacturers, returning vehicles to pre-accident condition.

BODY SHOP PROVEN, OEM RECOMMENDED & APPROVED FOR MORE THAN 40+YEARS

Our 210 ml cartridges offer less waste with the same performance you’ve come to love — in a better package LEARN MORE AT FUSOR.COM BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 63

ADHESIVES

Glue Tab Dent Repair Station PRO SPOT

IGHT

L T O P S T C U D O R P

NEW PRODUCTS FOR 2022! In search of your next go-to tool? Check out the website to view new products every week all year long.

Visit buyersguide.collisionrepairmag.com

prospot.com

The complete Glue Tab Dent Repair Station from Pro Spot has everything you need to easily repair any dent on a wide range of materials. With the ability to work on aluminum, steel and painted surfaces without the need to grind, this station is equipped to handle all types of dent repairs. Included in the station is a variety of pull accessories and reusable pull tabs to help aid the dent repair process, not to mention its safe for use with electronics and computers and eliminates any backside corrosion. Altogether the mobility and storage of this station makes it a staple in any technicians shop, according to Pro Spot.

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LEANTEC INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (IMS)

CHALLENGER BY AXALTA BRINGING VALUE IN EVERY DROP

The latest IMS organizes products inside secure cabinets, carts & stock rooms and tracks their usage– all while gathering & reporting important data.

The Challenger® product line is designed to deliver a long lasting finish that is affordable and simple to use. You will find value in every drop.

LEARN MORE

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FUELED BY EXPERIENCE. DRIVEN BY YOUR NEEDS.

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ALIGNMENT AND MEASURING

SET IT STRAIGHT NEW MEASURING SYSTEMS ARE ALTERING THE COLLISION REPAIR SPACE

Repairing modern vehicles without precision measuring is simply impossible.

hen it comes to alignment and measuring systems, do you have your options straight? Until recently, most collision facilities outsourced alignment and measuring work. It just made sense. With recent innovations, however, collision repair facilities are capable of doing far more in-house work than before. The biggest shift that’s allowed collision businesses to take back control on alignment work has been the move away from manual alignment systems and toward multi-functional electronic measuring systems. Not only are many of these new systems designed to be easy to use, but many can be used anywhere. The newest generation of measuring systems also means a drastic reduction in the amount of equipment needed to be competitive. Once upon a time, scanners, radius gauges, targets, and plates took up significant space—often so much that it simply didn’t make sense for collision repair shops to do these jobs in-house. With sleek new models on the market, however, space is no longer an issue.

These premier systems work in conjunction with top-tier repair databases, allowing for on-the-spot comparisons with digitally rendered images of the OEM design. It isn’t just that these systems allow collision facilities to work faster and more accurately, they also simplify the claims process. Some top-quality systems now document damage and automatically share it with insurers, and they can even blueprint jobs. It is difficult to imagine a business re-

maining competitive without adopting a next generation measuring system. Any ADAS-equipped vehicles need to be properly aligned with how the vehicle is traveling down the road. Repairing modern vehicles without precision measuring is simply impossible. If you want to see how your system measures up to the competition, set your sights on the following pages for information on the latest alignment and measuring solutions on offer!

The newest generation of measuring systems also means a drastic reduction in the amount of equipment needed to be competitive.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 2020 65

ALIGNMENT AND MEASURING

ACCUVISON-3D Measuring System ARSLAN AUTOMOTIVE

Multibench Workstation SPANESI

arslanauto.com

spanesi-americas.com

Arslan Automotive keeps it simple with the Accuvision 3D measuring system. The system features no moving parts, no lasers, targets, adaptors, magnets, arms, extensions, wires, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth—but it also requires no calibration, making it a quick and simple yet accurate 3D measuring system, according to Arslan Automotive. The Accuvision 3D is durable, versatile, universal, mobile, and user-friendly, saving operators time and money. According to Arslan Automotive, everything you need for measuring and alignment can be done easily with the Accuvision 3D measuring system.

The Multibench Workstation from Spanesi is the technician’s solution to efficient vehicle repairs. Boasting a load capacity of over 3,100kg and a pulling column capacity of 10 tons, the Multibench is ideal for cars, mid-size SUVs, and small commercial vans. The Multibench allows technicians to lift vehicles directly from the wheels, removing the need for buffers. With a small footprint and a total lowered height of 108mm, the Multibench takes up very little room in the shop, allowing technicians to utilize the bay for other repair operations. Multibench has a lifting height of over 1450mm.

Eclipse Plus Electronic Measuring System WEDGE CLAMP

PointX™ II Diagnostic Measuring System CAR-O-LINER

wedgeclamp.com

car-o-liner.com

The Eclipse Plus Electronic Measuring System combines a polar laser scanner with portable Live Targets and Intelligent Stems positioned by the body technician at strategically marked frame or body points. Each sweep of the laser precisely locates each of the targets, says Wedge Clamp Systems. The Live Targets then transmit the measurements to the computer’s integrated database of manufacturer specifications. As the pulling progresses, verification lights change to indicate severity of damage at each point on the vehicle – red, yellow or green depending on nearness to manufacturer specifications. All green lights mean perfect restoration. System prints pre- and post-repair 3-D reports for insurance. Includes live online training. 66 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

It’s easier to get paid for your work with PointX II. This lightweight, handheld measuring tool allows you to document unseen damage and attach it to your estimate. You can easily pinpoint measuring locations with the photo-based system feature in the Car-O-Liner Vision2™ PointX Software. The PointX II System comes with a laptop, giving you the flexibility to measure and diagnose inside or outside the shop and deliver the quality results customers expect.

ALIGNMENT AND MEASURING

Touch Electronic Measuring System SPANESI

106EXT Structural Straightening Bench SPANESI

spanesi-americas.com

The Touch electronic measuring system from Spanesi performs repair diagnostics on any lift, bench, or surface. The Touch ensures that vehicles are returned to OEM specifications while generating a complete set of pre-repair and post-repair documentation. The Touch is outfitted with all the probes and extensions to reach the most difficult measuring points with ease. Utilizing the intuitive WinTouch software, the Touch provides measurements for vehicle frame and structural items, wheel alignment checks, user-added points (with accompanying photos), mechanical and suspension parts, and comparative measurements.

The Spanesi 106 EXT Structural Straightening Bench is designed for larger and longer vehicles. With its 6m (19.6’) length and lifting capacity of up to 5,000Kg (11,000lbs), the 106 EXT easily accommodates large work vans, light and medium duty trucks, and SUVs. Spanesi’s Universal Fixture System is included with the 106 EXT for use with its 7 cross members and 14 mounting locations. Technicians can quickly and efficiently mount large vehicles securely to complete OEM quality repairs. The Universal Fixture System moves with the technician inside of a dedicated trolley system, avoiding technicians walking back to a fixed wall-mounted system. The 106 EXT also comes with a pulling tower capable of producing 10 tons of pulling force. Strategically integrated into the straightening bench are 12 pulling tower mounting locations, ensuring 3600 access to straighten damaged areas of any vehicle. The 106 EXT is included in many OEM certification programs. Contact Spanesi Americas for a complete list of programs.

D121 Pull Clamp R S FINISHING - UNOLINER SYSTEMS

CAR-O-TRONIC VISION X3 FLAT LINE

rsfinishing.com

flatlinessi.com

The UnoLiner D121 Pull Clamp is a pull clamp without hinge. Thanks to its self-locking feature, it does not need to be screwed onto the vehicle bodywork panel. This pull clamp is forged from high strength steel and features interchangeable hardened steel knurled jaws. The usual connecting hinge between the two shells is now a forged and machine turned ring, so no hinge is needed. The self-locking mechanism, a trapezoid cone and a threaded pin with spring, is held constantly in the centre of the two clamp shells, which keeps the spring securely in place. The company offers many additional types of clamps for the UnoLiner system.

Experience Car-O-Tronic Vision X3 – the fastest, most accurate and easiest to use computerized measuring system on the market today! The sensor-equipped Measuring Slide with a built-in versatile remote control and protective rubber “bumper-zones” delivers real-time data three times per second to the advanced and easy-to-use software. Photo-based, and backed by Car-O-Data, the world’s most comprehensive vehicle database, it allows you to accurately and quickly target measuring points.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 67

AUTO GLASS

CRACKING THE CODE WHEN IT COMES TO GLASS, TRANSPARENCY IS EVERYTHING

Only a small percentage of Canadian drivers are aware of the risks posed by careless auto glass replacements, but that number is quickly growing thanks to several high-profile incidents on highways.

t’s clear that bringing auto glass repair and replacement services into a collision business is no easy task. The question remaining is: is it worth it? Even among those businesses that have invested in glass replacement services, the service itself is often considered to be a loss-leader—a service offered purely to bring in customers, not to generate profit. Still, the majority of cutting-edge repair facilities now provide glass replacement services, while many smaller facilities rely on third-party providers. Over the years, however, OEMs have been making a push for more repairer involvement in the auto glass sector—especially when it comes to work being done on ADAS-

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equipped vehicles—which now makes up 15 percent of the vehicles on Canada’s roads. In these vehicles, the installation of auto glass can have an impact on the position of sensors—something third-party providers are not necessarily equipped to prevent. Only a small percentage of Canadian drivers are aware of the risks posed by careless auto glass replacements, but that number is

quickly growing thanks to several high-profile incidents on highways. As more lane assist technology arrives on roads, more stories are likely to appear. Whether the business case for offering inhouse glass services appears transparent or not, a look through the products and services offered in the next section should help you shatter your preconceptions.

AUTO GLASS

Equalizer PowerPump EQUALIZER

Windshield Repair Kit (PRO-WRK) PROSPOT

equalizer.com

prospot.com

Equalizer Industry’s Equalizer PowerPump eliminates the need for manual pumping of your Visual Vacuum Cups or Wood’s Powr-Grip Vacuum Cups, according to the company. Simply replace the original plunger in your existing cup with the PowerPump, press the button and let your cup automatically draw down. The PowerPump is designed for a minimum 5 hours of constant run time and can be used as a manual pump if your battery needs to be recharged. Includes 1 USB-C charging cord.

Pro-Spot’s new Windshield Repair Kit (PRO-WRK) is an easy-to-use automated glass chip repair system. The 4-in-1 system lightens the workload because when it comes to glass chip repair, because this tool does it all, according to Pro-Spot. Operators do not need to spend precious time changing out tools when using this system, because this kit does everything from removing moisture, to resin application, and UV curing. In fact, according to Pro-Spot, with this tool, repairers can get the job done in less than ten minutes. The precision-machined tool is made of aluminum alloy, allowing durability while still being lightweight.

ADD AirForce™ Technology to your vacuum cup with the A Drill Powered Cord/Wire Auto Glass Removal Tool

TFM1000

Use with your existing Visual Vacuum Cup and create 4 tools in 1! JUNE 7-9

POWER YOUR CUP

8 0 0 . 3 3 4 . 1 3 3 4 • s a l e s @ e q u a l i z e r. c o m • e q u a l i z e r. c o m BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 69

HEALTH AND SAFETY

HOW CLEAN IS YOUR PAINT BOOTH? WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU DID A DEEP-CLEAN?

Les Heshka, the manager of Manitoba’s Eastside Collision Repairs knows dirt is a painter’s worst enemy.

Rod Katchuck, the head painter at Bergen’s Auto Repair in Saskatchewan, says you can only rely on a clean booth to put out a clean vehicle.

IT’S NOT SOMETHING THAT IS GLAMOROUS, BUT IT NEEDS TO BE DONE.” — ROB ARMSTRONG, OPERATIONS MANAGER, TRINITY COLLISION CENTRE

By Bianca Mazziotti

aint booths are an essential part of any collision repair shop—but what does it take to deliver exceptional service every time? Rod Katchuck, the head painter at Bergen’s Auto Repair in Saskatchewan, says you can only rely on a clean booth to put out a clean vehicle. “I do a full clean once a month,” said Katchuck, who knows that even though it is time-consuming, it is worth cleaning their downdraft paint booth regularly. “Between removing the filters, washing the walls, reboot coating, and replacing all the filters, you’re looking at about three hours.” The importance of cleaning goes beyond the vehicle, as paint booths that haven’t been cleaned regularly can become a safety risk. “You want to keep a log on it as well— Fire Marshals can ask for that. If the

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exhaust isn’t clean it can become a fire hazard,” said Katchuck. At Eastside Collision Repairs in Manitoba the bodyshop holds two paint booths: one is a JBI downdraft that is 60 feet long, and the other is a GFS downdraft. Les Heshka, general manager at Eastside, says that they also highly prioritize cleaning when it comes to their paint booths. “I guess you could say they are cleaned daily, but it depends on what kind of cleaning you’re talking about,” said Heshka. “Filter changes go anywhere from three months to a year. For the downdraft filters, the floor filters are changed out weekly.” Of course, Heshka says dirt is a painter’s worst enemy, so his business ensures regular shop maintenance themselves and once a year they have a company come in and do a thorough cleaning of their paint booths. Rob Armstrong, the operations man-

ager of Trinity Collision Centre in Moncton, New Brunswick, says the floor filters get cleaned every 14 days when it comes to their two Garmat paint booths. The shop schedules the cleanings during down production times, which is typically a Monday morning. “Most of the vehicles that would require paintwork to be done are usually completed by Friday,” said Armstrong. “Then on Monday, it’s a little bit of a quiet time during startup. So, it makes it an easy transition as the vehicles are getting repaired and sent over to the refinish department.” Armstrong says cleaning the paint booths is more of a tedious job than it is a highly skilled job. “It’s not something that is glamorous, but it needs to be done,” said Armstrong. “And the staff knows that because it directly affects the kind of quality that we produce at the end of the day.”

HEALTH AND SAFETY

CLEAN UP THAT ACT CUSTOMER COMFORT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER

n 2020, health and safety procedures suddenly became the difference between success and closure for many collision industry businesses. Two years later, little has changed. As the pandemic tore through the globe, businesses that prioritized good working conditions for their staff were thanked in a way that nobody would have ever expected. As the public became wary of crowded places, businesses that had taken industrial health and safety seriously for employees found it easy to mitigate risks for their customers. According to countless studies, collision facilities that emphasized disinfection procedures and contact-free services in their marketing material during the social isolation era saw less dramatic reductions in business than their competitors.

While the world will—with any luck—not see another major viral pandemic for a few decades, now is not the time to back off on the approach to health and safety.

While the world will—with any luck—not see another major viral pandemic for a few decades, now is not the time to back off on the approach to health and safety that your business adopted at the beginning of 2020. In fact, it is time to double down. Why? Be-

cause—whether or not we live through another global pandemic, a business’s ability to provide contact-free service will still remain important to consumers, and your employees. In fact, since the end of the pandemic, drivers still appear to favour businesses

that offer contact-free services—just ask Daniel Williams, a digital strategy, implementation, and analytics specialist working with Pariveda Solutions. “The touchless economy is not coming, it’s here,” said Williams during a presentation to Guild 21. “Regardless of whether the coronavirus hit our world or not, we were already moving toward a touchless, frictionless economy. Look at Alexa. Look at mobile devices that let you order food. It was all about moving toward touchless.” Read on to discover products that will help your business go above and beyond in the very important land of health and safety. Future you will thank you.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 2020 71

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Eurovac II Pneumatic Portable EUROVAC

Purexall 5 REXALL LABORATORIES

eurovac.com

rexalllabs.com

The Eurovac II—Pneumatic Portable is a vacuum system designed with safety and efficiency in mind. Along with the ability to collect explosive dust, fine debris and powders from any work site this system also has the power to handle two technicians sanding simultaneously all while doing so quietly with its insulated housing. Using compressed air, static and static hoses for grounding helps to eliminate the chance of explosion by removing the sparking motor element. With these components the Eurovac II meets the National Fire Association Protection codes and helps to create safe working environments.

Purexall 5 is a ready to use one step disinfectant, cleaner and deodorant suitable for hard, non porous surfaces. It is included on the Health Canada Disinfectants for use against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19). Compatible with any sprayer and fogger, Purexall 5 is able to disinfect car interiors in less than 15 seconds.

SATA Filter 500 series SATA sata.com/filter

The leader in

Dustless Sanding Systems

Central Vacuum Systems

The new SATA filter 500 series, 100% technically clean air. Clean air is where it all begins. In paint application, this applies particularly to compressed air quality. Even the tiniest quantities of oil or dirt and increased levels of moisture can cause coating flaws leading to time-consuming, costly rework. The SATA filter series 500 is available either as a one-stage sintered filter with water and oil separator, as a two-stage combination filter with sintered and fine filter, or as a three-stage filter unit with additional sintered activated charcoal filter. Every six months, all filter stages are maintained together in a procedure that takes just a few minutes without the need for tools, thanks to the bayonet lock and defined position of the filter cartridges, which are replaced simply by inserting them. Furthermore, a flow-optimised cyclone separator minimises pressure drop in the filter system and ensures a constant air flow of approx. 3.800 Nl/min (with four connections). 72 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

Portable Vacuum Systems

✓ OEM certified systems ✓ The most powerful pumps and filtration systems on the market ✓ Complete line of vacuum-ready hand tools ✓ Properly engineered systems

1-800-265-3878 info@eurovac.com

PAINTER’S CORNER

HOT SWATCHES BASF releases 2021-2022 Automotive Colour Trends collection

Societal change marked the theme for Asia Pacific’s BASF-dictated colour trends this year. Mobius, Asia Pacific’s key colour for 2022, offers a deep silver-blue hue designed to evoke innovation and “higher levels of understand in our diverse world,” said BASF.

By Max Reid

Each year, BASF releases its synopsis of colour trends for the upcoming year, drawing off trends from years’ prior and goals for the future.

ust off your berets and furrow your brows—the BASF 20212022 Automotive Colour Trends collection is here. The design experts at BASF’s Coatings division have delivered this year’s offering of colour commentary with the theme of SUPERPOSITION; what the company considers the “state where the limitation of binary systems is overcome,” according to the press release.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 73

PAINTER’S CORNER

“These eye-opening and thought-provoking colours are a superposition of complex tones that challenge our perception.” - Mark Gutjahr, head of automotive colour design, EMEA

BASF says that this theme speaks to the inherent variation of the world, pushing past the scope of binaries like black and white. Colour trends in BASF’s Europe, Middle East and Africa sector led the company to develop Spectora, a shade of orange, as the most reflective of the market. “These eye-opening and thought-provoking colours are a superposition of complex tones that challenge our perception,” said Mark Gutjahr, head of automotive colour design, EMEA. When deciding on a colour reflective of the Asia Pacific market, BASF wanted to capture the societal change seen in the region through the use of “light” and “flexible” motifs, resulting in the blueish-silver Mobius shade. “Asia Pacific’s key colours are light, clean shades evoking the exciting look of spring and the forward-looking hope it brings,” said Chiharu Matsuhara, head of automotive design for Asia Pacific. “They show a higher level of understanding of our diverse world.”

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China’s key colour—Knowing Ignorance—appears almost black from a distance. In truth, this hue is a silverblack tone with notes of deep olive when viewed up-close.

Lambent Earth, the key colour for the North American region, references the concept of balance, said BASF, and is meant to “strike a chord with human steadfastness.”

PAINTER’S CORNER

Africa’s key colour for 2022 is a muted eggplant purple entitled Ellicitor.

Spectora, a striking orange, was designed for the Europe, Middle East and Africa regions as an “eye-opening” colour with “thought-provoking capabilities,” said BASF.

Amicable Glimmer, the shade for South Africa, offers a beige-gold hue with subtle sparkle details.

The shade chosen to represent the North American market is meant to reflect optimism and steadfastness, according to BASF, resulting in the burnt orange shade, Lambent Earth. “We found the equilibrium between the natural and the synthetic world to

create calming, unwavering, and thoughtprovoking colours. They draw the viewer into unique sensations that operate on multiple non-binary levels,” said Paul Czornij, head of automotive design for the Americas.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 75

PAINT

AUTOMATED PAINTING INCREASES EFFICIENCY COULD THIS NEW TECHNOLOGY STREAMLINE REPAIRS?

By Ros Macdonald

ew automated paint technologies are being put to good use in manufacturing, quickly and seamlessly painting complex designs on automobiles. This is just one of many robotic processes that have time and cost saving potential in both manufacturing and collision repairs. The technology has yet to trickle down to the collision repair sector, but it opens up interesting prospects for the future of their paint departments. Automated paint suggests a possible strategy for shops to streamline the painting process, and for patrons to customize their vehicle during repair. Automated paint robots function similarly to an inkjet printer, spraying jets of ink as small as half a millimetre in thickness, and creating precise edges as the paint hits the vehicle. The robots can paint in two tones and create crisp edges without any tape or stencils. 76 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

Painting by hand requires masking around each paint colour and allowing it to dry in between, to ensure the colours don’t bleed into each other. With automated painting, there is no masking or overspray – the unwanted drifting paint that can end up on the car or in the painting room. According to Brad Kruhlak, Technical Manager of AkzoNobel, “…robotic paint application provides consistent quality and a high transfer efficiency, thereby reducing waste”. By automating the paint process, manufacturers save major costs not just on masking materials, but also the solvents, razor blades and rubbing compounds traditionally used to remove excess paint on the vehicle and in the workspace. Robotic paint application also reduces energy costs and lowers the carbon footprint. Since automation eliminates the paint separation process, the amount of air ventilation required is also lowered.

These cost saving implications will turn heads in the repair sector, raising the question of whether robotic painting will expand beyond just manufacturing. Any shop would be delighted to save on time, materials, and energy costs. “If the technology is adapted to the collision repair environment, it could accelerate the process and help remove any human error”, says Kruhlak. The quality and consistency of paint application could be optimized, and the robots would never need sick days! Additionally, car owners could also choose custom designs — a potential upsell point for repair shops. Painters in collision repair facilities might wonder if a future where paint is applied automatically could threaten their employment. After all, the implementation of industrial robots has eliminated jobs in industries across the board, from manufacturers to cashiers. However, Kruhlak

PAINT

maintains, “There will still be a need for someone to run this equipment so we feel that there won’t be less of a need for painters but more so that painters may need to learn a new skillset.” In that case, the new technology could simply create opportunities for painters to add new tools to their repertoire. Implementing automated paint technologies and preparing the staff in a repair shop would require renovating the entire paint department. “The initial cost would be significant, including the added cost to retrofit to any existing equipment” says Kruhlak. Automated paint technologies would need to advance to a point where this kind of upheaval would be worthwhile before they start making waves in repair facilities. At the moment, there are significant limits to what the robots can do in a repair context. The complexity of the repair process creates a lot of variables in painting that are best handled by a human painter. “A painter makes a lot of decisions on the fly, such as colour match, blending, masking, whether there is enough room for a blend, etc., which underscores the need for human intervention during the painting process,” says Kruhlak. Additionally, unlike manufacturing, collision repair facilities are dealing with almost infinite models of automobiles — handling huge variations in height, width,

and age. Automatic painting might not be able to adapt as easily to every individual model that comes through the shop. It could be some time before automatic paint equipment can adapt to all the unique needs of a damaged vehicle. In original equipment manufacturing, all parts must be made alike — which underscores the usefulness of automation. When it comes to collision repair on the other hand, personnel are known for their ability to think on the fly and adapt to the needs of every

vehicle. After all, no two collisions are exactly the same. Whether automated paint looms in the future of the collision repair sector hinges on whether robotic processes can achieve the same level of flexibility that makes collision repair teams so effective. According to Kruhlak, “The reputation and performance of a collision repair facility will remain paramount. Automated or not, the results of the repair must be to pre-accident condition or better.” BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 77

PAINT

LIFE IN COLOUR PAINT—THE CURE TO A HAPPY CUSTOMER

t is an uncomfortable truth that—for many members of the public—the go-to way of measuring how well an auto repair facility repaired their vehicle has nothing to do with the post-repair crashworthiness, or how close to pre-accident condition it is. In most cases, a collision facility is judged based on how convincing a job its painter did of blended the site of the repairs into the rest of the vehicle. While it seems ridiculous, it is easy to understand why a fresh coat of paint can make all the difference. While most customers know nothing about auto repair, they can see when two colours don’t match. Understanding this quirk of customer psychology is an integral part of making any major decisions about which paint companies your business should partner with. While the decision to partner with one major chemical firm or another may, at first, appear a distinction without a difference, a closer look at the facts makes it clear that, beyond paint and paint-related products, different companies offer very different things to their clients.

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When it comes to the major players in auto paint, many go to exceptional lengths to add value to their offerings. Some provide partner businesses management suites and customizable scheduling software— which, they believe, will allow partnering businesses to both increase the number of vehicles they can service, and the amount of paint that gets used. Others offer access to proprietary colour matching technology. At the end of the day, though, auto painting comes down to four things: the quality of the pigments available, the ease-of-use of the thinning and binding agents, the exactness of the colour matching, and the skill of the automotive painter. It’s not that nothing else matters; it is just that, when push comes to shove, a procurement specialist can’t afford to get distracted by the bells and whistles. To make sure you match your business with the right provider, read through these pages to brush up on your understanding of the state-of-the-art products and materials on offer to collision businesses in 2020.

The hues of today aren’t the paints of your grandfather’s era. With complex glimmers, shifts and gradients, painting becomes a whole lot more complicated—but seeing that shine makes it all worth it.

A fresh coat of paint can make all the difference.

PAINT

Perfecoat Low VOC 3P PREMIUM PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS

Ultra System™ CC250 Dynamic+ Clearcoat SHERWIN WILLIAMS

3pinc.ca

sherwin-automotive.com

Perfecoat Low VOC can deliver all the benefits of the Perfecoat system without additional costs. A Low VOC solution from toners to clearcoats, Perfecoat safely meets Canadian and USA air quality standards. This full system of products are designed to enable faster, higher quality and more efficient collision repairs. Plus, a massive online formulation database and brand-new 8,500 colour chip collection ensure this line is a match for the best. Call 647-261-9339

Ultra System™ CC250 Dynamic+ Clearcoat expands on Sherwin-Williams® premium clearcoat portfolio with a formula that delivers the same production and profit-driven success in the shop as its best-selling clearcoat - C200. Ultra System CC250 Dynamic+ Clearcoat offers – Same speed-to-detail – saving both a shop’s costs and a tech’s time Same high-gloss finish – in half the time of a typical glamour clearcoat with lower VOCs. Same productivity and profitability – and lower VOCs This compliant urethane clearcoat is designed for use with like-premium Sherwin-Williams refinish systems: Ultra7000® and its waterborne basecoat technology, Ultra 9K ™.

www.symach.com

THE SYMACH CLASSIC

SPRAYBOOTH DryKing CHECK IT OUT

BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 79

PAINT

EHPTM Matte & Semi-Gloss Clears PPG

Michelangelo Spray Booth SPANESI

ppgrefinish.com

spanesi-americas.com

Technicians charged with refinish repairs on low-gloss finishes know that not all matte finishes are the same. The solution is PPG’s ENVIROBASE® High Performance 2.1 Low VOC Matte (EC5515) and Semi-Gloss (EC5517) Clearcoat system designed to reproduce a range of gloss levels over Envirobase High Performance basecoat. Mixing formulas are available in five gloss levels: Flat, Matte, Eggshell, Satin and Semi-Gloss. “Since these two clears can be used alone or mixed together, paint technicians can precisely match any low-gloss OEM finish, or create their own for custom work,” explains Nicole Sinclair, PPG brand manager, collision, automotive refinish.

Spanesi’s Michelangelo Spray Booth is where high performance meets stateof-the-art design and sits at the top of its class with its new front portal with oversized windows. The Michelangelo is entirely customizable according to all customer requests, size needs, and production flow requirements. Main features include a direct flame burner, cabin pressures automatically controlled by inverter devices, top and bottom lighting fixtures, up to 34,000 m3/h airflow capacity, and a modern electronic control panel display.

Ultra® XD Paint Booth GLOBAL FINISHING SOLUTIONS

Symach Dry King Paint Booth SYMACH

globalfinishing.com

symach.com

The Ultra XD Paint Booth from Global Finishing Solutions® (GFS) leads the industry in versatility and performance. With a choice of high-efficiency heat systems, intuitive control panels and downdraft or semi-downdraft airflow, the Ultra XD will exceed any body shop’s expectations. Downdraft models feature GFS’ exclusive Controlled Airflow Ceiling for superior contamination control and lighting. The patented ceiling design maximizes the effectiveness of downdraft airflow and increases the booth’s overall spray zone – eliminating dead air zones and allowing technicians to paint more parts in each booth cycle.

Symach DryKing paint booth has been designed to accommodate the large SUV of today, with high-performance airflow and ventilation, to quickly dry today’s water-based paints and transparents. It is reliable and offers a high airflow to remove the overspray, along with the next-generation PowerLED lighting technology, which provides optimal colour and light intensity for perfect visibility during painting. Innovation is the heart of Symach and in 2020 Symach renewed the entire range of equipment with more efficient designs, a new aesthetic and particular attention to energy saving, for shops aiming to become carbon-neutral. Symach is an ISO 9001:2015 certified company.

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PAINT

2K Revolution CAR-REP

SprayMax 1K Trim Paint Black PETER KWASNY INC.

car-rep.com

spraymax.com

World’s first 2K with unlimited potlife Car-Rep’s 2K products deliver professional quality 2-component performance without mixing or activation. Featuring patented Wise 2K® technology the products are always ready to use with a deactivated hardener and resin packed in the same compartment. The hardener is activated when sprayed, which means you can use the product repeatedly till the can is empty. Car-Rep 2K delivers exceptional value for professional smart repair with savings up to 50% – no paint losses, no premixing and no cleaning. Product line-up includes polyurethane clear coats and epoxy-based primers, fillers, and top coats. Genuine 2K quality: chemical and fuel resistance, corrosion and scratch resistance and exceptional adhesion as easy as 1K spray paint.

SprayMax 1K Trim Paint Black is a high-quality topcoat for use in spot repairs on cars, motorcycles and other applications. Easy to use and dries quickly. Provides excellent coverage due to its high solid content. Superior material flow and yield is achieved with the efficiency of SprayMax aerosol technology including the Variator nozzle. Available in Black Gloss 3680101, Black Satin 3680102, and Black Matte 3680103, these options on finishes make it highly versatile no matter your repair or touch up needs.

ENGINEERING MEETS ARTISTRY A New Generation of Spray Guns

Professional painters understand they are a direct reflection of their work. It is critical to have tools that are engineered for their craft and deliver optimal performance. The DV1 spray gun family revolutionized the spraying process using superior atomization for ease of application and reduced paint consumption.

www.devilbissdv1.com

BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 81

PAINT

Spies Hecker® Permahyd® 2K Sealer 5650 AXALTA

Imperium Waterbased Paint PAINT SOURCE

axalta.com

paintsource.ca

Spies Hecker® Permahyd® 2K Sealer 5650 is a two-component waterborne refinish product that reduces sealer application time by up to 75%. When 5650 is used as part of the Spies Hecker system with the single-visit basecoat and clear coat, complete cycle times are significantly reduced compared to traditional systems.

Paint Source Automotive Supplies is a reputable source for all of your paint and bodyshop supply needs. Paint Source is a a proud distributor of Imperium Waterborne Paint made by AkzoNobel. Paint Source sells high quality, yet affordable, paint and bodyshop supplies. Qualified customers may be eligible to receive an Imperium system and scanner installed for use in their shops at an affordable price, according to PaintSource. Please contact Paint Source for more details.

Restore Don’t Replace Headlights! SPRAY MAX

Compliant Urethane Basecoat Reducer REXALL LABORATORIES

spraymax.com

rexalllabs.com

SprayMax 2K 2 in 1 Headlight Clear 368-4068 is a convenient all-in-one primer and clear protective coating for polycarbonate lenses. Designed to address minor scratches, yellowness, or foggy headlights. Crystal clear, easy to apply and available in 250ml size. Provides durable UV weather resistance and protects against physical damages such as stone chips. Enhances night visibility for improved safety.

Rexall Labs’ 2.8lb/gal (340 G/L) VOC Compliant Reducer line is designed to be compatible with most urethane paints in the market and is available in three dry time speeds and in gallon as well as pail sizes! Simply follow mixing usage and recommendations in the VOC compliant products chart for your area. Contact your local supplier regarding Rexall’s Compliant Urethane Basecoat Reducer today!

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PAINT

3 in 1 Primers DOMINION SURE SEAL

SprayMax 1K E-Coat Primers PETER KWASNY INC.

dominionsureseal.com

spraymax.com

3 IN 1 Primer 3 in 1 Primers are quick to dry and easy to sand, paintable in as little as 30 minutes. Apply direct to metal, aluminum, plastic, fiberglass and SMC. • Sandable in 15 minutes. • Paintable in 30 minutes. • Great flexibility and film build. • Great filling characteristics. • Suitable for metal, aluminum and plastics. • Large paint gun style fan pattern.

PRODUCT NAME 3 IN 1 WHITE PRIMER 3 IN 1 GREY PRIMER 3 IN 1 BLACK PRIMER

STOCK SAPW SAPG SAPB

DOMINION SURE SEAL LTD.

CODE 24028 24023 24025

COLOR White Grey Black

SIZE 454g / 16oz 454g / 16oz 454g / 16oz

1-800-265-0790 / www.dominionsureseal.com

Dominion Sure Seal’s 3 in 1 Primers are quick to dry, easy to sand, and paintable in as little as 30 minutes. Apply direct to metal, aluminum, plastic, fibreglass and SMC. Surfaces can be sanded just 15 minutes after priming, and can be painted 30 minutes after. The products offer great flexibility, a film build, large paint gun style fan pattern, and great filling characteristics. They are suitable for metal, aluminum and plastics. The 3 in 1 Primers are available in black, grey and white.

Peter Kwasny’s SprayMax 1K E-Coat Primers are designed for direct to steel and aluminum applications. They are paintable, corrosion resistant and compatible with OEM basecoats. Perfect for inner body panels, engine compartments, trunks, support rails, body filler, fiberglass and SMC. They replicate OEM gloss levels, are fast drying and durable, while offering excellent adhesion. Now available in six colours: White, Light Green, Olive Green, Gray, Black and Tan.

Compliant Urethane Basecoat Reducer REXALL LABORATORIES

Spies Hecker UNITED AUTO PARTS / NAPA CANADA

rexalllabs.com

uapinc.com napacanada.com

Rexall Labs’ 2.8lb/gal (340 G/L) VOC Compliant Reducer line is designed to be compatible with most urethane paints in the market and is available in three dry time speed and in gallon as well as pail sizes! Simply follow mixing usage and recommendations in the VOC compliant products chart for your area. Contact your local supplier regarding Rexall’s Compliant Urethane Basecoat Reducer today.

Spies Hecker® Permahyd® Hi-TEC is one of the most advanced waterborne technologies available. This unique basecoat formulation not only helps meet Canadian VOC regulations, but also helps enable your refinish technicians to achieve dramatic results in less time, improving your profitability while delivering an outstanding finish for your customers.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 83

PAINT HARDWARE

GO BIG

MAKE YOUR PAINT JOB SPLASH

ainting a vehicle, to the public, seems like a simple enough task. I mean, most of us have been painting since we were two feet tall. Of course, what we in the collision repair industry know for a fact, is that painting a vehicle is hard. And to do it well? Even harder. Paint is fickle. It dries differently depending on the temperature, the airflow, and the amount of static in a room. If the environment in which it is applied is not ideal, the results of even the most well-trained industry professional will be disappointing. And a bad finish is sure to leave a lasting bad taste in any client’s mind. Fortunately, more and more tools are being offered to ensure that auto painters in the collision repair profession can work in ideal conditions each and every time. In fact, 84 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

A swath of new technologies are constantly arriving on the market to simplify, speed, and sharpen the work being done by auto painters in repair facilities across the world.

a swath of new technologies are constantly arriving on the market to simplify, speed, and sharpen the work being done by auto painters in repair facilities across the world. From new colour-matching technologies promising results that rival even the sharpest-eyed colour matcher, to spray booths, spray guns, and other accessories equipped with space-age features—some of which even seem to defy the laws of gravity.

These options can be overwhelming, but the thought of making the paint hardware purchasing decisions for your business does not need to make you feel yellow—or a sickly shade of green. If paint hardware is keeping you up at night— and don’t worry, we’ve all been there—then Collision Repair magazine team has the cure. Over the next few pages, you will find profiles from across the paint hardware spectrum.

PAINT HARDWARE

SATA® trueSun™- The Daylight Solution SATA

3M™ PPS ™ Series 2.0 Spray Cup System 3M CANADA

sata.com/trueSun

3M.ca/CollisionRepair

The selection of the correct colour shade for refinishing a vehicle requires a source of light that preferably reproduces the entire colour range of visible light (daylight) as accurately as possible. The SATA trueSun LED lamp which was especially designed for this purpose allows a professional colour shade evaluation and identification within the paintshop. Any rework caused by an incorrect colour identification and the respective rectification cost involved does not leave any room for compromise when selecting the daylight lamp. Even avoiding a single rework covers the purchase cost of this high-quality product. The SATA trueSun provides uniform light distribution across the entire illuminated area, simplifying the selection of the right colour shade. Light intensity can be adjusted continuously via a sliding control. The light intensity remains unchanged for the entire battery capacity. Battery life is approx. 70 minutes at full light intensity.

3M says it has improved its PPS Series 2.0 Spray Cup System in six different ways, making it better than ever, according to the company. A four-point connection adds stability from the cup to the gun. A new lid locking system makes for easier cup assembly, and a domed lid helps eliminate sputter. A new hard cup is included in every PPS™ Series 2.0 Lid & Liner kit, and each cup features a clear access window for easier lid removal. A wide, flat sealing plug acts as a base for secure temporary sealing and protection of paint in the cup. It all adds up to the next evolution of the 3M™ PPS™ painting revolution.

IMPROVE EFFICIENCY & MAXIMIZE SHOP SPACE

Side-Load Finishing Systems from Global Finishing Solutions® (GFS) enable vehicles to move quickly and easily between work bays on an integrated track and dolly system. For increased efficiency, GFS Side-Load Systems can be designed with extended tracks. This allows vehicles to be fully taped before entering the booth or prep environment — saving up to 15 minutes per cycle.

globalfinishing.com

| 877-658-7900

BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 85

PAINT HARDWARE

3M™ Performance Spray Gun 3M CANADA

SATA®RPS® – The Original SATA

3M.ca/SprayGun

sata.com/rps

The new 3M Performance Spray Gun is designed for top-of-the-line performance, faster cleanup, faster changeovers and faster cycle times, says 3M. The company says the 3M Performance Spray Gun is 50 percent lighter than other industry sprayers, thanks to impact-resistant composite material. The 3M Performance Spray Gun is designed with automotive topcoats in mind, and the company also offers a variety of atomizing heads. For more information, visit 3M.ca/CollisionSprayGun.

The safe, refillable cup system for professionals: easy, perfect and without compromise. SATA RPS (Rapid Preparation System) is the ideal cup system for shops focusing on perfect finishes and high profitability. RPS makes a painter’s life much easier, considerably increases productivity and drastically reduces the consumption of cleaning solutions and solvents. The RPS system consists of 3 components only: cup - lid - sieve. This keeps the system simple and immediately ready to use. The sieves are available in two different mesh sizes: 125 μm and 200 μm. Please observe the recommendations of each paint manufacturer. Plus, SATA also offers participation in its SATA Loyalty Program, allowing users to collect virtual ‘coins’ with every cup.

MIXIT™ AKZONOBEL Powered by Collision Repair

JUMP START YOUR SEARCH Finding new staff or finding your dream job in this exciting industry has never been easier.

Submit your resume at collisioncommunity.com Multiple positions available across Canada 86 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

akzonobel.com

MIXITTM enables painters to do their jobs faster and more accurate while helping managers save costs by delivering real-time business insights, says AkzoNobel. MIXIT is a web application, making it accessible from any device anywhere, at any time. MIXIT seamlessly integrates our spectrophotometer, Automatchic, and your smart scale, for a smooth, hassle-free process every time. Users benefit from immediate access to our global colour database of more than 2 million formulas, updated in real-time with new colours and variants.

PAINT HARDWARE

DVI Spray Gun DEVILBISS

SATAjet® X 5500 True Soul SATA

devilbissdv1.com

sata.com/true-soul

The DVI Spray Gun by DeVilbiss produces an even distribution of fine, uniformly sized particles that easily wet-up a surface and flawlessly hang on vertical panels. This gun delivers higher application speeds at lower pressures, enhancing the overall productivity and efficiency of the gun. Easy to set-up and easy to use—painters of all levels are able to move quickly and efficiently while replicating nearly any finish virtually effortlessly. Features a quieter application experience from a soft-spraying gun, ultimately making the DV1 more enjoyable to use. Produces an even, stable and consistent spray fan to apply the glass-like clearcoat finish painters know and love. Provides painters the ability to produce a consistent overall finish across the whole work area—with minimal effort— giving painters more control of the spraying process.

The new SATAjet X 5500 True Soul Special Edition is inspiring with its wild, beautiful and vivid design. Colourful, fanciful motifs such as dragons, female beauties, exotic fish, eagles and a skull adorn, among other things, the True Soul—Does the well-known American airbrush artist Leah Gall allow you to catch a glimpse of her own multifaceted, colourful life? Leah Gall, airbrush artist and owner of Finishline Design Inc., designed the legendary SATAjet 4000 B Heart & Soul special edition ten years ago. Her new special edition spray gun is available in HVLP and RP technology, in select “I” and “O” nozzle sets. The True Soul special edition is a standard format spray gun with available adam 2 digital retrofit. The SATA adam 2 displays the spray gun inlet pressure with an accuracy of +/- 0.05 bar. The special edition spray gun SATAjet X 5500 True Soul is fully functional and suitable for daily use in the spray booth.

Custom Design Gun SATA

REVO Rapid OR2 GLOBAL FINISHING SOLUTIONS

sata.com/cdg

globalfinishing.com

The Custom Design Gun (CDG) configurator from SATA sets no limits to your creativity. Choose between the SATAjet X 5500 and SATAjet 5000 B models and design them according to your preferences. With the CDG configurator, you can create your unique SATA product in just a few minutes and clicks. The configurator allows you to place up to five images per side as well as text to the body of the spray gun. Only 3 easy steps to create a unique SATA spray gun: 1. Select SATA model 2. Create design 3. Submit order

Quickly cure filler and coatings with the REVO Rapid OR2 from Global Finishing Solutions® (GFS). Producing high-quality repairs, this compact, two-cassette system is designed for full panel repairs or bodyshops with space restrictions. REVO Rapid OR2 is perfect for smaller, quick repair jobs of one to two panels, and can reach any part of a vehicle. Safely and efficiently cure coatings on two different panels simultaneously, while maintaining the correct temperature. The REVO Rapid OR2 moves easily around a paint booth or prep area with no cords to trip over and includes easy-to-use controls and sensors. BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 87

SOFTWARE AND MANAGEMENT

SMOOTH AS STEEL THE PRODUCTS THAT MAKE RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS EASY

uring the months that humanity hid indoors in 2020, the marketing teams at many organizational management suite providers decided it would be a good idea to inundate the internet with ads about all the impressive things you could do with their particular brand of management software. Makes sense, right? For most people, these ads were an irritation. For members of the collision community, they were an amusement. What was being advertised looked—to anyone who had spent any time in a well-organized auto repair facility in the past two decades—like ancient technology. Where these general-purpose business oversight tools might—just possibly—bring some value to small teams operating on an out-of-office basis for the first time in their history, the specialized software suites used to manage collision businesses have been handling off-site oversight for many years—and far more, to boot! Of course, the businesses that specialize

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in providing management solutions to the collision sector did not rest easy, despite their enormous head start. In fact, many started innovating new ways to simplify auto repair operations in a world that was increasingly averse to interacting. As a result of these innovations, new features allowing for seamless communication between auto repairers, customers, and auto insurers became a standard part of the industry management suite. Of course, to be featured in this edition of the Collision Repair Buyer’s Guide and Business Directory, meeting the industry standard is not enough. In picking our management and software selections for 2021, we looked for the digital solutions that did more than just ape the competition and offered bottom-line improvements over similar products. If you are interested in upgrading the software systems that serve as the backbone of your business, the next few pages have all the updates you need to know about.

New features allowing for seamless communication between auto repairers, customers, and auto insurers became a standard part of the industry management suite.

How are you tracking KPIs sans-management system?!

SOFTWARE AND MANAGEMENT

LeanTec Inventory Management System (IMS) TED GROUP

Quick Check Drive HUNTER ENGINEERING

thetedgroup.ca

hunter.com

You can now keep track of your shop’s clip and fastener inventories with LeanTec secure cabinets, offered by the TED Group. With the most advanced inventory management system in the automotive aftermarket, TED Group says it can save you money by ordering the right inventory at the right time, & the right quantities. Contact us today for more information.

The Quick Check Drive system from Hunter engineering is a fully autonomous diagnostics system. Designed to fully scan a vehicle in just three to five seconds using a total of 12 cameras and 32 laser sensors, this device quickly and easily captures, analyzes and instantly displays accurate data readings. With the option to have it installed as a surface or flush-mounted unit, the Quick Drive Check system fits well in any shop.

Customer Interaction Platform PODIUM

BodyshopConnect MICAZEN

podium.com

bodyshopconnect.com

Podium’s Customer Interaction Platform is designed to help automotive repair businesses enhance their customer experience to promote customer engagement and loyalty. According to the company, Podium’s solution allows you to manage customer communications across multiple channels, from social media to text messaging—all through one handy platform. The platform also allows for real-time customer feedback, which you can reply to either personally or through a series of pre-written personalized prompts. You can even assign specific conversations with customers to certain members of your team. Finally, Podium’s Customer Interaction Platform provides your business with a holistic view of customer communications over time, while simultaneously delivering powerful analytics solutions to your auto repair operations.

BodyshopConnect is a multi-language, cloud based management system for both single or multi-store collision repair facilities. According to Micazen, this easy-to-use software puts the shop owner in the driver’s seat. BodyshopConnect acts as a central hub for the entire shop and helps manage scheduling, production, job costing, KPIs, communications and a whole lot more. Included modules, interfaces and display boards which can be run on any platform and accessed from anywhere allows for real time information and automated communications from your desk or while on the road.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 89

SOFTWARE AND MANAGEMENT

ProgiPlanning PROGI

Direct-Hit, Repair Hotline and Direct Shop Management Systems IDENTIFIX

progi.com

identifix.com

ProgiPlanning is more than software—it’s a state of mind. That is what the minds at Progi are saying about their latest development, with new management software that provides data to help facilities better manage their goals and targets. Setting targets and hitting them is the focus for ProgiPlanning, allowing facilities to find and track their chosen KPIs like margins, gross sales and key-to-key cycle time directly within the software. As well, the ProgiPlanning interface is simple and easy-to-use, to keep shop owners organized and on track at a glance.

Identifix offers databases of continually updated, experience-based information for effectively managing a collision repair facility, thanks to their DirectHit, Repair Hotline and Direct-Shop management systems. Identifix’s Direct-Hit program draws from a database of over 3.5 million real-world fixes, offers OEM removing and replacement procedures, component locations, and even specs and capabilities of all components involved in each repair. More than 100,000 North American business owners rely on the Direct-Hit database and its vast suite of features.

HIRE A TECHNICIAN

Submit your resume at collisioncommunity.com Multiple positions available across Canada 90 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

New products from UnoLiner systems specializing in Frame Equipment and Pulling Rapid Hook

Right Angle Pull Clamp

Bolt-On Pull Clamp

Chain Shortener Double Hook Self-Locking Pull Clamp Universal Clamp 45mm Manual Locking

Swivel Clamp

Pull Clamp with Deep Groove

Double Hook

DON’T GET LEFT BEHIND! SPEED = PROFIT. THE FASTEST SYSTEM ON THE MARKET TODAY! UnoLiner: Swedish origin, Dutch innovation:

About UnoLiner:

Roll-Over Bench

Swedish in origin, UnoLiner has been based in the Netherlands since a new generation of entrepreneurs took the reins in 2013. Starting from the existing UnoLiner chassis straightening systems, they respond to new trends and developments in the car body and chassis repair market. Major improvements have been carried out and the delivery program has been extended to encompass the globe. Drive-On Bench

UnoLiner Systems B.V. has its headquarters in Opmeer, 40 kilometers north of Amsterdam. An enthusiastic team of craftsmen and engineers work on the latest generation of auto chassis straightening and body panel repair systems. Utilizing the solid professional history of the UnoLiner vehicle collision repair and straightening systems, we are always developing and implementing improvements on our continually expanding product range.

Sophisticated Construction: Home of the patented UnoLiner car chassis straightening system, designed to straighten cars, MPVs, pickup trucks, vans, SUVs and other utility vehicles efficiently, fast, and accurately. Our main strengths are user-friendliness and quality. In more than 25 countries, satisfied customers work with UnoLiner auto body panel, chassis straightening, and measuring systems.

In-Ground Bench - level with the ground in it’s lowest position.

RV8E 8 Ton 18V Handheld Ford OEM Approved

P50 5 Ton Electric Push/Pull System

In-Ground Bench

Products: The heavy-duty UnoLiner chassis straightening bench frame serves as a basis for all UnoLiner auto chassis straightening benches. Machined profiles on the bench frame ensure the comprehensive UnoLiner range of equipment such as Draw Aligners, Bench Adapters, Down Pull Adapters, and Chain Guides can easily be attached and used. For flexible and efficient vehicle body and chassis repair work, every UnoLiner chassis straightening bench is equipped with UnoLiner’s “Quick Lock” Chassis Clamps and Bench Adapters.

Call Us Today! 1-905-881-9768 | info@RSFinishing.com | 145 INDUSTRIAL PKWY. UNIT #2 AURORA, ON

PAINTLESS DENT REPAIR

HIGH DEMAND DO’S AND DON’TS THIRD-PARTY AND IN-HOUSE PDR SERVICES USHER CLIENTS THROUGH THE DOOR. WHICH STRATEGY IS BETTER?

By Ros Macdonald

nce considered a sort of “wild west” of auto repair, the PDR (paintless dent repair) sector has been rapidly evolving from an experimental trade to a mainstay in collision repair facilities. Now, service providers must navigate an increasing demand for this still-developing sector of the industry. Collision repair facilities face the dilemma of whether to train in-house PDR technicians or to work with a third-party subcontracted PDR provider. Few trades have undergone a transition as interesting as the PDR sector’s swift rise throughout the past three decades. Beginning as an underrepresented but innovative technique to mend car dents, PDR technicians have worked hard to shake off the

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trade’s reputation as an underdog in auto repair. An initial lack of available tools, an experimental workflow, and a lack of familiarity set the trade on a difficult but rewarding road to success. “We had to prove ourselves,” PDR Canada President Domenic Serra says of how he and his crew began. “If we got a job from a dealership or a used car lot, we would repair a car for free just to show them what we could do. We slowly started making headway”. To put it bluntly, “I did this trade scared until I did it skilled.” However, the benefits of PDR quickly began to outweigh its initial risks. The process became increasingly rapid, efficient, and eco-friendly. Not to mention, it allowed technicians to preserve the car’s original

paint job. “The PDR techniques and tools today are phenomenal. We’re able to fix very complex dents, glue pull deeper dents, and fix large oil-can dents with all of the improvements over the last decade,” asserts Director of Hail Specialist Canada, Ricky Chin. His Calgary company was founded in 2009 and has established temporary repair centres across the Prairies and into Ontario that can perform up to 200 repairs a week at peak capacity. Repair facilities offering PDR are also able to tap into an additional market— damage from weather-related issues and small dents unrelated to collisions. “They can offer discounts on dent repair while having collision repair done. Most vehicles have door dents on them, it is more con-

PAINTLESS DENT REPAIR

DEVELOPING A SUBCONTRACTED RELATIONSHIP WITH A PDR COMPANY INCENTIVIZES THE PDR TECHNICIANS TO DO THEIR BEST WORK, SO THEY CAN TURN COLLISION REPAIR FACILITIES INTO RETURNING CLIENTS.

venient for clients to have the dents fixed while their vehicles are in the bodyshop than to bring their vehicles in just to get some small dents fixed,” says Hail Specialist’s Ricky Chin. The increasing significance of the PDR sector has given rise to some debate as to whether collision repair facilities ought to work with external PDR providers or develop their own PDR department. The trade has become so prominent that it is now being taught in mainstream collision repair training programs, making it easy to include PDR in a facility’s repertoire. On the other hand, the training tends to stick to the most basic techniques of this complex and constantly evolving craft, raising the question of whether it’s better to leave this service to the experts. “Your best option is to partner with a reputable PDR company that has a strong mix of work and a large team of technicians,” says Bing Wong of Canadian Hail Repair. “If you train your own staff they will leave as soon as your work dries up or as soon as there is a major hail storm.” Developing a subcontracted relationship with a PDR company also incentivizes the

PDR technicians to do their best work, so they can turn collision repair facilities into returning clients. Devon Fenton of DCC Hail points out, “Just like good bodyshops, established and reputable PDR vendors don’t massively discount their work but will provide better repairs leading to repeat clients.” Additionally, PDR companies can bring new clients through the door, who are receiving PDR through insurance companies’ Direct Repair Programs. “In fact, I have started to see some of our collision partners advertising the fact that they offer PDR services for hail damage,” says Serra. “They know it is what drivers are looking for.”

“PDR is a real game-changer. Working with PDR firms can bring in business to collision facilities, improve cycle times, and improve a business’s relationship with customers and auto insurers,” says Domenic Serra. “It is a win-win-win.” And the benefits offered by the PDR sector don’t stop here. The industry is venturing into glue pull repair, a process for heavy-duty collision repair that is less invasive and less time-consuming than some of the conventional methods. Whether bringing the services in-house or partnering with a PDR firm, one thing is clear—paintless dent repair has established itself as a cornerstone of the industry.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 93

NON STRUCTURAL REPAIR

MAKING A DENT

WHY PDR PROVIDERS ARE THRIVING EVEN AS THE TECHNIQUE GOES MAINSTREAM

he paintless dent repair (PDR) sector was once known as a specialized service, reserved for out-of-house PDR experts. Not even PDR is an exception to the ever-changing nature of the collision repair industry. In fact, its transition from a specialized service into a mainstay service of progressive auto repairers everywhere has been rapid. That said, many facilities feel that the advantages offered by working with a PDR provider still outweigh the advantages of bringing those services in-house. Part of the reason that these third-party services remain successful is that, while the basics of PDR are now being taught in mainstream collision repair training programs, few providers have taken the technique significantly far beyond the basics. When hail strikes, it can be difficult for these repair facilities to offer competitively priced hail repair solutions. “Collision repair facilities can promote PDR on dents that are not related to collision repair to increase sales,” says Ricky Chin of Hail Specialists. “They can offer discounts on dent repair while having collision repair

94 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

done. Most vehicles have door dents on them, it is more convenient for clients to have the dents fixed while their vehicles are in the bodyshop than to bring their vehicles in just to get some small dents fixed.” Like Chin, Devon Fenton of DCC Hail

Partnering with an established PDR company and potentially incorporating some of the collision repair PDR methods available can really help a shop increase its bottom line.

believes that the business case for working with a subcontracted PDR firm is one that many firms would be wise to consider.

“I’d encourage collision industry representatives to view PDR companies as partners. Partnering with an established PDR company and potentially incorporating some of the collision repair PDR methods available can really help a shop increase its bottom line,” says Fenton. Bing Wong of Canadian Hail Repair also makes the case for subcontracting PDR work, and says that subcontracted services have significant advantages over hiring in-house PDR technicians full-time. The relationship between collision facility and PDR service provider can be a twoway street. “Just like good bodyshops, established and reputable PDR vendors don’t massively discount their work, but will provide better repairs leading to repeat clients,” says Fenton. “PDR companies with direct repair program (DPR) relationships may also have the ability to drive work to bodyshop partners. In fact, I have started to see some of our collision partners advertising the fact that they offer PDR services for hail damage,” says Serra. “They know it is what drivers are looking for.”

NON STRUCTURAL REPAIR

Mini-Ductor Venom HP INDUCTION INNOVATIONS

Professional Training For PDR Techs PDR CANADA

theinductor.com

pdrcanada.ca

The Mini-Ductor Venom HP from Induction Innovations utilizes “Invisible Heat” technology. The Venom HP works up to 90 percent faster than conventional methods, according to Induction Innovations. It can be used on struts, calipers, bolts, lugnuts and exhaust manifolds. This kit comes with a carrying case, a ⅞-inch pre-formed coil, a U-form coil and a Bearing Buddy coil.

PDR Canada uses industry leading tools and training exclusive to PDR Canada to repair vehicles. We train PDR Techs how to fix minor dents and door dings, as well as more advanced Paintless Dent Repair methods. Call Domenic Serra at 780-953-4739 or email domenic@pdrcanada.ca for further information on which programs are running.

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BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 95

RECYCLING

A CUT ABOVE FIREFIGHTERS COMPETE IN AUTO-EXTRICATION COMPETITION AT STANDARD AUTO WRECKERS

By Allison Rogers Photos by Max Reid

The Auto-Ex competition takes place in two parts. First, firefighters will remove passengers from sideimpact collisions, followed by more intricate crash setups where the use of hydraulic tools is permitted.

96 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

t may have been one of October’s chilliest mornings yet, but that did nothing to dampen the vigour of Markham, Ont. and Oakville, Ont.’s firefighter crews, who competed in the annual Auto-Ex Competition at Standard Auto Wreckers on October 22. David Gold, the owner of Standard Auto Wreckers, was generous enough to host the Markham and Oakville firefighting crews for a full day of training, with a little competition added to the mix. The two teams were competing in the annual Auto-Ex Competition, which sees firefighters complete tasks in collision scene safety, vehicle stabilization, extrication and patient care. Auto-Ex competitions have been a staple to the Ontario firefighting community since 1984, but this year marked Markham’s first time competing. Dummies are placed in crushed vehicles in various positions to simulate a real collision. Teams are then given 20 minutes to get the patients out of their vehicles. Each scenario is staged with real vehicles that are crushed together alongside other props—in last Friday’s case, dummy hydro wires and a propane tank. Markham’s first task was to retrieve a passenger from a side-impact collision, while Oakville was given a side-impact collision with the car of focus flipped on its side.

RECYCLING

David Gold poses with the Auto-Ex trophy.

The coveted Markham Auto-Ex Competition trophy.

Firefighters were allowed to use hydraulic tools in the second portion of the competition to remove the dummy passengers from vehicles.

Ray Lalonde of Markham Fire and Andrew Marchand, one of Oakville Fire’s team leads share the winning trophy.

L to R: David Gold, owner of Standard Auto Wreckers; Markham Fire Chief Adam Grant and Markham Fire’s Brad Sterling.

The second phase of the competition involved more intricate situations and allowed for the use of hydraulic tools. Both teams had been training at Standard since early September. “This is a big deal for us,” said Fire Chief for Markham Fire Adam Grant. “We’re on a journey to modernize—we’re a new department, it’s not your grandfather’s department anymore.” At the end of the day, the Oakville team walked away with the coveted Auto-Ex trophy. “We couldn’t have done this without Standard Auto Wreckers,” said Chief Grant. “We’re absolutely thrilled to have this space and partner with you. You’ve all been absolutely incredible.” For more information, visit the website standardautowreckers.com. BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 97

RECYCLING

CIRCULAR REASONING GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, GOOD FOR YOU

uring the height of the coronavirus pandemic, Dave Flockhart, chief operating officer of BETAG, said collision repair businesses could significantly boost their productivity and gross profit margins by embracing a ‘repair first’ mindset, post-pandemic. “More total loss vehicles means more competition for repairable vehicles,” Flockhart says, suggesting that businesses invest in their team’s repairing skillsets. “Take those lower experienced technicians or apprentices and develop them. Upskill and motivate. I’m not suggesting that a repair-first mindset is the only way to drive gross profit and labour margins,” Flockhart says. “But it can yield both early and long-term benefits.” Using data from a BETAG case study on nearly 100 independent repair facilities, Flockhart says nearly all facilities saw an increase in repair percentages after embracing a “repair first ethos.” Success factors were based on both communication and effective training. To really reduce the cost of repairs though, many businesses are turning to the use of recycled OEM parts—which is, ironically, part of the reason that auto salvage costs have been able to rise, despite an increase in the actual number of vehicles being sold as salvage.

98 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

While many repairers are not taking advantage of recycled OEM parts, insurers are becoming more and more engaged with the circular economy’s benefits. This increase has been fueled by a thriving auto dismantling sector, which, in the United States, saw total sales of $25 billion in 2018 and $32 billion in 2020. Of course, as the price of recycled parts increases, so does the value of salvage vehicles. Despite the increase in vehicles marked as total losses, the market for total loss vehicles is heating up. For stockholders of auto auction businesses, this has meant big returns. Since the beginning of 2018, North America’s largest salvage auctioneer, Copart, has seen its value more than double. Its competitor Adesa has seen its value rise by 26.5 percent in the same period. To stay ahead in their highly profitable field, each business is working to make

their relationship with auto recyclers better than the competition. Among the recent trends in auction digital platforms are ones designed to provide clearer indications of the state a vehicle is in through HD imagery, with panoramic shots of every car placed on the block. Another is the addition of the 24-7 auctions and multi-lane bidding. Some auction providers have also moved into 24-hour customer support. Now, though, these business techniques— which have simplified the sale of raw auto salvage—are being repurposed by members of the auto recycling community in its efforts to sell directly to the collision sector. In this chapter, we look at the tools that are helping auto recyclers extract the most value from their salvaged vehicles, and the tools allowing them to deliver more of those cost-savings directly to the repair community. Read on, and discover why in the circular economy, everyone is a winner.

RECYCLING

Buffalo Engine Components BUFFALO ENGINE

Integrated Car Part Pro CAR-PART.COM

buffaloengine.com

car-part.com

Buffalo Engine Components has been a player in the automotive parts recycling industry since 1981. First as a warehouse distributor of used engines and transmissions, we have grown towards buying and selling automotive scrap metal to add to Buffalo Engine Components’ diversity. Buffalo Engine was able to complete the installation of two 6mm BTU/HR MAX4000SP Aluminum Sweat Furnaces in February of 2016. Each single pour RSI sow produced by these furnaces weighs approximately 2,000 pounds [1 ton, 907 kg]. Buffalo Engine produces sows with consistent chemistry as only scrap aluminum engines and transmissions from this core business are used in the re-melt process.

Car Part Pro, by Car-Part.com, is an online auto parts marketplace designed for the professional repair industry. Car Part Pro gives collision repairers access to the largest alternative parts marketplace. It offers enhanced part availability, with over 4000 suppliers plus their supply chains. Car Part Pro features real time inventory and delivery information, plus warranty and other service level information. Car Part Pro search results include vehicle and part images. Integrated Car Part Pro (iPro) integrates with all three major estimating systems.

Carcone’s Auto Recycling CARCONE’S AUTO RECYCLING

Cardinal Couriers CARDINAL COURIERS

carcone.com

cardinalcouriers.com

Aurora, Ontario is home to Carcone’s; 24-year auto recycling veterans that offer the highest standard of finishing on recycled rims and wheels. Carcone’s guarantees customer satisfaction thanks to their exact paint matching, powder coating finishing and free pickup, paired with a oneyear, 100 percent warranty. The company also offers competitive rates for standard ground service shipping and provides 24-48 hour shipping to all customers. Carcone’s utilizes state-of-the-art equipment to provide customers with a like-new finish on all O.E.M. and aftermarket wheels.

What would you do with the extra time? Cardinal Couriers can give you back time and help you start your business day earlier with Cardinal’s pre-8 a.m. transportation solutions. Cardinal understands the value of time, and that’s why the company’s unique night network provides a competitive advantage where first to market comes standard. Optimize your sales, improve customer service, loyalty and increase profitability through Cardinal’s unique night network with unattended pickups and deliveries. BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 99

RECYCLING

eLink HOLLANDER

United Recyclers Group UNITED RECYCLERS GROUP

hollandersolutions.com

u-r-g.com

The eLink listing tool from eBay Motors and Hollander makes it easy for you to list and market your parts on eBay, providing preferential pricing and reducing the costs associated with selling on eBay. The eLink tool offers to customers a unique Hollander rate card which gives free listing, low final value sales fees, as well as a free subscription to eBay’s Selling Manager Pro tools. Customers will also be given access to a dedicated eBay account management team and support from the merchant support organization.

With the mission to the lead the industry in the supply of superior products and services tailored to the operational needs of automotive recyclers, the United Recyclers Group is focused on enhancing the ability of its members to improve business efficiencies, increase profit margins, improve parts data integrity and security and achieve long-term growth through technology and education. URG operates more than 700 automotive recycling locations across Canada and the U.S. and has been providing effective business solutions for automotive recyclers since its inception.

PMR Catalytic Converter Recycling PMR

Rebuilder’s Automotive Supply REBUILDER’S AUTOMOTIVE SUPPLY

pmrcc.com

coresupply.com

PMR is an industry-leading catalytic converter processor that has built a reputation based on excellent service and innovative technology. The business has developed steadily since 1996 to include three processing locations within North America, all growing exponentially in the last three years. With PMR, you are partnering with a processor that is revolutionizing the industry, offering assay results and full settlement in 10 business days. Our exclusive Supplier Services Platform offers our suppliers the ability to accurately evaluate, profitably purchase, and effectively manage all catalyst materials.

Celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2022, Rebuilders Automotive Supply (RAS) has been at the centre of the automotive circular economy since 1972, sourcing cores from the auto recycling industry to supply leading remanufacturers across the globe. Expanding into catalytic converters, RAS has become one of the dominant independent processors in the US and Canadian market. Refiners extract precious metals from the catalyst, which are then returned to the marketplace. In the last ten years, major Automakers have called RAS to assist in the retrieval and disposal of lethal recalled auto parts. Partnering with thousands of businesses in the automotive end-of-life industry, RAS has been instrumental in reducing injury and death in North America. With over 125 Employees in its Rhode Island and Florida facilities, RAS is poised to continue its growth with an eye toward the future.

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RECYCLING

Recycling with a difference LACERO SOLUTIONS

United Catalyst Corporation UNITED CATALYST CORPORATION

lacerosolutions.com

unitedcatalystcorporation.com

Based in Ontario, Lacero Solutions is an innovative automotive recycling company specializing in safe, localized and economical recycling solutions for airbag and seatbelt tensioners. It is helping OEMs, auto recyclers and waste management companies in safely managing, destroying, and disposing both recalled Takata and defective non-Takata airbags along with seatbelt tensioners. Lacero Solutions offers full custom recycling programs for all airbags & seatbelt tensioners, comprehensive tracking and individualized destruction certificates, Airbag Buyback solutions for OEMs, downstream recycling and logistics tie ups to enable efficient transit and maximum material recovery from the waste stream.

United Catalyst Corporation has been offering processing and refining services for recyclers for the past 29 years. United Catalyst Corporation works to maximize each recycler’s load no matter the size, every step of the way, from processing to refining and selling metal. United Catalyst Corporation has also been an active associate member of many industry groups, including Ontario Auto Recyclers (OARA), Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA), United Recyclers Group (URG), Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), and the International Precious Metals Institute (IPMI).

Recycling Equipment and Services ELV SELECT elvselect.com

ELV Select has been serving the Canadian recycling industry with top-quality equipment and service. This includes a comprehensive line of ATEX certified drainage equipment for the end-of-life vehicles as well as safe high voltage dismantling equipment for the end-of-life electric vehicles for SEDA International. ELV Select also offers metal processing equipment like grapples, engine pullers, mobile shears from CMB and stationary shears and balers from Taurus. A new line of products was recently added from ECOHOG which includes eddy current systems, wind shifters and picking stations to service the recycling, biomass and construction and demolition waste industries. We also continue to offer top-tier service with our dedicated service team and our spare parts supply stored at our local inventory warehouse.

MEET THE PROS OF THE CANADIAN AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLING INDUSTRY

Follow Canadian Auto Recyclers

Visit or subscribe to canadianrecycler.ca today! BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 101

TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES

SMALL BUT MIGHTY SUCCESS IS THE SUM OF ITS PARTS

If a tool offers ten minutes of time savings for one of your staff members over the course of a day, you have just freed up more than one week of time over the course of the year.

or every impressive, shiny new piece of equipment purchased by collision repair businesses, there are hundreds of pieces of equipment that have—since time immemorial—been designed in a surprisingly similar way. Were a modern collision repairer to— by some magical accident—find herself transported into the bronze age; she might well find herself employed as a repairer of chariots. The fundamentals of this progenitor profession would be, after all, quite like her 21st-century role. In fact, with a toolbox consisting of hammers, drills, buffers, and sanders, she would already be an expert in the use of all the tools required for her new (or, rather, very old) trade. At first, the transition seems breezy. But the differences between the ancient

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versions of modern staple tools become apparent after the first day. A bronze hammer—being less dense than a modern steel one—would be far more unwieldy at the same weight and require more swings to make as significant an impact on a chariot quarter panel. The drill—which, without electricity, would have to be hand turned—would also burn through the time-traveler’s calories at an astounding rate. In general—thanks to the three millennia of microscopic improvements between the repairer’s two sets of equipment, she would find that she was able to work at a far slower pace in her new period. Of course, from our perspective, it is easy to overlook the microscopic improvements that occur with each year’s latest tools. But, whether we are paying attention to these

latest innovations, the effect they can have on a businesses’ overall success should not be overlooked. While some slight changes to technology might seem like mere gimmicks, the advantages can help repair facilities save incredible amounts in the long term. If a tool offers ten minutes of time savings for one of your staff members over the course of a day, you have just freed up more than one week of time over the course of the year. To help hammer home this point, the Collision Repair magazine team has chosen a selection of products that demonstrate these microscopic innovations over the next few pages. Read on to nail down your facility’s tool purchase wish list for 2021. Some deceivingly big business advantages are but a page-turn away!

TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES

40-EP02 Battery Operated SPR Riveter ARSLAN AUTOMOTIVE

PR-5 Mobile Riveting and Bonding Station PROSPOT

arslanauto.com

prospot.com

Arslan Automotive’s 40-EP02 Battery Operated SPR Riveter includes a memory card, adjustable pressure settings, a battery, charger, 40mm C arm, SPR rivet installation/extraction die set and a carry case for added convenience. The Ford-approved CMO hydraulic riveter is ideal for repairs needing selfpiercing rivets and blind rivets. With its quick-change dies, extractors and C-arms, the CMO Riveter is fast and versatile, and automatically retracts to its neutral position once rivet is set. Also easily extracts rivets.

Pro Spot International’s riveting and bonding mobile workstation has everything techs need to complete riveting and adhesive jobs in one versatile unit. The station comes with six heavy-duty locking drawers to store rivets and bonding tools. It also provides bonding tools, storage space, heavy-duty casters, onboard tool storage, the PR-5 riveter, the 55mm and 80mm arms, a blind rivet adapter, a charging station, two lithium-ion batteries, and the Ford F series die kit, and an android tablet. It also has two110v power outlets, four USB outlets, and two compressed air outlets.

Celette Camelon TITANIUM TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT titanium22.com

The Camelon is the new universal jig set from Celette. This set gives you all the benefits of dedicated Jigs without the rental. You can now build any jig for any car with a kit that fits nicely into 2 mobile cabinets. The foam inserts are clearly labelled making identifying the parts required quick and easy. With the Premium version you can hold 16 locations simultaneously including areas with complex angles like shock towers. Cameleon uses cloud-based software that is always up to date to produce a set up sheet for the vehicle you require. An electronic measure system is not required to set the jig so there is no need to purchase a new measuring system to use Cameleon. BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 103

TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES

60-TM750FK Accuweld Arc Dent Puller System ARSLAN AUTOMOTIVE

Xpress800 TITANIUM TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

arslanauto.com

titanium22.com

The Accuweld Arc Dent Puller System is a high-end synergic welder with programs dedicated to aluminium and steel. It repairs dents and straightens thin metal sheets especially aluminium. This system offers different functions for many uses on carbody repair. Includes colour graphic display with simple and intuitive user interface,customizable and storable programs with SD-Card to update and add programs. Quick and easy to use, it does not require gas. Accuweld is a registered trademark of Arslan Automotive.

The Xpress800 is a modular, air over hydraulic riveting system made in Germany by Wielander Schill. The quick-change mechanism allows you to switch heads quickly without additional tools eliminating the need for multiple devices. Built to be light and easy to use, Xpress is designed to meet all of your riveting needs from installing blind rivets, rivet nuts, SPR, flow form, calibrating and hole punching. Xpress is approved for Ford, GM, JLR, Mercedes Benz and Tesla. Supplied and serviced by factory-trained technicians in Canada, many kits are available based on your needs and budget.

Ion Spot Anti-Static Gun PRO SPOT

Tire Stock PAINT SOURCE

prospot.com

paintsource.ca

The Ion Spot is a tool designed to eliminate static electricity from any material that is being readied for painting. The tool works on compressed air only, has no electrical input, no batteries, no charging devices. It can be used on all surfaces where electrostatic discharge is a problem—plastic, aluminum, or steel. It will remove static electricity for up to 40 minutes, though ideally, painting should be done within 15 minutes of application. Removing the static electrical charge from the workpiece keeps dust and other particles from collecting on surfaces and provides a cleaner and smoother finished painted surface.

Tire Stock is a reliable tire supplier, according to the company. For those spending too much time looking for a particular tire for an insurance replacement, and simply cannot find it, Tire Stock can be a great resource. They have access to over 50 brands of tires, including all those hard to find tire brands. They also carry all the top brands, including Michelin, Bridgestone, Goodyear, Yokohama and more. With great customer service coupled with plenty of experience and knowledge, Tire Stock promises to meet the needs of their clients.

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TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES

New Pull Up! Repair System (Light) SPANESI

Weld Drill PRO SPOT

spanesi-americas.com

prospot.com

The PULL UP! repair system from Spanesi is now available in the Light version. This slimmed-down package features the same innovative cold repair process to repair damaged steel or aluminum panels as the Standard and Full versions. The PULL UP! Light incorporates high-quality steel-reinforced suction cups and a unique glue formation to restore the shape of body panels. Repairs are performed using slide hammers or with optional electro-pullers or the new HIRO system.

The Pro Spot Weld Drill is a tool that separates pieces of steel by drilling out spot welds while leaving one side intact. The weld drill comes with carbide drill bits that are safely used on today’s high-strength steels, including boron. A unique PVD coating increases the hardness to 3000 Vickers (HV) and operates at temperatures up to 1200 °F. They also have two blade geometry, rather than three, providing more material around the blades. This makes the blades much more resistant to impacts and vibrations while increasing their lifetime.

110/220 Volt Hydraulic Catalytic Converter Cutter SUPERSHEAR

Airopower 53 Mini Frame Machine TITANIUM TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

supershears.com

titanium22.com

SuperShear’s new hydraulic catalytic converter cutter is designed to deliver superior results with single location processing. This new unit delivers 3,000-3,500 psi to the patented cutting head for superior cutting, and voltage is reduced to 24 VDC for operator safety. The hydraulic unit is mounted on a two-wheel cart with 10.5-inch polyurethane “no flat” tires. The SuperShear is shipped with 23 feet of braided hydraulic hose connected to the patented cutting head.

Airopower is a pneumatic 5.25 tons push and pull ram that eliminates the problem of leaking porta powers. With the option of either onehand operation or utilizing the included remote cable, it is an easy-to-use product, according to Titanium Tools and Equipment. The company goes on to say that 60 percent of repairs done using a frame machine or floor system can be completed using the Airopower with the optional 53 – piece accessory kit. Faster than setting up a second puller, Airopower System complements any brand of frame machine. BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 105

TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES

CMO SPR Hydraulic Riveter WEDGE CLAMP

50-Wav-5 Air Operated Immersion Separator Dustless Sanding Vacuum ARSLAN AUTOMOTIVE

wedgeclamp.com

arslanauto.com

Wedge Clamp’s CMO SPR hydraulic riveter comes with case, traceability software, battery with indicator lights and charging station. Ford-approved, it’s ideal for repairs needing self-piercing rivets, flow-form rivets and blind rivets. The device boasts electro-hydraulic pump generating eight tons of force and automatically retracts once set force is reached. Plus, it offers quick-change dies and C-arms, as well as ultra-quiet operation.

Arslan Dustless Sanding Vacuums are specifically designed for aluminum and steel bodywork to safely vacuum the hazardous dust generated during surface preparation, coating removal and body repair in the automotive industry. Arslan explosion proof/dust ignition proof immersion separator vacuums are designed to safely vacuum explosive, flammable, combustible conductive dusts. Our immersion separator system neutralizes explosive, conductive, combustible dust by submerging it into a neutralizing liquid bath, rendering it inert and eliminating any risk of fire or explosion. These explosion proof vacuums comply with NFPA 484 guidelines and are an effective tool for good housekeeping practise as per OSHA.

HIRO Pulling Column SPANESI

Innovative Tools – Spray Gun Cabinets SPECIALITY PRODUCT SALES

spanesi-americas.com

innovativetools.com spsales.com

Spanesi has released their newest tool to support fast and efficient repairs within the collision repair facility. The Spanesi HIRO is a portable vertical pulling column that includes a ram driven by either pneumatic, battery, or manual hand tools to deliver up to 5 tons of pulling power without needing a structural repair bench. The HIRO includes an adjustable base plate used to position the column against the vehicle pinch welds. The HIRO is configurable to allow for down-pulls at low angles. Options include the below-wheel counter-pull kit to secure the HIRO using a vehicle from an adjoining repair bay and the powerful Electropuller for precise pulling control. 106 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

Innovative Tools & Technologies introduces locking spray gun cabinets. The door is designed to flip up and stay out of your way, and the digital cabinet lock will keep your expensive spray guns safe and secure. Inside the cabinet is able to hold up to six guns, and the deluxe model of the cabinet has an additional mounting bar underneath for holding three more spray guns with cups. Boasting heavy duty construction, a powder coat finish, and lifetime warranty, this cabinet embodies everything technicians have come to associate with Innovative Tools. Represented in Canada by Speciality Product Sales.

SCANNING AND ESTIMATION

A SCANNER-SMARTLY CLEVER CARS REQUIRE CLEVER TOOLS

To prevent supplemental work from slowing down the process at your business, a thorough pre-scan is necessary.

f there is one thing that the introduction of widespread pre-and post-repair scanning has brought to the industry, it is a widespread realization about how much insufficient estimation processes result in unnecessary work—the last thing any busy business needs. As Kelly Roberts, long-time collision repair manager who now works with AirPro Diagnostics recently put it: “Unfortunately, cursory inspections are dangerously insufficient. Modern automobiles are engineered to absorb impacts, and spread them throughout a vehicle—meaning damage almost always isn’t going to be apparent.” Some—though not all—of this not-so-easily recognized damage will be registered in a vehicle’s computer system. To prevent supplemental work from slowing down the process at your business, a thorough pre-scan is necessary. A thorough and exhaustive search, unfortunately. Vehicles today can utilize over 50 individual

modules containing large amounts of generic and manufacturer-specific data. A vehicle’s system could have 100 million lines of code programmed to operate all of its functions, which equates to nearly twice the data processing requirements of your home PC, or ten times the data processing requirements of your smartphone. And don’t forget: smart cars are still relatively new. This info-glob is only going to grow. A repaired vehicle must have all of these modules scanned and functioning normally to ensure the vehicle is safe for the road. While performing pre-and post- scans is no longer up for debate, the matter of how these should be performed remains an open question. What the best scanning method to use for your shop is a decision you will have to make for yourself. OEM scan tools that are available through dealerships are not necessarily a sensible option for unaffiliated repairers. Using them

can have a deleterious effect on shop KPIs. Generic third-party scan tools provide an inexpensive way for collision facilities to access this information but do not necessarily have the ability to read all of the vehicle’s control modules, and do not contain the software to retrieve all the manufacturer-specific data from these modules. Another concern is that many errors from these modules will not illuminate a light on the dash or give any other indication of a problem. Then, there are the remote diagnostic scanning options. Performed and analyzed by trained automotive service technicians utilizing OEM licensed software offsite, these services cut the guesswork and research time down by producing a full report with recommended repair procedures. A quick scan of the options included in this section should, however, help give you a solid sense of what to expect, and what to consider. BUYER’S BUYER’SGUIDE GUIDE2020 2022 107

SCANNING AND ESTIMATION

The Future of Claims Tech SOLERA | AUDATEX

asTech Duo ASTECH

audatex.ca

astech.com

Qapter – Solera’s new end-to-end automotive claims workflow platform – streamlines the claims process by combining their patent pending Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Machine Learning and Deep Learning technologies. The result is a single, smart claims platform paired with an expansive, world class data set that gets smarter by the day.

A powerful all-in-one solution for all your scanning, diagnostic, and calibration needs. Includes OEM and verified OEM compatible scan tools in a single device, ADAS identification and information, plus remote calibrations. Support from ASE and I-CAR certified technicians. Visit us at asTech.com/contact to learn more.

MaxiSYS IA800 Intelligent ADAS AUTEL

Optimize shop production and communication CARBEAT®

maxisysadas.com

carbeat.com

Autel’s fast, accurate, and easy MaxiSYS IA800 Intelligent ADAS is an optical positioning system for the Autel Standard Calibration Frame. Includes 6 hi-res cameras, wheel clamps, targets, and a power supply. It supplies complete ADAS calibration frame positioning in as little as one minute and allows users to do away with mechanical measurement, while reducing setup time and increasing positioning accuracy. Check alignment tolerances prior to calibration. All purchases include a oneyear limited warranty. 108 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

Seeking to maximize efficiency in your body shop? If the answer is yes, meet Carbeat. It helps you optimize your body shop’s production and communication flow, and so much more. Carbeat is a patented software system combined with a large digital touch-screen that is customized to suit your business, operated by your own associates. As an interactive tool, Carbeat provides a detailed look at your production in each independent phase of the repair. Plus, with built-in departmental analysis and reporting of cycle times and bottlenecks, it helps you better control production and process flow and increases your shop’s profitability and efficiency.

SCANNING AND ESTIMATION

Remote Diagnostics Scanner AIRPRO DIAGNOSTICS

MA600 Mobile All Systems Calibration Package AUTEL

airprodiagnostics.com

maxisysadas.com

AirPro Diagnostics offers the most advanced remote scanning, diagnostic, programming, and calibration services available today. AirPro utilizes OEM software as well as comprehensive multi-brand diagnostic applications directly connected to the vehicle. AirPro is an OEM validated solution that is remotely operated by a team of skilled brand specialist diagnosticians, fixing the vehicle right – the first time!

The MA600 Mobile All Systems Calibration Package includes a MA600 mobile frame, all systems calibration package and ADAS software upgrade. LDW Patterns/Targets for Alpha Romeo, Honda, VW, Mercedes, Hyundai/ Kia, Nissan, Infiniti, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Subaru, and Toyota/Lexus are available. RCW patterns/package for VW, Nissan, Mercedes and Lidar, and calibration for VW/Audi, Lexus, Toyota are available. It includes an ACC reflector package, doppler reflector, radar plate, continental radar package, corner reflector and a hitachi radar plate.

IA800

INTELLIGENTADAS OPTICAL POSITIONING SYSTEM FASTEST, EASIEST & MOST PRECISE SETUP

WHEEL CLAMP & TARGETS

2 Wheel Clamps for ADAS Calibration 4 Wheel Clamps for Alignment Verification

6 HIGH RESOLUTION CAMERAS Provides 3-Dimension Optical Recognition for most accurate frame measurement

NO MORE

MECHANICAL MEASURES

BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 109

WELDING

BLAST FORWARD THE FUTURE IS HEATING UP

t is a safe bet that the way your business conducted welds in the first decade of the 20th century has changed in the 2010s. It is also a safe bet that the 2020s will bring even more significant changes to your business’s approach. The substances used to build modern automobiles are changing at an unprecedented rate. New steels, some patented by OEMs, are finding their way into blueprints, just as quickly as aluminum alloy alternatives. This isn’t going to change any time soon. If Acumen Research and Consulting is to be believed, the producers of automotive aluminum alloys can expect to see their market grow by more than ten percent per year until 2027. The introduction of new materials such as ultra-high-strength steels, aluminum,

The substances used to build modern automobiles are changing at an unprecedented rate. The spot welders of today often come with automatic detection, meaning the tool can detect what kind of material it is welding and exactly what is required for a proper weld.

and carbon fibre into modern vehicle designs means that welding has become far more complicated than it used to be. It also means that the consequences of welding badly are far more serious. This is a particular problem for repairers working with high-strength steels, some of which lose structural integrity at the molecular level if subject to excessive heating. There are OEM-approved approaches to performing repairs on vehicles with these complicated materials. These methods include squeeze-type resistance spot welders (STRSW), MIG/MAG Pulse Welders, rivet bonding, and panel bonding. In some instances, all four methods can be used when repairing. The use of

110 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

resistance spot welders has been adapted by OEMs due to the introduction of ultrahigh-strength steels. So, how does a collision facility invest in building the welding infrastructure needed to operate on the vehicles of the 2020s? Well—by remembering the basics—and investing in the tools needed to make it easier for your teams to get the welding process right as quickly and reliably as possible. In this edition, the Collision Repair magazine team has been somewhat brazen in its willingness to highlight welding hardware that isn’t just capable of conducting a certain type of weld, but capable of reducing the risk of misuse as possible. Read through, and prepare to have your heart melted.

WELDING

i4s Smart Spot Welder PRO SPOT

60-3680 TECNA Automatic Smart Inverter Resistance Spot Welder ARSLAN AUTOMOTIVE

prospot.com

arslanauto.com

The i4s Smart Spot Welder has many useful features, from the auto-weld mode that adjusts to the weld as it’s occurring, to the built-in Wi-Fi allowing users to quickly connect for access to training videos, materials and OEM procedures. Along with instant communication and easy customization for maintaining records and monitoring workflow, the i4s has recently received a Tesla approval, along with a handful of other Pro Spot systems, thus adding another OEM designation to Pro Spot’s already extensive list. All i4s Spot Welders purchased in North America since 2018 are now covered under our new 5 year warranty program.

The TECNA Automatic Smart Inverter Resistance Spot Welder from Arslan Automotive can recognize types and thicknesses of metals and set all parameters automatically. The tool features a water-cooled transformer gun to help optimize your productivity and increase duty cycle. Plus, a support arm with balancer helps for safe and comfortable operation. A new touch screen with intuitive graphic design lets you choose between Automatic Smart+,Quick and Full modes, while an ergonomic, compact and stable cart allows for easy transportation throughout the facility. Also, Wi-Fi, enabled for factory updates and diagnostics.

14500A Welding Machine SPANESI

Mini-Weld Model 7 Airless Plastic Welder POLYVANCE

spanesi-americas.com

polyvance.com

The 14,500A welder is fully automatic with material recognition using the SMART Auto-Set feature and can weld all types of steel, including high strength and advanced high strength steels. The inverter ensures excellent penetration into the substrates and features automatic thickness recognition. Manual adjustments are also available to allow the operator to adjust the welding parameters. Weld validations are recorded for each weld, saved, and able to be exported for each job. The welding machine has a new touch screen feature and a sliding rail boom system. This model is lighter than the previous welding machine, smaller, and easier to position for challenging welding applications.

Polyvance’s Mini-Weld Model 7 Airless Plastic Welder is a complete kit that you can use to repair all kinds of plastic. You will be able to weld high-melting-point plastics quickly and easily with the 200 watt ceramic core element. With seven types of standard welding rod, users can match virtually any type of automotive plastic. Problem plastics like TEO, TPO, and Polypropylene are no problem with the included FiberFlex universal rod. The kit includes two different welder tips for applying all of the included welding rod. The temperature control box allows you to dial in the perfect temperature for welding. BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 111

WELDING

8203 Nitro-Fuzer Nitrogen Plastic Welder POLYVANCE

Automotive Repair Technician Welding Program CWB CONSULTING

polyvance.com

cwbgroup.org

Polyvance recently updated its sixth-generation welder with a more robust quick-disconnect hose-to-handle connection. The 8203 Nitro-Fuzer welds plastic with hot nitrogen gas for a stronger weld on every type of plastic. The welder has an onboard membrane-style nitrogen generator which eliminates the need for nitrogen tanks and comes with the industry’s largest variety of plastic welding rod. Polyvance’s entire line of plastic repair and refinishing products are available in Canada from your favourite paint jobber through Color Compass/PBE Distributors.

Get automotive welding training and qualification at your own facility with your own equipment with CWB Consulting, and ensure all your technicians have the training and skills needed for welding. The program satisfies welding certification requirements for most OEM Certification programs. Clients get third party oversight and onsite training by certified welding specialists and enhanced credibility provided by CWB Automotive welding certifications. Savings are available when you register multiple technicians to participate.

60-TM742 Pulse MIG welder ARSLAN AUTOMOTIVE

SP-5 Double Pulse MIG Welder PRO SPOT

arslanauto.com

prospot.com

Model 60-TM742 Pulse MIG welder with 2 Auto-setting torches. It includes synergic and manual modes aluminum, silicone bronze, steel TIG/MMA/stickwelding, an SD memory card, save and recall parameters, LCD display with simple settings, low 15 amp output, and a 220V-1 Phase 60Hz power supply. Included are 2 10 ft Torches, 2 60-R14L gas regulators, and synergic functions in SG2, AL.MG, AL.SI, CU.AL, CU.SI, SS.INOX 316, Cellulosic, MMA and TIG. 112 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

The SP-5 Double Pulse MIG Welder was designed with microprocessor controls and weld programs specifically geared for the collision repair industry. Applications include Aluminum MIG/MAG, MIG Brazing, Steel MIG/MAG, Root Welding, TIG and MMA/Stick Welding. Features include a 1ph machine, multiprocess CC/CV, MIG/MAG double pulse function, root welding function, multiple welding processes, auto switching, a USB port for upgrades, parameter saves and diagnostics, LCD display that provides full information to the operator, a 12A minimum welding current, user defined memories and a multi-torch system.

WELDING

Plastic Fusion Pro Station BETAG INNOVATION

Q5.1 Inverter SPANESI

betagnorthamerica.com

spanesi-americas.com

Approved and recommended by numerous European and Asian OEMs, BETAG’s Plastic Fusion system is a complete plastic repair workstation that enables technicians to produce consistently high-quality plastic outer panel repairs, including: bumper covers; wheel arch liners; headlights, door mirror casings; and other plastic parts.The Plastic Fusion System uses high temperature and low air volume, and BETAG’s specially formulated universal welding strips. The Pro Station comes complete with an integrated hot stapler, variable speed grinder, and external air and nitrogen connectors, giving technicians the choice to use nitrogen and/or compressed air in the process according to preference.

The Q5.1 is the latest addition to Spanesi’s line of welding machines. After selecting the appropriate program, the Q5.1 welder does the rest of the work for you by automatically determining the best parameters based on the material type, wire diameter, and the correct shielding gas. The Q5.1 automatically adjust the incoming power sources between 3-phase 208~400V to produce power up to 320A to perform welds. With its compact footprint, this single-torch multi-process welding machine can produce welds in MIG/MAG and MMA. Spanesi says the Q5.1 performs excellently in fabrication for autobody repair work and welding aluminum, bronze, and steel materials with MIG/MAG Pulse and Dual Pulse welds.

PLASTIC REPAIR YOU CAN COUNT ON Polyvance® equipment and training will help you repair more plastics, keep more labor hours in your shop, and improve your cycle time.

polyvance.com 800.633.3047

BUYER’S GUIDE 2022 113

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Buyer’s Guide ADVERTISER INDEX COMPANY

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3M Automotive .................................11 Akzo Nobel....................................... 09 Arslan Automotive ...................... 32,33 Assured Automotive........................ 27 Astech.............................................. 19 Audatex | Solera ......................... 34,35 Autel ..........................................13,109 Auto Data Labels........... bellyband, 60 Cardinal Couriers ............................ 31 Car-O-Liner ....................................115 Car-Part.com .............................. 36,37 CARSTAR Canada .......................... 05 Consolidated Collision Services .38,39 CWG Group.......................................15 DeVibiss Automotive........................ 81 Dominion Sure Seal......................... 23 Equalizer .......................................... 69 Eurovac............................................. 72 Flat Line Spray Booth Specialists... 67 Finixa ............................................... 61 Global Finishing Solutions .............. 85 Impact ........................................ 40,41 LKQ........................................42,43,103 Motivated Reps................................ 54 Parker Lord....................................... 63 Polyvance .......................................113 PPG Canada .................................... 02 ProSpot ...................................... 44,45 Sata Canada................................ 46,47 Spray Max................................... 50,51 Sherwin-Williams ...........................116 Spanesi ...................................... 48,49 Symach ........................................... 79 The Ted Group................................. 64 Titanium Tools.................................. 56 UAP/Napa.................................... 52,53

WE’RE PLANNING A PARTY IF YOU’RE OPTIMISTIC, YOU’RE INVITED

o you see the light? That shining beam at the end of the tunnel, signifying that the dark days are finally behind us? With the past two years as predecessors, it only seems fair that 2022 will bring good—albeit, better—fortune to the world as a whole. In the world of collision repair, however, the new year is sure to bring exciting new ideas, procedures and focuses to the forefront of the industry. For years now vehicle repairs have been increasing in technical complexity, whether it be the new material makeups in vehicle metals or working around the hard-to-see sensors on ADAS-enabled vehicles—which, for the North American fleet, currently sits at 90 percent of new vehicles—there are new challenges popping up every day. Not to mention ever-changing OEM procedures, insurer-repairer relations, making sure your tools are up-to-date for the latest vehicle models; keeping up is more than a full-time job. These are not changes we should dread, though; these are changes that will transform the Canadian industry as we know it into a shining example for the rest of the world to turn to. Canadians have been advocating in these areas for years. AIA Canada’s Right to Repair movement went before the House of Commons this year, although its progress has been delayed thanks to September’s snap-election, while other advocacy groups on the recycling side feverishly consult on ways to best make us of electric vehicle batteries and components. The people on the ground—Canada’s collision repair centre owners, technciains and staff—have all taken pandemic downtime to optimize their operations, strengthen their team and workplace cultures and plan for the changes ahead. In all honesty, it feels

BY ALLISON ROGERS

like we’re planning the party of the century, with ball gowns replaced by frame benches and line sheets. If you’re still blind to the optimism the changes of tomorrow lend, let this year’s edition of Collision Repair’s Buyer’s Guide be your light. This publication has been carefully crafted based on the insight and findings of industry leaders across North America and beyond. Let it be your guide as we ramp back up to post-pandemic production levels. And if you’re a manufacturer hesitant to accept any ensuing trade show invitations, recent reports may convince you otherwise. According to a November 2021 report from Foresight Research, opting not to participate in automotive industry trade shows can result not only in loss of potential business to rival competitors, but also risk the reputation of your brand. According to Foresight’s findings from 10 different 2021 trade shows hosted across North America, many consumers already know who will be attending a trade show before they arrive on-site. If their particular brand of interest is absent, they’ll shift their focus to a rival brand for consideration— something that would’ve likely never happened otherwise. Foresight does note in its research that certain brands may be more selective on which shows to attend, but a complete and total absence from shows would see any brand suffer. It’s time to get back in the game and help the industry reach its next step toward greatness in the electric era. With hundreds of products, tried, true and new alike situated between these pages, this publication has the power to be your guide to greatness as the industry ramps back up to full, post-pandemic production levels. So, what are you waiting for? Click your pen into gear and get those notes going!

UnoLiner / R S Finishing.................. 91 URG ................................................ 95 Wedge Clamp................................... 57 Wurth................................................ 06

Allison Rogers is the editor of Collision Repair’s Buyers Guide. She can be reached at allison@mediamatters.ca.

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Buyer's Guide 2022

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TO 2022 AND BEYOND