Buyer's Guide 2021

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A S H OWCA S E O F T O P P RO D U C T S A N D S ERV I C ES !

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2021

YOUR #1 SOURCE FOR THE INDUSTRY’S

HOTTEST PRODUCTS! CO LLISIO N R EPA I R M AG .C O M

Canada Post Canadian publication mail sales product agreement No. 40841832. A special edition of Collision Repair Magazine. 86 John St. Thornhill, ON, L3T TY2

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CONTENTS

2021 BUYER’S GUIDE SPECIAL ANNUAL EDITION

PRODUCT SECTIONS 14 ABRASIVES The Nitty-Gritty 20 ADHESIVES Stuck on Glue 26 ALIGNMENT AND MEASURING Tailor-made for the Trade 33 AUTO GLASS REPAIR Shattering the Glass 38 HEALTH & SAFETY Fever Pitch 44 PAINT Primed and Ready 51 PAINT HARDWARE Coverage Guarantees 64 PAINTLESS DENT REPAIR Undented Opportunities 70 RECYCLING Greener Pastures 78 SCANNING AND ESTIMATION Scanning the Scene 82 SOFTWARE AND MANAGEMENT Can’t Touch This 88 TOOLS & ACCESSORIES

SPECIAL FEATURES 06 ALL THE RAGE New and Hot Products for 2021

Incremental Innovations 92 WELDING Fired-up for the Future

13 ROUGHED UP Is your business ready for high-tech superabrasives?

19 STRUCTURAL ADHESIVES UNDERSTOOD Why mechanical fasteners can’t always compete 25 PRECISION MEASURING WITHOUT BORDERS Why new alignment and measuring tech is taking business out-of-bounds 30 COVER YOUR ADAS What you need to know 36 DISINFECTION DONE RIGHT Cleaning through your competition 62 TOO GOOD TO MISS PDR techniques go mainstream 76 ALL CLEAR? THINK AGAIN Developing an effective scanning process 87 CHANGE RESISTANCE Some businesses are skeptical of high-tech tools BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 3

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WELCOME TO THE 2021 COLLISION REPAIR BUYER’S GUIDE

BY DARRYL SIMMONS

W

elcome to the 2021 edition of Collision Repair magazine’s annual Buyer’s Guide. Keeping up with the latest products and tools can be a tricky business, but we’ve pulled out a great selection that is bang on trend for 2021.

This print guide, and our online companion, allows you to compare equipment, products, software and tools at your fingertips. It truly is a, one-stop resource of comprehensive industry information.

Properly equipping your shop is key to profitability and we’ve done the homework to make it easy for you to see what’s new and exciting in the marketplace for progressive facilities.

PUBLISHER Darryl Simmons publisher@collisionrepairmag.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Orest Tkaczuk | orest@mediamatters.ca EDITOR Allison Rogers | allison@mediamatters.ca

the finest unscripted series from around the world, alongside exclusive profiles with key buyers from industry-leading broadcasters and streamers.

With dedicated sections, the Buyer’s Guide is set up for ease of use and has been meticulously designed to offer something for all shop owners and managers, with a variety of content that covers everything you need.

Each entry includes a synopsis and description, as well as product details and attention-grabbing artwork. There is also contact information for the relevant distributor, as well as direct links enabling you to explore the programming on our website.

FROM THE LATEST IN PLASTIC WELDERS TO HOT NEW HAND TOOLS, THE COLLISION REPAIR EDITORIAL TEAM SCOURED WEBSITES, LOGGED ONTO WEBINARS AND VISITED MANUFACTURERS DIRECT, TO BRING YOU THE ALL-NEW BUYER’S GUIDE FOR 2021.

From the latest in plastic welders to hot new hand tools, the Collision Repair editorial team scoured websites, logged onto webinars and visited manufacturers direct, to bring you the all-new Buyer’s Guide for 2021.

Locate the equipment you are looking for quickly and easily here. Our Buyer’s Guide is designed to help you find the perfect products for your business needs, saving you time and money to focus on what’s important—getting the job done In these socially challenged times, trusted business relationships are important. Since you can no longer go to a trade show this guide will help you keep informed of what’s new and exciting.

Due to space restrictions, we could only fit a limited number of products here. Our team of editors and advisors used their best judgement as to what would interest you most. To see even more products, just head to our website at buyersguide. collisionrepairmag.com and wander around.

This go-to interactive guide highlights the hot picks for premium scripted content and

PUBLISHER’S PAGE

We have also included a selection of Buyer’s Guide profiles, featuring some of the most exciting companies in the business.

Heading into 2021 we still see many of the health and safety policies implemented during the social isolation continuing to feature front-and-centre in the marketing material of collision businesses. That is why, in this edition, we have focused our coverage in this year’s issue on providing business owners with the tools they need to adopt some of the time-saving, labourreducing and customer-loyalty-building approaches that were successfully trialled at other businesses across the country.

Let your fingers do the walking through these pages and keep this reference around for the year ahead.

STAFF WRITERS Kenzie Letman | kenzie@mediamatters.ca Julia Lloyd | julia@mediamatters.ca Max Reid | max@mediamatters.ca 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 SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR Gideon Scanlon 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.

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

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

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 5

NEW AND HOT

ALL THE

RAGE

NEW AND HOT PRODUCTS FOR

D

2021

espite its upheavals, 2020 did bring the industry good fortune—especially in the form of brand-new products.

As we prepare to wade deeper into the unknown, ensuring your equipment is fit for the future will be of the utmost importance. With cars becoming ever more complex with new technologies and materials, the tools of tomorrow are designed to make the lives of technicians easier, while simultaneously increasing shop productivity.

From ADAS aids and flashy refinishing products to world-class welders and stellar management software, these products are the latest solutions lined up and ready to conquer challenges on the shop floor.

Take a look at Collision Repair’s hot new product picks below—you may find your new favourite tool!

6 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

NEW AND HOT

ADASTHINK For ease in ADAS calibrations Suffering from ADAS pains? This new Canadian company has you covered.

The winner of SEMA360’s Best New Collision Repair and Refinish Product, adasThink is a brand-new easy-to-use tool that allows shops to pull a vehicle’s advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) and required calibrations. By analyzing pre-determined estimates, adasThink automatically pulls the inputted vehicle features based on repair operations provided in the estimate.

Covering a wide range of vehicle manufacturers with select models between 2013 and 2021, this system will assist in any shop’s scanning process.

MITCHELL CLOUD ESTIMATING BY MITCHELL INTERNATIONAL Write estimates from anywhere New to the Canadian market, Mitchell’s Cloud Estimating Platform can help you see estimates more clearly.

Designed with collision repairers in mind, the Mitchell Cloud Estimating application can be used to write estimates from anywhere and from any Internet-enabled Microsoft Windows, Apple iOS or Google Android device—including their smartphone, tablet or laptop.

PROGIPLANNING BY PROGI Achieving a capacity-planning mindset That is what the minds at Progi are saying about their latest development, ProgiPlanning, Progi’s 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 so ware. As well, the ProgiPlanning interface is simple and easy-to-use, utilizing a colour-coding language to help keep shop owners organized and on track at a glance.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 7

NEW AND HOT

NEW AND HOT PRODUCTS FOR

2021

CARBEAT BY AKZONOBEL Control the pulse of your business Carbeat, AkzoNobel’s state-of-the-art bodyshop workflow control solution has the power to help collision centres operate more efficiently.

Carbeat is AkzoNobel’s patented, state-of-the-art digital body shop workflow control solution that enables automotive body repair shops to track their work in production and thus operate more efficiently. The Carbeat Connect module has been implemented in selected body shops for several months, and AkzoNobel recently opened it to other Carbeat customers in Canada.

SUN COLLISION REPAIR INFORMATION BY SUN, A SUBSIDIARY OF SNAP-ON OEM information at your fingertips Introduced at the 2019 SEMA Show, SUN Collision Repair Information offers collision repair facilities a comprehensive source of repair information that covers all types of repairs, both collision and mechanical, and includes OEM and real-world industry information.

Through the portal, SUN users can access OEM and expertbased repair information right at the vehicle—where you need it most. SUN Collision is optimized for tablet devices, making it easy to retrieve and view your content anywhere you work on vehicles. Further, according to SUN, its software can provide answers for every type of repair—collision or mechanical.

GLASURIT 100 LINE FROM BASF/GLASURIT Environmentally friendly painting Earlier this year, BASF introduced its brand new Glasurit 100 Line of refinish paint, which sees the brand pivoting focus to meet the highest standards of sustainability, process efficiency and product quality.

This latest line of products from Glasurit features a volatile organic compound (VOC) value 40 percent lower than that of traditional waterborne basecoats in the ongoing pursuit of improving the environmental footprint of the consumer while also supplementing the overall drive performance of the vehicle.

8 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

NEW AND HOT

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REVO CURING SYSTEM BY GLOBAL FINISHING SOLUTIONS Ultra-fast drying for every paint job With Global Finishing Solutions’ new REVO Curing Systems, you have the power to Improve your paint shop efficiency without having to overhaul your space.

The system’s technology cures filler and coatings quickly, from the inside out, offering ultra-fast curing times for both prep and paint processes. Global Finishing Solutions says the system is easy to operate and install and offers multiple models to fit a variety of needs, including the REVO Spot, REVO Handheld, REVO Rapid and REVO Speed.

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BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 9

NEW AND HOT

NEW AND HOT PRODUCTS FOR

2021

UV FAST CURING SYSTEM

BY EMM AND COLAD Cure in three seconds or less The new UV Fast Curing System from EMM International and Colad is currently in pre-production and can be used to cure UV curing putties, UV curing paints, and UV curing primers and body fillers on spot repairs, as well as small and large areas.

Set to hit the international market in early 2021, the system can provide more than 200 mW per sq. cm. power, and cured surfaces are immediately ready for further processing, says the company–no need to wait to polish or sand.

SHIM JIM TAB SEPARATOR TOOL BY POLYVANCE Easily disassemble snap-in tabs Tired of dealing with those tricky snap-in bumper tabs?

Well, not anymore!

Polyvance’s new Shim Jim Tab Separator Tool helps the autobody technician easily disassemble the aggravating snap-in tabs that often hold trim to the bumper cover. The Shim Jim’s piston grip design helps you easily pry the tab apart with a twist of the wrist and comes with 25 shims that will hold the snap-in tabs apart while you work on prying the others apart.

10 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

NEW AND HOT

LUMA III SPRAY PAINT SUIT BY LUMA III Spray in style The new Luma III Spray Paint Suit by Kansas-based refinishing tool manufacturer Luma III is designed to be used in spray booths, it features; ventilated underarm areas to keep the painter cool, velcro ankle straps to make it easy to take on and off, and lightweight anti-static fabric.

The suit comes in both male and female sizes, and Luma III says it’s a great addition to any painter’s arsenal of tools.

CORDLESS 1” D-HANDLE EXTENDED ANVIL TORQUE IMPACT WRENCH BY MILWAUKEE TOOLS Freeing and innovative Milwaukee Tools is excited to introduce its first-ever cordless impact wrench. According to Milwaukee, this innovative new wrench replaces the need for pneumatic, delivering up to 2,700 joules (2,000 ft. lbs.) of nut-busting torque and 2,500+ joules (1,900 ft. lbs.) of fastening torque for demanding applications.

The tool comes in three variations—the POWERSTATE brushless motor, REDLINK PLUS intelligence and REDLITHIUM battery pack.

TIRE ROTATION ASSISTANCE CART BY TRAC Make tire rotations safe and easy The TRAC Tire Rotation Assistance Cart is engineered to make tire rotations easier and safer. The cart’s heavy-duty welded steel offers lifetime durability, says TRAC, while steel base rollers offer tire support and rolling convenience.

Further, the cart’s quick-lift hydraulic pump can provide precise height and tire support, and a convenient lug nut holder offers easy parts access and increased efficiency. The TRAC Tire Rotation Assistance Cart is built to last—if the cart fails for any reason, the company says it will replace it.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 11

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The perfect finish starts with

ABRASIVES

ROUGHED UP IS YOUR BUSINESS READY FOR HIGH-TECH SUPERABRASIVES?

A

s manufacturers use more complicated materials and rely more and more on mixedmaterial combinations formed using structural adhesives in their vehicle designs, traditional abrasives are no longer appropriate for use in all repairs.

Automotive manufacturers are expected to increase their spending on synthetic superabrasives over the next few years.

Research suggests that industry spending in 2026 could be more than 150 percent of spending in 2020.

While synthetic superabrasives are more expensive than traditional abrasive, these products will help reduce labour requirements for performing repairs on all vehicles, and, in some cases, are required

by OEM repair procedures.

Across the industry, abrasives are emerging in various shapes and sizes for easier application in complex structures Investors in automotive abrasive manufacturing businesses are in for welcome surprise. As a result of new automotive materials, collision repair facilities are about to have to invest a whole lot into rethinking their approach to abrasives.

“Abrasives are among the most

widely used automotive collision repair products. Manufacturers are rolling out abrasives in various shapes and sizes for easier application in complex structures. Advanced product offerings help to significantly reduce the overall rework time, enhance repair efficiency, and enhance operational productivity, which may complement industry growth,” writes DecResearch, an online aggregator of information from industry reports in a press release covering the automotive repair sector.

DecResearch isn’t alone in its belief that auto repairers should expect to see a transformation in abrasives over the coming years. In fact, the automotive sector is also undergoing such a transition.

According to Technavio Research, global spending on abrasives is expected to increase by $12.35 billion by 2024.

Much of this growth will come from the automotive sector.

“Abrasives find a large number of applications in the automotive industry.

They are widely used for sizing engine parts, deburring, cleaning, and also for repairing and maintaining autobody, interiors, and accessories,” Technavio’s media relations chief Jesse Maida explains.

Part of the reason for the increased investment in abrasives from OEMs is the increasing role of high-tech materials-including superalloys and mixed ceramosynthetic coatings--in their vehicles.

To work with these mixed materials with specialized properties, a roll of sandpaper just ain’t going to cut it. New, specially designed superabrasives must be used.

Another firm, Research Dive, says that there will be a huge growth in the synthetic superabrasive market by 2026, with an annual growth rate above six percent!

Of course, the automotive sector has been making use of abrasives for these applications for decades, and auto repairers have been following in their lead for just as long. What OEMs haven’t invested as much in are in abrasives designed specifically for their higher-tech components.

Obviously, the abrasive needed in vehicle sensors are more similar to those used by any electronics manufacturers. This is why OEMs are spending more on specialized abrasives that can work on semiconductors and silicon chips--and why repair facilities looking to drastically reduce the estimates they make on damaged modern vehicles might have to start investing in their use as well.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 13

ABRASIVES

THE NITTY-GRITTY AS VEHICLE MATERIALS GO HIGH-TECH, ABRASIVES HAVE GONE THROUGH A MAJOR OVERHAUL

T

o those outside the collision repair industry, it may seem strange to imagine scientists in research laboratories around the globe working on the next game-changing abrasive materials.

After a century of making vehicles in, more or less, the same way, auto manufacturers have spent the past decade making drastic changes to how vehicles are made.

As automobiles become more complex, so do the materials used in their construction. And with the proliferation of materials like aluminum, super polymers, high-strength steel alloys, and carbon fibre, there is need for abrasives that can deal with the properties of these new materials.

If not for those scientists, the collision industry would never be able to keep up.

In recent years, the science of abrasives has undergone a transformation as

14 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

impressive as the science of automobile design, but the impact of these revolutionary advances can only be seen under a microscope.

If you have the chance—and a microscope—find an old, long-forgotten roll 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, in this age of abrasive advancements, deciding which products will serve the needs of your business is a difficult task. While some brands offer obvious advantages, such as making it easier to reach certain surfaces or use in tight spaces; deciding whether

to pay the premium for these advantages is a decision that only a true industry expert can make for his or her business.

A glance through the following pages should help to smooth out the decision-making process.

As automobiles become more complex, so do the materials used in their construction. And with the proliferation of materials like aluminum, super polymers, high-strength steel alloys, and carbon fibre, there is need for abrasives that can deal with the properties of these new materials.

ABRASIVES

Dust-Free Sanding Combi Workstation PROSPOT

Total Automotive Sanding System 3M CANADA

prospot.com

3Mcanada.ca

The Dust-Free Combi Workstation makes sanding easier, cleaner and more productive according to ProSpot. Their patented Dust-Free Sanding System has now combined mobility, storage and fast clean-up for ease-ofuse while also accommodating two sanders at once. The workstation also boasts an electricity-free system, using only low-volume compressed air and anti-static hoses, technicians are able to safely work on aluminum or steel.

The slim design and easy-glide wheels allow users to easily maneuver the station around the shop, while the low airflow also means quiet operation along with saving on air compressor and energy costs.

3M, in collaboration with Festool Automotive Systems, brings The Total Automotive Sanding System to the automotive aftermarket boasting bestin-class abrasives, premium power tools and dust extraction solutions.

The system allows technicians more control over bodyshop conditions with sharper abrasives producing finer results and less dust from sanding resulting in minimized rework and better air quality. Designed with user safety and efficiency in mind with an integrated dust extraction system, IAS anti-static hose and a workcenter that enables abrasives to be used to the end of life, meaning reduced change outs and material costs.

GAP 80 UV Putty FINIXA

Heavy Duty Equipment Wash KROWN

finixa.com

krown.com

Finixa’s GAP 80 is a universal UV polyester putty with high filling properties.

This putty is packed in a 310ml cartridge, can be used with a traditional sealant gun and can cure in two to five minutes, depending on layer thickness. Finixa says GAP 80 boasts an unlimited pot life and, when cured, can be coated with polyester spray putty, UV primer/filler, PU and acrylic primers and gelcoats.

Created specifically for touchless washes this powerful solvent from Krown is an effective wash for cars and trucks with the toughest soils, including road film. Working well in either hard or soft water, this heavyduty equipment has the highlighted quality of easy-rinsing for efficiency.

With the ability to be used under a variety of pressures, this product has the versatility technicians look for in an equipment wash.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 15

ABRASIVES

Emerald Sanding Discs WURTH

Magic Disc Diamond Grain Abrasives EAGLE ABRASIVES

shop.wurth.ca

eagleabrasives.com

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.

Utilizing top-quality diamond abrasive grains, the Magic Disc was specially designed for very hard coating surfaces, even OEM E-coat primers and matte clear coat sanding. The two all-new disc grades of 400 & 500 provide users with overall reduced sanding times and versatility while still providing a uniform finish. Additionally, the added component of advanced anticlogging technology provides an extremely long sanding life.

BLUCROM Water Basecoat System Leave your bluprint DISCOVER IT

BLUCROM BASES Blucrom is a water-based tintometric system made up of 54 solid bases, 9 metallic bases, 18 pearlescent bases and 5 xirallic bases.

The Blucrom bases offer a solution for users who seek efficiency, precision and reliability in color.

The special formula of its basic color pigments provides great covering power and, used together with the Roberlo 2K clear coats and primer fillers, allows for high quality, maximum durability and excellent gloss levels in any automobile refinishing.

Roberlo is a family-run company specialized in the development, manufacture and sale of coatings and other repair solutions for the refinish aftermarket and for industrial applications. Contact us today!

16 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

ROBERLO.COM

ABRASIVES

Razer Gold Sandpaper WURTH

S Performance Sanding Discs SIA ABRASIVES

shop.wurth.ca

siaabrasives.com

Wurth’s Razer Gold line of sandpapers and discs are proudly Made in Canada! These durable, long-lasting discs and sandpaper will provide users with virtually no cracking or peeling, resulting in a smoother finish to your work piece. The Razer Gold line of products feature a superior resin over resin adhesion system, and one of the strongest and heaviest velour backings in the industry.

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.

ALUgrind Mini Flap Discs EXTREME ABRASIVES

6’’ STKT 36E Paperback FBS DISTRIBUTION

extremeabrasives.com

fbsdistribution.com

The ALUgrind Mini Flap Discs are like no other when it comes to working on aluminum and soft metals. Along with providing users with a clog-free grinding that generates very little heat, the discs also use lower pressure which helps to reduce fatigue in operators. Not to mention a longer disc life, meaning less time and money spent on changeovers.

Long lasting and specially designed to save on labour cost and improve quality, these abrasive discs from 3M have the ability to strip paint and metal along with shape and sand plastic filler. The STKT 36Es are built on tough weight-backing materials and are available in Hookit and Stikit attachments.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 17

ABRASIVES

81132 Professional Heavy Duty Rubbing Compound MOTHERS mothers.com

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Mothers® Professional Heavy Duty Rubbing Compound can quickly and easily remove 1,200 grade and fine sand scratches from various types of finishes and factory-applied automotive paint. Not only that, it can also remove heavy oxidation, car-wash scratches and other paint defects that don’t require sanding.

L3T TY2

G360 Super Fast System Compound Kit FARECLA farecla.com

INFORM,ENGAGE, CONNECT Collision Repair’s Buyer’s Guide is a valuable industry resource featuring more than 160 products and services specifically catered to the automotive repair sector. Available both online and in print, the Buyers’ Guide is an easyto-access tool that provides crucial information to the collision repair industry.

For more information visit buyersguide.collisionrepairmag.com 18 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

Boasting that there’s no need for P3000 abrasive discs, the G360 Super Fast System enables operators to see scratch marks disappear right before their eyes, according to Farecla. Permanently removing P1500 sanding marks with ease, the G360 compound kits unique abrasive technology contains no fillers or silicones providing permanent results, potentially reducing the need for costly reworks.

ADHESIVES

STRUCTURAL ADHESIVES UNDERSTOOD WHY MECHANICAL FASTENERS CAN’T ALWAYS COMPETE

S

tructural adhesives allow vehicle designers a level of flexibility that cannot be achieved with mechanical fasteners like rivets.

For one thing, adhesives are simply more physically flexible. The bonds they create are, by their nature, able to accommodate more stresses without causing lasting damage to the materials they connect.

Mechanical fasteners, on the other hand, are hard on the materials they keep together, as they must be tough enough to maintain a bond between different metals and plastics, each of which have different stress tolerances. More durable products – rivets and welds could leave behind stress points that can cause breakage. Structural adhesives create a strong bond that is unbreakable.

Because of this, structural adhesives can bond together materials that would otherwise be impossible to attach—like different types of plastics and metals with differing thermal expansion properties.

While, for a long time, the main problem with structural adhesives is they could never be as strong as a mechanical, limited designs to using mechanical adhesives for many purposes, a number of recent innovations have allowed adhesives to play a more important role in vehicle designs.

In the late 2010s, the first structural adhesives with serious load-bearing potential hit the market.

One of the first 3M’s Next Generation Structural Acrylic Adhesives also offered strong impact resistance, which is something no mechanical fastener could compete with.

The end of the decade also saw the arrival of super-adhesive capable of bonding dissimilar polymers together at the atomic level.

ADVANTAGES OF STRUCTURAL ADHESIVES

• Greater design potential – mechanical fasteners can’t really operate with the tolerances of light, thin and dissimilar materials. Structural adhesives expand the design potential by bonding together materials that would otherwise be impossible to attach.

• Better material integration – adhesive bonding allows objects to be fastened together like glue. Structural adhesives have been used by many manufacturers due to their superior durability.

• Increased structural integrity— recent advances have created structural adhesives capable of bearing loads and even bonding dissimilar materials together at the atomic level.

• Increased productivity – mechanical fasteners can be a lengthy process, but structural adhesives eliminates the extra time and equipment that would be used otherwise.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 19

ADHESIVES

STUCK ON GLUE

THE COLLISION SECTOR ENTERS THE ADHESIVE AGE—IS YOUR BUSINESS READY?

I

t is easy to understand why progressive repairers are frequently averse to the idea of learning about the latest adhesive technology, and its increasing role in making structural repairs.

Adhesives have a bad name. Structural repairs are important. Other approaches, like welding seem more reliable. And it was, after all, the use of glue in structural repairs that resulted in the multi-million-dollar judgement against an American repair business in the John Eagle case.

It might be time for progressive repairers to rethink their position though—don’t get us wrong, their skepticism is warranted.

If a repair business can bring a vehicle back to pre-accident condition for less money than its competitors, it will thrive.

To make such repairs, though, businesses must take advantage of a broad spectrum of procedures as possible—and that includes the use of structural adhesives.

20 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

Certainly, mechanical fasteners were, at one point, superior to chemical adhesives in bonding together dissimilar materials.

Of course, given the long-term damage caused by rivets, neither were ever particularly successful.

Similarly, the cost of replacing broken plastic parts was, for a long time, a more attractive financial option than attempting to fix them. Cost aside, plastic parts could never be truly fixed by adhesives back then—the cracks would be visible to the customers too.

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 only option for bonding.

OEMs are already on board with the

possibilities offered by high-tech adhesives.

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, with the F-150s design including epoxy-based structural adhesives by the late 2010s.

Over the next few pages, we showcase several cutting-edge chemical compounds capable of feats you may never have imagined. Get stuck in it!

When the heat of a weld could disrupt the structural integrity of a piece of equipment— adhesives are the only option for bonding.

ADHESIVES

If a repair business can bring a vehicle back to pre-accident condition for less money than its competitors, it will thrive. To make such repairs, though, businesses must take advantage of a broad spectrum of procedures as possible—and that includes the use of structural adhesives.

Glue Tab Dent Repair Station PROSPOT

Self-Stick Liquid Protection Fabric 3M CANADA

prospot.com

3Mcanada.ca

The complete Glue Tab Dent Repair Station from ProSpot 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.

Ideal for a wide range of temporary surface protection the Self-Stick Liquid Protection Fabric presented by 3M forms a liquid-proof barrier to help protect work surfaces from solvents, water, oils and more. It features a one-step application process with an adhesive backing that’s able to keep the material secure while also being easy to reposition and remove without any residue. Able to be used indoors and outdoors, this protective fabric has also been known to reduce the chances of any slips or falls in working areas.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 21

ADHESIVES

U-Seal 500 NEW POLYURETHANE TECHNOLIGIES

PIM 77793 XXX Specialty Gel Adhesive Remover SEM PRODUCTS

nptsrl.com

semproducts.com

This high-performance adhesive sealant was made specifically for sealing and bonding various materials of in-car body work. From steel, to sheet metal, plastic and varnished surfaces U-Seal 500 offers users permanent flexible, yet stable elastic sealing without any bubble formation, swelling or shrinkage. The adhesive is available in white, grey and black and has a curing rate of 33mm per 24 hours.

Utilize the new 77793 XXX Specialty Gel Adhesive Remover from SEM Products, the first gel adhesive remover for the automotive refinish market.

XXX Specialty Gel Adhesive Remover is a solvent-based gel for removing adhesive residue as well as a number of other contaminates. The gel formula improves efficiency and eliminates product waste by evaporating slowly, keeping the surface wet long enough to fully saturate adhesive residue or contaminates. The run-resistant gel is ideal for vertical applications.

Speedline Glue Repair System BETAG INNOVATION

Tiger Seal U-POL

betagnorthamerica.com

u-pol.com

The Speedline Glue Repair System can be used to repair or significantly reduce the size of large areas of damage and includes BETAG’s Speedline Puller and six different Speedline tabs for use according to the type and location of the damage. It can be configured as a single comprehensive system for use across the whole bodyshop—or several satellite systems for individual work bays in busier shops.

This single component, moisture cured polyurethane sealant and adhesive can be used to replicate the factory appearance of various automotive seams. Ready-to-use, Tiger Seal completely and permanently seals and bonds without shrinking, and can be applied directly to bare metal, steel and aluminum. Not only that, but this adhesive can also be painted and tooled immediately after application.

22 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

THE GREENTECH PRODUCTS ARE SOLD EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH FLATLINE SPRAYBOOTH SPECIALISTS. The Greentech machineries are equipped with catalytic panels, powered by methane gas or LPG, able to emit a low-intensity uniform heat without producing flame.

This innovative and convenient technology makes the workflow extremely competitive, by improving the drying quality and reducing the environmental impact of even 80% in comparison with the traditional systems.

UnoLiner Systems is proud to annouce the appointment of R S Finishing as the NEW Canadian importer and distributor UnoLiner: Swedish origin, Dutch innovation: 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.

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.

Products:

In-Ground Bench

About UnoLiner:

RV8E 8 Ton 18V Handheld Ford OEM Approved

P50 5 Ton Electric Push/Pull System

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.

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.

TRAINING CENTRE IS LOCATED IN AURORA, ONTARIO Company name: R S Finishing Phone number: 905-881-9768 Email address: info@rsfinishing.com

ALIGNMENT AND MEASURING

PRECISION MEASURING WITHOUT BORDERS WHY NEW ALIGNMENT AND MEASURING TECH IS TAKING BUSINESS OUT-OF-BOUNDS

W

hile vehicle lifts might be stuck inside collision facilities, they are no longer required for many measurement procedures to be performed.

Since the late 2010s, cutting-edge measuring systems providers have begun delivering products that allow vehicle measurements to be made precisely and efficiently from wherever a vehicle should happen to be. Measurement systems had gone ‘allterrain.

When AccuVision-3D, Arslan Automotive Canada’s much-touted 3-D measuring system, was introduced to the North American market in June 2017, it was rightly seen as a game changer.

The system needs no targets, lasers, arms, magnets, cables or adapters. Measurements typically take less than 10 to 15 minutes to complete. The system works if the car is on a jig or bench, on the floor or on a lift in any position. It could even be used if the floors are uneven.

As Arslan’s founder joked: “For all I care, it could be on a rotisserie, and we could still measure it!”

This business wasn’t the only major alignment equipment provider to see the advantage of all-terrain measuring.

The latest version of the Spanesi Touch

electronic measuring system can measure a vehicle on any lift, frame rack, bench or on the ground. During the repair process, the Touch provides live pulling information, showing the technician straightening operations results in real-time.

With FenderBolt, which is the latest version of the Matrix repair analysis software, the already mobile Matrix Wand Measuring System’s hardware could send back its information to a remote computer location, having uploaded it directly to the cloud.

Since 2020, the advantages of these all-terrain solutions became increasingly

apparent. As the world became averse to close contact, the ability to work outdoors, or in non-specialized areas of a business, unnecessary contact is limited.

Of course, contact-free procedures also mean businesses can save on transportation and storage fees. As a result of this realization, many of the most significant enhancements to alignment and measuring systems from multiple providers have come from cutting down on hardware requirements and offering the possibility to work with less interpersonal interaction—and with in-house accuracy.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 25

ALIGNMENT AND MEASURING

TAILOR-MADE FOR THE TRADE WHEN IT COMES TO ALIGNMENT AND MEASURING SYSTEMS, DO YOU HAVE YOUR OPTIONS STRAIGHT?

U

ntil recently, most collision facilities outsourced alignment and measuring work. Thanks to recent innovations, however, many collision repair facilities can do far more in-house than ever before.

The biggest shift that has allowed for collision businesses to take back control on alignment work has been the drift 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 are designed to be used anywhere as well.

Recent models have been specifically designed to allow for outdoor operations.

The newest generation of measuring systems also mean a drastic reduction in the amount of equipment needed to

26 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

be competitive in the measuring and alignment game. Where once all the equipment—including scanners, radius gauges, targets and plates—required a huge amount of storage space, this is no longer the case.

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 even blueprint jobs.

It is difficult to imagine a business remaining 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.

If you want to see how your system measures up to the competition, take a gander through the following pages for information on the latest alignment and measuring solutions!

Any ADAS-equipped vehicles need to be properly aligned with how the vehicle is traveling down the road.

ALIGNMENT AND MEASURING

106EXT Frame Straightening Bench SPANESI

Multibench SPANESI

www.spanesi-americas.com

www.spanesi-americas.com

Boasting a lifting capacity of 5,000 kg (11,000 lbs), a lifting height of more than one metre and a six-metre-long platform designed for vehicles with longer wheelbases, Spanesi’s 106EXT Frame Straightening Bench can cover all types of repair jobs. From structural, to light duty, medium duty and commercial this bench provides users with a fixturing capacity for up to 14 locations along the 106EXT’s 7 crossmembers. Also included is Spanesi’s Universal Jig System which is currently the only system in the world that allows upward jig thrusting and downward pulling movements at each fixture location.

With a lead capacity of over 3,100kg and a pulling column capacity of 10 tons, this system 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.

P50 5 Ton Electric Push/Pull System RS FINISHING

CRS4600T-DO Bench R.S. FINISHING - UNOLINER SYSTEMS

www.rsfinishing.com

rsfinishing.com

This handheld pushing and pulling system has a rechargeable Li-ion battery and a capacity to push and pull up to 5 tonnes. This cordless compact tool is ideal for narrow spaces and comes outfitted with a variety of useful accessories enabling use for a wide range of repair options. The P50 helps its users to save time on repairs as there’s no need to swap cylinders, and without needing to change cylinders there’s no chance of hydraulic oil leakage that can occur in the switching process.

Designed for repairing and restoring vehicles of all sizes, UnoLiner’s CRS4600-DO Bench can cater to crossovers, MPVs, SUVs, pickup trucks, all-terrain vehicles and even light commercial vehicles. Compatible with all of UnoLiner’s tools, equipment and accessories this system also boasts a total lifting capacity of 4,600 kg (10,000 lbs), a low base height of 14 cm, multiple-angle 10-tonne pulling capacity and mechanical and hydraulic safety systems.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 27

ALIGNMENT AND MEASURING

ACCUVISON-3D ARSLAN AUTOMOTIVE

Touch Electronic Measuring System SPANESI

arslanauto.com

www.spanesi-americas.com

Arslan Automotive keeps it simple with the Accuvision 3D measuring system. With no moving parts, lasers, targets, adaptors, magnets, arms, extensions, wires, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth, there is also no calibration needed making it the “Quickest, simplest and most accurate 3D measuring system in the world.” The Accuvision 3D is durable, versatile, universal, mobile, and user friendly, saving you time and money. Everything you need for measuring and alignment can be done easily with the Accuvision 3D measuring system.

The Touch Electronic Measuring System from Spanesi can perform repair diagnostics on any lift, bench, or surface. The Touch ensures that vehicles are returned to OEM specifications, all while generating a set of pre- and post-repair documentation. The Touch Electronic Measuring System can reach difficult measuring points with ease, doing so quickly and accurately using intuitive WinTouch software. The Touch provides measurements for vehicle frame and structural items, wheel and tire alignment, user-added points with photos, mechanical and suspension parts, and comparative measurements.

Eclipse Plus Electronic Measuring System WEDGE CLAMP SYSTEMS

RV8E 8 Ton 18v Handheld RS FINISHING

wedgeclamp.com

www.rsfinishing.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 target, which then transmit the measurements to the computer. As the pulling progresses, the Live Targets’ verification lights change to indicate severity of damage at each point on the vehicle.

Once all the lights are green, the frame is restored to its proper dimensions.

System prints pre- and post-repair 3-D reports for insurance and includes live online training.

This handheld UnoLiner RV8E packs quite a punch with its 8-ton pushing and pulling capacity. Despite its compact size, the RV8E is a durable and powerful riveting device, approved by Ford and also suited for specific rivet mandrils of many other car brands, such as Audi, Mercedes, BMW, Ferrari, and Porsche. Its pulling and pushing actuator controls a powerful electrohydraulic pump, which guarantees strong and silent operation.

The RV8E is also capable of removing rivets with standard dies. Pressing time can be regulated, and when a set force is obtained, the device can retract automatically.

28 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

ALIGNMENT AND MEASURING

VLA03 HERKULES EQUIPMENT CORPORATION

FenderBolt THE MATRIX WAND

Quick Check Drive HUNTER ENGINEERING

herkules.us

thematrixwand.com

hunter.com

This company is called Herkules for a reason, reintroducing the VLA03 (formerly the T200) this powerful system can effortlessly lift up to 10,000lbs. Whether you choose to have this beast surface mounted or recessed it provides users with a low closed height of only 4.125 inches and a raised height up to 14.6 inches.

Also featuring ramps for simple and efficient loading, along with crossbars, height extenders and rubber blocks for a more versatile yet reliable product.

Fenderbolt is the Matrix Wand’s cloud-based repair analysis software and online training platform. By uploading static images of collision damage into the software, infinite measuring data points can be selected from that image.

Fenderbolt can provide Matrix Wand users with many key benefits, including: Mitchell Reference Data, Matrix Repair analysis, the ability to collect and store your own measuring data, wand usage reports for shop owners, phone and internet technical support and I-CAR certified online training courses.

Providing shops with a low-labour option for streamlining alignment procedures, 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.

Mosaic ADT CHIEF TECHNOLOGY

Celette Cameleon TITANIUM TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

chieftechnology.com

titanium22.com

The Mosaic ADT (Advanced Diagnostic Technology) boasts an automated ADAS calibration system said to be powered by the same end-of-line technology that OEMs use. No manual measurements or adjustments required thanks to enhanced radar and laser information sequencing along with self-diagnostic target and vehicle sensor checks. This machine is said to reduce the risk of liability and human error with its “future-proof ” system that automatically updates with the latest OEM procedures and records the full calibration and repair process in order to ensure proper methods are followed.

The Cameleon from Celette offers a new concept for structural repair and measurement of damaged vehicles. According to Celette and distributor Titanium Tools and Equipment, the Cameleon can provide an excellent solution to help repairers keep up with the high volume of intermediate segment vehicles entering the global market. Advantages of the Cameleon include a modular and scalable set of standard tips, adjustable X and Y plates and adjustable jigs. Furthermore, users can also log into the tool to access user-friendly software in order to customize their own jig assemblies with an ever-growing vehicle database.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 29

TECHNOLOGY IN FOCUS

COVER YOUR ADAS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

A

DAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance System. It refers to any electronic system that assists the driver while driving and is intended to improve vehicle safety.

It is estimated that nearly 40 per cent of the new vehicles sold in Canada today have ADAS systems built into them and it is projected that by 2023, that figure could jump to more than 50 per cent.

This technology is designed to automate the operation of the vehicle systems into four broad categories: adaptive, automated, monitoring or warning.

Adaptive systems are ones that adapt vehicle settings based on input from the surrounding environment.

Automated systems take over certain functions that the driver cannot do safely.

30 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

Monitoring systems use sensors, cameras, or other means to observe the surrounding area or driving of the vehicle and assesses whether a correction needs to be made.

GLASS PANES ADAS technology allows the systems in the vehicle to function properly and is built into a vehicle’s windshield. This technology will require more rigorous standards and qualifications for auto glass technicians.

Replacing a broken windshield is not as simple as replacing the glass. Some ADAS windshields have modules or cameras built into them that need to be calibrated in order to function properly Many features of ADAS are designed

to capture external information through the windshields, which allows the vehicle’s computer to quickly analyze and efficiently provide the necessary action.

The technology requires the automotive glass to meet or exceed the requirements in order to not reduce, distort, or impede the signal, which ultimately may cause the vehicle to react incorrectly.

As a result, automotive glass manufacturers must meet the requirements for the ADAS systems. These requirements include choosing the right raw materials, investing in product engineering, and setting up the proper quality inspection standards for production.

Every car manufacturer has its own specifications for ADAS calibration. These differences range from manufacturer to

TECHNOLOGY IN FOCUS

manufacturer, and in many instances, the same manufacturer will have differences from model to model.

Only trust manufacturers who have the proven experience to produce the original specifications of auto glazing which enables the ADAS system to be recalibrated.

Precise calibration ensures correct Pitch, Yaw and Roll of camera angle.

Ultimately, access to the ADAS requirements and glass specifications, is key to making consistent ADAS glass.

Different car manufacturers have different approaches to specific ADAS designs for their specific models.

ADAS sensors or cameras are most mounted on the glass. Once a windshield has been replaced, the position of the sensor or camera has ultimately changed, (even the slightest change will cause the need for calibration).

Recalibrate the camera or sensor after the replacement of the windshield is therefore necessary—whether OEM glass has been installed.

In order to re-calibrate the ADAS windshields,special training,equipment and expertise are required.

There are three types of calibrations: static, dynamic and a combination of the two.

STATIC CALIBRATION: This type of calibration is performed in a shop where they have a specialized calibration tools such as electronic devices and laser targets specific to each model.

Each vehicle manufacturer requires different target boards and specific predetermined standards set by the vehicle manufacturer.

Examples of some requirements for Static Calibration: • Clean and level floor with minimum 30-foot depth from rear bumper to target board • Walls and floors cannot be black or white and cannot be checkerboard pattern • Walls must be free of posters • Technician’s clothing (no black or white colors, as it may interfere with the calibration process) • Proper lighting

Replacing a broken windshield is not as simple as replacing the glass. Some ADAS windshields have modules or cameras built into them that need to be calibrated in order to function properly.

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC ADAS SYSTEMS: • Adaptive cruise control (ACC) • Adaptive high beam • Glare-free high beam • Adaptive light control: swivelling curve lights • Automatic parking • Automotive navigation system providing up-to-date traffic information.

• Automotive night vision • Blind spot monitor • Collision avoidance system • Crosswind stabilization • Driver drowsiness detection • Driver Monitoring System • Electric vehicle warning sounds used in hybrids and plug-in electric vehicles • Emergency driver assistant • Forward Collision Warning • Intersection assistant • Hill descent control • Intelligent speed adaptation or intelligent speed advice (ISA) • Lane change assistance • Pedestrian protection system • Traffic sign recognition • Turning assistant • Vehicular communication systems • Wrong way driving warning

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 31

TECHNOLOGY IN FOCUS

There are three types of ADAS calibrations: static, dynamic and a combination of the two.

IT IS ESTIMATED THAT NEARLY 40 PER CENT OF THE NEW VEHICLES SOLD IN CANADA TODAY HAVE ADAS SYSTEMS BUILT INTO THEM AND IT IS PROJECTED THAT BY 2023, THAT FIGURE COULD JUMP TO MORE THAN 50 PER CENT. DYNAMIC CALIBRATION: This type of calibration is done with a hand-held device that is connected directly into the vehicle’s computer through the OBD ll port of the vehicle.

Once this is done, the vehicle will need to be driven at a designated constant speed (by the manufacturer), over a prescribed distance in proper weather conditions.

Additionally, all lines on the road must be clearly visible. This allows the vehicle to be put into “learning mode” and uses reliable benchmarks to use as driving aids, allowing ADAS systems to become familiar to certain road features.

COMBINATION CALIBRATION Some vehicle manufacturer requires both the Static and Dynamic Calibration’s to be done.

These calibration tools help to duplicate the manufacturers settings, ensuring your vehicle maintains the safety features it originally came with.

WHEN SHOULD CALIBRATIONS BE PERFORMED? • When your windshield has been replaced • When the ADAS camera has been disconnected

32 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

• Camera is removed partially or develops a fault.

• After a wheel alignment or changes with the suspension.

All the above may affect how well your ADAS system works if it is not calibrated properly.

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT CAN NEGATIVELY AFFECT THE CALIBRATION PROCESS, CAUSING IT TO FAIL? • Not having a full tank of fuel.

• Having cargo in the trunk or the back seat.

• Not having a proper wheel alignment.

• Not having the windshield installed properly.

• Items that may potentially affect the Dynamic calibration process: • Not having proper weather conditions • Not having proper signage and painted lines on the road.

• Not maintaining the speed required to perform the dynamic calibration.

While most drivers are not aware of the need to re-calibrate the ADAS systems to avoid potential safety risks. Nevertheless, when an ADAS windshield is replaced, the cameras must be recalibrated.

This is a critical process to ensure the driver and passengers’ safety.

Howard Berg is the regional sales manager for Canada at Fuyao North America Inc. Fuyao manufactures windshields for vehicles with ADAS functions according to the varying model requirements set out by OEMs.

ADAS TECHNOLOGY FALLS INTO FOUR CATEGORIES: • Adaptive – systems that change/ adapt based on input from the surrounding environment.

• Automated – systems that take over and perform certain functions that the driver cannot do safely.

• Monitoring – systems that use sensors, cameras, or other means to observe the surrounding area or driving of the vehicle and assesses whether a correction needs to be made.

• Warning – systems that alert the driver to potential issues in their own driving or the driving of others that could increase the risk of injury to those in the vehicle.

AUTO GLASS

SHATTERING THE GLASS A TRANSPARENT LOOK AT AUTO GLASS

O

ne thing should be very clear: bringing auto glass repair and replacement services into a collision business is no easy task.

While most cutting-edge repair facilities do now provide glass replacement services, many smaller facilities still rely on third-party providers.

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.

In recent 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-equipped vehicles, which now make 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.

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

As more lane assist technology ar-

rives on roads, more stories are likely to appear. Whether the business case for offering in-house glass services appears transparent or not, a look through the products and services offered in the next section should help you shatter your preconceptions.

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

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 2020 33

AUTO GLASS

Windshield Repair Kit PROSPOT

Raptor F22 Deluxe Kit EQUALIZER

prospot.com

equalizer.com

Pro Spot’s new, easy-to-use automated glass chip repair system is a well designed, precision machined tool made of aluminum alloy. The Windshield Repair Kit is lightweight, very durable and designed to set up quickly over the chip, requiring just a quick turn of the tool - simple, fast and complete.

The Raptor™ from Equalizer® is a cord and wire auto glass removal device, designed around AirForce™ Constant Vacuum Cups, dramatically improving the power of the vacuum cup. With technology developed by Equalizer®, quick placement and constant vacuum pressure to the glass are no issue for the Raptor™ as it resists sliding, allowing it to be effective again and again.

Large Anchor Cup

AUTO GLASS TOOLS

LAC405 Ultra Strong Grip.

™

F22 #1 cord/wire removal tool

Guide SHeets GSS220 Protect the Paint.

MAGNACUP™ MC990 Magnetic Cup Holder for small parts.

NEW PRODUCTS

8 0 0 . 3 3 4 . 1 3 3 4 • s a l e s @ e q u a l i ze r. co m • e q u a l i ze r. co m 34 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

AUTO GLASS

Extractor Lighting CAN-AM AUTO GLASS

Glassmate 7.0 MITCHELL

canamautoglass.ca

mitchell.com

Fronted by Can Am Auto Glass, the Extractor Lightning is a wide blade cut-out tool designed primarily for the precise and safe removal of auto glass. Extractor Lightning is offered in three variations—pneumatic, electric and cordless—offering options to repairers in all settings. As well, Can Am says that their tools can also be applied to the removal of commercial and residential glazing.

Mitchell International aims to provide the ultimate glass-repair management tool for collision repair facilities with their subscription-based GlassMate 7.0 platform. Designed to simplify the glass repair procedure by letting users prepare quotes, create work orders and deliver invoices to vendors, GlassMate 7.0 is the ultimate tool for streamlining your shop. The software also provides instant access to NAGS parts numbers and pricing. GlassMate 7.0 also allows users to look up prices and availability of parts from all major suppliers in real time.

BTB Battery Power E-Tool BTB TOOLS

Esprit LED Compact Elite Windscreen Repair Kit BTB TOOLS

btbtools.com

btbtools.com

Repairers looking to safely remove automotive glass and components installed with urethane adhesive need look no further than the BTB battery-powered E-Tool. Designed to prevent glass and vehicle damage, the BTB system utilizes a unique internal and external cutout method, reaching adhesive below dashboards, and when making external cuts, powered cold knife blades replace the manual method. The E-Tool is also compliant with HSE and CE standards.

The Esprit LED Compact Elite Windscreen Repair Kit from BTB Tools is said to repair all types of windshield damage: stars, bullseyes, and long cracks. It incorporates the Elite Repair Bridge which has a selflevelling head to provide accurate set-up. A 12V drill and LED UV lamp are also included in this compact kit for a complete solution to quality UV resin repairs.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 35

HEALTH AND SAFETY

DISINFECTION DONE RIGHT CLEANING THROUGH YOUR COMPETITION

I

n the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the general public remains cautious about touching surfaces others hands have been in contact with. As a result, consumers are still drawn to facilities which advertise thorough disinfection policies to consumers. But what does a thorough disinfection process involve?

WHEN CLEANING A VEHICLE: USE SOAP AND WATER— BUT NOT ON UPHOLSTERY

BE GENTLE AND USE A MICROFIBRE CLOTH

While it may be simple, soap is one of the best weapons in your anti-microbial arsenal. Be careful when using it on vehicle interiors though. Water is easily absorbed by upholstery, it can leave behind a musty smell, and even allow mold to develop.

Regardless of what cleaning products you use, a gentle touch is recommended.

Rubbing too vigorously could remove the dye in some leathers, and even damage vehicle paint surfaces.

“Just think about how many surfaces are touched in an average car trip,” said Jon Linkov of Consumer Reports’ automotive division. “Door handles inside and out, control knobs and buttons, the touchscreen -- even directional and wiper controls are touched virtually every time someone drives their vehicle.”

USE ALCOHOL-BASED DISINFECTANTS According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol solutions containing at least 70 percent alcohol should be effective at killing most microbes.

Unlike water, mold can’t survive in alcohol—but be careful before putting it on the upholstery.

Most commercially available alcohol-based cleansers include some form of gelling agent.

Only pure isopropyl alcohol can be used without leaving behind a residue.

36 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

BE SURE TO HIT THE HOTSPOTS Some parts of a car are more likely to be touched than others.

The most likely places to house microscopic invaders are steering wheels, gear shifts, all door handles, internal handles, turn signals, wiper controls, window controls, seat adjusters, lock buttons, entertainment module’s buttons, armrests and any touch-based LCD screens.

ACCORDING TO THE CENTRE FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION, ALCOHOL SOLUTIONS CONTAINING AT LEAST 70 PERCENT ALCOHOL SHOULD BE EFFECTIVE AT KILLING MOST MICROBES.

ALL PURPOSE HEAVY DUTY CLEANER TM

MADE IN CANADA

Cleaner

• Formulated to loosen and lift dirt & tough grease from the surface • Heavy-duty solvent-free, Bleach-free Degreaser • VOC compliant

Deodorizer

• Deodorizes areas that are hard to keep fresh smelling • Destroy microorganisms that cause odours

Kills Mold

• Inhibits growth of mold and mildew • Instantly remove mold & mildew stains

Disinfectant

• Based on laboratory testing Spray X Disinfectant demonstrated effectiveness against SARS Associated Coronavirus & Human Coronavirus in 2 minutes • 30 Kill Claims-higher than any leading competitors

Applications:

• Equipment & Tools • Siding, floors & walls • Bumpers • Door panels • Fiberglass • Bathrooms • Garbage storage areas, empty garbage bins • Work bench, Chairs • Mold & Mildew • Cars, Trucks, SUV’s, Van’s, RV's • Trailers, Counters & More

CONTACT US

Spray X is part of the Health Canada List of disinfectants with evidence for use against COVID-19

DIN# 02500426

+1 (844) 500 2436 www.rexalllabs.com admin@rexalllabs.com St. Catharines, ON, Canada

HEALTH AND SAFETY

FEVER PITCH

WHY HEALTH AND SAFETY JUST BECAME BIG BUSINESSES

I

n 2020, health and safety procedures often made the difference between success and failure for many collision industry businesses.

As the general public became wary of crowded places, only those businesses that had taken industrial health and safety seriously for employees found it easy to mitigate risks for their customers.

According to many studies, the collision facilities that emphasized disinfection procedures and contact-free services in their marketing during the period of so-

cial isolation saw less dramatic losses in business than their competitors.

While the world will, with any luck, not see another major viral pandemic for a few decades, now isn’t the time to back off on the approach to health and safety your business adopted at the beginning of 2020. Actually, it’s time to double-down.

Why? Because whether we live through another global pandemic or not, a business’ ability to provide contact-free service will remain important to consumers.

In fact, since end of the pandemic, drivers still appear to favour busi-

“The touchless economy isn’t coming— it’s here. 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.” — Daniel Williams, Pariveda Solutions

38 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

nesses that offer contact-free services.

Just ask Daniel Williams, a digital strategy, implementation and analytics specialist working with Pariveda Solutions.

“The touchless economy isn’t 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.”

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Compressed Air-Fed Respiration Systems SATA

Eurovac II Pneumatic Portable EUROVAC

sata.com

eurovac.com

Since 1931, SATA has been manufacturing air filtration systems and continues to do so today with some of the highest quality standards in air quality. With its compressed air-fed respiration system, painters can have peace of mind to work longer and healthier with this quality PPE. Offering two different filtration series, the SATA 200 and 400 series filter unit, along with CSA/NIOSH approved fresh-air breathing systems, the SATA air star C™, SATA vision™ 2000 and the latest SATA air vision™ 5000.

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.

Iris-Mec ISQ Compact Drainage System RECYCLING EQUIPMENT CANADA

SEDA Draintower ELV SELECT

recyclingequipmentcanada.com

elvselect.com

Iris-Mec offers simple, safe, and economical depollution systems that meet Canadian ELV regulations. Standard systems remove gasoline, diesel, engine oil, transmission and differential fluids, power steering and brake fluids, coolant and washer fluid. The ISQ is ideal for auto dismantlers and features a compact size and narrow footprint. It fits between two lifts so one operator can work on two vehicles at once. Iris-Mec’s unique hands-free fuel extractor drill is fully self-supporting. The new visual option allows you to view extracted fuel before diverting to good or bad fuel tanks.

ELV Select’s SEDA DrainTower was designed for Canadian auto recyclers who value a safe, clean, and effective workspace. Designed to fit in almost any configuration, the SEDA DrainTower can evacuate some of the toughest fluids and is widely used by end-of-life vehicle processors across Canada.

Despite having a small footprint, the SEDA DrainTower offers quality service and a peace of mind when it comes to handling hazardous materials. The SEDA DrainTower is ATEX certified (a standard for all SEDA drainage equipment) with user-friendliness and safety at the forefront of its operation.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 39

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Tire Rotation Assistance Cart TRAC

SATA Sanitization Kart SATA

liftwithtrac.com

sata.com

The TRAC Tire Rotation Assistance Cart is engineered to make tire rotations easier and safer. The cart’s heavy-duty welded steel offers lifetime durability, says TRAC, while steel base rollers offer tire support and rolling convenience.

Further, the cart’s quick-lift hydraulic pump can provide precise height and tire support, and a convenient lug nut holder offers easy parts access and increased efficiency. The TRAC Tire Rotation Assistance Cart is built to last—if the cart fails for any reason, the company says it will replace it.

SATA Canada has responded to the demands of the worldwide pandemic to create an all in one solution to disinfect automobiles, public transportation and facilities. The SATA Sanitization Kart combines; spray gun, breathing & filtration equipment, hoses, RPS cups and most importantly, a compressor.

The Sanitization Kart can be configured with a variety of packages, including a 250 psi/2.5 hp compressor that can power two spray guns and a 160 psi/5.0 hp compressor that can handle a SATA air vision 5000 breathing protection system and a single spray gun. The entire package is mounted on a highly maneuverable tri-wheeled dolly allowing easy transportation.

Antra Ah5-350-001x Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet ANTRA WAREHOUSE

Digital Infinity Series Welding Helmets MILLER WELDS

antrawarehouse.com

millerwelds.com

The Antra AH5-350-001x helmet is designed from carbon fibre. With a built-in solar power panel, the auto-darkening helmet will stay working even in when the lights go out. It is technically designed to perform its duties competently, and takes on the role of a welding partner for the user. The helmet has four different sensors to increase its coverage area.

Consequently, the field of-view is wide, and can be adjusted as needed using a knob.

The Digital Infinity Series helmets feature a range of state-of-the-art features from four arc sensors, ClearLight™ technology for precision arc recognition and the largest viewing area available (according to Miller) for maximum visibility. Boasting four operating modes; weld, cut, grind and X-mode and shade ranges from 8-13 for welding and 5-8 for cutting, versatility and durability are just a few of the ways this helmet can be described.

40 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Quality Air Breathing Systems MARTECH’S QUALITY AIR

The leader in

Dustless Sanding Systems

breathingsystems.com

Central Vacuum Systems

Portable Vacuum Systems

✓ OEM certified systems ✓ The most powerful pumps and filtration systems on the market

Compliance with the OSHA requirement for Grade “D” Breathable Air can be accomplished with the use of a Quality Air Breathing System manufactured by Martech Services Company. Quality Air Breathing Systems are by design, the affordable solution to providing the breathable air required to protect painters, blasters, and welders. Complete systems designed to fit the user’s facilities and needs, including hoods, masks, and hoses are also available.

✓ Complete line of vacuum-ready hand tools ✓ Properly engineered systems

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

Grippy Mat NEW PIG

Professional Series Silicone Half-Mask Respirator GERSON

Breathing Air Systems TSUNAMI

newpig.com

gersonco.com

gosuburban.com

The Grippy Mat from New Pig was made to withstand extreme foot and wheel traffic for up to three months and with the P53 adhesive backing, the mat stays in place without shifting or rippling, and will never disintegrate in wet conditions. The Grippy Mat is also durable and efficient, with the ability to customize the shape to fit into any space, the ease of cleaning and added cost savings from reduced labour and workers comp.

This Professional Series Silicone Half-Mask Respirator by Gerson brings technicians a new level of comfort and durability with its soft silicone rubber. With a unique “hygiene guard” incorporated into the design that allows for cleaner storage and product protection, meaning the mask is not only more durable, but will last longer. Along with the cartridges being interchangeable with full face pieces, this respirator is also NIOSH-approved.

When it comes to Grade D breathing air Tsunami Breathing Air Systems don’t just meet OSHA requirements, they exceed them.

With a 3-stage Tsunami filtration system and easy-to-read digital carbon monoxide alarm, these systems put you and your employees safety first. With continuous carbon monoxide monitoring and easy CO monitor calibration, you can breath a breath of fresh air knowing your safety is in good hands.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 41

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PAINT

PRIMED AND READY AUTOMOTIVE PAINTING; AN ART AND A SCIENCE

I

t is an uncomfortable truth that—for many members of the general public—the go-to way of measuring how well an auto repair facility repaired has nothing to do with a vehicles post-repair crashworthiness, or how close to pre-accident condition it is. In most cases, a collision facility is judged for how convincing a job its painter 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 like 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.

44 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

At the end of the day, though, auto painting comes down to five things: the quality of the pigments available, the easeof-use of the thinning and binding agents, the exactness of the colour matching, and the skill of the automotive painter. It isn’t that nothing else matters—it is just that, push comes to shove—a procurement specialist can’t afford to get distracted by the bells and whistles.

To ensure you’re matched-up with the latest know-hows in automotive painting, take a minute to brush up on the hottest painting products the industry has to offer in 2021.

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.

Auto painting comes down to five 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.

PAINT

Glasurit 100 Line BASF

Ultra 9K™ Waterborne Refinish System SHERWIN WILLIAMS

basf.com

sherwin-williams.com

BASF is introducing their new Glasurit 100 Line of refinish paint, featuring a VOC value 40 percent lower than that of traditional waterborne basecoats, thereby improving the environmental footprint of the consumer while also supplementing the overall drive performance of the vehicle. The 100 Line contains innovative pigment technology that accounts for the ever-expanding spectrum of colours featured in the automotive industry.

As well, Glasurit’s SmartSCAN spectrophotometer allows customers to easily scan and identify a vast array of colours and shades.

The Ultra 9K™ Waterborne Basecoat System is one of the easiest to use refinishing systems on the market; 62 toners and a single reducer make up the non-stirring mixing system to provide customers with dependable color and reliable application properties. Designed to drive productivity and efficiency in the shop, Ultra 9K comes with an all-new color retrieval experience (Colour Access), a spectrophotometer and global color box— making even the most difficult color match easy.

Spies Hecker Permacron MS Express Clear Coat AXALTA

Bluecrom ROBERLO

axalta.com

roberlo.com

The Permacron MS Express Clear Coat from Spies Hecker is a VOC compliant, two-component high-gloss clear coat, known for it’s quick set time, and is versatile enough for almost any automotive application, doing the job in one two-coat application. That is what Axalta promises to deliver with the Permacron MS Express Clear Coat.

Bluecrom, the new water-based system from Roberlo, ensures secure application blending while providing its users with high performance and speed. Easy application and high covering power are just two features that allow users seamless integration on the part to be repaired. Furthermore, 86 bases colours and a flexible bottle design allow users the ease of knowing their applications will be accurate for each dose they apply.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 45

PAINT

2.1 VOC 4:1 HIGH BUILD PRIMER U-POL

3-in-1 Primer DOMINION SURE SEAL

u-pol.com

dominionsureseal.com

U-POL’s 2.1 VOC 4:1 High Build Primer Series 20 offers the functionality of three products in one: Mix 4:1 for a primer filler, 4:1:1 for a surfacer or 4:1:2 for a sealer. The High Build Primer can be used for spot repair and large panels. It is easy to sand, wet and dry, and can be applied directly to metal and over most plastics and unsanded E-coats.

3-in-1 Primer from Dominion Sure Seal is the key to reducing your cycle times. This primer is great for use over metal, aluminum, SMC, plastics and fiberglass, as well as over body filler and other sanded areas prior to painting. This primer offers great flexibility and film build and is sandable in as little as 15 minutes and paintable in as little as 30.

Primer Surfacer EP II Aerosol AKZONOBEL

SprayMax 1K E-Coat Primers PETER KWASNY INC.

AkzoNobel.com

spraymax.com

The Primer Surfacer EP II Aerosol from AkzoNobel offers the optimum balance between adhesion and corrosion protection as a chromate-free epoxy primer surfacer. This primer is effective on steel, zinc coated steel, aluminum and existing finishes as a sanding primer surfacer. As well, the Primer Surfacer EP II can be used for the repair of an automotive grade aluminum when it’s pre-coated with AkzoNobel AutoPrep Pre-Treatment Wipes. By pre-coating surfaces with the pre-treatment wipes, properties and the strength of Primer Surfacer EP II Aerosol are further enhanced.

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.

46 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

PAINT

3D AAT 505 Correction Glaze 3D PRODUCTS CANADA

ENVIROBASE® High Performance Basecoat PPG

3dproductscanada.com

ppgrefinish.com

The 3D AAT 505 Correction Glaze is an adaptable and UV-protected finish that can restore the gloss and shine in any paint. With Adaptive Abrasive Technology (AAT), the 505 Correction Glaze can be used on older classic cars to newer ones or even gel coat surfaces to provide a deep and shiny finish. Recommended to be used after the 500 X-TRA CUT COMPOUND, the 3D AAT 505 Correction Glaze is a great finishing polish that can create a protective shield over the paint. According to 3D Canada, the product works best when applied indoors or in a shaded area, but it is also sun friendly.

Outstanding colour match accuracy, easy application and fast throughput capability are good reasons why the Envirobase High Performance system is the leading waterborne basecoat system in North America. The latest opaque and highly chromatic, special-effect pigments enable technicians to achieve precise color matches with minimal need for sprayouts. Painters appreciate how the basecoat is easy to apply and achieve tighter, smoother blends. Fast basecoat dry time, coupled with production-oriented clears that bake in as little as 20 minutes, contribute to the system’s cycle time performance, says PPG.

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BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 47

PAINT

Low VOC Basecoat Reducer REXALL LABORATORIES AND CHEMICALS

Krown Rust Protection and Lubricant KROWN

rexalllabs.com

krown.com

Rexall offers premium quality base coat reducers formulated specifically to perform with major paint brands and provide environmentally friendly solution to the collision repair sector’s painting needs. The Low VOC Basecoat Reduces are available in Slow, Medium and Fast and feature outstanding dry times, excellent metallic control, excellent coverage and colour formulations for automotive refinish, according to the company.

This petroleum-based rust protection and lubricant from Krown is designed to generate a barrier between your metal surface and the surrounding elements that can’t be broken, chipped or cracked. The fluidity of this product creates a restoration process that allows for healing after any abrasions.

This lubricant can be applied to vehicles, machinery, electrical connections and even hard to access areas for easy and reliable rust protection.

48 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

PAINT

Matrix Edge™ VALSPAR AUTOMOTIVE

3804 Low VOC Flextex VT Texture Paint POLYVANCE

Matrixsystem.com

polyvance.com

Matrix Edge™ is rich in color capabilities and tools – color retrieval software, a 5-angle spectro, color books and more. The system not only features a condensed toner assortment for stability and consistency, but also quality primers, reducers, activators and hardeners, and of course, phenomenal clearcoats. With Matrix Edge, we recreated what we’re known for – a tough system.

The 3804 Low VOC Flextex VT Texture Paint is a tough, variable texture material formulated to simulate textured automotive plastics and metal.

Polyvance says the texture paint can be used all over or under most finishes and may be top coated with Bumper and Cladding coat paint, base/clear or single stage paint systems. Designed to simulate OEM textures, you will only need this one texture paint for all sizes . The product features excellent durability and may be used as the finish coat where black texture is needed.

Pro Pump & Spray 50300 FBS

2:1 Clearcoat 2.1 VOC U-POL

fbsdistribution.com

u-pol.com

The 50300 Performance Series Pump and Spray from FBS features expert KPV sealing materials and FPE technical plastics. As well, the Pump and Spray is made with an enclosed end cap pump design to improve ease-of-use. 50300 Performance Series can be applied to brakes and parts cleaners, engine degreasers and cleaning agents, wax and grease removers and surface coatings.

The 2:1 Clearcoat 2.1 VOC UP2843 from U-POL is a high solids clearcoat formulated for applications requiring a premium, glass-like finish. The clearcoat has exceptional gloss retention, even at high temperatures; excellent image clarity and depth and is compatible with most solvent and waterborne paints. As well, the UP2843’s longer open time allows for improved flow and levelling.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 49

REDEFINING WAT E R B O R N E FA N TA S T I C PRODUCTION BRILLIANT COLOR CONSISTENT R E S U LT S

GET IN THE BOOTH WITH

sherwin-automotive.com

PAINT HARDWARE

COVERAGE GUARANTEES THE GEAR THAT WILL KEEP YOUR CUSTOMERS COMING BACK

W

hile painting vehicles may sound like a simple enough task for anyone who has never tried to paint a vehicle, those who have will know just how difficult it can be.

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 final 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, as 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, a swath of new technologies are 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

doesn’t need to make you feel yellow—or a sickly shade of green.

If you are, the Collision Repair team has the cure. Over the next few pages, you will find profiles of from across the paint hardware spectrum.

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

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 2020 51

PAINT HARDWARE

1833 Boothclean R.S. FINISHING SYSTEMS

DryKing SYMACH

rsfinishing.com

Symach.com

Critical for longevity and maximizing your investment, cleaning and maintaining your workspaces is just as important as the work you do in them. Having a cleaning workspace doesn’t just improve worker productivity but ultimately enhances the quality of the job done as well, and with experienced field technicians RS Finishing Systems has been providing body shops with a direct and personalized approach to client care for over 25 years. 1833Boothclean is the official service and installation division of the company providing booth cleaning and maintenance to all makes and models of spray booths.

Symach has a new line of conventional booth for the painting and drying phases. DryKing is available in multiple configurations based on length and height variables. It is high performance, automated and made with the best materials on the market. It recognises the different operations performed in the booth and automatically changes the program using the maximum ventilation speed for the painting phases and the average speed for drying.

Paint Booths

With superior lighting and contamination control, Ultra XD Paint Booths from Global Finishing Solutions® (GFS) enable shops to produce exceptional paint finishes. Choose from a variety of high-efficiency heat systems, intutitive control panels, and downdraft or semi-downdraft airflow to customize your Ultra XD Paint Booth to meet the unique needs of your shop. globalfinishing.com

52 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

| 877-658-7900

PAINT HARDWARE

Ultra® XD Paint Booth GLOBAL FINISHING SOLUTIONS

Spanesi Spray Booths SPANESI

globalfinishing.com

www.spanesi-americas.com

The Ultra XD Paint Booth from Global Finishing Solutions® (GFS) boasts versatility and performance. With a choice of high-efficiency heat systems, intuitive control panels and downdraft or semi-downdraft airflow, GFS says it will exceed any bodyshop’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–boosting technician efficiency.

Spanesi works with each customer to create personalized controlled environments that meet each business’ production demands. With a diverse and wide range of spray booths, preparation areas, aluminum bays and mixing room options, Spanesi provides facility layout services that allow customers to visualize their installations long before work begins.

Utilizing high-quality double-wall insulated panels, Spanesi is a leader in the reduction of energy costs associated within your paint department operations. Spanesi spray booths are waterborne ready without the need to invest in costly future upgrades.

3000 Spray Booths GARMAT USA INC./AUTOQUIP AUTOMOTIVE EQUIPMENT

VECTOR 150 Automotive Spray Booth MAX FLOW INC.

autoquip.ca

maxflowinc.com

The 3000 Series Spray Booth is Garmat USAs top-of-the-line downdraft spray booth. It is said to have superior airflow as well as the most effective lighting in any booth available in the market today. Featuring Dual Inlet Reverse Incline Fans with Air Foil blades, the supply and exhaust filter layout is designed for even velocity throughout the working area of the booth providing consistent air flow required for a quality paint job. Superior lighting is said to be a hallmark of the Garmat brand and is horizontally placed for virtually shadow-free illumination. The Garmat touchscreen controls provides a user-friendly interface with real-time status on the booth operations. When consistent airflow and high-quality paint jobs matter, the 3000 Series spray booth is a solution for any high production body shop and growth minded shop owner

The VECTOR 150 Automotive Spray Booth utilizes innovative technology to pull clean air from the upper ceiling through a filter bank located on the rear-center exhaust plenum. As well, Max Flow’s booths are easy to assemble and built to last as they are constructed out of 18-gauge, prepunched single wall panels. The VECTOR 150 takes advantage of 10 m (30”) 12,600 CFM fans and a 3PH motor for ventilation and tri-fold doors with observation windows as well as a man access door with an observation window.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 53

PAINT HARDWARE

SATA® Rapid Preparation System® SATA

PPS™ Series 2.0 Spray Cup System 3M CANADA

sata.com

3Mcanada.ca

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.

Participate in the SATA Loyalty Program and collect coins with every cup.

After nearly 20 years and thousands of hours spent working with automotive painters around the world, 3M has reinvented its Paint Preparation System for the better. Reimagined to help make technicians’ lives easier with a cleaner, faster painting process the system has been improved in six major ways from connection to cup. From a 4-point connection adding stability from the cup to the gun, a new lid locking system for easier cup assembly and a domed lip that helps to eliminate sputtering, the system can cater to all types of auto repair needs.

One robot Two drying technologies UVA-LEDtronic + IR-Drytronic 54 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

info@symach.com

www.symach.com

PAINT HARDWARE

SPT05 Flexi ‘No Edge’ Blending Tape FINIXA

Omega 3-in-1 High Temperature Refrigerated Air Dryer FLAT LINE

finixa.com

flatlinessi.com

Designed for masking curved style lines and panel edges, Finixa’s Flexi “No Edge” Blending Tape helps with blending out clear coats and 2K topcoats.

This tape can also be used to avoid edge forming by applying primers, and helps technicians save time when it comes to sanding primers and polishing clear coats. With flexible application even on round forms this blending tape is versatile and easy to use for any project.

Use of contaminated compressed air can result in prematurely worn pneumatic machinery, blocked valves and orifices, spoiled spray paint applications and corroded piping systems due to moisture in the compressed air lines.

The solution to these problems is the Omega mainstream refrigerated air dryer or the Omega 3-in-1 high-temperature refrigerated air dryer from Flat Line. The Omega utilizes an effective and reliable source of power through their use of compressed air.

Perfect-it™ 1-Step Paint Finishing System 3M CANADA

Acquire Quantum EFX AXALTA

3Mcanada.ca

axalta.com

The 3M Perfect-it™ 1-Step Paint Finishing System comes equipped with all you need for an effective finish without the use of compounding. The one step finishing system is the final step in the overall paint refinishing process beginning with defect removal with the use of 3M’s Purple Finishing Film Abrasive Disc, onto scratch refinement with the help of 3000 grade foam abrasive discs and then microscratch refinement with 8000 grade foam abrasive discs (this step replaces the need for compounding), and then ending the job with the Perfect-it™ 1-Step Finishing Material to create a deep glossy finish the first time.

Axalta’s Acquire™ Quantum EFX Spectrophotometer packs innovative technology into a smaller, lighter and highly intuitive colour measuring tool with Wi-Fi capabilities than previous Axalta spectrophotometers.

Equipped with 180° rotation capabilities, the Acquire™ Quantum EFX also comes with a “smart cradle” for charging and direct connection to a PC and works seamlessly with Axalta’s colour retrieval software to give precise matches for improved bodyshop productivity and efficiency. As well, its proven 3-angled measurement technique and smaller aperture allows for faster more accurate readings of metallic, sparkle, pearl and effect colours, even on curved and hard-to-reach places!

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 55

PAINT HARDWARE

SATAjet® X 5500 Bionic SATA

Performance Industrial Spray Gun 3M CANADA

sata.com

3Mcanada.ca

SATA spray guns do not only inspire with their stunning aesthetics, they deliver with their cuttingedge engineering. The inner workings of a SATA spray gun is something that many wish to see - and now you can! The SATAjet X 5500 Bionic reveals the unseen technology that makes your SATA spray gun so special. The special edition spray gun is fully functional and suitable for daily use in the spray booth. The SATAjet X 5500 Bionic is a time-limited special edition, reserve with your SATA dealer now!

Giving technicians a smarter way to spray the Performance Industrial Spray Gun from 3M was built from advanced impact-resistant composite material with the industrial painter in mind. According to 3M the gun is one of the lightest in the industry and is durable, versatile and easy to maintain. With just a quick wipe of the needle and head replacement for cleanup, means there’s fewer parts to maintain and no need for disassembly or soaking in solvent. Able to spray a wide variety of coatings from stains and primers to topcoats and even adhesives, the spray gun gets the job done.

ProLite Gravity DEVILBISS

MP-V8™Mid-Pressure Compressor Spray Gun FUJI SPRAY AUTO™

autorefinishdevilbiss.com

fujisprayauto.com

The DeVilbiss PROLite spray gun delivers exceptional performance and colour matching capabilities. The gun features a lightweight design that delivers a uniform spray pattern and atomization distribution for an exceptional quality finish. The grip is designed for reduced trigger travel to decrease operator fatigue paired with a drop-forged aluminum, anodized body with a removable air baffle. The PROLite has consistently met the highest standards to ensure that you get the job done right.

The MP-V8™ Mid-Pressure Compressor Spray Gun from Fuji Spray Auto™ features a side-mounted fan pattern control allowing users to precisely set fan widths to match project size. Suitable for high production facilities, the MP-V8™ features a forged aluminum gun body with anodized fluid passages for waterborne or solvent-based coatings. The 360-degree swivel air inlet also reduces drag and prevents tangling in the booth.

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PAINT HARDWARE

SuperNova ANEST IWATA

Wheel Repair Mask J-TAPE

anestiwata.com

jtape.com

Developed with the help of the Pininfarina design firm, Anest Iwata’s LS400-HVLP Spray Gun (Supernova) combines superior atomization control with production speed and ergonomics. The Supernova is offered as two distinct versions: one made for basecoats and the other for clearcoats, with 1.3 and 1.4 mm nozzle options, allowing you to match the nozzle size to your preferred paint brand. The basecoat version is designated by the gold air-cap.

JTAPE offers the most effective way to mask a tire, thanks to their awardwinning Wheel Repair Mask. After deflating the tyre and breaking the wheel off the bead, the elasticated centre is quickly applied around the back of the rim covering the whole tire. The “Corona” treated film ensures that the paint is absorbed into the repair mask to give a perfect finish and fits wheels up to 26”.

www.finixa.com

NEW

For more information, contact us! | jchusing@finixa.ca 1

3

2

4

5

UV PUTTY GAP 80

Universal UV putty, perfect for spot & smart repair DGR

P120

APPLICATION

2-5 min. @7mW/cm

P120 - 320

Application on plastic surfaces: After step 2: apply a thin coat of adhesion promotor TSP 030 and let dry for 10 minutes

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 57

PAINT HARDWARE

Revo Infrared Curing System GLOBAL FINISHING SOLUTIONS

UV LED-tronic M1 Lamp SYMACH

globalfinishing.com

Symach.com

Improve your paint shop efficiency without having to overhaul your space with the REVO Accelerated Curing Systems from Global Finishing Solutions.

The system’s technology cures filler and coatings quickly from the inside out, offering ultra-fast curing times for both prep and paint processes.

Global Finishing Solutions says the system is easy to operate and install and offers multiple models to fit a variety of needs.

The LED-tronic technology is the result of research by Symach’s R&D division, from the study of the right wavelength for the new generation UV coatings, to the LEDs used, to the mechanical design of the product and finally the performances obtained. The LEDs of different wavelengths, all in the UV-A segment, are assembled along a line of reflectors studied and designed to achieve fast and efficient drying results. The LEDs are installed on an aluminum support equipped with a heat sink, allowing prolonged use of the lamp also for drying several car panels in sequence.

IRT Rail Systems HEDSON

UV Fast Curing System COLAD/EMM INTERNATIONAL BV

hedson.com

Colad.co

Hedson strives to produce a high-versatility drying system with its IRT Rail Systems. Suspended in permanently installed rails, allowing for easy glides through the working area, these infrared dryers are simple and convenient additions to any shop. The power supply of this self-stabilizing ray dispenser trails directly through the rails it is mounted to, allowing it to move laterally and vertically in all directions.

The Colad UV Curing Light is an ergonomic tool to cure both small and large areas in the fastest way possible. The powerful Light is equipped with high intensity UV LEDs and cures with more than 200 mW/cm2 power. The cured surfaces are immediately ready for further processing: no need to wait to polish or sand. It can be used for both spot repair projects and to cure larger areas or body panels. The light combines the low weight of a spray gun with the ease of the 900 ml Colad Snap Lid® paint application system, and is cored-wired, making it suitable for a full day’s continuous working.

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A SYSTEM

REBORN with ever ything you asked for in a ref inish system–color consistency and tools.

M AV ERICK APPROV ED .

REQUES T A DEMO, V ISI T M AT R I X S Y S T E M . C O M

PAINT HARDWARE

Gerson Elite Paint Strainers GERSON

Luma III Spray Paint Suit LUMA III

gersonco.com

lumaiii.com

The Elite Paint Strainers from Gerson are a game-changer as they allow for “no touch” contamination-free storage and dispensing of strainers.

The highest level of filter purity is guaranteed thanks to the automated production of triple-cleaned mesh used in the strainers. A colour-coded filter is included for easy identification of micron sizes, with white mesh also available.

Painters spend their lives in the spray booth and they should have suits that are made to last. Luckily, Luma III’s Spray Paint Suit is made from gridded anti-static polyester to offer a durable yet comfortable lightweight fit with a professional look. This suit is a great addition to any painter’s arsenal, providing an optimal level of protection, minimizing static buildup and lowering dust transfer rates.

Premium Solvent Cleaner 7030 REXALL LABORATORIES AND CHEMICALS

IR-B06/IR-B06-T B-TEC SYSTEMS

rexalllabs.com

bteccleaners.com

Rexall Laboratories and Chemicals’ Premium Solvent Cleaner 7030 offers a high-quality, low odor paint thinner and cleaner suitable for all your diluting acrylic and polyurethanic coatings needs in car refinishing.

B-Tec Systems’ IR-B06 and IR-B06-T infrared curing systems feature low base heights and two-stage drying with either half or full power bake cycles available. Every cassette on the unit is equipped for separate switching and gas-filled struts, making it easy to position. A 10m power cable, digital memory function that can store up to four drying programs, a visible ultrasonic distance indicator and a two-year warranty are also included with the unit.

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BODYWORX THE VOICE OF COLLISION REPAIR TECHS & PAINTERS

PROFESSIONAL

PRIDE | PASSION | SKILL Bodyworx Professional is the only publication in Canada written exclusively for professional autobody technicians. Bodyworx Professional is dedicated to celebrating the pride, passion, and skill of the men and women working back of shop. Bodyworx Professional features their accomplishments, underscores the importance of training in a rapidly developing technologybased industry, showcases career achievements and highlights the burgeoning customization and restyling market. The focus is on providing relevant content that taps into the dreams, aspirations, and excitement that this industry offers.

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SCAN ME

PAINTLESS DENT REPAIR

TOO GOOD TO MISS PDR TECHNIQUES GO MAINSTREAM

A

fter decades of separation from the collision repair sector, paintless dent repair (PDR) technicians developed techniques unheard of in the mainstream repair community. And now, some collision facilities are bringing these techniques to support more traditional repair processes.

There is no question that, in some circumstances, PDR techniques can provide the swiftest, least expensive low-risk solutions to minor damages on vehicles.

“When it comes to PDR it really is a new industry. I know it’s been 30 some years now but that’s relativity new in this industry. The way I think about it is PDR has always been a young stepbrother to the collision industry,” explained Bill Park, the co-chief executive of the Colorado-based PDR firm Axiom Accident and Hail Repair, in his 2018 Guild 21 webinar.

During the same webinar, Park and other guests highlighted the growing number of collision facilities that were bringing in PDR 62 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

techniques in order repair parts that would otherwise be replaced.

This is leading to a so-called “partial push to repair” approach, where a technician uses PDR techniques to reduce the severity of a collision repair job, then finishes the job with standard paint-based collision repair techniques.

Using partial push to repair, a large dent can be pulled using PDR glue-pulling techniques into a much smaller one—or even completely removed. Of course, the more dramatic the repair, the less likely is it for paint to survive the undenting process, intact.

One of the reasons that PDR techniques work on dents, is the emergence of glue pulling techniques, which in the late 2010s, had surpassed the older suction and dent-rod techniques with effectiveness.

As Ryan Hampton, Axiom’s second chief executive stated: “Glue pulling has surpassed suction for external repair. It has

grown by leaps and bounds. No one who we work with drills a panel anymore. Rather than removing a bumper cover, throw a glue tab on there and pull the dent out. Glue has moved up a lot. It can move a lot of metal as compared to a dent rod. So, there are a lot of advantages there. Guys are just getting better at it.”

Of course, it isn’t just the evolution of glue pulling methods that has allowed PDR techniques to become valuable in traditional repairing facilities.

Another advance is the use of a hot box, which uses an induction unit, like those found on high-end oven elements, to reform the metal. The technique allows technicians to pull on the dent from the top side of the panel and eliminate damage to the back side of the panel. In fact, with the introduction of BETAG Innovation’s own induction heating unit back in 2016, the brand began to seriously market its equipment to the mainstream.

PAINTLESS DENT REPAIR

“THE TIME TO BECOME A PROFICIENT PDR TECH IS SIGNIFICANT, BUT THE CENTRES THAT ENCOURAGE THEIR TECHNICIANS TO EMBRACE SMALL DAMAGE REPAIR HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO ESTABLISH A SIGNIFICANT COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE.” — DAVE FLOCKHART

At the time, BETAG COO, Dave Flockhart, explained that though the PDR technology might have been envisaged for PDR technicians, it now offers new opportunities to collision facilities.

“For us, it’s one of the fundamentals of metal repair. If you can get access to the backside of the metal and push it, you’ve expanded your options and you can make the quality of the repair much better,” explained Flockhart.

He also suggested that collision facilities that invest in using PDR tools proficiently, could see a significant benefit.

“I think there are opportunities for collision centres to develop their skill sets. The time to become a proficient PDR tech is significant, but the centres that encourage their technicians to embrace small damage repair have an opportunity to establish a significant competitive advantage.”

It’s magic—PDR rods even look like wands.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 63

PAINTLESS DENT REPAIR

UNDENTED OPPORTUNITIES WHY PDR PROVIDERS ARE THRIVING EVEN AS THEIR TECHNIQUES GO MAINSTREAM

T

he paintless dent repair sector’s transition from a specialized service into a mainstay service of progressive auto repairers everywhere has been rapid. For many facilities, however, the advantages offered by working with a PDR provider still outweigh bringing those services in-house.

Part of the reason these third-party services remain successful is that, while the basics of PDR are now being taught in mainstream collision repair training programs, a few providers have taken the technique far beyond the basics.

“PDR is a game real game-changer.

Working with PDR firms can bring in business to collision facilities, improve cycle times, and improve a businesses relationship with customers and auto insurers,” says Domenic Serra of PDR Canada. “It is a win-win-win.”

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 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 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.

64 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

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.

“Your best option is to partner with a reputable PDR company who has a strong mix of work and a large team of technicians,” says Wong. “If you train your own staff they will leave as soon as your work dries up or as soon as there is a major hailstorm.”

Fenton also points out that this relationship between collision facility and PDR service provider can be a two-way 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 DRP 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.”

“Collision repair facilities can promote PDR on dents that are not related to collision repair to increase sales,” says Ricky Chin of Hail Specialists.

PAINTLESS DENT REPAIR

PULL UP! Repair System SPANESI

Flatliner Panel Repair System BETAG INNOVATION

www.spanesi-americas.com

betagnorthamerica.com

The PULL UP! repair system from Spanesi utilizes an innovative cold repair process to repair damaged steel or aluminum panels. Through the incorporation of different size suction cups and special glue to restore the shape of metal panels, repairs are performed with slide hammers or with an optional electro-puller. The PULL UP! comes in two packages, standard and full with a full complement of accessories to ensure repair facilities have the proper tools to complete repairs with minimal impact to the underlying substrates.

Designed for the repair of small to medium collision damage, BETAG’s Flatliner system is globally approved and recommended by BMW, Rolls Royce and MINI, as well as numerous other North American, European and Asian OEMs. The Flatliner Full Set includes BETAG’s Touchscreen Digispot welder, with manual and automatic settings; three precision engineered bridges in 80cm, 120cm and 160cm lengths; five specialist body repair hammers; two types of bits, both straight and twisted, as well as BETAG’s complete Innopuller system for detailed finishing work.

Retainer Clip Release STECK

Mini-Ductor Venom HP INDUCTION INNOVATIONS

steckmfg.com

theinductor.com

Easily remove fender flares and rocker moldings without any breakage using the Steck Retainer Clip Release tool. The tool works by sliding in between the molding and panel of the vehicle, allowing repairers to access the expansion ears and release the clip. Made from spring steel with a reinforced nylon handle, the Steck Retainer Clip Release Tool is flexible and easy to slip into tight areas.

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.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 65

PAINTLESS DENT REPAIR

Alu T-Hotbox BETAG INNOVATION

Inductor Pro-Max Flameless Heat System SST

betagnorthamerica.com

sstofcanada.com

The Alu T-Hotbox from BETAG is an advanced, induction tool engineered to efficiently reduce or remove small, medium and large sized shallow dents in aluminum outer panels. Designed for use alone, or in concert with BETAG’s glue pulling and Alu Slimliner systems, the T-hotbox system is available to purchase from local authorized resellers in each province, with BETAG Innovation offering regular estimator and technician training courses across the country. With aluminum being used increasingly for outer panels, the Alu T-Hotbox together with BETAG Innovation’s effective training creates a significant competitive advantage for body shops.

The Pro-Max Flameless Heat System uses high-frequency magnetic fields–the same type used by induction elements–to energize electrons on ferrous surfaces, removing all adhesives bonded to metals. Seized hardware rendered inoperable by corrosion or thread lock compounds can also be released using the Pro-Max Flameless Heat System. Attachments are available to allow the heating of ferrous surfaces without collateral damage being caused to nearby plastics.

Pro

Patent Pending

PartCart

Part #35950

• Flexible part holding cart

Power PDR Box DCC HAIL dcchail.com

• Simple handtwist fasteners for quick & easy reconfiguration • Folds up for out-of-the-way storage • Holds up to 400 lbs.

• Heavy-duty tight-mesh shelves

• 29”x 41”x 29”when configured full height

66 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

• Folding mast for two-side usage

The Power PDR Box from DCC Hail uses high-frequency pulses to move and stabilize compressed metal back to its original state, thereby saving otherwise irreparable damage. According to DCC Hail, this Power Box is the most technologically advanced PDR Tool on the market and was created by PDR Techs. The PDR Box works on soft dents on chrome bumpers, as well as steel and aluminum.

PAINTLESS DENT REPAIR

Dented Paintess Repair DENTED PAINTESS REPAIR

Glue Pull Repair Manager Kit KECO BODY REPAIR PRODUCTS

dented.ca

www.kecotabs.ca

Dented Paintless Repair specializes in paintless dent repair (PDR) and has become a recognized industry leader by listening to and delivering what the market wants. Established in 2018, the company is founded by Canadians, for Canadians, and offers five convenient locations across Canada. The company also recently finalized an agreement with Vale Training Solutions to administer paintless dent repair certification in Canada.

GPR eliminates stud welding so your repairs are far less intrusive with less post-pull work pounding, filling, priming and painting. There’s no need to spray wax or coatings inside the panel because you don’t burn any of the OEM material away. The Keco Collision Manager Kit is the most comprehensive glue pull repair kit available for body shops looking to provide the highest quality repair for their customers. The kit includes all of the tools required to complete advanced GPR repairs requiring very minimal, if any, body filler to finish. Your kit will handle the full spectrum of damage from small to x-large with ease.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 67

PAINTLESS DENT REPAIR

Maxi DF-505/220V DENT FIX EQUIPMENT

Robo Mini Lifter System KECOTABS

dentfix.com

kecotabs.com

The Maxi 220V is a versatile and efficient tool, allowing technicians to increase work productivity while producing a cleaner, better repair. The unit provides welders with the power needed for shrink, pulling rocker panels, fixing hail damage, creases and dents in areas with difficult access points and for all types of metal damage. The kit comes with a variety of accessories including 20 feet of power cable, nine feet of welding cable, two light pulling rods, a nine and four finger Bear Claw and a few other extras for easy use.

BODYWORX THE VOICE OF COLLISION REPAIR TECHS & PAINTERS

KecoTabs’ Robo Mini Lifter PDR solution features adjustable and rotating feet as well as a precision pulling plate, providing a versatile, lightweight lifter that can support repairs from small hail dents to large body creases, all without having to remove paint. The Robo Mini Lifter’s Dead Center Finishing tabs are also able to transfer lifting power to the centre of the tab because of its neck diameters, allowing clean, fast, and precise results.

MotionLED System BETAG INNOVATION betagnorthamerica.com

PROFESSIONAL

STAY INFORMED IN THIS FAST PACED INDUSTRY SUBSCRIBE TO BODYWORXMAG.COM TODAY! 68 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

BETAG’s MotionLED system is a mobile, cordless task lighting solution, designed for use by estimators, repair planners and technicians. The rechargeable batteries built into the housing of the light itself produce nine hours of work time from each three-hour charging cycle. Using the optional extension arm, estimators and repair planners can use the MotionLED to identify and mark all the damage on a panel—and produce high quality images of the damage to submit to the customer or insurer.

Each of the lighting strips in the MotionLED is individually controllable, enabling technicians to adjust brightness and warmth of light as needed - to deliver high quality work, quickly and efficiently.

MEET THE PROS OF THE CANADIAN AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLING INDUSTRY The source for forward thinking practices and environmentally conscious programs, this fully bilingual magazine offers a comprehensive look at the recycling industry with up to 100 pages of content as well as exclusive articles on parts, the environment, association updates, the mechanical sector, a directory and much, much more.

Follow Canadian Auto Recyclers

Visit or subscribe to canadianrecycler.ca today!

RECYCLING

GREENER PASTURES REPAIR MORE, RECYCLE MORE, EARN MORE

D

uring the height of the coronavirus pandemic, Dave Flockhart, chief operating officer of BETAG said facilities could significantly boost their productivity and gross profit margins by embracing a ‘repair first’ mindset post-pandemic.

“More total loss vehicles mean more competition for repairable vehicles,” said Dave Flockhart, suggesting businesses invest in their team’s repairing skillsets.

“Take those lower experienced technicians or apprentices and develop them.

Upskill and motivate.”

Dave Luehr, president of Elite Body Shop Solutions, agreed.

“I’m not suggesting that a repair-first mindset is the only way to drive gross profit and labour margins,” said Flockhart. “But it can yield both early and long-term benefits.”

Using data from a BETAG case study on nearly 100 independent repair facilities, Flockhart said 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.

While many repairers are not taking advantage of recycled OEM parts, insurers are becoming more and more engaged with the circular economies benefits. This increase has been fueled by a thriving auto dismantling sector, which, in the U.S. 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. The major players in the auto salvage auction market.

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.

In order to stay ahead in their highly profitable field, each business is work-

Using data from a BETAG case study on nearly 100 independent repair facilities, Flockhart said nearly all facilities saw an increase in repair percentages after embracing a “repair first ethos.”

70 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

ing 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, and even panoramic shots of every car placed on the block. Another, which is particularly beneficial to night owls, is the addition 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.

Like auto auction sites, recyclers are offering a raft of services—including searchable part grading information—to repairers.

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!

“More total loss vehicles mean more competition for repairable vehicles,” said Dave Flockhart, suggesting businesses invest in their team’s repairing skillsets.

RECYCLING

Integrated Car Part Pro CAR-PART.COM

Carcone’s Auto Recycling CARCONE’S AUTO RECYCLING

car-part.com

carcone.com

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 4300 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.

Aurora, Ontario is home to Carcone’s; 20-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.

Global Refining Group GLOBAL REFINING GROUP

United Recyclers Group UNITED RECYCLERS GROUP

Globalrefininggroup.com

u-r-g.com

Global Refining Group provides a processing system that claims to have the ability to recover 2-6 per cent more material out of catalytic converters than its leading competitors. With state-of-the-art technology Global Refining Group can supply its consumers with greater efficiency, increased speed and higher recovery rates that can see higher returns on spent catalyst materials. Dedicated to providing optimal service and curating influential partnerships, Global Refining Group strives to revolutionize the catalytic converter recycling industry.

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.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 71

RECYCLING

Buffalo Engine Components BUFFALO ENGINE

United Catalyst Corporation UNITED CATALYST CORPORATION

buffaloengine.com

unitedcatalystcorporation.com

Buffalo Engine Components has been a leader in the parts recycling industry since 1981. Beginning as a warehouse distributor of used engines and transmissions, buying and selling automotive scrap metal has added 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. As well, each single pour RSI sow that is produced weighs approximately 2,000 pounds. Buffalo Engine produces a product with consistent chemistry because only scrap aluminum engines and transmissions from their core business are used in the re-melt process.

United Catalyst Corporation has been offering processing and refining services for recyclers for the past 27 years. United Catalyst works to maximize each recycler’s load no matter the size, every step of the way, from processing to refining and selling metal. The 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).

eLink HOLLANDER

PMR Catalytic Converter Recycling PMR

hollandersolutions.com

pmrcc.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.

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.

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RECYCLING

Rebuilder’s Automotive Supply REBUILDER’S AUTOMOTIVE SUPPLY

Cardinal Couriers CARDINAL COURIERS

coresupply.com

cardinalcouriers.com

With more than 45 years in the automotive recycling industry under its belt, Rebuilders Automotive Supply (RAS) prides itself on being a quality and service conscious company and boasts having been sustainable and “green” since 1972. With its patented core sourcing technology, online valuation and inventory tools designed for auto recyclers alike, RAS is one of the leaders in the industry with its tools helping to maximize core revenue through streamlining automotive core evaluation and inventory processes.

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.

C ONNEC T T O M OR E CU S T O MER S. SEL L MOR E PAR T S. • BUILD & CONNEC T TO YOUR OWN SITE • RE ACH CUS TOMERS 24/7 • E A S Y SE ARCH & FA S T CHECK OUT • ONLINE CH AT WITH CUS TOMERS • INCLUDE IM AGE S TO BOOS T S ALE S • PAR TNER WITH YARDS FROM ACROS S THE U.S. & C AN ADA

SU P P O R T @ U - R- G.C O M | 303- 367- 4 3 9 1 U - R- G.C O M

BY R E C YC L E R S | F O R R E C YC L E R S

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 73

WEDGE CLAMP SALES GET LASER BOOST

ADVERTORIAL

ECLIPSE PLUS MEASURING SYSTEM HELPING DRIVE GROWTH

M

ark Greenberg was perplexed.

It was December of 2018, and although thriving in his job as general manager of business development for the Craftsman Group of Companies, he’d just been asked to leave head office in North Vancouver to run Craftsman’s Wedge Clamp division in nearby Richmond.

He felt like a starting pitcher being who’d just been traded.

Today Greenberg still misses being part of ‘the amazing Craftsman team,’ but the move has been all good for Wedge Clamp, with sales up significantly (despite the pandemic) in all of North America. Shops in previously untapped territories including Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Illinois and Texas are now eagerly adopting Wedge Clamp’s portable, affordable anchoring and measuring systems.

Sales and interest in Canada are also rising as shops here scramble to meet requirements from OEMs and insurance companies for fourpoint chainless anchoring and electronic 3-D laser measuring.

Other encouraging indicators for Wedge Clamp include a new Indiana distributor launching a full demo training facility for all products and a

recent breakthrough sale of the Eclipse Plus laser measuring system in China.

One of Wedge Clamp’s newest products, the Eclipse Plus is proving so popular that its Seattle manufacturing plant can barely meet the demand.

Much of his success stems from his push to reignite stagnant leads, Greenberg says, but hints the pandemic may have played a role.

“At first, collision repair shops weren’t sure what kind of effect COVID would have,” he says. “Now that the economy seems reasonably stable, and especially with news of a potential vaccine, they’re recommitting to investing in equipment. Our anchoring systems are more time, space and cost-efficient than conventional bench systems. In a tight economy they make more sense than ever.

“The Eclipse Plus practically sells itself because of the need for 3-D measuring along with printed pre- and post-repair reports. That’s exactly what it does so well.”

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.

1.800.615.9949 info@wedgeclamp.com www.wedgeclamp.com Distributor territories available. ©2019 Wedge Clamp Systems Inc. All rights reserved.

www.colbertcreative.com (604) 681-5386

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THE AUTHORITATIVE VOICE OF THE CANADIAN COLLISION REPAIR INDUSTRY www.collisionrepairmag.com

DIAGNOSTIC DISCUSSION

ALL CLEAR? THINK AGAIN DEVELOPING AN EFFECTIVE SCANNING PROCESS

BY CHUCK OLSON

C

ollision businesses that develop an effective diagnostic scan process will see an almost immediate

benefit.

A diagnostic process—like strategy-based diagnostics—performed by a qualified diagnostic specialist can save a collision repair facility money, cut back touch-times, improve capacity, reduce the risk of legal liability, and, most importantly, improve the safety of motorists on the road.

It can even improve client and insurer relations.

When maintenance items—such as failing batteries—and worn components, switches and electrical motors are identified during diagnostic inspections, an effective diagnostic scan process will allow a repair business to determine whose is responsible for the cost of the repair—be it the vehicle owner, auto insurer of manufacturer—rather than just being added to a loss claim.

Properly trained and experienced diagnostic technicians are able to zone-in on the true needs of a repair, reducing unnecessary procedures and identify those commonly missed safety items early in the repair process considerably. They are also able to better determine what procedures an insurer is and is not responsible for as related to a loss claim—and to document the evidence.

While customers might not be happy to have to pay for a battery, addressing maintenance opportunities becomes easier when the problem is readily identified and documented. At the very least, presenting all parties with the necessary, accurate test and inspection results is sure to win trust.

On the other hand, those collision businesses that do not have an effective diagnostic scan process may expose themselves

76 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

to legal dangers—and their customers to physical ones.

Collision facilities may not even realize what is wrong with their diagnostic approach. Unfortunately, there are some serious misconceptions within the industry about how to use scan tools and what, exactly, their capabilities are.

PROPERLY TRAINED AND EXPERIENCED DIAGNOSTIC TECHNICIANS ARE ABLE TO ZONE-IN ON THE TRUE NEEDS OF A REPAIR, REDUCING UNNECESSARY PROCEDURES AND IDENTIFY THOSE COMMONLY MISSED SAFETY ITEMS EARLY IN THE REPAIR PROCESS CONSIDERABLY. The most significant of these misconceptions is that by pulling diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), a scan will tell you exactly what needs to be done to fix a vehicle.

Unfortunately, a basic code-pull barely scratches the surface of what is involved in the scanning and diagnostic process.

It is pretty simple to clear DTC codes and to get a report saying they are all clear.

Many drivers and collision business owners believe that ‘all clear’ really means ‘all clear.’ This isn’t—at all—the case. If that sounds like the approach your business is taking, you are not in the clear—, especially from a liability standpoint.

In reality, by executing clear code functions, the automotive computer system receives a reset command from the scan tool.

The module’s immediate memory of sensor and fault information is wiped—which usually causes the system to forget the outof-range sensor data that set them off in the first place! Any experienced automotive technician will agree retrieving and/or clearing trouble codes is only the starting point.

Effective diagnostics involves using all the functions and data available with modern scan tools.

At Airpro Diagnostics we use several test and data fields we call “component level scanning”. To make effective use of the information, a trained technician has to go into the individual modules and check through the code’s status and data within each.

But even this does not always give you the remedy. By pulling information from the relevant module, the technician will see between 30 and 100 lines of data. This will give them enough information to significantly reduce the shortlist of possible causes.

Further investigation will allow them to narrow things down even more. Here’s the caveat, though. The numbers reflect data—data which may or may not reflect reality—and when it comes to verifying the situation in the vehicle, a remote diagnostic technician needs a capable auto repairer at the vehicle to investigate. In order to meet the criteria to say the system is good, it has to pass a self-check, which may or may not reveal that the problem is still there. (This doesn’t make sense to me here) Take, for example, the diagnostic specialist discovers that a DTC or data is reporting

DIAGNOSTIC DISCUSSION

a lean condition. On the basis of the DTC, the cause could be related to the voltage feed, the command fuel delivery system, or any number of other causes—including a problem with the sensor itself that requires further inspection. And don’t forget about the required calibrations, programming and initialization needed after repairs.

Another common misconception relates to how scans should be performed—and who should be performing them. It is widely—and incorrectly—believed that a single automotive technician can be responsible for the entirety of the scanning and diagnostic process, on every vehicle while using a single scan tool.

As someone who has worked in vehicle diagnostics for over 30 years, the idea that any single technician would have the knowledge required to be effective on every vehicle seems ridiculous. Leaving the speed at which the technology is changing aside, knowing how to accurately interpret the diagnostic information for one brand of vehicle won’t prepare you for another one.

In fact, at AirPro, my colleagues—who have often spent years working in diagnostics at the dealership level prior to joining the team—spent two full months mastering a single OEM diagnostic language. While they will then go on to become familiar

with the diagnostic language of two other brands, most will only ever be a top tier specialist with one or two brands.

Of course, the notion of mastering every OEM diagnostic language isn’t half as terrifying to us remote diagnostic technicians as the notion of being responsible for performing the physical inspection of the vehicles that we scan.

Yeah developing a diagnostic scan process isn’t easy. If it was, our company, AirPro Diagnostics, which provides repair facilities with access to diagnostic experts, wouldn’t exist.

If you wish to develop one, though, it might be best to keep this analogy—between vehicle diagnostics and the medical field in mind.

While an MRI or X-Ray technician operates the machine, it is the radiologist who interprets the results and provides a surgeon with the information needed to conduct the surgery.

In the case of a vehicular scan, A technician with basic skills can connect the tool.

It is the diagnostic technician who should be interpreting the results and the repair technician who is performing the surgery.

Yes—you read that right—just retrieving and clearing trouble codes is a bit like handing a scalpel to an X-ray technician!

The co-inventor of the first remote vehicle programming system and method, diagnostics expert Chuck Olsen is one of the founders of AirPro Diagnostics, where he now serves as its senior vice president of automotive technology solutions.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 77

SCANNING AND ESTIMATION

SCANNING THE SCENE IS YOUR BUSINESS PRE-REPAIR PREPARED?

I

f there’s 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 unnecessary work comes as a result of an insufficient estimation process.

As Kelly Roberts, a 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 most always isn’t going to be apparent.”

Some, though not all, of this not-easily recognized damage will be registered in a vehicle’s computer systems. To prevent supplemental work from slowing down the process at your business, a thorough pre-scan is necessary. A thorough and exhaustive search.

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 its functions, which equates to nearly twice the data processing requirements of your home PC, or 10 times the data processing requirements of your smartphone.

A repaired vehicle must have all these modules scanned and functioning normally

to ensure the vehicle is safe to be returned to 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 trigger a warning 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 technician 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 help give you a solid sense of what to expect, and what to consider.

With the touchless economy upon us, now is the time to try your hand at photo estimation.

78 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

As Kelly Roberts of 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 most always isn’t going to be apparent.”

SCANNING AND ESTIMATION

MaxiSYS Ultra AUTEL

Remote Diagnostics Scanner AIRPRO DIAGNOSTICS

Autel.com

airprodiagnostics.com

The MaxiSYS Ultra is Autel’s most ambitious diagnostics tablet to date, featuring a 12.9-inch touchscreen Android-based tablet powered by an Octa-core processor and 256GB memory. The Ultra features the MaxiFlash VCMI, a 5-in-1 communication and testing tool providing the latest DoIP, D-PDU and Mega CAN protocols. The VCMI also functions as a 4-channel oscilloscope, waveform generator, multimeter and CanBUS tester. The Ultra offers the most Intelligent Diagnostics with topology module mapping for supported vehicles, guided repair information and illustrations.

Trusted by Canada’s top-rated auto repair college program at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, AirPro’s diagnostic scanner provides its users with remote diagnostics analysis and generates reports based on OEM-validated repair procedures. Claiming to include methods on 98 per cent of repair reports, this remote scanner allows technicians to communicate directly with the vehicle for real-time functionality.

asTech Remote Diagnostic Device ASTECH

ScanSafe OPUS IVS

astech.com

opusivs.com

The asTech Remote Diagnostic Device uses OEM factory scan tools to search for, identify and resolve the diagnostic, electronic, and computer related trouble codes resulting from collisions. This device has been noted to improve efficiency in automotive repair shops by helping control severity, improve cycle times, reduce loss of use, meet more guaranteed completion dates, secure better results for the DRP partners and loyal customers all while keeping the car in the production lane at the repair facility.

OPUS IVS, formerly Drew Technologies, recently announced its new collision scanning software, ScanSafe. ScanSafe is a comprehensive scanning solution that brings together OEM scanning, aftermarket quick scanning, calibration, programming and live diagnostic support through a consistent user interface that integrates into the existing workflow, making it easy to conduct all scans. The patented technology and remote flash programming provide the Opus IVS core solutions of OEM Scan, QuickScan, IVS 360, and RAP (Remote Assisted Programming). IVS360 connects the shop with 100+ brand-specific master technicians to help interpret trouble codes, review OEM service procedures, and provide diagnostic assistance directly through the tool.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 79

SCANNING AND ESTIMATION

MaxiSYS MA600CAL3 AUTEL

Level 5 Drive LEVEL 5 DRIVE

Autel.com

level5drive.com

The MA600CAL3 expansion package includes the new MA600RAP Mounting Plate. The MA600RAP expands the capability of your MA600 to perform radar and night vision calibrations on vehicles equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Front Collision Warning and Night Vision systems. Also included are the Radar Calibration Box, Radar Calibration Plate, ACC Reflector and Night Vision Calibration Box (VW/Audi, GM & Porsche).

PRE-SCAN

Level 5 Drive provides dedicated ADAS calibration services to collision repair, auto glass, rental and mechanical repair companies. Level 5 Drive will pick up the vehicle that needs to be calibrated, and take it back to the laboratory setting where they test as many variables as possible in order to provide accurate and repeatable results. ADAS is easy through stepby-step precise calibration and proper documentation before returning the vehicle to your shop in the correct state.

& POST-SCAN

CREATE EFFICIENT REPAIR PLAN FROM THE START

Saved By RO and VIN • Single Button Report • Wireless Print or Email • E-Signature For Insurance Approval

Step 1 Enter New Vehicle RO MD808P

Step 2 Pre-SCAN Report

MOST AFFORDABLE

Step 3 Repair Vehicle

Step 5 Post-SCAN Report

MODULE IDENTIFICATION ICON PINPOINTS MODULES REQUIRING ADAS CALIBRATION

MX808

AutoSCAN

AUTEL.COM • MAXITPMS.COM • MAXISYSADAS.COM © 2020 Autel U.S. Inc., All Rights Reserved

80 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

Step 4 Enter Vehicle RO History

TRAINING V IDEOS

@AutelTools https://www.youtube.com/auteltools

SCANNING AND ESTIMATION

OBDII Scan Tool BLUE DRIVER

MaxiIRT IR100 AUTEL

bluedriver.com

Autel.com

BlueDriver’s OBDII Scan Tool comes with an advanced code-reading software along with compatibility with any vehicle with an OBDII port.

This inexpensive, but effective product reads and clears codes, offers repair reports, a smog check, live data and freeze frame data, along with mode 6 advanced test results. The bluetooth scanner is compatible with IOS or Android devices and is a “one and done” purchase, free of ads or in-app purchases. The OBDII Scan Tool is ranked #1 on Amazon and comes with a 180-day risk-free return policy as well as a 1 year limited warranty.

This infrared thermal camera integrates surface temperature measurement and real-time thermal image. The device’s central point measurement cursor can be used to quickly and accurately locate and measure the temperature of the target object, and potential problems will be shown on the 8.9 cm (3.5 in.) colour display screen. The product is provided with a visible light camera, and up to 50,000 thermal and visible images can be stored in the device to be read through USB, or stored in a computer to generate a report for print. The device comes with a 5000m rechargeable lithium-ion battery for four hours of use per charge.

ADASthink ADASTHINK

G-Scan 3 G-SCAN

adasthink.com

g-scan.gitauto.com

This easy-to-use tool is a new way for shops to pull a vehicle’s advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) and required calibrations. By analyzing pre-determined estimates, ADASthink automatically pulls the inputted vehicles features based on repair operations provided in the estimate.

Covering a wide range of vehicle manufacturers with select models between 2013 and 2021, this system will assist in any shop’s scanning process.

G-Scan has released its third model of diagnostic scanners, the G-Scan 3. This device runs on the Android 6.0 operating system for fast and smart functionality. The G-Scan 3 has the features you need to have an easy and extensive experience in diagnosing complex issues. With a 25 cm (10.1”) LCD capacitive screen, Wi-Fi connectivity, 13 Megapixel rear camera, and rechargeable 6300 Ah the G-Scan battery makes for a very user-friendly interface.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 81

SOFTWARE AND MANAGEMENT

CAN’T TOUCH THIS

HOW A GLOBAL PANDEMIC SPURRED WIDESPREAD INNOVATION IN INDUSTRY SOFTWARE SUITE DESIGN

D

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.

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

82 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

oversight tools might 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 years to boot!

Of course, the businesses that specialize 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 communi-

cation 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.

SOFTWARE AND MANAGEMENT

ProgiPlanning PROGI

Qapter SOLERA AUDATEX

progi.com

audatex.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.

In collaboration with Google Cloud, Solera Holdings Inc have developed an update to Solera’s Qapter claims management software that could bring the app to the global market. With the help of Solera’s Repair Science™ algorithm the company has the ability to tap into more than 40 years of historical vehicle and claims data and with this new Qapter chapter, the program will be able to scale globally for any make and model.

KUBE COLORCOMPASS

Connect AKZONOBEL

colorcompass.com

AkzoNobel.com

The KUBE system from Color Compass allows purchase orders to be placed automatically based on consumption and inventory quantities.

The system’s auto-replenishment feature is said to reduce stock-outs and ensure that orders are always placed on time. As well, the KUBE can customize the specifics at each stage of the consumption and re-order process, by analyzing inventory, determining appropriate min/max levels, and calculating delivery frequency to ensure facilities always have the right products to stay productive.

The new Connect platform from AkzoNobel will be a game-changer for shop owners across the world looking to streamline their workflow. Operating as a bridge between the company’s Carbeat and MIXIT applications and other third-party software applications, Connect reduces the time for data entry while increasing the accuracy of data by allowing shops to track their work in production, and thus operate more efficiently. As well, the program is capable of running in the background while still synchronizing data.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 83

SOFTWARE AND MANAGEMENT

Generis AUTOHOUSE TECHNOLOGIES

E-SHEETS E-SHEETS

autohousetechnologies.com

esheets.ca

AutoHouse Technologies has developed a performance management software system specifically designed for collision repairers that maximizes profitability and reduces cycle times for shops that are stretched thin and in need of additional organization. Generis has the ability to proactively measure and manage Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), knowing when to prioritize certain repairs or predict financial factors. As well, the Generis system provides unprecedented visibility into operations to maximize profits for shop owners, allowing them to expose and correct broken administrative processes before they erode profits.

If you’re looking for an automotive virtual appraisal company that employs a remote-workflow with a focus on bodyshop efficiency, Ottawa’s E-SHEETS could be your solution. The company’s focus is as a remote-appraiser for best-in-class collision repair facilities, with some experience in regional insurance claims as well. Using E-SHEETS is as simple as simply creating appraisals inside your estimating systems under a separate ID that you assign, then sending the picture-sets through CosmosSync. Steve Wade and his team at E-SHEETS offer more than 40 years of collision repair experience.

Bodyshop Connect MICAZEN CONSULTING

Operations Monthly Live DAVE LUEHR’S ELITE BODYSHOP

bodyshopconnect.com

elitebodyshopsolutions.com

Micazen Technologies’ multi-language, cloud-based management system for both single or multi-store collision repair shops is easy-to-use and since the system is extremely customizable; it puts the shop owner back in the driver’s seat. BodyshopConnect acts as a central hub for the entire repair process and helps to manage scheduling, production, job costing, KPIs, communications and more. The BodyshopConnect software can be run on all platforms and can be accessed anywhere. This allows for real-time information and communication from your desk or while on the road.

Industry leadership and operations expert Dave Luehr has all the tips and tricks used by some of the world’s best collision repair businesses, broadcasting live from his website once a month. In addition to learning world-class operational skills, users can interact with other body shop leaders and get questions answered in real time. As well, new subscribers get immediate access to hours of operational and leadership content with opportunities to learn productivity, damage analysis, influence and implementation, quality control systems and lean processes.

84 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

SOFTWARE AND MANAGEMENT

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

Mitchell Cloud Estimating MITCHELL INTERNATIONAL

identifix.com

mitchell.com

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.

Mitchell’s Cloud Estimating software was designed with collision repairers in mind. Allowing repairers to write estimates from anywhere and from any Internet-enabled Microsoft Windows, Apple iOS or Google Android device—including their smartphone, tablet or laptop. The software also allows for seamless access to integrated OEM repair procedures as the estimate is developed, reducing research time.

Diagnostics, Progamming & Calibrations - It’s What We Do! AirPro is the most advanced diagnostic, calibration, and programming scan tool using 100% licensed OEM information and software directly connected to the vehicle while operated by a skilled team of expert diagnosticians.

Start doing more ADAS calibrations in-house Access to the latest technology with ongoing updates Get the support of our experienced diagnostic technicians Less downtime for technicians

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 85

PRE- & POST-SCANS ESSENTIAL TO COLLISION REPAIR

Advertorial

embedded antenna for TPMS sensor activation and programming.

R

epair experts understand the value of using diagnostic Pre and Post Scans during all their post collision repair procedures. They know from experience how complicated and interconnected these modern automotive systems are. They

have seen how even a minor impact might result in malfunctioning systems not being directly damaged. Their main concerns are efficiency and liability, so when a new option provides an easy solution to both, it quickly becomes adopted into their daily routine.

electrical function. Many safety and security-related components, sensors and Electronic Control Units (ECUs) require calibration and/or learns when replaced.”

>

When vehicle manufacturers issued position statements urging the collision repair industry conduct Pre and Post Scans on any vehicle involved in an accident, insurance companies started reimbursing collision shops for such scans. General Motors, for example took the position that “all vehicles being assessed for collision damage repair must be tested for Diagnostic Trouble Codes during the repair estimation to identify the required repair.” The 2016 statement went on to endorse the use of a PostScan to ensure that not only the repairs were successful but that no new faults were introduced during the repair. Similar statements have been issued by almost all vehicle manufacturers including Honda, Ford, Volvo, Lexus/ Toyota, Mercedes, Subaru, BMW/Mini, Mazda, Volkswagen, Hyundai/Kia and Nissan/Infiniti.

Now with more than 60 million vehicles in the United States with some type of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), and 92.7 percent of new vehicles being sold with such systems, collision shops perform the essential Pre and Post Scans. GM alluded to those systems in its position statement writing that even “minor body damage or glass replacement may result in damage to one or more safety-related systems on the vehicle. Any action that results in loss of battery-supplied voltage and disconnection of electrical circuits requires that the vehicle is subsequently tested to ensure proper

Reports are customizable with your shop’s information. Submit reports to insurance carrier directly from tablet.

Autel’s MaxiSYS MS906TS is affordably designed for collision shops focused on these scans. The tablet enables technicians to quickly perform the scans and offers insurance-ready, customizable pre and post scan reports that can be supplemented with images taken with the tablet camera, then saved and emailed to the insurance companies.

The wireless touchscreen Android tablet is designed as an all in one solution for collision repair shops. It’s an all-system code reader that offers advanced diagnostics with module coding and adaptation functionality and an

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From first touch, the MS906TS with wireless Bluetooth VCI dongle enables collision techs to get right to work. The tool’s AutoVIN and AutoSCAN functions identify the vehicle down to trim or engine option and scan all available system modules for faults. This data populates the post-collision PreSCAN report for insurance carrier submittal and acts to establish a baseline of the vehicle’s pre-repair condition that will dictate the shop’s repair plan. ADAS devices—radar and camera-based units often impacted in crashes are identified in the AutoSCAN and saved in reports with an ADAS icon, which is highlighted as a supplemental calibration. Notification and service of these systems is a necessity for modern repair shops and this ADAS module identification comes standard on all Autel MaxiSYS tablets in the AutoSCAN feature because Autel understands how important this repair step is becoming to all shops.

Collision shops choosing to keep diagnostics and repair services inhouse, will find the MS906TS has all the affordable diagnostics and service capability they need with about 20 direct access service functions including such collision post-repair resets as steering angle and passenger seat occupancy, air bag resets and door and window calibrations. Plus, with purchase of one of Autel’s ADAS calibration frame systems and an ADAS software upgrade, the technician can use the MS906TS to perform ADAS camera, night vision and radar system calibrations.

Once the vehicle is repaired, technicians can recall the vehicle by repair order number or vehicle make and VIN to perform a post scan of the vehicle to ensure all previous codes have been resolved and no additional have been generated as a result of the repairs. To make the MS906TS highly efficient for shop use, the pre and post-scan reports are customizable with the shop’s logo and address, so the reports can be submitted directly to the insurance carrier from the tablet. The MS906TS is designed to encourage technicians to execute industry best practices in diagnostics, repairs, calibrations, and documentation.

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TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES

CHANGE RESISTANCE SOME BUSINESSES ARE SKEPTICAL OF HIGH-TECH TOOLS

T

he past few decades have transformed the tools used to conduct repairs.

Products such as ultraviolet lamps, which promise to reduce extensive paint drying times to fractional numbers, or diagnostic scanners that allow technicians to remotely dial in to receive assistance with repair procedures are no longer seen as gadgets offering trivial benefits, and widely accepted as requirements.

In general terms, though, many collision businesses are skeptical about any tools offering to revolutionize the way they do business. Only 25 percent respondents to a survey from Collision Repair agreed that high-tech products help in streamlining repairs.

Now, the one big equipment trend may be tools offering ‘at-your-fingertips’ access

to repair procedure information—and repairer skepticism is again running high.

There is a clear call for technology that reduces workflow interruptions—and more than 60 percent of respondents to a survey from Collision Repair said they feel their workflow is interrupted when they need to step away from the vehicle to look up a procedure.

Despite this, just half of the facility owners and managers surveyed by Collision Repair say they are interested in new products making information accessible from inside a vehicle’s hood.

Part of the reason for this split may be psychological. As new tools come into play, workflow processes must be redesigned.

In the short term, this is as true about products designed to streamline repair procedures by allowing technicians to look

up procedure guides remotely, as it would be for any new tool requiring workers to step away from the vehicle they are repairing.

Of course, the divide between collision figures interested in embracing the latest technology, and those who make more reserved purchasing decision may not be a clear case of right and wrong. While time may vindicate the earliest adopters of new OEM-procedures-at-your-fingertips devices, history does show that some promising equipment trends end up leading collision teams down expensive blind alleys.

As one repairer quipped: “Technology just changes too fast. Ask all the shops that bought the first water-based air dryers or aluminum repair equipment that are now obsolete.”

I feel my workflow is disrupted when I need to step away from the vehicle to look up a procedure.

62.5% YES 37.5% NO My facility keeps up-to-date with the latest waves of product technology 50% YES 50% NO

I believe that new tech can help provide faster, more efficient repairs.

25% YES 50% NEUTRAL 25% NO BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 87

TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES

INCREMENTAL INNOVATIONS HOW SMALL TIME-SAVINGS ADD UP

F

or every impressive, technologically advanced individual piece of equipment purchased by collision repair businesses, hundreds of pieces of equipment are bought by facilities that have been designed in a very similar way.

Were a modern collision repairer to— through some magical accident—find themselves transported into the bronze age; they might well find themselves employed as a repairer of chariots. The fundamentals of this progenitor profession would be, after all, quite like their 21st century role.

In fact, with a toolbox consisting of hammers, drills, buffers and sanders, they would already be an expert in the use of all the tools required for their new (or, rather, very old) trade.

The differences between the ancient versions of modern staple tools would, however, 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

88 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

drill, without electricity would have to be hand turned—but would also burn the time-traveller’s calories at an astounding rate. In general, thanks to the three millennia of microscopic improvements between the repairer’s two sets of equipment, they would find they were able to work at a far slower pace in their new time 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 or not, the effect they can have on a businesses’ overall success should not be overlooked.

Take, for example, the XWT Fibre Reinforcing Tape, which is now available from Dominion Sure Seal. The product, which is specially designed to assist on plastic repairs, brings together the strength of a classic duct tape with a specialized adhesive meant to be effective on modern materials—reliable and unlikely to leave a gummy residue after removal. While its advantages over the tapes included in previous editions is significant, one

might not describe it as some sort of generational leap.

Likewise, the Heavy-Duty Straight Edging Pliers available from Princess Auto Supplies are not so different from similar tools from the past—it is used to roll sheet metal edges. Unlike previous straight edging pliers, however, this one makes use of particularly ductile iron to ensure that the pliers themselves are less damaging to the sheet metals they warp.

While these changes might seem like gimmicks, the advantages can provide repair facilities incredible savings 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 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 wishlist for 2021.

TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES

Xpress800 TITANIUM TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Shim Jim Tab Separator Tool POLYVANCE

titanium22.com

Polyvance.com

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.

The Shim Jim Tab Separator Tool from Polyvance helps the autobody technician to easily disassemble the aggravating snap-in tabs that often hold trim to the bumper cover. The Shim Jim’s pistol grip design helps you easily pry the tab apart with a twist of the wrist. The Shim Jim kit comes with 25 shims that will hold the snap-in tabs apart while you work on prying the others apart.

Guniwheel LKQ CANADA

LeanTec Cabinets THE TED GROUP

lkqcanada.ca

thetedgroup.ca

The Guniwheel Universal Tire and Wheel Mounting System from LKQ Canada, is the first universal, vehicle and trailer mounting system. The Guniwheel weighs just 30 pounds and is able to fit into most four and five hole lug patterns. With safety at the top of mind, the Guniwheel was designed to make moving vehicles off of lifts faster and safer. The tire replacement can hold loads of up to 500 kg (1,290 lbs) and can be safely driven up to 8km/h.

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, LeanTec can save you money by ordering the right inventory at the right time, and the right quantities.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 89

TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES

Yellow Jacket BIG ASS FANS

ElectroPower WEDGE CLAMP SYSTEMS

bigassfans.com

wedgeclamp.com

Efficient, durable and portable are a few ways the Yellow Jacket by Big Ass Fans is described. Boasting a ½ hp motor that even at its highest speed only uses 400W, the fan’s tight construction and efficient airfoils provides quiet operation allowing for conversations even right nearby.

Big Ass Fans also provides and handles the full five-year warranty, so no need to go through third-party manufacturers.

Unencumbered by hoses or cables, the portable, battery-operated ElectroPower gun delivers huge pushing, pulling and spreading capability for many jobs. With its five-ton capacity and 130 mm piston stroke, this pint-sized tool packs a real punch for jobs where serious metal reforming is required – straightening a door jamb, restoring a support pillar or even bending a steel bumper back into shape. ElectroPower gun comes with two accessory kits. Spreader jaws are available as an option.

Cordless 1” D-Handle Extended Anvil High Torque Impact Wrench MILWAUKEE TOOLS

110/220 Volt Hydraulic Catalytic Converter Cutter SUPERSHEAR

milwaukeetool.com

supershears.com

Milwaukee Tools is excited to introduce the cordless 1” D-Handle High Torque Impact Wrench. This innovative new wrench from Milwaukee Tools replaces the need for pneumatic, delivering up to 2,000 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque and 1,900 ft-lbs of fastening torque for the most demanding applications. 1” D-Handle High Torque Impact Wrench combines three exclusive innovations – the POWERSTATE™ brushless motor, REDLINK PLUS™ intelligence, and REDLITHIUM™ battery pack.

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.

90 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES

Gaylord Boxes HELLUVA

Vac Rack NORTON ST. GOBAIN ABRASIVES

helluva.com

nortonabrasives.com

Helluva Gaylord boxes make shipping small, odd-shaped or loose items feasible – and just as importantly, safe for the people handling them.

Helluva uses the highest quality cardboard, bonding agents and staples so you’ll never be left with a pile of broken product at your feet. To top it all off, Helluva has strategically placed their distribution facilities around the U.S. to help reduce shipping costs and freight times for their customers.

Helluva has proven to the industry that they provide better value and are proven safe in a variety of applications.

Offering shops and technicians a complete customizable solution for portable dust extraction and tool organization, the Vac Rack by Norton Abrasives was designed to fit seamlessly into any workspace. Featuring an automatic filter cleaning system that accommodates the greatest amount of dust removal and prevents the vacuum from interrupting work or reducing extraction, with an added wet indicator to help prevent potential unit and tool damage this system brings dust extraction to the next level. Intended to assist shops in a cleaner and healthier working environment and to support technicians in better finishing results and reduced abrasive costs.

Innovative Tools – Spray Gun Cabinets SPECIALTY PRODUCT SALES

MultiFlex Bumper Stand GARD-X

www.spsales.com

gardx.co.uk

Coming in February 2021 from Innovative Tools & Technologies will be 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.

The MultiFlex Bumper Stand from GARD-X can hold any shape or size of panel—including doors, tailgates, hoods, wings, bumpers, fenders and arches, and most bumpers. Further, the rigidity offered by the MultiFlex Bumper Stand ensures that your bumpers won’t flex—even when tilted beyond 66 degrees. Small part attachments are also available for the Bumper Stand, including snap grip, double-snap grip and a trim and spoiler kit.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 91

WELDING

FIRED-UP FOR THE FUTURE THE NEXT GENERATION OF WELDERS ARRIVES

I

t is a safe bet that, however your business conducted welds in the first decade of the 2000s, it changed the approach 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 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 particularly a 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 resistance spot welders has been adapted

by OEMs due to the introduction of ultra high 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 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.

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.

92 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

WELDING

Q5.1 Autotransforming Welder SPANESI

Smart Spot Welder 60-3664P ARSLAN AUTOMOTIVE

www.spanesi-americas.com

arslanauto.com

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 in the material type, wire diameter and shielding gas being used. With its compact footprint, this single-torch multi-process welding machine is capable of producing welds in MIG/MAG and MMA. Spanesi says the Q5.1 performs excellently for autobody repair work as well as welding aluminum, silicon bronze and steel materials.

The SMART Spot Welder by TECNA boasts a digital touch-screen display enabling technicians to easily check welding parameters according to type of tool plus the type and thickness of the sheet(s) being welded. Once the welding gun contacts the metal it will recognize the type and thickness of metals, from there it sets the appropriate force, weld time and power to assure a consistent weld. The 3664P only needs a 60 Amp breaker and is fully water-cooled by means of a closed-circuit cooling system.

i4s Smart Spot Welder PRO SPOT

Plastic Fusion Pro Station BETAG INNOVATION

prospot.com

betagnorthamerica.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 WiFi 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.

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.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 93

WELDING

60-31878 Nitrogen Gas Plastic Welder ARSLAN AUTOMOTIVE

8002 & 8003 Nitro-Fuzer Nitrogen Plastic Welder POLYVANCE

arslanauto.com

Polyvance.com

This trolley-mounted 60-31878 Nitro 110v plastic welding tool from Arslan Automotive is designed to be an all-in-one plastic repair tool.

With an included hot stapler, smoothing tip and a plastic parts cleaning cutter, the device also comes equipped with a metal roller engineered to make precise plastic surface leveling swift and simple. Pre-cut inside corner staples and two sizes of wave staples are available for the hot staple. Arslan Automotive is headquartered in Pointe Clare, Quebec.

The company holds training clinics frequently and the sales team are well trained to train and demonstrate all related equipment.

The 8002 and 8003 Nitro-Fuzer Nitrogen Plastic Welders incorporate a straightforward analog nitrogen welder with a traditional airless plastic welder allowing technicians to make nitrogen welds economically to almost any automotive plastic. The main difference between the two machines being that the 8003 is a single gas system (air or nitrogen) and includes a nitrogen generator whereas the 8002 model doesn’t include the generator but is dual gas (air and nitrogen). Benefits include speed, versatility, ease of use and cost savings.

HSM250 Double-Pulse MIG Welding System H&S AUTOSHOT

PipeFab Ready-Pak K3734-1 LINCOLN ELECTRIC

hsautoshot.com

Lincolnelectric.com

The HSM250 Double-Pulse MIG System is compact, offers three MIG wire feed and torch drives with 28 synergic, synergic single-pulse or synergic double-pulse programs for steel, aluminum and silicone bronze welding. The system also features twin cylinder racks and dual gas inputs for mixed and 100 per cent gases, along with 250 amps of power, making it capable of welding all steel and aluminum alloys from #20GA to ½”.

The PipeFab Ready-Pak K3734-1 features breakthrough arc performance from the root, to cap to final fit. The company’s new welder also uses digital navigation technology for unmatched simplicity, and its customer-driven design is hugely helpful when it comes to pipe and vessel fabrication.

Backed by Lincoln Electric’s customer support, the PipeFab Ready-Pak uses one-button process changes and straightforward, easy navigation for all your fabrication needs.

94 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

WELDING

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

PR-205MV Synergic MIG Welder PROSPOT

arslanauto.com

prospot.com

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.

Suitable for MIG/MAG, MMA + TIG welding processes this new compact, lightweight microprocessor-controlled welding inverter from ProSpot gives the operator complete control in manual mode or automatically adjusts in synergic mode. With a light and versatile design, inverter technology and the ability to be used with a power generator the PR-205MV is the right fit for veteran and novice users alike.

Gyspot PTI Evolution GYS WELDING

Multimatic 235 Multiprocess Welder - 240V MILLER WELDS

MultiMig 621 CHIEF AUTOMOTIVE

gys-welding.com

www.millerwelds.com

chieftechnology.com

Featuring a clamping force of 550daN with 8bars air pressure, not to mention a welding current that can reach 14,500Amps the Gyspot PTI Evolution is the ideal answer to welding high-strength steels. This machine brings a solution to limited power supply issues as it’s able to operate with 32 Amps to 40 Amps fuses only, while also integrating a high-tech transformer from its C clamp and an automatic welding parameter setting makes operation a breeze.

The Multimatic 235 Multiprocess Welder was built for efficiency no matter your skill level, whether you’re using MIG, flux-cored, stick or DC TIG welding methods. With quick and easy setup and Auto-Set Elite, this new welder provides ease of use allowing welders for a faster uptime and the ability to weld confidently. The consumer-friendly interface and total weight of 63 lbs make this machine easy to use anywhere.

Chief’s first three-phase, high-amperage model MultiMig 621 features a double pulse element that allows the weld to cool slightly during the low-frequency operation, great when welding vertically or overhead. Loaded with a large number of synergic programs that allow for welding parameters to be preset and various programmable options such as crater fill and hot start the MultiMig 621 can be used to weld and braze aluminum, galvanized sheet metal, stainless steel and high-strength steel.

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 95

WELDING

6225 Tab Magic Molding Putty POLYVANCE

CTR-7 CAR-O-LINER

Polyvance.com

Car-O-Liner.com

The new Tab Magic Molding Putty from Polyvance is a two-part moldable, flexible silicone rubber that is non-toxic and temperature resistant. Mix equal parts until a uniform green color is achieved, then quickly press onto the headlight tab where it needs to be welded. The rubber will cure in about 15 minutes and tightly support the fine details on the top of the headlight tab while you weld the backside with your Polyvance nitrogen plastic welder. When finished, peel off the flexible Tab Magic putty to reveal a nearly finished tab that should just need minor work to finish.

Although Tab Magic Molding Putty is not remoldable, it is reusable on the same type of headlight tab.

The Car-O-Liner® CTR®7 resistance spot welder provides quality spot welds with new high-strength steels using cutting-edge inverter technology.

In addition to a wide range of accessories and sophisticated software with semi-automatic control features, Car-O-Liner says the CTR®7 meets current OEM requirements and also comes with pre-installed OEM-specific Honda welding presets. A lightweight and adjustable design allows for ample vertical flexibility, and a sharp, 18-centimetre (7-inch) colour screen presents clear navigation for quickly setting weld parameters.

Is your plastic welder gathering dust?

The experts at Polyvance can help. ®

TRAINING • SUPPLIES • TOOLS • FILLERS • PRIMERS • EVERYTHING FOR PLASTIC

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TOWING THE INDUSTRY FORWARD! Dedicated to celebrating the heroes, industry best practices and novel strategies being pursued by members of Canada’s towing sector.

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TOWING

TOWING

ENLIGHTENING LIGHTS HIGHWAY THRU HELL’S AL QUIRING AND J.W. SPEAKER TEAM-UP ON ROADSIDE SAFETY

BY GIDEON SCANLON

I

f there’s one thing Al Quiring really wants to see his fellow towing professionals do, it is to take their personal safety more seriously.

In fact, when asked what advice he would share with ambitious young people in the towing sector looking to build-up their businesses would be, he says: “Pay attention to what is coming down the road, and make sure it pays attention to you.”

It is good advice. Being struck by a fast-moving vehicle during a roadside operation will end a career far more quickly than any particular business decision.

The Highway Thru Hell star, whose profile on the show has increased significantly in its more recent episodes, has teamed up with U.S. manufacturer J.W. Speaker in order to promote his message—and to promote the company’s own lighting solutions.

It is difficult to imagine a more charming pitchman. Even when promoting J.W. Speaker’s products, Quiring seems absolutely sincere.

“The SmartHeat, is the cat’s meow for keeping the lens clear. I use the Model 8800 SmartHeat Headlights.” explains Quiring.

“What is most important to me is that the SmartHeat lets drivers working in adverse road conditions spend less time outside of their cabs, where it is dangerous.”

That’s not to say he doesn’t know his stuff.

Even when taken by surprise by a question about the advantages of the SmartHeat lenses over halogens, Quiring doesn’t miss a beat.

“A halogen light generates a lot of heat— most of which is directed inside, not onto the lens. That makes them a big power draw.

With my lights, the SmartHeat technology is incorporated into the LED light itself.

There’s also a grid pattern on the front, which means nothing is going to stop them from beaming clear down the highway.”

98 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

The veteran road warrior, however, can only be held back for so long.

“Look, whether it is a kid chasing a ball, or a herd of wood bison, I don’t want my truck hitting it,” Quiring says. “I could pay $15 for bulbs, but the investment is worth it.”

It is clear J.W. Speaker has no interest in reducing Quiring’s famously frank style into a bunch of agency-approved soundbites. In fact, long before he was a celebrity, J.W. Speaker had sought out Quiring’s input on product performance.

“PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT IS COMING DOWN THE ROAD, AND MAKE SURE IT PAYS ATTENTION TO YOU.” — AL QUIRING “I wasn’t featured on the show too much until one episode, when I did something all of the crew thought I wouldn’t pull-off.

I did.”

“In fact, when I caught the director’s eye, it was the first time I’d ever used LED seeing lights, which J.W. Speaker had asked me to try out. By the time I got home, I had a set for my partner, Gord. I couldn’t let him go another mile without them.”

Quiring isn’t the only towing professional who has worked with the manufacturer to ensure the quality of its products. The J.W. Speaker team says it relies on the input of towing professionals and members of the other industries it creates products for, in order to make sure it is meeting the market’s needs.

“For towing and a lot of our other markets, we get out in the field. We identify

what problems towing professionals, agricultural workers, mining engineers – are having, and then we apply our technologies to finding solutions. The SmartHeat itself was originally designed for forklifts,” says Gary Durian, engineering director at J.W. Speaker.

Durian also says that the company’s relationship with industry members means it sometimes receives its best ideas from tow operators without even asking.

“We are very proud of how many ideas come to us directly from industry professionals. They reach out to our customer care folks on a daily basis,” says Durian.

“Recently, we were asked if it would be possible to come up with a light that shifts between white and amber, depending on a driver’s needs. It was simple to do, but it hadn’t been done before!”

That idea led to the design of the Model 234 Flash LED Tail Lights with SmartHeat.

The taillights are also available in five different colour options: amber, blue, green, red and clear with programmable strobe patterns.

The technology is exciting to Quiring, who had not heard of the colour-changing system, and the pair immediately begin bouncing application ideas off each other, and discussing emergency lighting conventions in different parts of the world.

While the pair may have moved past their speaking notes, the exchange makes it clear why Quiring is the perfect person to pitch J.W. Speaker’s products. He shares the company’s passion for industrial lighting. He wants everyone to be as passionate about it as well.

As he puts it, “We operate in avalanche zones, flood zones and–generally—in bad driver zones. You have to think about your lighting. You’ve got to check it, and adapt it if you want to get home.”

LIFTS

TOWING PRODUCTS

HTL 4000 Sneeker Wheel Lift SNEEKER LIFT

Stealth Unit DYNAMIC TOW

sneekerlift.com

dynamictow.com

Named for its subtle look, the Sneaker Wheel Lift is capable of lifting 1,550 kg (3,500 lbs) when fully extended, and has a 3,400 kg (7,800 lbs) tow rating. It has an engine-mounted, belt-driven clutch pump kit, a 12-volt electric hydraulic pump, and an air suspension kit. The Sneeker’s fully extendable stage stinger allows for retraction to go from one bumper to another. The three functions of the hydraulic system allow operators to perform labour-free wheel hook-ups. It is operated by a wireless radio signal remote.

The hauler Body Stealth is ideal for light-duty towing with underbody mounting, in-cab controls, and removable jaws. The unit has a hydraulic underbody wheel lift, making it ideal for dual rear wheel pickups. It lays flat on the ground for a low clearance hookup. The unit features in-cab controls, two toolboxes, three storage boxes, ratchets, straps, safety chains, tire spacer blocks and a tow light plug. Options include a remote camera, a clutch pump kit and frame support upgrades.

Heavy Duty Wheel-Lift ZACK LIFT

Forklift Wrecker by Minute Man Wheel Lifts MINUTE MAN WHEEL LIFTS

zacklift.com

minuteman1.com

Want to build a lift based on your specific needs? Zack Lift provides ruggedly constructed lifts designed to be as customizable as possible.

Options include wireless remotes with rechargeable batteries and six or eight function winches. If a non-PTO/pump use is required, a 12V self-contained power system can be subbed.

Sometimes, the simplest design is the best. Designed with ease-of-use in mind, the Forklift Wrecker allows operators to quickly lift vehicles with a forklift. With no additional hydraulics required, the Forklift Wrecker immediately transforms a forklift into a vehicle lifter that secures itself around immobile vehicles in minutes.

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BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 99

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Made in Canada

NEW NOW INCLUDES WHEEL ALIGNMENT DIAGNOSTICS SOFTWARE

ACCUVISION-3D速 IS RECOGNIZED BY CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS - Certified Collision Care - CCIAP - Honda

accuvision-3D.com ACCUVISION-3D

速

IS RECOGNIZED BY

CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS Smart Spot welder - CCIAP Automatic setting of parameters ACCUVISION-3D - Honda Water cooled for hi productivity IS RECOGNIZED BY 22 ft. long cable, No EMF emissions CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS - CCIAP Output 14,000 Amps, 450 daN or 700 daN - Honda Input 50 Amps, 208-240V, 3 Phase Approved by OEMs

速

AUTOMATIC, INVERTER RESISTANCE SPOT WELDERS

3664 & 3680

3680 model wi-Fi, enabled for factory Updates and diagnostics

60-TM242B FIMER MIG/MAG DUAL TORCH PULSE WELDER / Single/Double Pulse welding / Synergic and manual Mode / Aluminum, Silicone Broze, Steel welding / Low 15 Amp output / 220V, 1Ph / TIG/MMA(stick) welding / Dual 10 ft. Torches to use 2 different materials with same welder / SD Memory card for storage and recall of welding parameters / Large 5.7 in. LCD display with user friendly settings / 4 rolls wire feeder motor / Rolls 06/08 Fe factory setup / CSA certificate ACCUVISION-3D

60-TM236 FIMER MIG /MAG SINGLE TORCH PULSE WELDER

/ Same features as 60-TM242B with a single 10 ft. torch / CSA certificate

速

IS RECOGNIZED BY CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS - CCIAP - Honda

arslanauto.com Contact your distributor or Call (800) 465-8575

PROFILE

THE ARSLAN AUTOMOTIVE WAY YOUR SOURCE FOR OEM APPROVED EQUIPMENT

I

n 2019, Arslan Automotive had its most successful year yet—and COVID-19 has certainly not stopped the company from fulfilling their vision of success for this year.

Arslan Automotive has become a staple name in collision repair due to the professional quality and reliability of its welding and 3D measuring equipment brands, which have become well-recognized in Canada among collision repair professionals.

The company is best known for its welding equipment, including popular models FIMER Inverter MIG-MAG Pulse welders and the TECNA Smart/Smart Plus Inverter Spot Welders, both of which have captured a respective slice of the Canadian market.

Arslan Automotive also offers Accuvision-3D, a 3-D measuring system developed by Arslan Automotive Canada and assembled in Montreal—which has turned into a great success for the Canadian auto market. The company states that the 10-AV700 3D measuring system is the “quickest, simplest and most accurate” 3D measuring system in the world.

Since the 3D measuring system was first introduced in 2017, it has received a tremendous positive reaction from body shops across Canada. Its ease of use, simplicity, accuracy and moderate price has attracted many users even among some shop owners that had already purchased other systems from competitors.

In 2019 two new additional features were added to the Accuvision3D; the first, a wheel alignment diagnostic feature to its software, allowing all past users access to download the additional feature from the Accuvision-3D.com website at no additional charge. The second added feature is the new infrared camera and pointer systems using IR LEDs. This new system allows users to operate the system camera under direct sunlight without affecting the camera’s reception of the LEDIR

signals from the handheld pointer. As the Accuvision-3D needs no calibrations nor a flat level surface for the vehicle to be measured on, this feature even allows for vehicles to be measured outdoors.

As for Arslan’s OEM certifications, company founder Arman Guararslan says its welders are certified by all major OEMs—a huge plus for modern shops seeking automaker approvals.

ARSLAN AUTOMOTIVE HAS BECOME A STAPLE NAME IN COLLISION REPAIR DUE TO THE PROFESSIONAL QUALITY AND RELIABILITY OF ITS WELDING AND 3D MEASURING EQUIPMENT BRANDS, WHICH HAVE BECOME WELL-RECOGNIZED IN CANADA AMONG COLLISION REPAIR PROFESSIONALS. Guararslan says how this year has been different due to the pandemic, yet his sales continued at a steady rate. He believes this is because more people are looking to drive their own car instead of taking public transit, causing an influx of new consumers.

The company is happy to confirm that it has been able to appoint and train sales agents and distributors covering 75 percent of the U.S. market, and says it is also interested in expanding more into the European market.

Arman’s greatest lesson for the industry is to listen to feedback and keep on improving what it is you do and how you do it.

“Thank you to all our valued partners in making our brands a success.”

ARSLAN AUTOMOTIVE 84 Avenue Leacock Pointe-Clare, Quebec H9R 1H1 (800) 465-8575 arslanauto.com BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 101

FOR AN INSTANT, ACCURATE REPAIR DECISION Brings consistency to every repair cost and claim Businesses rely on quick access to reliable

vehicle data to provide accurate estimates for timely repairs. Qapter™ Estimating uses

real-time repair data in a modern interface to provide your business with an inside-out approach to faster, seamless repairs the first time, every time.

• Enhanced User Interface • Cloud-Based

• Browser Agnostic

• Tablet & Mobile-Friendly

AUDATEX.CA/QAPTERUPGRADE

QAPTER’S NEW CHAPTER

PROFILE

SOLERA’S QAPTER SOFTWARE GETS UPDATE, COLLAB WITH GOOGLE CLOUD

Q

apter™, the new end-to-end automotive claims workflow from Solera Holdings, Inc., streamlines the claims process by offering the most robust enhancements catalog for body shops that need more than just collision estimating. Qapter™ is optimized for mobility in the shop and enables multi-browser support in a real-time, modern interface, providing the right data for faster, seamless repairs the first time, every time.

As they continue to look into the future of claims management through digital transformation, Solera recently embarked on a collaboration with Google’s Cloud team for improved infrastructure.

Using Google Cloud, Solera created a Qapter™ software update that allows the program to scale globally, driving speed and savings in automotive claims management. The app is expected to launch on the world stage in the upcoming months.

Solera is able to tap into more than 40 years of historical vehicle and claims data thanks to our proven Repair Science™ algorithm which is more robust and complex than our competition’s and capable of more precise and accurate estimates provided quickly, consistently, and at scale.

Evan Davies, Solera’s CTO, spoke to the company’s use of proprietary AI technology in developing Qapter™.

“We have a significant number of proprietary AI algorithms we are continuously enhancing to increase value to our customers,” he said. “Google Cloud’s ecosystem has saved substantial time for our developers, allowing us to develop numerous integrations and continued investments in new tools and capabilities that support Solera’s iterative and ongoing enhancements.”

To stay up to date with future enhancements, please follow us on our digital channels or visit audatex.ca.

SOLERA | AUDATEX audatex.ca/qapterupgrade/

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 103

THE ADDED BENEFITS OF INTEGRATED CAR PART PRO

A

s technology continues to evolve, we as an industry need to evolve together and embrace the opportunities that are upon us. Car-Part.com integrated software solutions are designed to help users be ready for what lies ahead.

In last year’s Buyer Guide, some of Car-Part Pro’s newest features were highlighted such as more recycled part options and better integration with the collision industry as a result of a new Car-Part Interchange version.

This year, Car-Part.com’s CEO Jeff Schroder has more exciting news to share including an automated assembly enhancement and new analytics features.

The Car Part Pro Marketplace provides over 750 Canadian tiered alternative part provider locations and their customers with a common platform. More than a recycling database, Car Part Pro is an online auto parts marketplace for insurers, repairers and independent appraisers that provides access to 200 million parts across North America. Car-Part’s integrated Car Part Pro (iPro) is a one-of-a-kind open parts marketplace designed to meet the collision repair industry’s increasing needs for alternative parts and supply chain solutions with real time delivery information. iPro integrates with all major estimating systems to allow a one-click launch of the Car Part Pro marketplace from an estimate. iPro has an optimized assembly workflow, identifying component parts on an estimate and mapping them to recycled replacement part assemblies to bridge the gap between components and recycled assembly parts.

How it works: iPro automatically associates the correct components with an assembly when an assembly, such as a front bumper and front door assembly, is chosen in iPro. Components are only auto associated when they are included on the assembly and correct for the estimated vehicle based on the interchange number of the assembly.

Recently introduced, Car-Part Interchange Plus (CPI+) is another enhancement embedded in the Pro search which increases the availability of recycled part types for hard-to-find parts. CPI+ enhances interchange for 100-part types not available with standard interchange including engine parts, interior parts, and body parts, and includes additional interchange for later model Mitsubishi and Mazda vehicles.

PROFILE

“WE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE NEW AUTOMATED ASSEMBLY FEATURE AND EXPANDED PART COUNT ANALYTICS. THESE NEW ENHANCEMENTS WILL ENABLE USERS TO NOT ONLY INCREASE EFFICIENCY WITH MORE INTEGRATION AND PART OPPORTUNITY BUT ALSO SEE THE RESULTS ON ESTIMATES, EMPOWERING THEM TO DO MORE.” — JEFF SCHRODER, CEO OF CAR-PART.COM

IPRO ANALYTICS ENHANCEMENT iPro analytics, powered by Tableau®, provides detailed reporting for MSOs and Banner Organizations including: • Percentage of part types on the estimate • Reporting and management hierarchy •F iltering by claim number, part type, shop, and estimator At the request of insurers, part count per claim (by part type) now accompanies the part dollar analytics to help with industry trends analysis.

CAR-PART.COM 859-344-1925 http://Products.Car-Part.com CollisionInfo@Car-Part.com BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 105

What you join matters.

Who you are joining 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.

75 locations. One Mission. To be the best.

Become a member today at ccsdealers.com Contact us at info@ccsdealers.com Š 2020 Consolidated Collision Services. All rights reserved. The CCS Logo is a registered trademark of Consolidated Dealers Co-Operative Inc.

PROFILE

CANADA’S NEW CAR DEALER COLLISION REPAIR NETWORK BRINGING THE BODY SHOP TO THE SHOWROOM Craig Kirby – CCS Sandy Liguori – CCS and Woodchester Collision Chris Chinn – CCS Mike Beier – CCS Curtis Bennett – CCS Tom Langton – CCS and Consolidated Dealers

“Sometimes you have to look in the rear-view mirror just to realize how far you have come,” says Sandy Liguori, President of Consolidated Collision Services and Woodchester Collision Centre in Mississauga. Liguori has the unique vantage point of being both a new car dealer and someone who first began his career in the collision repair industry. Consequently, Liguori witnessed firsthand the numerous struggles and challenges among fellow dealership collision centres in the market.

“For years the challenge for dealer collision centres has been how to improve customer retention and profitability in an increasingly competitive marketplace, while delivering an OE Dealership level of customer experience,” says Liguori.

Who would better understand what dealers want and need? Thus, the CCS network was born in 2013 to develop and deliver collision repair solutions and support services exclusively for car dealers who want to grow their collision centres and compete on a national level for insurance partnerships.

With a distinct focus on enhancing customer retention, increasing shop performance, and

cars to the door from insurance partners, CCS has been helping dealerships grow their collision business from the ground up. “The key to success is having your collision centre be top of mind with your customers before they are involved in a collision,” says Mike Beier, CCS General Manager, “bringing the collision centre to the show room, and being the one-stop automotive destination for all of your customers”.

Our members tell our story best, Chris Laking, owner and president of Laking Toyota, Northern Nissan and Imperil 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. “ CCS has now grown to over 75 collision centres representing over 180 new car dealers throughout Ontario, Alberta, Nova Scotia and Manitoba with a combined annual collision revenue of more than $200 million. The networks members include some of the largest and most successful dealer collision centre operations in Canada.

MY CAR…MY DEALER…MY CHOICE.

CONSOLIDATED COLLISION SERVICES 441 Hanlan Rd. Woodbridge, ON L4L 3T1 289-795-9955 ccsdealers.com BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 107

AIDER À ÉLIMINER LE STRESS DE LA RÉPARATION DES COLLISIONS

PROFILE

HELPING TO TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF COLLISION REPAIR

La source de nouvelles, d’analyses et d’informations sur la carrosserie la plus populaire au Québec The source of news, analysis and information about Quebec’s most popular bodywork

Suivez Collision Québec.

Visitez ou abonnez-vous à collisionquebec.com dès aujourd’hui!

Follow Collision Quebec.

Visit or subscribe to collisionquebec.com today!

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 109

In the can know-how The right paint type and colour will always be in the can when you trust the experts at NAPA/CMAX. napacanada.com

PROFILE

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

W

ith its nearly 95-year history in the Canadian automotive landscape, UAP, doing business as 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.

This year, NAPA/CMAX say one of its hottest products has been the electronic inventory control systems, which allows bodyshops to control and track their material consumption.

When it comes to tracking paint, the electronic inventory control system from Axalta can track by the gram, ensuring that you never take more paint than necessary for any job. Furthermore, the system integrates the paint mix directly into the repair order, allowing you to add the exact amount of paint used to the bill, and—If you’re using the Mitchell interface, that information will automatically go into the Mitchell system.

“HERE AT NAPA/CMAX, WE PARTNER WITH COLLISION CENTRES—WE ARE MORE THAN A SUPPLIER.” “We’ve been able to accurately gauge inventory values in collision centres using this tool and, in some markets, we’ve even been able to accelerate delivery of products to once a day to centres within a short distance,” said Keith Tuttosi, national director for paint and bodyshop major accounts for NAPA/CMAX. NAPA/CMAX handles much more than just paint and body—the company offers nearly every tool an automotive repairer needs in their arsenal.

“We can get you enough products for you to build a car, aside from the tires, windshield, glass, and frame—we can pretty much source everything else,” said Tuttosi.

“Here at NAPA/CMAX, we are very happy to partner with collision centres; we want to be a partner, not just a supplier.”

For more information on NAPA/CMAX, visit NAPACanada.com.

NAPA | CMAX napacanada.com

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 111

PROFILE

IT’S THE JOURNEY, NOT THE DESTINATION GARD-X AUTOMOTIVE REFINISH’S LONG-TERM COMMITMENT TO IMPROVEMENT

A

fter more than 25 years in the PBE paint distribution business, one of the key lessons learned is that it is the journey as the destination keeps changing. Regardless of wins and successes or losses and disappointments—so long as the journey remains a blast, you rock on. For Eric Chan, the owner of Gard-X Automotive Refinish Inc., the key to enjoying the journey is having a fantastic crew and staff and a close human relationship with clients and vendor suppliers. It is an understatement to say there has been dramatic change in the collision repair industry in the last 10 or so years. Despite many challenges and consolidation of both collision repair facilities and distributor/suppliers, Gard-X Automotive has remained independently owned and operated and continues to enjoy steady growth.

With two locations, one in Scarborough and the other in Mississauga, Gard-X Automotive services the key southern Ontario corridor from Hamilton to the GTA and east to Port Hope. Being authorized distributors of the PPG and Akzo Nobel refinish paint brands, Gard-X Automotive has premium products to service and supply automotive collision repair, fleet and commercial and industrial finishing.

Carrying both PPG and Akzo Nobel has allowed Gard-X Automotive to not only offer two of the most premium high quality refinish paint lines but also the best services support programs that include both product technical training and business development programs.

Strong vendor/supplier relationships have always been a key strategy for Gard-X Automotive. In 2019 Gard-X can still offer the promise “Satisfaction Guaranteed or a Credit Note will be issued”. Being loyal and having a good relationship with our vendors means having our clients backs as we know our vendors have ours.

With technology and “smart” being the buzz word these days, Gard-X Automotive has been at the forefront of the info revolution. Gard-X Automotive offers multiple technology pathways to streamline the collision shop materials inventory requirements. It has very successful

implementations of both the Lean-Tec and Saint Gobain TIM inventory management systems. Both are cloud based software utilizing bar code scanning of material with automatic reordering based on minimum inventory levels while also being fully customizable.

Vehicles have become increasingly sophisticated in every regard from multi-layer colour special effects to multi material construction for weight-saving occupation crash protection and that is not to mention a sensor for just about anything you can think of. Modern vehicles pose a particular challenge to today’s collision repair shops as they need to modernize with new equipment and tooling in order to perform a proper repair and meet certification requirements whether from their banner franchise or OEM dealership. Being regular attendee at international trade shows, Gard-X Automotive has a core staff well versed in the latest collision repair equipment and industry trends and has built up solid relationships with international vendors to get preferential service for its clients.

Gard-X Automotive has been a Uni Select member for over 30 years, an Across Canada member for over 15 years and works closely with CSN, Fix Auto and CARSTAR collision shops. The core client base of Gard-X Automotive however, has always been the independent owner operator many of whom Gard-X Automotive has had the pleasure of servicing for more than 25 years. The journey has truly been a memorable adventure with all of them. As long as you can still enjoy the relationships, the journey continues.

GARD-X 9 Golden Gate Ct. Scarborough, ON M1P 3A4, 7050 Bramalea Rd. Unit 20 Mississauga, ON L5S 1T1 416-656-0663 gard-x.ca BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 113

MORE WAYS TO BUY & SELL • Online Bidding

• Autobid

• Featured Auctions

• Site Sales

• Run and Drive

• Impact 360 View™

ImpactAuto.ca

© 2020 Impact Auto Auctions Ltd. All rights reserved.

Download the AuctionNow app for iOS and Android

GIVING BUYERS MORE

PROFILE

NEW DIGITAL FEATURES FROM IMPACT AUTO AUCTIONS CANADA

I

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.

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.

THROUGH THE IMPACT 360 VIEW TM, WHICH PROVIDES HIGH- RESOLUTION IMAGES AND PANORAMIC VIDEO, BUYERS CAN VIRTUALLY INSPECT VEHICLE PARTS, COMPONENTS AND DAMAGE THROUGH DIGITAL IMAGES AND VIDEO. Earlier this year, 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 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.

Most recently, the company enhanced the 360 view program to include the Feature Tour tool, which allows buyers to quickly and easily identify value-added features and options present on each listed vehicle.

The company is also working to add engine start videos to 360 view, allowing buyers to view and listen to a 10-second clip of the engine running.

“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 personalization.

The platform engages buyers with a vehicle digitally through unique, multiple touchpoints that provide the details needed to make confident

Earlier this year the company launched Impact 360 View, which allows buyers to virtually inspect vehicle parts, components and damage through images and video. Most recently, Impact enhanced the 360 view program to include the Feature Tour tool, which allows buyers to identify value-added features and options present on each listed vehicle.

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 2021 115

Glue Pull Repair

BEFORE

AFTER

Watch the full video at www.kecotabs.ca/gpr

Make More Money Glue Pull Repair (GPR) eliminates stud welding so your repairs are less intrusive with reduced post-pull work pounding, filling, priming and painting. There’s no need to spray wax or coatings inside the panel because you don’t burn any of the OEM material away.

Shop our Canadian store at...

www.kecotabs.ca

ALL ABOARD THE #KECOTRAIN

PROFILE

GET STUCK IN THE MAGIC OF GLUE PULL REPAIR (GPR)

T

hey aren’t magic—but if you saw the types of repairs Keco Body Repair Products are capable of, you wouldn’t be surprised if they were.

Drawing on over 50 years of manufacturing experience and 10+ years manufacturing tools for paintless dent repair business (PDR), Keco Body Repair Products of Oklahoma City has been leading the aftermarket as a developer of high-quality tabs, tools and accessories.

[Keco Body Repair Products] are all centred around glue pull repair. The least invasive, highest quality way to repair a dent today; doesn’t damage the front side of the panel or the backside of the panel.

“Our line handles big damage and small damage. From big, aggressive dent damage, down to very fine, precision detail-type PDR damage removal,” said Chris White, president of Keco Body Repair Products.

White and his team at Keco take an almost holistic approach to the practice of glue pull repair, co-opting the Hippocratic Oath taken by doctors.

“Doctors, before they begin practising, they have to take what is called the Hippocratic Oath. The Hippocratic Oath says, first: do no harm. So that’s basically the truth of glue pull repair—we’re doing no harm as we begin to make the repair,” said White.

Keco Body Repair Products uses high-quality materials in their products to ensure absolute safety and precision for both the operator and the repair itself.

“With our tools, both the GPR tools and the tools to address the high spots; all of our various shapes and sizes of hammers and knockdowns are all either highly polished metal that won’t damage paint, or they are plastic-coated. Everything that we address, either a dent or a high-spot, doesn’t do harm,” said White.

Mastering the art of GPR is not done overnight, however, White and his team continue to develop new and less-invasive repair solutions for customers.

“There is no question that we have the most expansive line of gluepull repair products and you’d look at us and think, ‘gosh they’ve done everything.’ The truth is, we’re still learning every day how to make GPR more successful,” said White.

“We have, in the last couple of years, developed a line of patentpending tabs that we call Dead Center. Dead Center technology is basic: by varying the ratio between the diameter of the tab neck to the tab face, it creates a much better centre pull, it’ll bottom the dent out better and it’s much easier to knock down. Those Dead Center tabs— we started out with round ones and then we developed a creased version. Now we have a Dead Center SuperTab that we’re getting ready to release. SuperTabs are one of our oldest, big-damage-addressing tabs. We’ve added the Dead Center technology to that line.”

The Keco K-Beam is the ideal pulling tool to use for controlled, double-action glue pulls on large damage.

“DOCTORS, BEFORE THEY BEGIN PRACTICING, THEY HAVE TO TAKE WHAT IS CALLED THE HIPPOCRATIC OATH. THE HIPPOCRATIC OATH SAYS, FIRST: DO NO HARM. SO THAT’S BASICALLY THE TRUTH OF GLUE PULL REPAIR—WE’RE DOING NO HARM AS WE BEGIN TO MAKE THE REPAIR.” – CHRIS WHITE, PRESIDENT OF KECOTABS

The Keco Robo Lifter is the foundation of the entire system and provides precision and finesse for small to medium size damage.

KECO BODY REPAIR PRODUCTS www.kecotabs.ca

BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 117

Leading The Collision Repair Industry Since 1986

i4s - Smart Spot Welder On-Gun Screen Display • Immediate Feedback • Finger Tip Controls • Faster Cycle Times • Increase Profits

On-Gun Feedback & Controls

Get The i4s Today!

• OEM Certified • Reporting Via WiFi • Futureproof • Real-Time Training Contact your local Distributor for a demo today!

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.

F

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 2021 119

Your Cabin Care Professionals 1-833-266-8425

Comprehensive Services Include Airflow Testing

Paint Booth Cleaning

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1833 boothclean is the authority on spraybooth maintenance, filters and cleaning.

Founded in 2017 this group of cabin care professionals are backed by over 25 years of field experience and are ready to service your painting and HVAC equipment.

Industrial, commercial, and automotive preventative maintenance contract available.

Aurora, Ontario | 1(833)-266-8425 | info@1833boothclean.com | www.boothclean.com

RESOURCEFUL, SKILLED AND FOCUSED

PROFILE

RS FINISHING—PARTNER WITH A SUPPLIER YOU TRUST

R

S Finishing Systems, Inc is a leading Canadian supplier of custom Spraybooth Solutions and Associated equipment to commercial and industrial clients.

For the past 25 years, RS Finishing has provided equipment, consultation, engineering, installation, project management, turnkey solutions, preventative maintenance, technical troubleshooting and ongoing support to leading firms within Canada.

RS Finishing’s success stems from its “Yes We Can” attitude, providing unique solutions rather than the catalogue style sales approach. With more than 100 years of collective industry experience and a family-run history, the RS Finishing team is there to help you grow.

“We make a point to find what the customer’s end goal is—whether it be adding new technologies to entice new technicians or increasing their workflow—and help them get there,” said Edward Bannister, president of RS Finishing.

The newest addition to the firm has been the introduction of full inhouse 3D design and fabrication equipment for your next project. This allows RS Finishing to bring your project from conception to realization, from the smallest replacement panel or part to a fully custom paint finishing system.

RS Finishing’s fully stocked 743 sq. m. (8,000 sq. ft.) warehouse, located in Aurora, Ontario houses the company’s vast inventory of filters, spare parts, stock and fabricating machinery.

When you partner with RS Finishing, you’re choosing to partner with more than an equipment supplier. The company goes above and beyond to ensure that its clients not only receive top-notch product, but also to provide much-needed support.

RS Finishing distributes equipment for many of your collision repair needs, including: Unoliner frame and tooling, Reglo pneumatic safety axcess platforms, SATA, Devilbiss, Like 90, Pig industries, Airpipe, Freudenberg, Camfil, Rammstein air, and SAS. Visit rsfinishing.com for more information.

“OVER THE YEARS WE HAVE BECOME THE DISTRIBUTORS FOR SOME OF THE MOST RESPECTED NAMES IN COLLISION REPAIR EQUIPMENT, FROM PAINT BOOTHS TO FRAME MACHINES. WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR THAT PRODUCT THAT WILL IMPROVE PRODUCTION FOR OUR CUSTOMERS.” – RS FINISHING

The newest addition to the firm has been the introduction of full inhouse 3D design and fabrication equipment, allowing you to bring your project from conception to realization, from the smallest replacement panel or part to a fully custom paint finishing system.

RS FINISHING SYSTEMS 145 Industrial Pkwy. Unit #2 Aurora, Ontario L4G 3V5 info@RSFinishing.com 905-881-9768 www.RSFinishing.com BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 121

SATA®Loyalty Program coins & more

SATA Loyalty Program ®

coins & more

1.

Download App & register

2.

3.

Scan QR Code & collect coins

Convert into rewards

The App is available in the App Store or Google Play Store

COINS

www.sata.com/ca/loyalty-ios

www.sata.com/ca/loyalty-android

Scan the QR Codes in all our RPS boxes with the SATA Loyalty App, collect coins and convert them into attractive rewards for your bodyshop. Each RPS cup corresponds to one coin!

Further information: www.sata.com/en/loyalty

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

PROFILE PROFILE

THE SATA STRATEGY EQUIPMENT, TRAINING AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

S

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 facility with the goal of turning any product around within a 24-hour period.

In January 2020, SATA Canada 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.

SATA Canada has responded to the demands of the worldwide pandemic to create an all in one solution to disinfect automobiles, public transportation and facilities.

The SATA Sanitization Kart combines; spray gun,breathing & filtration equipment, hoses, RPS cups and most importantly, a compressor. An all in one easily transportable solution. The entire package is mounted on a highly maneuverable tri-wheeled dolly that allows the SATA Sanitization Kart to be easily transported up and down stairs.

At SATA, success is an obligation. SATA employees and distribution network will always do their best to be there for you.

The SATA Sanitization Kart, ideal for office, school and automotive environment.

Perfect ergonomic design of SATA 4400 B, flexibility and ease of transport of SATA Sanitization Kart.

SATA CANADA INC. 125 Buttermill Ave.Vaughan, ON, L4K 3X5 Office: +1 905 660 1101 Toll free: +1 844 554 SATA (7282) www.sata.ca BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 123

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME*

PULL UP!

repair system

TOUCH

measuring

106 SERIES

frame straightening

14,500A

welding machine

Q5.2

welding machine

Q5.1

welding machine

MULTIBENCH workstation

SpanesiÂŽ wants to help you celebrate kicking 2020 to the curb and ushering in 2021 with great fanfare. From now until the end of 2020, Spanesi is offering customers special financing terms on equipment purchases.

Get the complete Spanesi 360o Concept product line, including the incredible Touch electronic measuring system, our comprehensive line of welding machines, frame straightening benches, spray booths, and preparation stations with our best financing deals of the year.

*Financing offers are contingent upon credit acceptance. See your local Spanesi distributor for details.

Offer ends 12/31/2020.

Spanesi Americas, Inc. 123 Ambassador Dr. STE 107 Naperville, IL 60140

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

SPANESI, A TIMELESS COLLISION REPAIR TRADITION

PROFILE

MORE THAN 50 YEARS OF PASSION AND INNOVATION

T

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 very poor. So, he rushed over to meet with the business owner. During their conversation, the owner offered Orazio a job in a collision repair business and gave him a bicycle to use to get to work.

The bicycle was too tall. But that didn’t stop Orazio.

He learned how to ride the bicycle by putting one of his legs under the crossbar and rode that bicycle to and from work for more than 2 years.

A young Orazio Spanesi.

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

ORAZIO OPENS HIS OWN FACILITY In the summertime of 1969, Orazio Spanesi opened his own collision repair facility in the village of Padova, Italy. Orazio used tools he created to repair his customer’s vehicles.

“I knew immediately that I had the ability to 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 had to offer. He began travelling and visiting the national and international tradeshows, looking for just the right answer to his efficiency needs. Along the way, Orazio came to the realization that those tools didn’t exist, and the market was too slow to adapt to his business’s needs.

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 this 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.

ONE BRAND, COMPLETE FOCUS Spanesi’s vast and deep array of equipment offerings are accepted by 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 little village of Padova.

SPANESI AMERICAS, INC. 123 Ambassador Dr. STE 107 Naperville, IL 60140 USA 224 SPANESI | (224) 772-6374 www.spanesi-americas.com BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 125

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

P

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 2021 127

Shield Gas Welding

MIG-MAG/Aluminium

nts M‘s

Shield Gas Welding

Meets the requirements of most OEM‘s

MIG-MAG/Aluminium

ertaPuls New Package InvertaPuls -2 Miracle IP 7-2 Essentials T ACT Welding programs for: • MIG brazing 0,8-1,0 mm • Aluminium 1,0-1,2 mm • Steel / stainless steel 0,6-1,2 mm • TIG (WIG) • Pulse and double pulse welding 2-cycle & 4-cycle mode including special mode thin metal sheet - ACT for steel welding

Welding programs for: • MIG b 0,8-1,0 mm • Aluminium 1,0-1, • Steel / stainless steel 0,6-1, • TIG (WIG) • Pulse and double welding 2-cycle & 4-cycle including special mode thin sheet - ACT for steel w

1-647-494-9696 • sales@titanium22.ca • www.titanium22.ca 10557 KEELE STREET, UNIT #10 MAPLE, ONTARIO, L6A 0J5 CANADA

PROFILE

TITANIUM TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT SPECIALIZING IN EQUIPMENT FOR OEM CERTIFICATION

T

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 The Xpress800 quality tools is important, but equally important is also the support rivet gun is Ford, Mercedes Benz, behind them.

Tesla, GM and

“At Titanium, years of experience with the same brands means JLR certified. 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 WIELANDER AND SCHILL quickly,” said the company. “Our dedicated service person has been trained in California and Germany and will get you running ASAP.” Wielander works hand in hand at the OEM level to provide specialty repair tools for many of the OEM programs. Its MIG welders, Spot welders and Rivet guns are certified for most OEM programs making CELETTE them a great choice if you are seeking multiple certifications. Further, Celette is known for its dedicated fixtures and has now released a the Xpress800 rivet gun from Wielander is very well priced and is universal fixture solution called Cameleon, both of which Titanium Ford, Mercedes Benz, Tesla, GM and JLR certified.

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

From the oldest to the newest and future vehicles Cameleon has you ProSpot is a US covered. New from Celette is the compact and cost-effective Eagle manufacturer producing a range for measuring systems. This compact measuring system allows you to products from spot quickly document the vehicle before and after repair. Also new from welders, MIG weldCelette is the Smart Rhone—a drive-on lift-up bench that can be used ers and rivet guns to dustless sanders for small repairs with the measuring system right up to heavy damage and dent pullers. with dedicated jigs or Cameleon universal jig.

PROSPOT

ProSpot is a US manufacturer producing a range for products from spot welders, MIG welders and rivet guns to dustless sanders and dent pullers. The company still provides spare parts for some of their oldest products, and, thanks to Matt, Titanium says it was one of the first ProSpot distributors in Canada.

MIRACLE SYSTEM

brazing ,2 mm ,2 mm e pulse mode metal welding Cameleon is essentially two toolboxes that, with the use of a computer, allow you to build any jig for any vehicle.

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.

Miracle System is the famous Panel repair system from Japan. This high-quality system is made from titanium and aluminum, making it resilient and sure to last more than 20 years, says Titanium Tools and Equipment. Titanium Tools and Equipment stocks every single nut bolt screw and wheel required to keep this system running forever.

TITANIUM TOOLS & EQUIPMENT 10557 Keele Street, Unit #10 Maple, Ontario, L6a 0j5 Canada 1-647-494-9696 www.titanium22.ca BUYER’S GUIDE 2021 129

LAST WORD

2021

Buyer’s Guide ADVERTISER INDEX COMPANY

ON TO THE NEXT NEW NORMAL? NO PROBLEM

PAGE

3M Automotive .................................. 06

BY ALLISON ROGERS

Airpro Diagnotics............................... 85 Arslan Automotive .......................... 100 Audatex | Solera .............................. 102 Autel ............................................80, 86 BASF.................................................. 04 Cardinal Couriers .............................. 09 Car-O-Liner ..................................... 131 Car-Part.com .................................. 104 CARSTAR Canada .......................... 132 Color Compass ............................... 108 Consolidated Collision Services .... 106 Dent ................................................... 67 Equalizer ............................................ 34 Eurovac.............................................. 41 Finixa ................................................. 57 Flatline ............................................... 23 Fuji Spray .......................................... 12 Gard-X ............................................. 112 Global Finishing Solutions ............... 52 Impact ..............................................114 Keco................................................. 116 Max Flow Maintenance Inc. ........... 126 NAPA/CMAX.................................... 110 Nitroheat ........................................... 48 OPUS.................................................. 42 Polyvance .......................................... 96 PPG Canada ..................................... 02 ProSpot ........................................... 118 Rexall ................................................. 37 R.S.F.................................................. 16 RS Finishing Systems...................... 120 SATA Canada .................................. 122 Sherwin-Williams ........................ 50, 59 Spanesi .......................................... 124

I

f you recall, in last year’s Collision Repair Buyer’s Guide, we had cautioned that the 2020s would see the business of collision repair change beyond recognition.

Clearly, we were right.

This year brought far more chaos than anyone could have imagined. Sure, we’d expected the typical fast-paced changes alongside new technologies— but no one could have prepared us for the socially-distanced reality this year had to offer.

Don’t forget that this is only the beginning. There’s still far more to come, and the shift toward electric-powered and autonomous vehicle repairs could sneak up on you the same way 2020 snuck up on the world—should you have your back turned.

Canadian automakers have taken leaps and bounds in recent months to ensure that the nation is part of the new wave of automotive electrification.

Quebec recently announced plans to cease the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035, while British Columbia plans to only sell zero-emissions vehicles by 2040.

Electrification is coming—fast. Along with it come a myriad of other expectations: new metals, continued OEM standards, consolidation—heck, the Canadian government has even teased wooden automotive parts. The future is upon us, and it’s time to react.

Come 2021, your business will face a choice—will you do whatever it takes to stay alive and thriving, or keel to the pressure of the new normal?

If you’re reading this, you already have your answer. You hold in your hand the very reason to be optimistic about the future of your business. Flip through the information-packed pages of this guide and embark on a path to success and profitability.

With information drawn from the resources of Collision Repair’s 20 years of publication, the 2021 Buyer’s Guide offers the most comprehensive overview of the top-notch products being used in the most forward-thinking collision repair centres. Moreover, the informed conversations with industry leaders, business owners, technicians packed between these pages⁠— along with our daily eZine coverage and digital content—will guide you toward the right choices for you and your business.

Whatever the challenge, the 2021 Buyer’s Guide offers your solutions.

This is the key to your business’ future—make sure you flip the ignition.

Steck.................................................. 66 Symach ............................................ 54 The Ted Group................................... 47 Titanium Tools.................................. 128 Unoliner ............................................. 24 URG .................................................. 73 Wedge Clamp.................................... 74

130 BUYERSGUIDE.COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

Allison Rogers is the editor of Collision Repair’s Buyers Guide.

She can be reached at allison@mediamatters.ca.

COLLISION REPAIR EXCELLENCE Looking for support as a collision repair owner, but you want to still own and operate your facility? The CARSTAR family is filled with independent owners, who joined the network to give their business the boost it needed.

Visit CARSTARfranchise.ca to learn more.

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