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ABB’s PixelPaint robotic painting technology for the automotive industry has won the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award.
ABB’s PixelPaint robotic non-overspray painting solution won the 2021 edition of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Robotics & Automation (IERA) award for its innovative value and ecological benefits in the commercialising of innovative robotics and automation technologies. PixelPaint, available from 2020, uses inkjet heads to apply high resolution, two-tone or personalised designs directly to a car body in a single pass. This technology allows vehicle manufacturers to meet the growing demand for customised paintings, while eliminating wasteful overspray. “We are delighted that our PixelPaint solution has been recognized for its innovative, sustainable technology that helps our customers respond to consumer requests for more personalized design. With PixelPaint, 100 percent of the paint can now be applied in half the time compared to the previous method used for custom paint jobs, with a © ABB much better finish quality. For our customers, this provides the triple bonus of saving millions of dollars per year through reduced paint consumption, improved efficiency and improved environmental performance through reduced VOC and CO2 emissions, while meeting their customer needs,” stated Joerg Reger, Managing Director of ABB Robotics Auto OEM Business Line. Traditionally, in order to apply a two-tone paint or a custom pattern onto a bodywork, it was necessary to put the vehicle through a painting line twice: once for the first layer and then for the second colour, after that the already painted areas had been masked. This masking job usually requires 10 to 20 operators per shift, plus two more to remove the masks once the second colour has also been applied. In addition, the process causes significant waste and high costs for the recycling and purchase of the paint, since it allows only about 75% of the paint to be applied to the surface of the bodywork. PixelPaint offers a faster, more accurate and more sustainable solution for customised painting, thanks to a high DPI inkjet head, two IRB 5500 painting robot, dosing control package, and RobotStudio® programming software for two tone and decorative painting applications that allows you to solve the problems listed above. The jury, composed by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), has therefore decided to reward the combination of greater efficiency, flexibility and environmental performance offered by PixelPaint. “The jury is pleased to honour ABB’s PixelPaint technology, with the 17th IERA Award. The innovative solution for automated car painting combines more flexibility and customization with reduced wasted paint for the wellness of the environment,” said Rob Ambrose, Jury Chair. The IERA Award highlights the innovators who generate ideas with added value and the entrepreneurs who transform them into worldclass products. IEEE Robotics and Automation Society (IEEE / RAS) and IFR jointly sponsor the award, underlining their commitment to fostering greater collaboration between science and industry in robotics.
For further information: https://global.abb/group/en
Stardust Signs an Agreement with HaTwee for the Distribution of its Coatings in the Benelux Area
Stardust Powder Coatings has partnered with coatings supplier HaTwee to distribute its range of powder coatings in the Benelux countries.
Powder coatings supplier HaTwee, based in Lichtervelde, Belgium, has started distributing Stardust Powder Coatings’ wide range of indoor and outdoor powder coatings in the Benelux countries after signing the partnership agreement with the Italian paint manufacturer. Founded in 2007 by mechanical engineer Hans Hooyberg and chemical engineer Anne Mie Scheldeman, HaTwee serves the Benelux area not only by offering a wide range of powder coatings from the best manufacturers in the world, but also by putting at customer’s disposal their extensive knowledge and proven methodology to achieve optimal results. For this reason, HaTwee will contribute to Stardust’s mission of offering its customers in the Benelux area a reliable, personalized and timely supply of its high-added value powder coatings. “We met the HaTwee team during a trade fair in Belgium, about four years ago. We appreciated their great communication technique that appealed to customers by offering a specialized, tailor-made service, much like the one we offer to our own customers”, explains Guido Pozzoli, CEO of Stardust Powder Coatings. “When we started the current reorganization process of Stardust, which entails also the expansion of our sales and distribution network, we immediately reconnected with them to formalize a distribution agreement for the Benelux area”. “Thanks to our exclusive partnership with companies such as Stardust Powder Coatings, we always have access to sufficient supply, extra know-how and tight delivery deadlines, regardless of whether customer’s orders are small or large. Moreover, as a member of VOM and Qualisteelcoat, we also guarantee up-todate knowledge and have all the essential quality labels”, explains Barbara Baken, Communication and Project Manager of HaTwee. Stardust’s powder coatings are available in a wide range of colour and finishes, and can be chosen by sample or according to the major international colorimetric systems, such as RAL, PANTONE® or NCS, of which Stardust is Premium Partner.
For further information: www.stardust72.com and hatwee.be/nl/home/
© HatWee
Acrythane 4G by HMG Paints Ltd Is Expanding its Uses within New Industries
The topcoat Acrythane 4G, originally designed by HMG Paints for commercial vehicles, is expanding its field of action thanks to its properties and the ease of use.
HMG Paints’ Acrythane 4G is faster and faster becoming coaters’ preferred choice for both OEM and refinish work. Acrythane 4G offers enhanced properties over traditional systems and accelerates the application process, which results in improved efficiencies without damaging the quality of the finishing. Martyn Binnington, HMG Paints Distribution Manager, explains: “The major benefit for applicators is the ease of use of Acrythane 4G. Our customers are complimenting us on a daily basis about how easy Acrythane 4G is to use and produce high quality results, especially when compared to competitor products.” In order to meet the strict requirements of the commercial vehicle market, HMG launched this high solids acrylic polyurethane coating in 2019. It was created by the Research and Development division at HMG, that cooperated with its customers. Initially intended for a specific use within the commercial vehicle market, Acrythane 4G is now being used in several other sectors by users which needs a VOC and REACH compliant topcoat that provides an outstanding gloss, final appearance and durability. Moreover, thanks to its optimised balance of early hardness, fast cure and long pot life, Acrythane 4G is especially suited for OEM, repairers and builders. Its ultra-fast air-dry properties also allow the end-user to save time, energy and materials. A satisfied customer commented: “The unique properties Acrythane 4G offers us easy application, fast drying and a superior finish. With Acrythane 4G being able to be used in cold and warm weather conditions it allows us to paint all year round.” Acrythane 4G is available in a number of colours including RAL, BS and Commercial Vehicle standards. It is also included in the new HMG ColourBase Colour Box, that presents more than 2400 colour chips displayed in chromatic order within 20 fan decks. The ColourBase Colour Box is a multi-function tool: each colour does not only have a chromatic code that identifies its position in the colour sequence, but it also corresponds to a colour existing on the market for reference. Acrythane 4G can be applied by conventional gravity and HVLP spray guns, giving coverage of 9.3 square metres per litre at 50 microns film thickness. Surface preparation is as simple as a solvent wipe or shot blasting.
© HMG Paints Ltd
About HMG Paints Ltd
HMG Paints Ltd is a family-owned business situated in Manchester (UK). Now the UK’s largest independent paint manufacturer, HMG works alongside customers to create the best individual service and tailored solutions for them. Thanks to its broad spectrum of knowledge and expertise, HMG has a portfolio that includes wet paint, powder coatings and aerosols, covering virtually every type of surface. This is all backed by an extensive 90 years’ experience in developing pioneering coatings for several industries: automotive, commercial vehicle, aerospace, wood finish, decorative, marine and rail.
For further information: www.hmgpaint.com
