Coats Of Many Methods: 3 New Trends In Auto Body Painting
Posted on: 11 February 2015
If your vehicle suffers a collision, and you find yourself at an auto body repair shop, don't be surprised to see new paint technology being used. Advanced methods for applying protective coatings to vehicles have been proven to give more even coats, and the materials are subject to less bubbling or pocking of finishes. One type of paint is far more sustainable.
3 new methods you may encounter at the collision repair shop:
1) Gas catalytic drying.
This method of drying and curing of paint is also sometimes called "robotic drying." It's already heavily used in Asia, Australia and Europe, but the technology is catching on in the US.
The system uses a process that turns methane gas into infrared energy. The devices, which are track-mounted or handheld, are directed at the area to be dried. The infrared energy will dry and cure filler, primer or paint within minutes.
A more detailed explanation of the process is available here. Repair shops love this technology because they can take care of more customers each day, boosting their profits and keeping customers happy at the same time.
2) Nitrogen spray systems.
When done properly, using nitrogen rather than compressed air for spray-painting leads to better, more consistent finishes.
That's because there is no moisture in nitrogen lines as there is in compressed air. Nitrogen can also be heated and ionized so that it flows consistently no matter what the barometric pressure or temperature.
Nitrogen generators are used to filter out the element, then it's added back to the spray system.
Shops that have been using the method for a while report significant savings on paint material, which is good for their bottom line and good for the environment, but there are hazards. Nitrogen-spray operators must be sure not to hook any breathing apparatus up to nitrogen storage.
3) Waterborne paints.
Because of alarming increases in volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, many government agencies around the world are mandating greener paint technology. To achieve compliance, paint companies have developed waterborne paints that are delivered and cleaned up with water.
The paints need fewer coats to achieve a full finish, meaning less paint is used and less time is spent painting, while operators end up with the same result.
Some of the waterborne paints use far less solvent to achieve the same viscosity. But they also use slightly more pigment, assuring a greener process with the same bright results.
There are innovations happening every day in the automotive paint world. Factories are finding ways to manage emissions while generating energy from their painting processes. You can feel good about today's auto body paint and painting methods. Contact a company like Precision Auto Body of Plano for more information.
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