Repair Products: Chrome from a spray gun

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Repair Products

Make a bet that it's chrome and you'll lose your money. What you'll be looking at is "Chrome FX", a water based spray-on system that imparts a Chrome-like finish on virtually any surface, including plastic. Apart from promotional vehicles, it is not a finish for a whole car, but for wheels, bumper covers or any panel or part that requires a chrome finish, it is a winner.
Melbourne company, Products That Work (PTW), is the Australian distributor for US company, The Alsa Corporation, that has developed the patented system. PTW recently received its first shipment of the system and is now putting together a training course that will teach the skills needed to achieve the correct results.
The system comprises a portable rack with four cylinders of chemicals (one of which is deionised water) with a spray gun running off each. The process begins with the application of a two-pack white primer which is left to dry for up to two days, depending on baking equipment available. The primer is self levelling so that no rubbing is needed. Next comes the spray-on activator followed by the chrome chemical. The quantity of chemicals applied and their effect is modified by washing off with deionised water.
The final mirror finish is imparted by a clear two-pack. It can also be tinted with a candy colour if desired.
PTW's technical director, Brian Streitberger, says that it is not necessary to have a spray painting background to master the technique of applying Chrome FX. His company will provide training for distributors and users of the system.
The machine, along with a full compliment of chemicals and a training program costs $16,998. That will initially produce 46 square metres of chrome finish on any surface. Once the machine is purchased, it is estimated that replacement chemicals will cost about $41 per square metre of Chrome FX finish. That cost can be reduced if a purchaser processes his own deionised water. PTW can supply a deioniser machine for around $500 which will produce enough water for not only a Chrome FX machine, but for other uses in a paint shop.
PTW is hastening slowly with this project. Managing director Roland Geitenbeek is anxious to appoint only the most appropriate distributors and then make sure the operating technicians are fully trained before taking in work.
The application of spray-on chrome goes far beyond automotive end uses. It could find its way into apparel, building and furniture finishing, and a host of other products.

Enquiries, Tel: (03)9764 1244.

Dangers of dermatitis
In a 2003 study of occupational dermatitis carried out by Melbourne University, epoxy resins were found to be the most important relevant allergen among painters. The three most commonly affected occupations were floor finishers, process workers and spray painters.
Occupational skin disease ranks as the most common occupational disease in many countries. ?Contact dermatitis? accounts for approximately 90-95 per cent of all occupational skin diseases. Epoxy resins are known to be a major cause of occupational skin disease and put the user at a high risk of contact dermatitis.
Most allergic contact dermatitis related to epoxy resin is localized to the hands and forearms. Contaminated hands can also spread the allergen to previously unexposed sites.
Within these applications, it was found that, although gloves were used by 67 per cent of workers, none of the gloves used gave the wearer adequate protection against epoxy resins.
The characteristics of epoxy resins include good chemical resistance, toughness and excellent adhesive qualities, which has lead to their extensive use in adhesives, paints, coatings, sealants, fillers, concrete repair, reinforced polymer composites, varnishes, product finishing and laminates. They are widely used in the building and construction, printing, publishing and painting industries.
Occupational dermatitis causes widespread injury related costs, including lost time, falls in productivity, employee morale and profitability. Another recent Australian study found that 60 per cent of workers affected by dermatitis had applied for workers compensation and all of them had successful claims. In one study seven per cent of sufferers had at least 12 months off work.
Ansell Healthcare, the global leader in chemical handling protection, in conjunction with an independent German laboratory, recently conducted glove permeation tests for protection against epoxy resins. The chemical resistance performance was measured on eight chemical gloves against five commonly used epoxy resins.
The results revealed that the Sol-Vex gloves showed no signs of permeation after 8 hours contact with the epoxy resin, making it an excellent choice for this application. The Sol-Vex range is available in a range options that include varying lengths, thicknesses and grip patterns.
A disposable alternative, 'Touch N? Tuff' did show some permeation after 45 minutes and is therefore recommended for splash protection only with regular changes.
Gloves made out of neoprene, natural rubber or vinyl, were not recommended for protection against epoxies, Ansell says.

Enquiries, Tel: (03)9270 7270.

New polisher from Hamach
The RH24E rotating polishing machine is a big, powerful sanding/polishing tool developed to replace the aging RH22E in Hamach?s extensive range. Because of the ergonomic shape and exceptional weight distribution, this tool operates in a noticeably more comfortable way compared to other machines on the market.
The Hamach RH24E has several features such as a dust free on/off switch, efficient cooling system, free from vibrations, controlled slow start, a fully adjustable electronic speed control (600 ? 2800 rpm), constant speed under load - just to name a few. These features, coupled with Hamach?s extended warranty period of three years makes this tool one of the most advanced polishers on the market.
The RH24E is the perfect companion to the Hamach Polishing System, which incorporates both the 'Hamach 3 Step Polish' as well as the specially designed foam polishing pads. This system will achieve an outstanding finish while saving both time and money.

Enquiries, Tel: (03)9303 9888.

Champion portables won't rust
Champion Compressors now offers customised stainless steel portable compressors with features that ensure long-life and peak performance in the harshest conditions.
According to Mark Chedgey, Champion Compressors? Mackay branch manager, a portable compressor will only survive as long as its weakest element: the cabinet.
?These portables have a stainless steel cabinet, which means they won?t rust in the salty atmosphere on the coast, or the acidic environments often found at coal mines,? he says.
The first company to benefit from Champion?s stainless steel portables is Weipa-based, Queensland contractor, N.Q. Blasting and Coating, which specialises in abrasive and protective coatings. NQ Blasting and Coating currently employs three 80-kW stainless steel portable models, offering 177 l/s free air delivery, and one 200-kW model, offering 425 l/s free air delivery. These are used primarily for the abrasive blasting and spray painting of large structures and surfaces at various outdoor locations.
Armed with a unique shutdown system and annunciation module (SSAM), the compressor can warn the operator if the temperature reaches a high or low alarm-level, the engine oil pressure is low or the engine is running under speed. The extra operational security provided by the SSAM render the portable more user-friendly for those operators with little compressor expertise - a key factor in remote locations where technical support could be days away.
Also for this reason, the Champion portables are equipped with the world-renowned Caterpillar diesel engines.

Enquiries, Tel:(03)9703 8002.

New Lesonal 2K Primer 480
Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes has just released a new two component high build primer surfacer in the Lesonal range. 2K Primer 480 replaces the current Lesonal 2K Primer 420. Lesonal 2K Primer 480 can be used as a high build as well as a conventional primer.
This product has an acrylic urethane base which provides excellent gloss hold out for both direct gloss and basecoat finishes. It is suitable for application over original finishes including thermoplastic acrylics, steel, polyester laminates and Lesonal 2K Putties. Being a high build primer it saves preparation time and is easy to sand with less wastage on consumables.

Enquiries, Tel: (03)9646 5988.

Fusor introduces on-demand cure

LORD Corporation's Fusor Automotive Repair Adhesives ? a leading provider of metal and composite bonding solutions for OEM and automotive body repair ? has introduced Fusor 152/153, an improved interior and exterior plastic repair product with on-demand curing capability. Fusor 152/153 offers superior repair for plastics and primed/painted metals; bumper and trim plastics; urethane; TPO, TEO, PP and ABS; as well as SMC and FRP. Offering a longer open time than Fusor 142/143 (3-5 minutes versus 90 seconds, respectively), the high-strength structural adhesive can be used to bond, repair and finish both interior and exterior plastics, as well as minor cosmetic repair. With no tooling necessary, Fusor 152/153 can be sanded sooner than Fusor 142/143 (3 minutes at 60°C, 30 minutes at 32°C and 90 minutes at 21°C as compared to 20 minutes at 21°C) to a professional featheredge with no roll-up. It is black in color. The product meets GM Spec FMW7159. Developed for use in the warmer climates and hotter seasonal temperatures, Fusor 152/153 cures on demand if a heat gun is used. According to Steven Dew, AWD/Fusor business development manager, Fusor 152/153 offers a longer work time than ty:New PDR tool system Bradleys Australia has released a new and updated paintless dent repair system. Bradleys says it allows greater access to dents on today's vehicles, including new and improved tip shapes that allow greater flexibility in choice of tool for different dent types. The 50 piece system comprises 35 tools and 15 accessories all in a moulded, lockable carry-case. Training courses are held monthly to encourage panel shops to install in-house and retail work.

Enquiries, Tel: 1800 040007.

Better bumper repairs

With its new Uniweld system just released, Bradleys says that plastic repairs have become a whole lot easier. Ideal for repairing bumper covers, it does away with all the different tpes of welding rods and even supersedes the glues used on HSV and Tickford type polyurethane covers. The Uniweld system uses only one rod to repair them all, and generally in a much shorter time than the previous method.

Enquiries, Tel: 1800 040007.

When you deionise air
'Ion Max' is a Japanese made filtration system that deionises the air used by spray guns. The machine is placed last in the air-line after the compressor, air dryer, and oil mist filter. In other words it is the last stop before the air mixes with the paint in the gun.
Melbourne distributor, Products that Work (PDW), has laboratory tests that show savings of 30 per cent on paint usage and 31 per cent on drying time. This is because deionising removes static electricity from the air that is carrying the paint to the spray surface. Paint colour density and adhesion are also improved.
Because PDW has only recently become the Australian distributor for Ion Max the price of the machine had not been finalised. However, managing director Roland Geitenbeek estimated it would be around $4000.

Enquiries, Tel: (03)9764 1244.

Don't mix paint systems says Glasurit

Just as oil and water do not mix, neither does the use of multiple paint systems. Running side by side paint systems is costing you more money then you may be aware of, according to leading paint brand, Glasurit.
Glasurit has been writing automotive paint history for over 100 years and is one of the most innovative paint companies in the world. It is because of this reputation that Glasurit works tirelessly on protecting the use of their system.
The practise of side-by-side systems (most common with the use of a premium and generic brand) affects a number of areas, not only on the finish of the vehicle, but on a paint shop's business. They are:

* Paint warranty becomes void
* More prone to paint defects
* Difficulty in accurate colour matching
* More time spent in the booth
* Paint costs increase over the long term

The perception that the initial cost savings of a generic product far out-weigh the benefits of a full premium brand system are not justified, according to John Boukouras, owner of Darwens Smash Repairs, who chooses to use Glasurit over generic brands. ?I purchased this business in August 2004 after having owned a repair shop in Melbourne using the Glasurit system," he said. "At the time the bodyshop was using a Glasurit and generic system side by side.
"Some bodyshops buy cheaper products and alternatives rather than calculate the costs of the total repair, and this may be through a lack of understanding.
?My spray painters believe Glasurit is cost-effective, provides better working conditions and is more simple if used properly.?
The pressures on bodyshops from insurance companies also plays a role in the type of materials they use so they can meet costs. Geoff Smith of Able Body Repairs, located near Springwood and Slacks Creek in Queensland, repairs on average 25 cars per week. He was aware of these pressures and was using a generic brand paint system to assist in these costs, but discovered the benefits of using the Glasurit system after a Glasurit audit was conducted.
?The generic brand worked satisfactorily for us, but in terms of efficiency it was not giving the results that Glasurit provides,? Smith said. ?I chose to change to Glasurit due to the quality and overall cost savings. The best thing is you can see the speed of the Glasurit product. We paint twice as many cars. My spray painters love Glasurit. We had a battle with the generic brand at times with colour matching. The Glasurit Color-Profi System is a huge assistance to our painters."
Through less material consumption, Glasurit provides significant cost savings to bodyshops. Bodyshops may see the cost of the can and not realise the efficiency of the product is what is costing money over the long term.
Glasurit is not the only automotive refinish manufacturer showing concern on the use of generic brands in conjunction with their technology, it is a global concern. In general, premium brand paint companies are reluctant to assist dual system shops when they have a problem, knowing that is has probably been caused by the generic brand or by mixing the two systems.

It is the individual shop's paint warranty, its reputation and its customers that are affected by its paint choices. Use all the components of the Glasurit paint refinish system as it was intended and gain the inbuilt advantages, or gamble using the generic brands with your system and risk losing business and money.

Enquiries, Tel:(02)8787 0100.

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