Axalta has revealed its latest selection of Harmonised Coating Technologies, which are set to slash the time it takes in the vehicle painting process.
Delivered at the 24th annual DFO European Automotive Coating conference by Axalta’s application technology manager Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Sven Radek, the presentation looked at the benefits of Axalta’s 3-Wet, 2-Wet monocoat and eco-concept harmonised coating technologies for light vehicle OEM paint lines that can remove oven bake steps or combine layers.
Harmonised coating technologies are a line of coating application processes integrating primers, basecoats and clear coats that can cut processing costs, save on material, and reduce environmental footprint for light vehicle car original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
Radek detailed the advanced time saving methods compared to the conventional process used for waterborne paints which requires the application of four paint layers, as well as the use of three curing ovens and one intermediate dryer.
“By contrast, Axalta’s Harmonised Coating Technologies can telescope the entire light vehicle OEM paint process, making it possible to achieve outstanding results with just two ovens, and without either primer applications or sanding, depending on the system being used.
“This helps to save car manufacturers time, energy, labour, space and material.
“By 2018, 20 per cent of all cars are likely to be painted with consolidated processes.”
The 3-Wet Process, which has only been recently developed by Axalta, applies an exterior 1K or 2K pre-coat. This gives the final paint surface greater stone chip resistance and high UV protection.
The solid colour precoats can be matched to different basecoat colour groups to create a uniform colour for further application steps.
Under the 3-Wet process, there is no need for a primer as the precoat takes over the primer’s job.