AKZO NOBEL CAR Refinishes have a name for innovative and sustainable technology and now they have a new spray gun in their sights.
The new gun which can paint and cure at the same time is a UV LED spray gun which has made its debut in Europe this month.The gun provides a nearly instant cure of the company's Sikkens Autoclear UV clearcoat.
Unfortunately, the gun will not be in Australia for some time, and it is being evaluated for local conditions. In current form it will not be in Australia due to climatic conditions which are unsuitable for its use. Tests continue.
An Australian Akz Nobel Car Refinishes spokesman, said the hand-held device has energy-efficient UV LEDs fitted around the spray nozzle. This enables the curing process to begin the instant the paint makes contact with the repaired surface. The spray gun was developed in partnership with Belgian company EREA and it is a major energy saving and process speeds bring customer benefits.
The spokesman said the gun was being thoroughly tested to see whether it can make it to Australian shores, but that is not on the cards yet.
The UV LED spray gun does not need a warm-up and that means a 25 per cent less energy use.
Faster drying times combined with greater flexibility and no need for a separate drying unit mean there is huge potential for higher throughput and greater productivity.
Jim Rees, MD of Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes worldwide said what the company had managed to do is to combine two innovations.
"One involving a new technology for paint and one involving the tools for applying the paint. The feedback we've had so far has been fantastic and I am optimistic that this system will open the door to future opportunities," he added.