Toronto, Ontario -- AkzoNobel Vehicle Refinish North America has introduced a new generation waterborne basecoat, designed to enhance sustainability and improve bodyshop productivity.
This new basecoat—Autowave Optima—is said to help achieve up to 50 percent faster processing times compared to conventional basecoat application methods.
“With perfect coverage in just 1.5 layers due to its high pigmentation, this results in paint material savings of approximately 15 percent on average,” reads the company’s press release.
The new technology has been tested at five Canadian collision centres, said Fred Daoust, country manager for AkzoNobel’s Canadian operations.
“We selected facilities that, strategically, we thought would be a good fit for Optima. But we also picked shops where we had technical consultants close by,” explained Daoust. “So they could work with the painter, with the shop and capture the learnings we were looking for in this project.”
Chad Lantz, a painter from CSN Blue Mountain, said he’s experienced notable results testing Autowave Optima.
“Right off the bat, the biggest thing for me using Autowave Optima is less time spent on each cycle,” said Lantz. “From mixing to painting, boom, bang—you’re done.
“It was noticeable in the first few days of using the product.”
According to AkzoNobel, this one-stop application, without then need of flash-off between layers, only requires the technician to go into the spray booth once.
“The fast application times translate into 60% lower energy costs and a reduction in carbon emissions of up to 60% compared to a conventional basecoat along with 380 g/l VOC (10% lower than the 420 g/l legislation). This new generation waterborne basecoat technology demonstrates that sustainability, productivity and profitability can exist in harmony,” reads the AkzoNobel press release.
“We launched our first waterborne basecoat three decades ago and have been setting the standard in waterborne basecoat technology ever since,” said John Griffin, director of AkzoNobel’s Automotive and Specialty Coatings business in North America. “We do this by putting the customer at the heart of what we do so this launch celebrates more than just a basecoat. It is a celebration of everything we offer our customers, from advanced product systems to best-in-class consultancy through to our state-of-the art digital solutions and services.”
"Fred [Daoust] had a huge hand in this project, as executive sponsor," said Sue Jaszkowski, content manager for AkzoNobel Automotive Specialty Coatings North America.
"I also have to give much credit to Kathryn Feldt, our regional commercial marketer. Her commitment from the beginning on this has been fantastic. She and I have really been co-leading this from a North American point of view," added Daoust.
Building on its 30-year heritage of waterborne expertise, AkzoNobel’s researchers, scientists, technical and sales teams from around the world have developed, tested and refined this new generation basecoat alongside selected customers for AkzoNobel’s premium brand Sikkens, added the company.
For more information on Autowave Optima, click here.
