When looking to focus on smaller, quick turnaround repairs, the ability to work 75% faster is an absolute no-brainer, says Greg Tunks, PPG MVP Business Solutions Manager ANZ.
It’s interesting to see UV curing technology becoming a hot topic in the industry, particularly when you consider that UV8080 UV Cured Primer Surfacer has been around for well over a decade. It had a name change a year or so back (from D8080) but it’s still the same tried and tested product. Not only that, its speed still blows people away when we run demonstrations around the region to highlight lean and efficient repair methods.
Although it’s been a top seller for quite a while, some repairers are only just recognising UV8080’s advantage as they look for solutions to boost speed and efficiency. No flash-off and the ability to cure in just three minutes under an approved ultraviolet lamp are just two of the huge time-saving advantages but there are plenty of others. For example, being in an aerosol can is all about time-saving convenience and reduced material usage. It means there is no need to mix – just shake the can, spray the required area, cure it, then sand it and priming / topcoat process can begin immediately. There is also no waste. You only use the amount of material needed for the job and time is saved in not having to clean a mixing container and spray gun. In addition, aerosol delivery creates very little overspray which saves on masking time, materials and disposal costs. Not only that, amazing film builds, of up to 120 microns, can be achieved in a single application. And when it’s cured, UV8080 has a clear, transparent finish so the primer patch will not increase the size of the repair and this saves on top coat application. Importantly, all these benefits don’t just happen in a demo – they are backed up by everyday results from customers.
The local PPG team has even sourced a high-tech ultraviolet lamp to efficiently handle the curing process. The Honle LED UV Lamp comes with the latest in high-intensity LED technology and is engineered and manufactured in Germany by leading brand, Dr. Honle AG. The precise and consistent UV light distribution makes it easier to target the primed area and you don’t have to worry about a warm up or cool down phase – just switch it on and off as you need it. Like UV8080, you can purchase your Honle LED UV Lamp from PPG distributors and Protec distributors.
While the correct products and tools are key ingredients for performing efficient rapid repairs, one key factor is knowledge and that is where the PPG MVP Business Solutions program comes in. The nine-person regional MVP Business Solutions team typically work one-on-one to help collision centre operators develop their business and that can include setting up a rapid repair stream. As well as providing expert advice, your local MVP Business Solutions Manager can link you to PPG’s region-wide training team who can deliver specialised ‘SMART repair process’ training for staff. It’s an ideal way to ensure that your SMART repairs really are smart repairs!
For more information on PPG’s MVP Business Solutions program and ‘best practice’ processes, products and tools contact your PPG Representative or PPG’s Customer Service Hotline 13 24 24