Automotive Manufacturing: Paint Shop
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The most critical and often most expensive stage in the assembly process, the paint shop is the one area where you can’t afford any downtime. A vehicle’s paint is often the first thing a customer notices and must look flawless. That’s why you need the right products and the right support to help optimize your paint shop regardless of challenges thrown your way.
From pre-treat to e-coat, from primer prep to clearcoat application and everything in between, 3M’s automotive manufacturing solutions and application expertise can help deliver results for each station of the process.
Typical Process Steps
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- Pre-Treat
The first station in the painting process, vehicle bodies are cleaned prior to E-coat and primer application - Electrocoat Dip
Vehicle bodies are electrocoated to help give bare metal surfaces corrosion protection performance and prep for optimal paint adhesion - Primer Preparation
E-coat defects are corrected prior to primer application
(Some OEM’s have adopted a primer-less system) - Sealing
Panel overlaps and seams are then sealed to protect against air and water leaks - Primer Application
Primer is then applied which helps provide a level and uniform surface for the color and clear coats and helps protect vehicle from corrosion, chips, etc. during use - Basecoat & Clearcoat Application
Basecoat paint layers and clearcoats are applied giving the vehicle body the desired aesthetic treatment as well as scratch/mar resistance, and weathering capabilities - Finesse Deck
One of the last stations within the paint process where small imperfections in the clearcoat layers are inspected and corrected
- Pre-Treat
Featured Paint Shop Applications
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E-coat and Primer preparation/finishing
E-coat and primer preparation processes remove defects including contamination, inclusions and runs prior to the application of the next paint layer. 3M sanding discs get the job done with speed and precision.
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Our 3M Xtract™ Series Random Orbital Sanders deliver the power and features you need in your surface preparation & finishing process.
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This premium net disc allows virtually dust-free sanding to prevent loading, increase productivity and provide a cleaner work environment. The revolutionary 3M Precision Shaped Grain technology provides fast cut and long life. Cuts up to 2x as fast as conventional abrasives and guarantees up to 99% dust extraction.
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For greater tear resistance and edge retention, this film backing multi-hole pattern provides superior dust extraction to prevent loading, increase productivity, and provide a cleaner work environment.
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For greater tear resistance and edge retention, this film backing multi-hole pattern provides superior dust extraction to prevent loading, increase productivity, and provide a cleaner work environment Revolutionary 3M™ Precision Shaped Grain technology provides fast cut and long life. Cuts up to 2x as fast as conventional abrasives.
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3M™ Stikit™ Microfinishing Film Disc 268LA fantastic solution for removing defects and blemishes, such as dust nibs, in e-coat and primer substrates without the need for reworking or repainting. This center water feed 20µ or 30µ film disc is to be used with 3M™ Stikit™ Center Water Feed Disc Hand Pad.
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Two-tone Masking
Painting vehicles multiple colors requires additional steps in the paint process. 3M Masking Tapes help ensure sharp color lines, no paint bleed and adjacent surface protection.
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Masking to the right depth can mean the difference between a perfect paint job and one that needs rework. 3M™ Adjustable Paint Masking Applicator is a robust masking tape application tool used to apply Scotch® Fine Line tapes (up to 19 mm) on complex surfaces, such as the roofline or rear hatch of a vehicle.
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This Chamois-colored crepe paper tape coated features a 0,150 mm thick rubber adhesive. It is designed for indoor and industrial use and it is able to withstand temperatures up to 160°C for 1 hour. It adapts perfectly to irregular surfaces and enables highly accurate paint finishes It can withstand repeat bake cycles and is both moisture and solvent resistant.
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Scotch® High Temperature Fine Line Tape 4737TL features a natural rubber, pressure sensitive adhesive that holds reliably to surface contours. Its smooth, vinyl backing provides conformability for working with complex shapes and curved surfaces. Due to its specially developed backing, this tape resists lifting around corners or in depressed areas.
