The Total Automotive Sanding System is the most comprehensive of its kind available from a single supplier and covers every area of collision repair, from body repairs to paint preparation and finishing.

Everything in the customisable system is compact, mobile and intuitive. This means less time spent searching for tools as well as reduced cycle and clean-up times, streamlining the entire process and increasing efficiency and profitability.

As will be the case for all future products in the range, the system combines 3M’s best-in-class abrasives with Festool’s premium power tools and dust-extraction technologies.

The system incorporates 3M’s longer-lasting, faster-cutting abrasives, including the 3M™ Cubitron™ II and 3M™ Trizact brands as well as the 3M™ Perfect-it™ Paint Finishing System.

Also key to the system’s efficiency is Festool’s integrated dust-extraction system that significantly reduces the amount of dust created by sanding. Dust can ruin finishes, resulting in costly reworking.

The system is also designed with the technician’s well-being in mind - as well as the integrated dust-extraction system, it also features an ergonomic, non-slip tool design.

Werner Kaelin, business development manager for 3M’s Automotive Aftermarkets Division in West Europe, said: “We are confident that we are launching the most comprehensive surface preparation and finishing system available for automotive body and paint professionals who need to deliver high-quality and profitable repairs every time.

“The Total Automotive Sanding System delivers unmatched performance, efficiency, safety, user comfort and reliability, giving our customers complete peace of mind. The system benefits not only from the two companies’ first-class technologies, but also from combining 3M’s sales and distribution capabilities with Festool’s exceptional service offering.”

Over the coming years, the two companies will produce a range of products for automotive repair professionals, covering everything from abrasives and sanding tools to paintwork and finishing solutions to enable them to create the bodyshops of the future. 3M and Festool will also offer on-site product and workplace health and safety training.

Find out more about 3M’s Bodyshop solutions