SUCCESS STORIES
Ecopaint RoDip – Optimum immersion now also for vans
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The individually programmable transport units enable optimized dip curves for the respective car body. The end result is better coating quality and increased energy efficiency. The rotational process means
Dip, flood, drain: Even very large car bodies, such as those of transporters and vans, can rotate around their own axis with a rotational movement of 360°. When planning the plant in North Charleston, Dürr conducted extensive tests in its technical center. This included testing ways of using the RoDip rotational dip process for painting larger car bodies than had ever been immersed before. The result? RoDip guarantees high-quality corrosion protection as a basis for further surface coating, even for large vehicles. The Ecopaint RoDip E version will be used in the Mercedes-Benz Vans paint shop in North Charleston, that is currently under construction. The system with electrical drive will transport the closed car bodies of the next generation of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter through pretreatment (PT) and cathodic electro-coating (EC). Each of the freely programmable transport units has a separate drive for rotation in addition to the conveying drive (Fig. 1).
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is suitable for all applications, from spraying insulating material to sealing seams. The EcoGun2 3D is much more streamlined and lightweight than its predecessor model, making it ideal for getting into even hard-to-access areas of the body shell. The fully automated interior and exterior painting steps are performed cost-effectively in their own zones in stop and go mode using a special atomizer of the type EcoBell3 HX designed for painting detailed and exterior surfaces. Interior painting in the cargo space is performed by nonrail-mounted swingarm robots. With their extended arms, they are specially designed for use in large cargo spaces. This is the first time they are being installed in this form in the USA. © Dürr
ar bodies up to eight meters long rotating through an immersion bath is something that has never happened before. The Ecopaint RoDip rotational dip process is now being used in practice for the first time for vehicles of this size. Dürr will be installing this technology in the new Mercedes-Benz Vans factory in North Charleston, USA. It will form part of a complete paint shop being built by Dürr on behalf of Mercedes Benz Vans.
Vans have a large number of different colors applied to them. In order to be able to apply this Figure 1: Body shells up to eight meters long will have their base coats applied using the Ecopaint RoDip variety with minimal paint loss rotational dip process for the first time (principle during paint changes, the robots drawing). are connected to the EcoSupply P special paint supply system that smaller bath volumes are possible; with pigging technology (Fig. 2). The these need less chemicals and fresh water semi-automatic system EcoDry X for and at the same time reduce the energy dry separation of the overspray in consumption and volume of wastewater. the paint booths requires absolutely Following pretreatment, the seam sealing, no water or chemicals. This system, underbody protection, and rocker panel designed for simplicity and robustness, protection are applied within a single zone. works on the basis of cardboard filters. These combined tasks are performed The paint shop equipped entirely by by four rail-mounted EcoRS robots with Dürr also includes paint application the new generation of the EcoGun2 3D with primer and 2-wet process for applicator. This standardized applicator topcoat. 1
N. 44 - MARCH/APRIL 2017 - international PAINT&COATING magazine