ProFinisher Magazine: Industrial Wood Coatings - Q3 2018

ProFinisher IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT

COATINGS, TECH SUPPORT AND INVENTORY IMPROVEMENTS PUT TIFFIN MOTORHOMES ON THE ROAD TO SUCCESS

JULY – SEPTEMBER 2018

INDUSTRIAL WOOD COATINGS

COLOR

CHANGES EVERYTHING LAUREN WEST Global Color and Design Manager, Industrial Wood Coatings

The right color and finish can make all the difference when it comes to finding your competitive edge. Sherwin-Williams does more than manufacture quality coatings – we also help you bring those coatings to life on your finished product.

There is so much opportunity to bring innovation to the wood finishing marketplace. Trends are ever changing, but what has sustained across all industrial wood segments is a desire for authentic products. Color has the power to bring your products to life. There are a variety of finishes from opalescents to pops of vibrant color to bleached or barely there finishes. New browns that are rich with deep espresso are trending upward. Gray is here to stay and will continue to evolve into a staple neutral.

How do we know this? The Sherwin-Williams Global Color and Design Center (GCDC) in Greensboro, North Carolina is immersed in product development. This allows us to identify and communicate trends across industries and product categories, as well as explore new application techniques. We are committed to helping manufacturers create new, custom finishes that give their products greater market appeal. Our goal is to help you attract new business, and increase efficiency and product quality.

To keep up with a fast-paced world, we are always innovating and exploring new platforms to share information. Our new Virtual Panel Studio™ allows 24/7 access to a variety of wood panel images, bringing the power of the GCDC online to help you find inspiration for the perfect finish.

As a leader in the recreational vehicle and motor coach industry for nearly 50 years, Tiffin Motorhomes understands the importance of adapting when there is growth in the market. The family-owned company continues to keep vehicles rolling off the assembly line on schedule while reducing costly callbacks and touch-up work.

Bob Tiffin, the founder of Tiffin Motorhomes, built the company’s reputation for quality products and customer service from the ground up. This dedication led to him being named to the Recreational Vehicle/ Manufactured Housing Hall of Fame in 1999. Today, Tiffin Motorhomes’ transparency throughout the manufacturing process and commitment to getting it right every time continues to attract customers.

We look forward to helping you find your competitive edge!

EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES FOR A BETTER FINISH

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We provide more than coatings. Our complete product finishing solution includes over 10,000 brand-name equipment and supplies to address the entire process, from sanding to shipping. Our dedicated experts also work with a diverse group of suppliers and manufacturers to serve all of your finishing needs, including providing on-site support to help you enhance your line. Contact your Industrial Wood Coatings Sales Representative or visit oem.sherwin-williams.com/equipmentandsupplies to learn more.

in the cabinet shop. That’s a huge problem. We want it to be seamless, smooth and to flow steadily.”

Van recruited Sherwin-Williams Industrial Wood Coatings Sales Representative Scott Brasher and Technical Service Representative Curt Quigley to review the finishing line and recommend how to improve throughput. They narrowed in on the sand-seal-glaze procedure and suggested replacing the two-step topcoat with Sayerlack® RD Acrylic Polyurethane, a 2K self-sealing topcoat designed for use on interior wood. It is applied in a single step and offers rapid dry times while still delivering a high gloss finish. This would eliminate the need to hold components for overnight drying, speeding up production and significantly reducing overtime costs.

ALL IT’S (NOT ) CRACKED UP TO BE

Repair concerns were also brought to the Sherwin-Williams teams’ attention. Cabinet and millwork topcoat finishes in vehicles shipped to dealers and customers in Canada were developing cracks due to the extreme cold. In winter, these vehicles may sit in temperatures as low as 30 to 40 degrees below zero. This led to costly rework and repair.

Since its founding in 1972, the company has manufactured more than 65,000 vehicles in Red Bay, Alabama. With a rebounding economy, Tiffin Motorhomes has seen the demand for its vehicles steadily increase in recent years. And as orders grow, there is no room for error. The company’s philosophy on quality has always been simple: “Our name is on the product, and that’s enough for us to fix whatever is wrong.” This is now more important than ever.

GETTING VEHICLES ON THE ROAD

Research and Development Manger Van Tiffin noticed workers on the finishing line needed to put in extra hours to keep up with demand.

Some of the vehicles utilize a high gloss, luster finish on the interior’s hand-crafted kitchen cabinetry and millwork. The coating process Tiffin Motorhomes had been using involved a two-step topcoat finish requiring extensive dry time between coats. This was dealt with by running those units on the production floor at the end of the day and allowing them to dry overnight. The production time lost while the units cured required 10 to 15 employees to come in an hour early on the following day to apply the second coat. This production hiccup and the accruing overtime costs led Van to believe there had to be a better solution.

“We roll the line every 35 minutes,” Van said. “It has to be on time – all pieces and parts have to be there. We get held up lacquering units

“We didn’t have this problem when we used Sherwin-Williams coatings before,” Van Tiffin said. And when Tiffin Motorhomes switched to Sayerlack® RD Acrylic Polyurethane as a result of Scott and Curt’s line review, they found the cracking issue was also resolved.

“We’ve been running products down to 35 degrees below zero with good results. We’ve had no issues with the coatings, no cracking and no shattering,” Scott Brasher said. “We’re creating a new industry standard for testing capabilities in this regard.”

FAST TURNAROUND REDUCES INVENTORY An added bonus is that, with a Sherwin-Williams facility about an hour from Tiffin Motorhomes’ facility, the company can issue a purchase order and get next-day delivery.

“We don’t need as much inventory on hand, and we appreciate the color matching,” Van said. He noted Curt regularly shows new colors and trends, and Tiffin Motorhomes has already adopted several of the new colors.

Providing answers to existing production issues while looking toward the future has allowed Tiffin Motorhomes to do what it does best – deliver quality, on-time vehicles to dealers and their customers.

“Sherwin-Williams has helped us eliminate the worry. It all comes down to peace of mind.”

Van Tiffin, Research and Development Manager, Tiffin Motorhomes

oem.sherwin-williams.com/equipmentandsupplies

EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES FOR A BETTER FINISH FASTLINE

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FASTLINE™+ Precision-Fiber™ Wiping Cloths

FASTLINE™ Reclaimed Wiping Cloths

Light-weight, white 13.5” x 15” paint and cleaning rags Made from absorbent natural fibers hydro-entangled with strong polymer filaments ■■ Easily rinsed clean for multiple uses Large (100 Per Box) – SW6510-03071 Extra Large (250 Per Box) – SW6510-03089 Jumbo (500 Per Box) – SW6510-03097

Cloth, mixed texture rags cut from 100% white reclaimed, cotton t-shirts For a variety of applications ■■ Washed and bleached ■■ Free of all metal 8 lb. – SW6510-03048 10 lb. – SW6510-03055 40 lb. – SW6510-03063

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FASTLINE GreenSHIELD Masking Paper

FASTLINE + Performance Grade Masking Tape

FASTLINE Mixing Cups*

Traditional green, 180 ft. masking paper 30 lb. basis weight for light duty applications, like primers ■■ Unique fiber design ideal for use with all types of finishes, especially lacquers, enamels, urethanes, polyester and epoxy coatings ■■ Machine glazed for greater hold-out 73 mm (48 Per Box) – SW560-3634 146 mm (24 Per Box) – SW560-3659 292 mm (12 Per Box) – SW560-3618 438 mm (8 Per Box) – SW560-3626

Fine crepe paper backing for greater conformability with sharp paint lines ■■ Can be used 30 minutes up to 325˚F / 163˚C for one bake cycle or 30 minutes up to 160˚F / 71˚C for up to three bake cycles ■■ Excellent adhesion to pre-painted substrates ■■ Clean removal, no adhesive residue transfer in hot or cold conditions 18 mm x 50 m (48 Rolls Per Box) – SW6504-19682 24 mm x 50 m (36 Rolls Per Box) – SW6510-04400 36 mm x 50 m (24 Rolls Per Box) – SW6504-19708 48 mm x 50 m (24 Rolls Per Box) – SW6504-19625

Includes many of the most popular mixing ratios ■■ Disposable plastic cups ■■ Perfect for small touch-up jobs 8 Ounce – SW6504-23510 16 Ounce – SW6504-23551 32 Ounce – SW6504-23452 80 Ounce – SW6504-23528 135 Ounce – SW6504-23460 150 Ounce – SW6509-78778

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*Lids available for all mixing cup sizes

The Sherwin-Williams Equipment and Supplies program includes over 10,000 brand-name tools at guaranteed competitive pricing. For more information and to request a quote, contact your Industrial Wood Coatings Sales Representative.

Mirka Abranet Dust-Free Sanding ®

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Full-face vacuum ability Outlasts traditional abrasives ■■ Can be used with portable, self-generating or central vacuum systems 5” Disc: 120 Grit – SW237-0757 150 Grit – SW100-5966 180 Grit – SW237-0765 220 Grit – SW181-1108 320 Grit – SW237-0781

Roo Glue Roo Wood ®

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Paint Arrestor Fine fiber technology resulting in 33% more fibers Gradual density design with a very open air entrance so paint hits the back and works its way up ■■ Excellent for sticky, wet or tacky coatings ■■ Also available in other size pads and blankets 20 in. x 20 in. – SW1000-79128 20 in. x 25 in. – SW1000-79136 ■■

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Excellent adhesive for general assembly of wood components Excellent solvent and heat resistance Polyvinyl acetate chemistry, for interior use only

1 Gallon – SW1006-48005

Roo Glue Roo Clear ®

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Gold standard for gluing melamine and vinyl substrates to wood ■■ Non-porous to porous substrates ■■ Has a very high tensile strength and a fast setting speed ■■ All acrylic chemistry 1 Gallon – SW1006-47940 ■■

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3M™ PPS™ Paint Preparation System Kit contains five lids with two micron filters, five liners and two sealing plugs ■■ Graduated measurement to 20.3 oz / 600 mL (with mix ratio film insert) ■■ Maximum capacity of 25 oz / 750 mL when filled to within 1/8 inch of rim 22 Ounce Kit – SW969-7822 28 Ounce Kit – SW969-8002 ■■

Honeywell 7700 Medical Grade Silicone Half Mask Respirator NIOSH-approved medical grade silicone respirator Excellent comfort and fit ■■ Wide contour fits a variety of faces Medium – SW553-5539 Large – SW917-7585 ■■

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Honeywell Organic Vapor/Acid Gas/P100 Combo Cartridge ■■

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Roo Glue Super Bond ®

Pre-catalyzed adhesive ideal for cold press, hot press and RF wood gluing ■■ Excellent heat resistance and setting speed ■■ Meets type II water resistance standards ■■ Cross-linked polyvinyl acetate chemistry 1 Gallon – SW1006-47973 ■■

Sherwin-Williams Color Express™ ColorReaderPro Hand-held color matching device Returns the closest match to an in-stock Sherwin-Williams color ■■ Works on its own or through a mobile app SW6510-54868 ■■

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Sames Kremlin 15-C25 Cart-Mount Airmix System with Xcite Gun & Hose Set Constant delivery and pulse-free for superior finish Fluid section designed to handle a large range of viscosity material ■■ 15/1 pressure ratio SW886-3839 ■■

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NIOSH-approved against organic vapors and acid gases (Chlorine, Hydrogen Chloride, Sulfer Dioxide) 99.9% filter efficiency for all particulates

2-Pk. – SW137-5989

oem.sherwin-williams.com/equipmentandsupplies

I N T R O D U C I N G C O L O R E X P R E S S™

COLOR ON DEMAND

Looking for a quick and efficient way to create custom colors for your customers? Look no further than our new Color Express™ tintable program! Because speed and precision mean everything when it comes to your bottom line, the Color Express™ system is your solution for fast and precise color delivery.

This program provides repeatable and accurate color through automated dispensing, which is available through Industrial Wood facilities and can also be installed at qualified customer locations.

The industry has been demanding off-the-shelf custom colors that can be created quickly, consistently and efficiently, and Color Express™ is the tintable solution that delivers. The Color Express™ system expands your color palette by offering access to the entire pre-loaded Sherwin-Williams fan deck. Plus, integration with the Aurora Color System allows for easy formula saving and sharing.

Through use of Aurora Color System software paired with a spectrophotometer, predictable, accurate custom colors are achievable with the Color Express™ system.

SHER-WOOD® HB Pigmented Conversion Varnish bases are tightly controlled for batch-to-batch consistency and, paired with the COROB® D600 machine, allows the flexibility for tinting batches quickly on demand. This product offering will also be expanded to include additional technologies in the future.

The flexibility of the Color Express™ color delivery system also means less material waste, making it perfect for those who are looking for accurate smaller-batch color matches, reduced turn-around time and access to the full spectrum of Sherwin-Williams colors.

To learn more about the Color ExpressTM program, visit oem.sherwinwilliams.com/colorexpress.

ProFinisher

TIPS

Reducing Picture Framing A finishing issue known as “picture framing” is common after stain application on automated flatlines. This picture framing effect can be significantly reduced by slowing down the line speed or gun speed. Another option is implementing airless technology on automated equipment, which will increase transfer efficiency and lower reciprocation/ roto speed, thus reducing turbulence/blow back that causes picture framing. − Kevin Roach, Sales Representative, Tech Services

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SMART SOLUTION, SMARTER RESULTS SHERWIN-WILLIAMS DESIGN ENGINEERING TEAM HELPS FLEXSTEEL’S PRODUCTION LINE RUN AT PEAK PERFORMANCE

Flexsteel Industries, Inc. tasks its leaders with carefully considering every element that goes into making a built-to-last product. So when Mark Chandler joined the Starkville, Mississippi manufacturing facility as general manager five years ago, he went to work to identify finishing system inefficiencies.

displays installed in key locations allow operators to view the finish required for each piece. Carts may be slowed or sped up and can be programmed to repeat or skip finishing steps as needed. Empty carts are automatically switched to the line’s starting point for reloading.

PROVEN TECHNOLOGY MODERNIZES PROCESS The system used a tow chain to pull 220 part-bearing carts through five spray booths and a gas convection oven. The oven was inefficient, wasting power and emitting an uncomfortable level of ambient heat.

Finished parts also required overnight drying, which delayed production.

With Finishing Manager Steve Hardy and Industrial Engineer Chad Stowell, Mark approached Sherwin-Williams Finishing Systems Manager Kevin Cross to determine how the finishing process could be enhanced, save labor and improve the facility’s environmental footprint.

The system was installed over two phases, losing only one production day.

The Sherwin-Williams team, including Technical Service Representative Steve Goss, played a crucial role in the success of the installation and associated training, and even remained onsite to ensure functionality and address employee questions.

Kevin and his team conducted a line audit at the facility along with vendor partner Prime Heat. Mark, Chad and Steve visited the Sherwin-Williams facility in Dallas, where they tested their products on a finishing system that used Prime Heat infrared electric light ovens.

Sherwin-Williams, Prime Heat and Flexsteel also developed a plan to replace the 220 tow chain carts with 42 fully-controlled smart carts.

Self-powered carts follow a track system stopping for two-and-a-half minutes on magnets placed at each step of the finishing process. The carts travel at 37 feet per minute between finishing steps, decreasing the total finishing line revolution time from four to two hours. The smart carts self-charge whenever they are in an oven and digital

FAST IMPLEMENTATION, FAST PAYBACK

“Sherwin-Williams did a good job telling us what to expect,” Steve Hardy said. “I’m still discovering different benefits.”

Flexsteel will see system payback in just three years based on power savings alone. Production has also increased because the smart carts hold two pieces per cart instead of one, and their programmability increases line speed. Issues are identified quickly, saving labor and rework. The infrared ovens dry parts faster, reducing the potential for airborne contamination, improving quality and speeding packaging.

“The new system is versatile, it’s really proving itself,” Steve Hardy said.

Contact your Sherwin-Williams Industrial Wood Coatings Sales Representative to learn how the Sherwin-Williams Design Engineering Team can identify and implement efficiency, resource and process improvements in your finishing operation.

VISIT BOOTH #1904 at IWF from August 22-25, 2018 to learn more about Color Express™ and other Sherwin-Williams products and programs.

oem.sherwin-williams.com/equipmentandsupplies

CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS to

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

Sherwin-Williams is proud to partner with Nexeo Solutions to offer seamless logistics and production support to address material flow without disrupting process flow.

Warehouse storage Custom blending Startex® brand of quality chemical products Environmental waste disposal programs Equipment offerings Just-in-time product delivery

A team of experts from Nexeo Solutions and Sherwin-Williams works together to help customers streamline solvent processes, address issues and increase profitability.

LLearn more by calling 1.877.705.2681 o visiting oem.sherwin-williams.com or

55-Gallon Drum Program Two-drum minimum order quantity Mix and match solvents and solvent blends from a list of options 24-hour delivery to most locations

Price protection Drum exchange/pickup options Pre-paid freight with no fuel charge

Solvents Offered Acetone Aromatic 100 Butyl Cellosolv (Glycol Ether EB) Denatured Alcohol Ethyl Acetate 99 Glycol Ether DB Hi Flash 150 IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) Lacquer Thinner MAK (Methyl Amyl Ketone) MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) Methanol MIBK (Methyl IsoButyl Ketone) Mineral Spirits PCBTF (OXSOL 100)

Proplylene Glycol Secondary Butyl Alcohol TBAC (Tertbutyl Acetate) Toluene VM&P Naptha Xylene Solvent blends also available

FEATURED PRODUCTS Learn more by calling 877.705.2681 or visiting oem.sherwinwilliams.com/equipmentandsupplies.

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