LDV paintshop contract
Keywords Paints, Automotive industry, Robots, Durr, LDV
The first-ever UK installation utilising the new Eco-Paint Robot is to be carried out by paint shop systems specialist Durr as part of a multi-million pound contract at LDV’s van factory in Birmingham.
The swing arm robot is the first Durr Robot of its type to be used to apply a waterbased basecoat to van interiors anywhere in the world.This is just one aspect of a two-stage project, which involves the manufacture and installation of a complete painting system for LDV’s new generation LD and BD 100 vans.
In stage one, Durr will install a new colour line consisting of Esta machines, basecoat and clearcoat interior swing arm robots as well as robots to externally coat the vans, in place of a reciprocator. Stage two, in which Durr will be working alongside its subsidiary Inlac UK, is the installation of paint mix and distribution equipment for topcoat booths.
“It all adds up to a very challenging contract and is an exciting opportunity for us to install and demonstrate our capabilities using the latest generation equipment”, says Durr operations manager Nuno Freitas. “We will be carrying out the modular build between July and September, and everything will be in operation to commence painting in the new millennium.”
In addition to the first Durr robot to be sold in the UK, the Esta machines will be equipped with the latest DBM roof machines. Developments on both the machine and the control system are said to eliminate the need for synchronisation shafts between the side towers. This is thought to make the machine more dynamic – ideally suited for coating the rear doors on high roofed vans. Whilst claiming easier maintenance, with less air restriction on the booth interior, end product quality is said to be greatly improved. The robots will be fitted with the newly developed EcoGun S2 – universally designed for use on both robot and reciprocator applications.
This work at LDV’s Birmingham plant replaces existing equipment –originally installed in 1986. It also involves a switch to more environmentally friendly water-borne paints on the basecoat line complete with a change to the EcoBell for improved material savings.
Further details are available from Durr Limited. Tel: +44 (0)1926 418800,Fax: +44 (0)1926 400679.
