In the decade since its U.S. introduction in 2002, 3M says its PPS Paint Preparation System has exceeded its original intention of improving efficiency within automotive paint shops by becoming an environmental success story, lowering the associated use of harsh cleanup solvents by 70 percent per application.
"The creation of 3M’s PPS Paint Preparation System addressed several articulated and unarticulated needs throughout auto body shops globally,” said Steve Joseph, 3M division scientist, Automotive Aftermarket Division. “It revolutionized the process by which the painter mixes and filters paint, basically eliminating the traditional spray gun reservoir. With the PPS System, we were able to combine several of the mixing and paint transfer steps, thereby measurably reducing paint waste."
Also, because paint does not come into contact with the PPS cup and collar, only the spray gun channel and the PPS adapter require cleaning, according to 3M.
“With the 3M PPS System, the auto body painter is able to mix the paint in the same cup that gets put on the spray gun,” Joseph said. “Not only is the elimination of the transfer step a huge benefit, but as the paint enters the spray gun, it is filtered just prior to spraying. This eliminates many of the contaminants that otherwise may end up on the vehicle during spraying.”
The PPS System also provides the ability to stay 90 degrees to the panel from any angle, even upside down, which optimizes material transfer, and helps to reduce material waste, the company notes.
3M says the PPS System plays a critical role in creating a cleaner shop environment. As with most waterborne systems, the water component of the paint interacts negatively with the traditional metal cup, which can lead to corrosion and a source for potential contamination. Since the 3M PPS System is made up of plastic (cup, collar, disposable lid & liner) it is ideal for waterborne systems, the company says.
“The development of 3M’s PPS paint system has measurably changed the industry,” said Phil McFadden, 3M’s West European Business Manager for the Automotive Aftermarket Division. “We’ve done more than reduced the use of a cleaning solvent by a substantial amount. We’ve reduced the use of a very aggressive cleaning solvent. That is a major benefit to an industry focused on such matters.”
Ross McLean, 3M Global Business Manager for the Automotive Aftermarket Division, estimates that by using the 3M PPS System, paint shops worldwide may have saved more than 46 million gallons of solvent.
Today, more than 60,000 shops in more than 90 countries use the 3M PPS System. Complementary products like 3M Accuspray System and the 3MPPS Sun Gun Color Matching Light round out the family of paint application products. Look for additional innovative product and solution announcements from 3M in the near future.
More information:
3M PPS System
