PPG Automotive Refinish has released an enhanced version of its PaintManager program specific to the RapidMatch X-5 spectrophotometer and software workflow.
The new RapidMatch software – with an improved color formula retrieval workflow process – is designed to increase speed, productivity and formula match accuracy. Combined with PPG’s advanced RapidMatch X-5 spectrophotometer, the software uses sophisticated algorithms to join match rating with a new texture indicator, resulting in a heightened level of color characterization and formula precision.
According to Mary Kimbro, global color director, PPG, the software requires no hardware changes, is easier to use, yields faster results and, in many cases, can find the best color match in just two clicks.
“We have been able to successfully create a higher industry standard for color matching,” said Kimbro. “The RapidMatch X-5 spectrophotometer and our new optimized software, with all its upgrades, work together to make the PPG system more effective and efficient than ever.”
The enhancements automate routine processes, streamline formula searches, quickly identify best matches and accelerate downloads. With no new hardware required, collision centers only need to update their current PaintManager software to improve their capabilities. Customers utilizing the Internet will be updated automatically.
One of the software’s key features is the capability to address texture. An integrated texture indicator compares the returned color formulas’ pigment component to the target vehicle color, thereby serving as a guide to the final surface appearance.
The new software employs a “Green-Green-Go” search-rate-mix process to ensure the best starting color formula. When the RapidMatch X-5 spectrophotometer analyzes the target color, the texture and match rating results are displayed. A green match rating assures blendable results. Coupled with a green texture “OK” – indicating the returned formula’s texture is equivalent to the vehicle being repaired – the technician can then go directly to mix. Other formula returns may be finer or coarser (F=finer, C=coarser) compared to the target color.
Another important feature of the new software is a redesigned landing page with a simplified one-search launch pad of color information that has eliminated the need for separate OEM and wild card searches. The software also automatically predicts if the target color is a solid or metallic, and job tracking is made easy with options to add customer information for each repair.
Since high-throughput collision centers often use the RapidMatch X-5 spectrophotometer for all their color matching, an automatic download configuration is available with the software. Measurements from the device are organized and displayed as a reading list of color bars to ease sorting.
PPG introduced the RapidMatch software match rating and blend/check workflow in 2010. Since then, unit sales of the five-angle measuring device have tripled globally.
“This signifies the importance of shop productivity and provides a solution that makes sense to the refinish technician,” adds Kimbro. “Whatever the target color, with RapidMatch software the technician will receive the best match available in seconds.”
More information:
