SOUTHFIELD, MI—Plastic parts are often painted using conventional spray guns. But, with prices for paint and cleaning rising, high-speed rotary atomizers are becoming more cost-effective.

One company taking advantage of the technology is Valeo. The auto parts manufacturer is using Dürr’s EcoBell atomizer technology for the first time at its assembly plant in Veszprem, Hungary, resulting in heightened efficiency, increased productivity, and reduced paint consumption.

For industrial painting processes, the EcoBell atomizer provides high application quality, minimal paint consumption, and short flushing time. 

In the future, an EcoBell rotary atomizer mounted on a Kawasaki six-axis robot will paint plastic interiors for electric vehicles. With an EcoPump AD package, a fluid board, a two-component mixing and dosing system, and the EcoBell high-speed rotary atomizer without high tension, Dürr is supplying the full range of equipment from paint distribution to application for the new paint shop.

Before implementing any rotary atomizer at Valeo, Dürr had to demonstrate the compatibility of the technology with the company’s processes and standards. Collaborating closely with partner integrator ERMA Concept, Dürr successfully furnished proof at ERMA’s test center. 

The EcoBell atomizer’s high transfer efficiency and mix block upstream on the robot arm greatly reduce paint loss and rinsing agent consumption, and minimize required cleaning. In addition, the cycle time is shorter than with the previous application.