Jan. 2, 2013—Honda Motor Co. has developed a new painting system to make the automobile painting process more efficient and environmentally friendly.
The system, called "Honda Smart Ecological Paint,” uses new technology that eliminates a middle coating process compared to traditional methods. Honda said the traditional painting process uses a four-coat, three-bake auto body painting process, while the “Honda Smart Ecological Paint” process uses a three-coat, two bake water-based painting process.
Honda said eliminating the middle coating process would normally restrict the paint colors that can be used. The new system, however, includes a highly-functional material for the color base coat used in the final coating process, which makes it possible to use any exterior paint color.
In addition, Honda will also introduce a wall-mounted paint robot system with a built-in quick load, quick wash paint tank. The company said the technology will lead to a significant improvement in painting efficiency and pollution. It will reduce the amount of paint materials used, eliminate 40 percent of painting processes, and reduce 40 percent of CO2 emissions compared to traditional painting methods.
Honda will begin production using these technologies at its Yorii Plant in Japan in July.
