Automotive
B1:B2 for BMW
By Tim Pennington
Editor
PPG WaterBorne PaintinG Process is a first at south carolina BMW Plant.
t
wo years ago, PPG launched
the first use of waterborne
compact paint technology in
a U.S. automotive manufacturing
plant at the BMW assembly plant
in Spartanburg, S.C. This painting
process has turned out to be a 2012
award winner and has opened up
a new way for auto manufacturers
to go leaner and become more
efficient in their operations.
The B1:B2 process���which
stands for basecoat one, basecoat
the B1:B2 painting process at
BMW includes two applications
of a basecoat applied weton-wet, which saves time and
money for the manufacturer.
18
JANUARY 2013
two, applied wet-on-wet��� saves
time, cost and emissions because
it enables automakers to eliminate
a step in the coating process, and
makes separate paint booths and
oven dryers unnecessary.
savinGs on caPital,
oPeratinG costs
According to PPG, the process
saves on capital and operating costs
by reducing the manufacturing
footprint of a paint shop, reducing
energy consumption and increasing overall process efficiency.
���Our waterborne B1:B2 technology highlights our dedication
to helping our customers reduce
the overall paint shop footprint
and environmental impact, while
achieving superior appearance and
maintaining color flexibility,��� says
Bob White, PPG���s director of global
accounts for BMW.
In the traditional automotive
paint process, the application of