New Delhi: ABB’s PixelPaint technology has been selected by Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd (M&M) for its new electric vehicle (EV) paint facility, with serial production starting in 2025. The technology uses an advanced paint head that functions like an inkjet printer, offering premium paint options for Mahindra‘s EVs through an automated process.
The PixelPaint technology is noted for its precision and efficiency. “Our revolutionary PixelPaint technology can apply large areas of uniform color as well as the tiniest details with complete accuracy, without delaying the production line or the need for manual intervention,” said Joerg Reger, Managing Director of ABB Robotics Automotive Business Line.
PixelPaint consists of a paint head with more than 1,000 tiny, individually controlled nozzles, which is mounted on an ABB robot, such as the IRB 5500 paint series. By using ABB’s 3D vision system and coordinated by ABB’s RobotStudio planning and programming software, the head tracks closely to the vehicle body, ensuring that 100% of the paint is applied directly onto the car. This method eliminates overspray and airborne misting, thus requiring no manual masking and reducing the need for repeat applications, ensuring zero waste.
The demand for personalization in car finishes has been on the rise, and PixelPaint’s capabilities help Mahindra position its products within the luxury segments. This strategic deployment includes 42 robots from the IRB 5500 family, making M&M the first Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in India to use PixelPaint technology for painting contrasting roofs and pillars.
PixelPaint’s technology allows for complex and time-consuming operations like interior painting and sealing to be performed entirely autonomously. The precise application ensures paint is used efficiently, focusing only on required areas and thereby saving time and materials. ABB’s RB1000i digitally-enabled paint atomizers further enhance transfer efficiency by 10% and reduce waste by over 30%, meaning less paint is lost to the air.
Mahindra & Mahindra’s adoption of PixelPaint builds on the existing collaboration between the two companies. The technology promises to advance Mahindra’s capabilities in offering detailed and luxurious paint finishes for their new line of electric vehicles.
