Consumables and preparation firm 3M Automotive has launched its Paint Preparation System (PPS) after eight months of development trials by paint manufacturers and bodyshops.

The system, which uses the same pot for mixing and spraying paint, improves process efficiency by 15% or more as a result of shorter preparation times and reduced paint wastage, said 3M.

John Nicholls, 3M Automotive aftermarket product manager for PPS, said repairers could save up to 70% of the solvent used for gun cleaning, cutting costs and reducing VOC (volatile organic compounds) consumption.

“Bodyshops have been quick to appreciate the benefits,” he said. “Once they have experienced how well it performs, they waste no time in adopting the system.

“Productivity is paramount at every stage of refinishing – this system helps hard-pressed bodyshops achieve greater process efficiencies and it makes a positive contribution to profitability.”

A UK spokesman said that nearly 500 bodyshops trialled PPS –all had since purchased the system.

“It is now used by more than 2,000 bodyshops which is over 50% of 3M's customers,” he said.

PPS comprises calibrated mixing cups, flexible liner bags, lids with built in filters and locking rings. As the paint is dispensed, the liner bags collapse, bleeding the air which makes it possible to spray from any angle. The closed, filtered system ensures complete protection from contamination.

Bodyshops pay around £1 for the liner and lid. The liner bag enables unused paint to be stored for future use. Spies Hecker, Glasurit, ICI Autocolor and Standox have endorsed PPS for use in the UK. The system has already won several bodyshop product of the year awards.

David Hayes, Spies Hecker technical manager, said: “The 3M Paint Preparation System offers considerable labour and material savings with no detrimental effects on any of our materials.”