ABB has partnered with Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd (M&M), a leader in India’s SUV market, to implement its innovative PixelPaint technology in Mahindra’s new electric vehicle (EV) paint facility, scheduled to start serial production in 2025. This collaboration marks a significant advancement in automotive painting technology, combining ABB’s cutting-edge capabilities with Mahindra’s expertise in vehicle manufacturing.

PixelPaint, described by Joerg Reger, Managing Director of ABB Robotics Automotive Business Line, as a revolutionary technology, is set to transform how vehicles are painted. This technology utilizes a precision paint head, similar to an inkjet printer, capable of applying both large areas of uniform color and intricate details without the need for manual intervention. This ensures a faster, more efficient production line with zero waste.

The system employs over 1,000 tiny, individually controlled nozzles that work in concert with ABB’s 3D vision system and RobotStudio software. The result is a highly accurate application process that significantly reduces overspray and airborne misting, eliminating the traditional labor-intensive masking process.

The integration of PixelPaint at Mahindra’s facility is poised to not only enhance the aesthetic quality and customization of Mahindra’s new line of electric vehicles (EVs) but also streamline the entire painting process. According to Reger, this technology will allow Mahindra’s paint shop to automatically apply complex finishes such as contrasting roof and pillar treatments, which are becoming increasingly popular in the automotive industry.

This deployment, which includes 42 robots from ABB’s IRB 5500 family, establishes Mahindra as the first OEM in India to utilize PixelPaint technology, particularly for painting contrasting roofs and pillars.

The adoption of PixelPaint by Mahindra underscores the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in automotive manufacturing. It also reflects the growing trend toward personalization in the automotive sector, as consumers increasingly seek vehicles that are not only environmentally friendly but also tailored to their aesthetic preferences.

The strategic deployment of ABB’s PixelPaint technology at Mahindra’s new EV paint facility is a game-changer for the automotive painting industry. It introduces a level of precision and efficiency that could become the new standard for automotive manufacturers worldwide.

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