Improvements in Automotive Paintwork
Though few give it much thought, improvements in vehicle finishing have been among the most consequential developments in the industry. The early cars produced by Henry Ford’s assembly lines have many of the same components found in modern automobiles. Although it may not look very different at first glance (apart from the wider variety of color options), modern automotive finishing makes use of sophisticated equipment that would have been unthinkable on a Model T.
The sealer, or clear coat, that automakers apply over the paint has seen some of the most significant development in recent years. The paint is safeguarded from the sun’s damaging UV rays by the clear coat. The clear coat may be sprayed directly onto an automotive part in some instances and painting of rims. As an illustration, the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 featured unpainted carbon fiber panels that were covered with a clear finish.
In addition to shielding the paint from UV rays, clear coat functions as a protective shield against minor nicks and scratches. The clear coat absorbs the impact rather than the paint, and the result is barely noticeable. Nissan’s self-healing clear coat for one of its luxury brands is one of the most recent innovations in vehicle finishing [source: Gable]. Using the clear coat’s self-healing technology, minor scratches can be completely repaired in a few days. Elastic resin is used for the clear coat. Scratches in the coating allow the underlying material to show through when exposed to sunlight. That protects the paint behind the clear coat, so the car can stay in pristine condition.
Finishing Work in Automotive Industry Is Crucial
It’s tempting to dismiss automobile finishing as a pointless process when building cars. The color of the car isn’t what makes it move, after all. I mean, we all know it’s purely cosmetic.
Auto finishing is a crucial step in the production process. Car purchasers care about how a vehicle looks, and a fresh coat of paint can help achieve that goal. However, the paint and other protective coatings on a vehicle are also vital in keeping the vehicle in good condition and preserving its resale value.
Metals used in automobile construction may be durable, but they wear out with time, especially when subjected to the elements or chemicals. The corrosion of the car’s metal components is slowed by the paint. A protective coating is applied to all exposed metal during the finishing process, including the unpainted undercarriage. Adding a clear coat of paint protection afterward helps keep the metal underneath from being damaged.
You’ve no doubt seen rusty, abandoned cars in people’s yards or by the roadside. If the metal of a car is rusting and flaking off when touched, it is obviously not in good enough condition to withstand the forces of an impact. The odds are against it happening. In addition to increasing the car’s safety, a protective finish helps maintain the car’s value, which is a significant investment for most people, from depreciating due to corrosion. Possessing a stylish automobile is like frosting on the cake.
Follow the links on the following page to learn more about automotive varnishing and other methods used in the production of automobiles.
