PixelPaint is initially getting used for the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Collection. The obsidian black hood of this
unique mannequin is obtainable with a Maybach sample upon buyer request. | Supply: ABB Robotics
Mercedes-Benz AG has deployed ABB Robotics’ PixelPaint know-how at its Sindelfingen plant in Germany. The system enhances the manufacturing unit’s typical portray processes by enabling the exact and environment friendly software of intricate paint designs.
ABB claimed that the know-how is each sustainable and resource-saving. The firm started operation within the facility earlier this yr and has helped Mercedes-Benz adapt to its new personalised choices for its most unique fashions.
“PixelPaint makes use of an award-winning paint head just like an inkjet printer that may apply giant areas of shade in addition to exact particulars with full accuracy,” stated Joerg Reger, managing director of ABB Robotics Automotive Enterprise Line.
“In a completely automated course of that requires no guide intervention, the know-how opens new potentialities for automobile producers as they give the impression of being to extend personalization in response to rising client demand whereas additionally lowering emissions. We’re delighted to have been capable of work with Mercedes-Benz to assist them make these extraordinary design visions a actuality.”
Mercedes affords distinctive designs with PixelPaint
PixelPaint consists of a paint head with greater than 1,000 tiny, individually managed nozzles, mounted on an ABB robotic such because the IRB 5500 paint collection. Mixed with ABB’s 3D imaginative and prescient system and coordinated by its RobotStudio planning and programming software program, the top tracks very intently to the automobile physique to make sure that 100% of the paint is utilized to the automotive with no overspray or airborne misting.
This eliminates the necessity for labor-intensive masking and repeat journeys via the paint store, stated the corporate. This ends in zero waste, lowered environmental therapy necessities, and decrease emissions total, in response to ABB.
The know-how can recreate even probably the most intricate designs with unprecedented precision, it added. The 3D imaginative and prescient system allows a excessive diploma of repeatability so that every painted panel seems equivalent to the following.
Mercedes-Benz will first use PixelPaint on the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Collection. To additional improve the exclusivity of this mannequin, the obsidian black hood is obtainable upon request with an intricate Maybach sample in contrasting graphite gray. The automaker stated this design could be not possible to attain with a standard course of.
“With PixelPaint, we’re setting a brand new benchmark in portray know-how,” stated Arno van der Merwe, head of manufacturing planning at Mercedes-Benz. “The mixture of the very best design and high quality precision with modern technological options is a milestone for the portray of our top-end fashions on the Sindelfingen web site. This forward-looking know-how raises us to a brand new degree in particular person coatings. It allows unique product outcomes for our demanding clients.”
ABB Robotics touts improvements
ABB’s different portray techniques embody the RB1000i-S digitally-enabled atomizer. The corporate stated it could obtain as much as 99% switch effectivity, utilizing much less paint and supplies. ABB stated each techniques are a part of its aim to make producers extra sustainable, environment friendly, and aggressive.
ABB’s product line features a full vary of industrial robots, collaborative robotic arms, and autonomous cell robots (AMRs). In January 2025, it introduced its “no-code” AppStudio for creating consumer interfaces and partnered with Agilent Applied sciences on laboratory automation.
In March, ABB launched the RoboMasters robotic coaching software, and final week, it upgraded its Flexly Mover AMR. ABB Robotics is among the prime RBR50 winners of all time, incomes recognition yearly within the innovation award’s historical past.
Final month, ABB Group introduced that it will be spinning off its whole robotics division. It intends for the enterprise to begin buying and selling as a individually listed firm within the second quarter of 2026.
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