Pixelpaint Brings Flawless Bespoke Finishes to Mercedes-Maybach
At Mercedes-Benz’s Sindelfingen plant, ABB PixelPaint technology now delivers precise, efficient paint application that complements conventional lines and accelerates sustainable automotive painting. The system enables intricate, bespoke designs on luxury models while conserving resources and cutting emissions.
“PixelPaint uses an award-winning paint head similar to an inkjet printer that can apply large areas of colour as well as precise details with complete accuracy,” said Joerg Reger, Managing Director of ABB Robotics Automotive Business Line. “In an entirely automated process that requires no manual intervention, the technology opens new possibilities for vehicle manufacturers as they look to increase personalisation in response to rising consumer demand while also reducing emissions. We’re delighted to have worked with Mercedes-Benz to help them make these extraordinary design visions a reality.”
PixelPaint mounts a paint head containing over 1,000 individually controlled nozzles on an ABB IRB 5500 robot. ABB’s 3D vision and RobotStudio software guide the head close to the car body, ensuring 100 per cent of paint reaches the surface with no overspray. The plant, therefore, eliminates labour-intensive masking, avoids repeat passes, reduces environmental treatment, and lowers overall emissions.
The technology recreates even the most complex graphics with unrivalled accuracy, and the vision system repeats each motif perfectly, so every painted panel appears identical. “With PixelPaint, we are setting a new benchmark in painting technology,” said Arno van der Merwe, Head of Production Planning at Mercedes-Benz AG. “The combination of the highest design and quality precision with innovative technological solutions is a milestone for painting our top-end models at the Sindelfingen site. This forward-looking technology raises us to a new level in individual coatings. It enables exclusive product results for our demanding customers.”
Mercedes-Benz will debut PixelPaint on the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series, offering an obsidian black bonnet with a graphite-grey Maybach pattern that a traditional process could not achieve. “The success of this project was only possible due to the close cooperation between ABB, the high-quality paint supplier, PPG, and the Mercedes-Benz project team,” said Dr Julia Schuchardt, Head of Process Development, Coating Technology & Corrosion Protection at Mercedes-Benz AG. “With an eye on the future, we are already working to develop the application further to offer more colour combinations and motifs to our customers.”
PixelPaint completes ABB’s suite of smart paint technologies. Together with the RB1000i-S digitally enabled atomiser, which reaches 99 per cent transfer efficiency, the solution makes automotive manufacturing more sustainable, efficient, and competitive while giving customers unparalleled personalisation options.
