Mazda uses paint atomizers from ABB for more sustainability

In operation at Mazda since the beginning of this year, ABB's digital-capable atomizers improve paint application to the body by reducing overspray, thereby significantly reducing paint usage. Together with reduced compressed air consumption and less paint loss during color changes, the new atomizers help reduce emissions associated with the painting process and painting equipment. "According to Mazda, 60 percent of CO2 emissions in the manufacturing process come from painting. This means that there is significant optimization potential for the company on its way to climate neutrality," says Jörg Reger, Head of the Automotive Business Line at ABB Robotics. "Our new RB 1000i-S paint atomizers achieve an application efficiency of 95 to 99 percent. They not only reduce paint consumption and costs, but also volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and energy consumption for treating waste water from the paint shop. This all contributes to a reduction in CO2 emissions."

Reduction in paint consumption by 17 percent

Thanks to the improved application efficiency of the RB 1000i-S, Mazda was able to reduce the amount of paint used by 17 percent at the Ujina 1 plant in Hiroshima, where the iconic MX-5 roadster is also produced alongside the CX-5. This corresponds to a saving of around 30,000 liters per year. Energy consumption and maintenance costs, for example for changing the masks that protect the equipment from overspray, have also been reduced. As the RB 1000i-S paint atomizers can be used on existing robots, the company was able to save additional costs during integration and support climate-neutral operation and the principle of the circular economy.

ABB paint atomizers support the transformation of the automotive industry

The RB 1000i-S paint atomizers, which can be used with robots from ABB and other manufacturers, are a good example of intelligent and sustainable solutions that ABB is using to support the transformation of the automotive industry. An upgrade kit offers customers the opportunity to upgrade existing RB 1000i paint atomizers to the improved specification of the RB 1000i-S by replacing key components such as the bell cup and steering air ring. This is just one of several upgrades available to provide existing equipment with the latest technology to maximize performance and service life, ensure reliability and minimize downtime. ABB has set itself the goal of aligning at least 80 percent of its product portfolio with the principles of the circular economy by 2030.