The free-to-attend exhibition returns to the UK following a three-year absence and has been carefully planned to offer aftermarket professionals the latest technical knowledge, industry tools and insight, and a platform to network with the rest of the European market.
Key components of the PPG LINQ system are the PPG VISUALIZID™ advanced 3D visualisation software and the PPG DIGIMATCH™ digital colour camera. These tools are used together to digitize the colour- matching process, significantly improving speed and efficiency, and reducing product wastage for more sustainable bodyshop operations.
The PPG DigiMatch multi-angle digital colour camera is an ergonomic, lightweight device that can be operated with one hand. It features six imaging angles and six reflectance angles to capture vehicle colour and texture information quickly and accurately.
The PPG VisualizID software uses the information gathered by the PPG DigiMatch spectrophotometer to search an extensive portfolio of over 70,000 colours and select a precise match. This digital library is a huge benefit for customers, as new colours will be constantly added and updated immediately, rather than having to wait several months as is the case with printed colour tools.
PPG is also offering customers a subscription model called PPG LINQ PRO, which includes all the hardware and software required.
“Many modern bodyshops are turning to digital solutions to meet their productivity, efficiency and sustainability goals,” said Jerome Zamblera, PPG vice president, EMEA, Automotive Refinish. “Customer insight and feedback played a big part in the development of this system, so our customers can be confident that the PPG LINQ system will allow them to meet these goals by increasing the speed and efficiency of their operations.”
The PPG portfolio will form part of an eye-catching display at Automechanika Birmingham where visitors can benefit from over 192 hours of free skills training, including the Bodyshop Training Hub, which covers advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), body repair, electric vehicle (EV) repair, paint, refinishing and BS10125 legislation.
The much-anticipated event will also host its very first Paint & Spray Live, providing visitors with the opportunity to experience demonstrations in action at the show within its fully ventilated and operational spray booth.
Another brand-new feature for 2023 will be Detailing Live, with education partner and curator of the programme, The UK Detailing Academy, inviting bodyshop professionals to join them for practical demonstrations and discussions to find out how bodyshops can add services to their business offering.
Automechanika Birmingham will also host the National Paint Championships, with the winner being announced in a live ceremony at the show on 7th June.
The launch of the PPG LINQ platform, PPG VisualizID software and the PPG DigiMatch camera follows the release of the PPG’s award-winning MOONWALK®, automated paint mixing system, in 2019. Additional components of the PPG LINQ digital ecosystem will be introduced throughout 2023.
“We are committed to providing innovative solutions that keep bodyshops at the forefront of technology,” says Juan Navarro, PPG marketing director, EMEA, Automotive Refinish. “The PPG LINQ ecosystem allows bodyshops to become significantly more efficient, giving them the ability to service more cars in less time, while reducing their environmental impact.”
To learn more about the PPG LINQ digital solution, visit: https://uk.ppgrefinish.com/en/ppg-linq/