The EcoRP4 robot applies primer to Ford Kuga bodies at the Spanish facility, combining fourth-generation robotics with application technologies designed to reduce material consumption, operating costs and VOC emissions.
Dürr
has delivered its 20,000th painting robot, reaching a milestone in automated vehicle coating. Installed in August 2026 at Ford’s plant in Valencia (Spain), the EcoRP4 L033L/R operates in a new primer station on the exterior application line for the Ford Kuga.
One of the first units from Dürr’s fourth-generation robot platform, the system uses an EcoBell4 rotary atomiser to apply primer to vehicle bodies. The installation combines the new robot’s simplified mechanical design with established application technology to support coating quality and production efficiency.
“The 20,000th painting robot from Dürr represents decades of experience in automated painting. The fact that this milestone has been reached with one of the first models from our new EcoRP4 generation underlines our commitment to consistently combining innovation and proven technology,” has stated Marcus Treppschuh, Senior Vice-President Sales & Marketing at Dürr.
The EcoRP4 platform has been developed to reduce lifecycle costs, simplify maintenance and provide greater flexibility in paint shop layouts. It supports floor-mounted and tower configurations, as well as linear-rail applications using the EcoRail X2 or EcoRail S2. Compared with the previous generation, its streamlined mechanical design incorporates fewer components, reducing maintenance requirements while retaining proven process technology.
Ford’s new primer station also integrates technologies aimed at improving transfer efficiency and limiting material losses. The EcoMCC3 A/B colour changer works with the EcoBell4 Pro 2x1K rotary atomiser to minimise paint and rinsing-agent losses. Dürr’s high-transfer-efficiency (HTE) process further increases the proportion of coating material deposited on the vehicle body, reducing overspray.
According to Dürr, combining EcoBell4 technology with the HTE process helps lower operating costs and volatile organic compound emissions.