At the NBAA event, AkzoNobel showcases virtual technology for training aerospace paint operators.
At the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) event in Orlando, AkzoNobel unveils a new innovation in training that takes a virtual reality approach to painting an aircraft. It is a technology that mimics a customer's manufacturing environment and multiple coating systems to train teams virtually and in a more sustainable and efficient way.
The system, developed with Virtual Paint Products technology specialists, is based on virtual reality (VR) and was tested at AkzoNobel's training center in Troy, Michigan. After successful test results, several portable units were designed for use at a customer’s own premises. The VR headset immerses the trainee in a virtual paint booth, complete with everything from airplane parts to larger-scale assemblies to the production floor itself. The system can be programmed with different paint specifications, such as the thickness, and as the operator uses the spray gun, he can see if too much or too little paint is being used and look for inconsistencies in how the coating is being applied.
The system is also capable of evaluating key operator skills, from setting up the spray session to the distance, angle and speed at which the gun is used. Feedback is immediate, so trainees can react quickly and change their technique to become more consistent.
Jeremiah Treloar, Chief Executive of Virtual Paint Products, says the new system is suited to all level of training requirements: “The training is not only useful for onboarding new apprentices, but it is also great for teaching advanced skills to more experienced operators. They can practice spraying more challenging parts with rivets, awkward corners, and curves, and in a moving production line. It effectively enables the painter to ‘walk’ the part before spraying wet material on it, and in doing so, it helps reduce the likelihood of defects. It also helps experienced painters to teach new painters techniques on difficult parts or assemblies”.
“If an apprentice or experienced trainee is struggling to understand how to improve their technique, the coach can replay a video of the session and talk them through it. Additional training tools and videos incorporated into the system also improve the training quality and, ultimately, the quality of the workforce. Trainees using the system are fully certified to aircraft industry standards”, continues Treloar.
“It reflects the organization’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and partnerships. Typically, when a customer asks for training, we have to provide significant quantities of paint, much of which is wasted. By effectively moving the spray booth into the classroom, we completely eliminate waste, reduce costs and unnecessary shipping, and prevent Volatile Organic Compounds from being released. There are also no costs associated with cleaning the spray guns, or the additional VOCs releases from the solvents required, or in providing the panels needed for wet paint training. It’s a ‘win win’ for all involved”, says Matthew Amick, Global Technical Services Manager at AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings.