Students in our ACR program are now using Sikkens Waterborne paint technology called Autowave. With this modern solvent, emissions during the paint process can be reduced by more than 85%. The old solvent-based coatings contain volatile organic compounds (VOC) and Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAP) such as eylene, toluene, methyl ethyl ketone and ethyl benzene. The new water-based paint has much lower VOCs and toxicity levels as well as being almost odorless. Waterborne coatings are also less flammable and equipment can be cleaned with water or water-based solutions rather than more expensive paint thinner, acetone or methyl acetate. All of these things add up to improved worker health, cost savings for shops and a better paint product that helps protect our environment.
The College’s conversion to waterborne paint technology coincides with heightened attention from governmental agencies throughout North America on the environment. Canada’s VOC changes were regulated to take effect in January 2009 and the first state in the United States to convert was California in June 2008. Many more states are expected to follow including states of the Lake Michigan Air Director Consortium (LADCO) which include Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin. Though Missouri is not yet regulated to implement VOC changes, Ranken has upgraded two of the paint booths in ACR with this new technology and is helping other shops in the area move to this newer, safer technology. Larry Schmidt, assistant division chair in the Automotive Division, has become I-CAR qualified to teach a Refinishing 007 course and has been traveling around the state to offer his experience to other shops and schools.
Knowledge of this new technology has also made our collision students more in demand with employers.
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