AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings plans to launch virtual reality (VR) training technology for aircraft painting at NBAA-BACE. Customers are invited to test the technology for themselves at the show, which will be held October 18-20 in Orlando, Florida.
AkzoNobel has invested in technology that mimics a customer’s production environment and multiple coating systems to virtually train crews. The virtual reality-based system, developed with technology specialists Virtual Paint Products, has been successfully tested at AkzoNobel’s training center in Troy, Michigan, and several handheld units have since been designed for use in a customer’s premises.
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The VR headset immerses the trainee in a virtual paint booth, complete with everything from aircraft parts to larger-scale assemblies to the production shop itself. The system can be programmed with various paint specifications, such as the thickness of the coating required, and when the operator uses the spray gun, he can see if too much or too little paint is being used and look for inconsistencies in the way which the coating is being applied.
All the while, basic operator skills are measured, from spray session setup to distance, angle and speed of gun use. Feedback is immediate, so trainees can react quickly and modify their technique to become more consistent. It will show where sags and sags are occurring, or where the wet film thickness is not sufficient or coverage is inadequate to provide a smooth finish. It also helps them avoid common problems such as overlapping paint.
Jeremiah Treloar, Managing Director of Virtual Paint Products, said the new system is suitable for all levels of training requirements: “The training is not only useful for onboarding new apprentices, but is also ideal for teaching advanced skills to more experienced operators. They can practice spraying more difficult parts with rivets, difficult corners and curves, and in a moving production line. It effectively allows the painter to “walk” over the part before spraying wet material over it, and in doing so it helps to reduce the likelihood of defects. It also helps experienced painters teach new painting techniques on difficult parts or assemblies.
“If an experienced apprentice or trainee is having trouble understanding how to improve their technique, the coach can replay a video of the session and talk to them about it,” Treloar continued. “Additional training tools and videos built into the system also improve the quality of training and ultimately the quality of the workforce. Trainees using the system are fully certified to aviation industry standards.
Matthew Amick, Global Director of Technical Services at AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings, said the integration of virtual reality into his training curriculum is an exciting development: “It reflects the organization’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and partnerships, supporting our customers with meaningful and practical help. »
“Usually when a customer requests training, we have to supply significant amounts of paint, much of which is wasted,” Amick added. “By efficiently moving the spray booth into the classroom, we completely eliminate waste, reduce unnecessary costs and shipping, and avoid volatile organic compounds. [VOCs] to be freed. There are also no costs associated with cleaning spray guns, additional VOC releases from required solvents, or supplying the panels needed for wet paint training. It’s a “win-win” for all parties involved. »
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