DE102022115729A1 - Method for producing a component which is painted at least in sections, component produced thereby and its use - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for producing a component that is painted at least in sections, the method comprising the following method steps:A) providing a blank whose surface is to be protected at least in sections;B) fixing the blank in a receptacle;C) Positioning the blank fixed in the fixture to a reference point;D) transporting the blank fixed in the fixture to a program-controlled application device;E) applying a masking agent to a portion of the surface of the blank with the program-controlled application device, the masking agent being a polymer composition which Contains polyamide and/or a polyolefin and has a softening point in the range from 80 °C to 155 °C according to the ring and ball method, a softening range from 85 °C to 120 °C (Kofler heating bench), and a density at 20 °C of 0.87 ± 0.02 g/cm 3 ; F) forming a masking layer from the mass means;G) transport of the unmachined part fixed to the holder from the program-controlled application device and further transport of the unmachined part fixed to the holder to a program-controlled paint application device or removal of the unmachined part fixed to the holder from the holder and introduction of the unmachined part into a fixing device and transport of the fixed unmachined part to a program-controlled paint application device;H) application of a paint material to a section of the surface of the blank with the program-controlled paint application device;I) formation of a paint layer from the paint material, the at least partially painted component being formed; andJ) removal of the at least partially painted component from the receptacle or from the fixing device.In addition, the present invention relates to a component that is at least partially painted, the component being manufactured according to a method according to the invention, and to the use of a inventive method manufactured component in a vehicle.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for producing a component that is painted at least in sections. In addition, the present invention relates to a component produced by the method according to the invention and the use of the component in a vehicle.

It is now common practice to manually mask a component that is painted at least in sections before the painting process with the help of adhesive tape. The effort here is great, the implementation is often not particularly easy to reproduce, so that there are difficulties in the painting process and thus defective components.

An alternative is liquid masking. The acrylates used for this are applied by spraying onto the surface of a component to be masked and then cured. This results in the liquid masking agent being applied in spatters, which subsequently causes problems.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a method for producing a component which is painted at least in sections and whose surface or surface sections enable precise masking in a practical manner and without great effort compared to known solutions. A further object of the present invention is to specify a component which is produced by the method according to the invention. Ultimately, the present invention also lies in providing the use of a component produced by the method according to the invention in a vehicle.

This and other objects are achieved by a method having the features of claim 1, by a component having the features of claim 8 and the use according to claim 11.

1. A) Bereitstellen eines Rohteils, dessen Oberfläche zumindest abschnittsweise zu schützen ist;
2. B) Fixierung des Rohteils in einer Aufnahme;
3. C) Positionierung des in der Aufnahme fixierten Rohteiles zu einem Bezugspunkt;
4. D) Transport des an der Aufnahme fixierten Rohteils zu einer programmgesteuerten Auftragsvorrichtung;
5. E) Auftrag eines Maskierungsmittels auf einen Abschnitt der Oberfläche des Rohteils mit der programmgesteuerten Auftragsvorrichtung, wobei das Maskierungsmittel eine Polymerzusammensetzung ist, die Polyamid und / oder ein Polyolefin enthält und einen Erweichungspunkt im Bereich von 80 °C bis 155 °C nach der Methode Ring und Kugel, einen Erweichungsbereich von 85 °C bis 120 °C (Kofler Heizbank), und eine Dichte bei 20 °C von 0,87 ± 0,02 g/cm³ aufweist;
6. F) Bildung einer Maskierschicht aus dem Maskierungsmittel;
7. G) Transport des an der Aufnahme fixierten Rohteils aus der programmgesteuerten Auftragsvorrichtung und Weitertransport des an der Aufnahme fixierten Rohteils zu einer programmgesteuerten Lackauftragsvorrichtung oder Abnahme des an der Aufnahme fixierten Rohteils von der Aufnahme und Einbringung des Rohteils in eine Fixiervorrichtung und Transport des fixierten Rohteils zu einer programmgesteuerten Lackauftragsvorrichtung;
8. H) Auftrag eines Lackmaterials auf einen Abschnitt der Oberfläche des Rohteils mit der programmgesteuerten Lackauftragsvorrichtung;
9. I) Bildung einer Lackschicht aus dem Lackmaterial, wobei das zumindest abschnittsweise lackierte Bauteil gebildet ist;
10. J) Abnahme des zumindest abschnittsweise lackierten Bauteils von der Aufnahme oder von der Fixiervorrichtung.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for producing a component that is painted at least in sections, the method comprising the following method steps:

1. A) providing a blank, the surface of which is to be protected at least in sections;
2. B) fixation of the blank in a holder;
3. C) Positioning of the blank fixed in the holder to a reference point;
4. D) transport of the raw part fixed to the receptacle to a program-controlled application device;
5. E) application of a masking agent to a section of the surface of the blank with the program-controlled applicator, the masking agent being a polymer composition containing polyamide and/or a polyolefin and having a softening point in the range from 80 °C to 155 °C according to the ring method and Sphere, has a softening range of 85°C to 120°C (Kofler Heizbank), and a density at 20°C of 0.87 ± 0.02 g/cm ³ ;
6. F) forming a masking layer from the masking agent;
7. G) Transport of the unmachined part fixed to the holder from the program-controlled application device and further transport of the unmachined part fixed to the holder to a program-controlled paint application device or removal of the unmachined part fixed to the holder from the holder and introduction of the unmachined part into a fixing device and transport of the fixed unmachined part to a program-controlled paint application device;
8. H) application of a paint material to a portion of the surface of the blank with the program-controlled paint application device;
9. I) formation of a paint layer from the paint material, the at least partially painted component being formed;
10. J) Removal of the at least partially painted component from the receptacle or from the fixing device.

The described disadvantages of the prior art are at least partially overcome by a method with these method steps. In particular, the method according to the invention makes it possible, in a practical manner and without great effort, to provide a component whose surface or surface sections have a precise masking compared to known solutions. In this way, such at least partially coated components can be produced quickly, precisely, reproducibly and inexpensively.

In addition, the present invention relates to a component that is painted at least in sections, the component being produced by the method according to the invention. Finally, the present invention also makes available the use of a component produced by the method according to the invention in a vehicle.

• Zu Verfahrensschritt A: Bereitstellen eines Rohteils

The individual process steps are explained in more detail below:

• Regarding method step A: Provision of a raw part

Polymer materials, particularly preferably polypropylene (PP) or blends and mixed compositions of polypropylene, which are provided with fillers or have no fillers, or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or blends and mixed compositions of polymethyl methacrylate, or polycarbonate (PC) or blends and mixed compositions of polycarbonate, such as B. PC/ABS, PC/PET, PC/PBT, which are also provided with fillers, or have no fillers, or polyethylene (PE) or blends and mixed compositions of polyethylene, which are also provided with fillers, or have no fillers, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or blends and mixed compositions of polyvinyl chloride, which are also provided with fillers or have no fillers, are suitable for producing a blank.

In a very advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that a cleaning process takes place between method steps A and B or B and C and/or that a cleaning process takes place between method steps F and G or G and H.

Any cleaning of the blank that may need to be carried out can be carried out, for example, using wet-chemical or dry-chemical methods. Such cleaning methods are known to the person skilled in the art. In this way, any dirt adhering to the raw part can be removed so that there are no surface defects or delamination of the layer or layers applied to the surface in the subsequent work steps.

In another very advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that an activation process takes place between method steps A and B or B and C and/or method steps F and G or G and H, and that the activation process preferably takes place after a cleaning process. This has the advantage that the surface is prepared with regard to the adhesion of the layer or layers applied to the surface. The subsequent work steps are positively influenced in this way. In the present invention, the activation process can be a plasma treatment of the surface of the blank and/or a corona treatment of the surface of the blank and/or a flame treatment of the surface of the blank and/or an etching treatment of the surface of the blank.

If necessary, the blank can be activated, for example by means of a flame treatment process, a corona treatment process, a plasma treatment process, irradiation or an etching process using techniques known to those skilled in the art.

Regarding process step B: fixation of the raw part in a holder

The raw part is fixed in a holder that corresponds to the shape of the raw part. The shape and geometry of the system for securely and precisely fixing the raw part should securely hold and fix the raw part without damaging or deforming the raw part. For example, the raw part can be fixed in the holder by suction cups. Alternatively, a spring system can be provided in the receptacle, which compensates for the process-related fluctuations in the dimensions of the blank in this way.

• Nach Fixierung des Rohteils in der Aufnahme ist dieses in Bezug auf einen Referenzpunkt eindeutig in Position zu bringen. Dafür können zum Beispiel Lasersysteme mit entsprechenden Auswerteeinheiten zur Anwendung kommen.

Regarding process step C: Positioning of the unmachined part fixed in the holder to a reference point:

• After fixing the raw part in the holder, it must be clearly positioned in relation to a reference point. For example, laser systems with appropriate evaluation units can be used for this.

With the help of the exact determination of the position vectors of the reference point to the reference point, the movement of the program-controlled application unit and/or the program-controlled curing unit can be guided in a simple manner in such a way that both the application and the curing of the masking agent always take place in the same place and in the same way and way to take place.

Regarding method step D: transport of the unmachined part fixed to the receptacle to a program-controlled application device

After the fixation and precise positioning of the raw part, it can be transported to the application device, for example via rollers, tracks or belts.

Re method step E: Application of a masking agent to a portion of the surface of the blank using the program-controlled applicator, the masking agent being a polymer composition containing polyamide and/or a polyolefin and having a softening point in the range of 80°C to 155°C according to the method ring and ball, a softening range of 85°C to 120°C (Kofler heating bench), and a density at 20°C of 0.87 ± 0.02 g/cm ³ .

• - Pumpen für das Maskierungsmittel
• - Maskierungsmittel
• - Applikator wie Düsen
• - Programmsteuerung und
• - Peripherie

vorteilhaft erfolgen.The application of a masking agent with a program-controlled and thus personal independent application device can be characterized by a system

• - Pumps for the masking agent
• - masking agents
• - Applicator like nozzles
• - Program control and
• - peripherals

done advantageously.

pump

The pumps for the application of the masking agent can, for example, be of the screw, piston or diaphragm type.

masking agent

Hot-melt adhesives, which soften in certain temperature ranges, are used as masking agents. The masking agent must be heated before use until the desired temperature and the resulting flow behavior of the masking agent have been reached.

After application to the surface of the component, the viscous masking agent solidifies through cooling, for example through the use of convection, preferably cooled air.

• - Jowattherm 264.00: es handelt sich dabei um einen Schmelzklebstoff aus einer Polypropylenmodifizierung und Polyolefin, mit einem Schmelzbereich von 80 bis 155 °C, Verarbeitungstemperatur [°C]: 170 bis 200 bei Aussehen: farblos, Dichte bei 20 °C [g/cm³]: 0,87 ± 0,02, und Erweichungsbereich [°C]: 115 ± 5 (Kofler Heizbank). Die Viskosität beträgt bei 190 °C [mPas]: 2.700 ± 500 (Brookfield, Thermosel, Spindel 27, 20 UPM).
• - Jowattherm 239.75: es handelt sich dabei um einen Schmelzklebstoff aus Polyolefin, mit einem Schmelzbereich > 165 °C, Verarbeitungstemperatur [°C]: 150 bis 190 bei Aussehen: farblos, Dichte bei 20 °C [g/cm³]: 0,87 ± 0,02 (Jowat Prüfmethode) und Erweichungsbereich [°C]: 90 ± 5 (Kofler Heizbank). Die Viskosität beträgt bei 190 °C [mPas]: 9.000 ± 1.500 (Brookfield, Thermosel, Spindel 28, 10 UPM)

genannt.As compositions of typical masking agents for polar polymers such. B. PC, PC / PET M15 or ABS / PC, are exemplary

• - Jowattherm 264.00: This is a hot-melt adhesive made from a polypropylene modification and polyolefin, with a melting range of 80 to 155 °C, processing temperature [°C]: 170 to 200 with appearance: colorless, density at 20 °C [g/cm ³ ]: 0.87 ± 0.02, and softening range [°C]: 115 ± 5 (Kofler Heizbank). The viscosity is at 190 °C [mPas]: 2,700 ± 500 (Brookfield, Thermosel, spindle 27, 20 rpm).
• - Jowattherm 239.75: This is a polyolefin hot-melt adhesive with a melting range > 165 °C, processing temperature [°C]: 150 to 190 with appearance: colorless, density at 20 °C [g/cm ³ ]: 0, 87 ± 0.02 (Jowat test method) and softening range [°C]: 90 ± 5 (Kofler heating bench). The viscosity is at 190 °C [mPas]: 9,000 ± 1,500 (Brookfield, Thermosel, spindle 28, 10 rpm)

called.

As a composition of a typical masking agent for non-polar polymers such. B. Polyolefins, such as PP and PE and their blends, unfilled and filled, for example BÜHNEN C41404: it is a hot-melt adhesive based on polyamide,
with a softening point: approx. 130 °C according to the ring and ball method,
Processing temperature: 160 to 200 °C,
the viscosity is at 165°C [mPas]: approx. 2,500 according to the method (cone/plate)
called.

In addition, other hot-melt adhesives can also be used as masking agents based on a hot-melt adhesive, e.g. B. the types of adhesive from the company Bühnen, especially the products U-4333 and U-43631.

The adhesive types from 3M are particularly preferred, in particular the product 3M Hot Melt Adhesive 3731-B, or SIKAMELT-050 from SIKA Automotive GmbH, Hamburg, and Jowatherm 239.75, Jowatherm 264.00 and Jowatherm 239.70 from JOWAT SE , Detmold.

The hot-melt adhesive can be applied with a squeegee nozzle or spray nozzle. Other spray and pour application techniques are also possible.

applicator

For example, nozzles from Atlas Copco (Stockholm), Sames & Kremlin (Neuss), Industra (Heusenstamm), Dürr Systems AG (Bietigheim-Bissingen) or Bühnen (Bremen) can be used to apply the masking agent.

Squeegee nozzle from Bühnen

The masking agent is applied when the squeegee nozzle is in direct contact with the component. The contact is cushioned by a spring bearing of the squeegee nozzle. The trace that can be drawn with a high-viscosity paint system (e.g. the viscosity according to EN ISO 3219 of 4 Pa * s (Pascal seconds)) is optically in order. The quality achieved is insufficient due to excess material that forms on the left and right edge of the track.

pad printing

With pad printing, the masking agent is transferred using a foam applicator. The masking agent is fed into the foam applicator from the side facing away from the pressure side of the foam applicator. The masking agent is supplied to the pressure side by the pressure and distribution plate.

The open-pored foam that is preferably used is characterized by its permeability for the masking agent and the make-up mentioned. The disadvantage here is possible adhesion between the foam and the component surface, so that a high-quality surface cannot be achieved. In the case of closed-pore foam, the supply of masking agent through the foam can be accomplished through its perforation.

With both application techniques using foam, the masking agent may not spread sufficiently at the edge, this problem is even more pronounced when applying on an inclined plane.

A pinning lamp can correct the problem by increasing the viscosity of the partially cross-linked masking agent, thereby preventing it from running.

felt application

For a highly viscous masking agent (e.g. with a viscosity of 4 Pa*s (Pascal seconds) according to EN ISO 3219), a material such as felt is only of limited use due to its low penetrability compared to the highly viscous material.

A stamp application is possible by means of a felt application, in which the felt is supplied with the masking agent on the application side and transferred to the component surface.

signing gun

In a marking gun, the material (highly viscous masking agent (e.g. with a viscosity of 4 Pa * s (Pascal seconds) according to EN ISO 3219)) is not atomized in the spray jet. A highly viscous material (e.g. - see above - of 4 Pa * s (Pascal seconds)) therefore requires a large nozzle cross-section, which depends on the pressure used.

With a nozzle without air and a suitable viscosity setting, it is possible to apply a dimensionally stable bead of a highly viscous masking agent (e.g. - see above - of 4 Pa * s (Pascal seconds)). Depending on the temperature, the viscosity of the masking agent and the air, it can be directed into a trajectory, resulting in a uniform trajectory.

As a disadvantage, spatter can occur due to turbulence in the spray head, but this still leads to acceptable edge sharpness.

flat nozzles

Flat nozzles are known from the sealer application.

With an airless flat nozzle with a 0.9 inch bore and an application angle of 60° (angular degrees) to the component surface, a highly viscous masking agent (e.g. - see above - of 4 Pa * s (Pascal seconds)) with a very be applied evenly. However, the distribution of the material across the track width is inhomogeneous.

High-pressure nozzles can remedy this disadvantage, but they lead to a significant additional expense in terms of purchase and maintenance.

A sealer nozzle with high-pressure application (at 40 to 150 bar) as a flat nozzle allows pouring discharge, which leads to a clean line and shape.

Industry principle

With a needle or a small piece of paper in the nozzle and non-contact application of the highly viscous masking agent (e.g. - see above - of 4 Pa * s (Pascal seconds)) to the component, the surface quality of the track can be significantly improved by subsequent air flow.

Atlas Copco

Nozzle heads with multiple bores are known from the application of liquid PVC to surfaces. In the nozzle head z. B. at a distance of 1.2 mm (millimeters) holes are arranged so that several traces of the masking agent can be applied to the component surface without contact. Due to the spatial proximity between the boreholes, the individual traces touch and then flow together of their own accord, leading to a leveling of the surface.

Particularly good application results of the masking agent can be achieved, for example, with nozzles from Atlas Copco and Industra.

An application system can be built from the nozzles and the pumps.

program control

A program-controlled robot with a corresponding application device enables the exact, precise and reproducible application of the masking agent. In addition, the program control can also enable the exact, precise and reproducible curing in a corresponding device.

periphery

The periphery for the application of the masking agent includes all system parts that contribute to the pumps, the dosing of the masking agent and the program control of the robot, such as lines, hoses, connections, etc.

• Das Maskierungsmittel wird dabei aus einer Schlitzdüse ausgebracht, wobei an der Applikationsvorrichtung, an der die Düse befestigt ist, ein Führungspin oder eine Führungsleiste in geringen Abstand zur Düse angebracht ist. Ein geeigneter Abstand zwischen der Düse und der Oberfläche beträgt 0,2 bis 1,0 mm (Millimeter).

The application of the masking agent has proven particularly favorable as follows:

• The masking agent is discharged from a slit nozzle, with a guide pin or a guide bar being attached at a short distance from the nozzle on the application device to which the nozzle is attached. A suitable distance between the nozzle and the surface is 0.2 to 1.0 mm (millimeter).

The guide pin or guide bar is spring loaded to guide along the surface of the blank to which the masking agent is to be applied. For this purpose, the guide pin or the guide bar always touches the surface of the blank without damaging the surface of the blank.

This ensures that the distance between the nozzle and the surface of the blank is always the same and is around 0.2 to 1.0 mm (millimeters).

The masking agent discharged from the slot nozzle should remain in contact with the front of the nozzle when it is applied to the surface of the blank.

This technique allows the masking agent to be applied to the blank surface without spatter, bubbles, blobs, or fuzzy edges.

Differences in coating on inclined planes can be compensated for by tilting the nozzle.

Regarding method step F: formation of a masking layer from the masking agent on the portion of the surface of the blank

A masking layer can be formed from the masking agent by cooling the masking agent.

Re method step G: transport of the unmachined part fixed to the holder from the program-controlled application device and further transport of the unmachined part fixed to the holder to a program-controlled paint application device or removal of the unmachined part fixed to the holder from the holder and introduction of the unmachined part into a fixing device and transport of the fixed unmachined part to a program-controlled paint application device

In this state, the raw part fixed in the receptacle can be transported to a program-controlled paint application device.

If necessary, the method steps F (= the formation of a masking layer from the masking agent by cooling) and G (= transport of the raw part fixed to the receptacle from the program-controlled application device and further transport of the raw part fixed to the receptacle to a program-controlled paint application device) cannot be separated spatially and temporally be.

Alternatively, it can be provided that the raw part fixed in the receptacle is removed from the receptacle and placed in a fixing device that is suitable for applying paint in a program-controlled paint application device. In this state, the raw part introduced into the fixing device can be transported to a program-controlled paint application device.

The advantage of removing the blank fixed to the holder from the holder and placing it in a fixing device that is suitable for applying paint in a program-controlled paint application device is that the entire system can be designed flexibly, especially when the masking process and the painting process are spatially and temporally separated.

The exact positioning, with the help of the exact determination of the location vector of the reference point to the reference point, the movement of the program-controlled application unit is ensured in a simple manner in such a way that both the application and the curing of the masking agent are always in the same place and in the same way takes place.

If necessary, on the further way to the paint application device, a partition, which is designed to be variable for different transport systems and variable in height, can be used to avoid possible contamination of the masking layer on the surface of the raw part.

Regarding method step H: Application of a paint material to a section of the surface of the blank using the program-controlled paint application device

A paint material, for example in the form of a base coat or a primer, is applied by means of a program-controlled paint application device.

In the case of the present invention, it can prove to be advantageous if it is provided that the lacquer layer for the component is selected from a primer or a base lacquer or a clear lacquer or a top lacquer and/or a combination thereof.

In the case of the present invention, it can advantageously be provided that the paint material for the component is formulated to be solvent-based and/or water-based and/or UV-curing.

Re method step I: formation of a lacquer layer from the lacquer material, the component lacquered at least in sections being formed

A paint layer is formed from the paint material by curing and/or drying the paint material. Examples include convection dryers, IR dryers or UV curing or UV drying.

If necessary, further coats of paint, such as base coats and clear coats, can be applied to the paint layer and cured.

In the case of the component, according to the present invention, the coating layer can be formed from the coating material by the application of heat in a convection oven and/or by the action of IR radiation and/or by the action of UV radiation.

Regarding method step J: removal of the at least partially painted component from the receptacle or from the fixing device

Finally, the at least partially painted component is removed from the receptacle or from the fixing device and, for example, taken to a quality control, a warehouse, a shipping department or an equipment work area.

In a favorable embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the component contains a polymer material that is selected from polypropylene (PP) or blends and mixed compositions of polypropylene that are provided with fillers or have no fillers, or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or Blends and mixed compositions of polymethyl methacrylate, or polycarbonate (PC) or blends and mixed compositions of polycarbonate, such as. B. PC / ABS, PC / PET, PC / PBT, which are also provided with filler, or have no fillers, or of polyethylene (PE) or blends and mixed compositions of polyethylene, which are also provided with filler, or have no fillers , or from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or blends and mixed compositions of polyvinyl chloride, which are also provided with fillers, or have no fillers.

It can prove to be advantageous in the present invention if it is provided that the component according to the preceding description is an automobile attachment part and in particular an automobile exterior attachment part, selected from a bumper panel, a rocker panel, a strip, a tank cap, a roof rail, a tailgate, a A spoiler, a hood, a fender, an outer door panel, a radiator grille, a front panel for use in electric vehicles, a roof panel, and wherein the masking layer is removed or wherein the masking layer is not removed.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, components that are used in the field of furniture construction, window construction or in other industrial areas can also be masked and painted. As examples, without being limited to these, we can mention: the painting of furniture in multicolored finishes, with sections masked before the final coloring, or pipes to be welded, with the area to be welded masked before painting.

The invention is explained in detail using exemplary embodiments:

Example 1

(exemplary for a temporary masking - here the masking layer is removed from the component at the end)

The raw part was a rear spoiler for Mercedes Benz, made from ABS/PC Novodur H 801 (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, ABS - polycarbonate, PC) from the manufacturer Ineos Styrolution.

After cleaning with the usual methods, the raw part was fixed in a suitable holder. This recording allows the process-related fluctuations in the dimensions of the raw part to be compensated for, among other things, by spring systems, with the raw part being drawn into the mold by suction cups. Two grooves are formed on the component. The fixed blank in the holder was at the starting point on one of the two grooves using a commercially available laser system and thus generate the reference point.

The raw part fixed to the holder was then transported via rollers to the application device.

• - eine Doppelmembran-Hochdruckpumpe Typ Cobra 4010 von Fa. Wagner zum Pumpen für das Maskierungsmittel SikaMelt-050 der Fa. Sika Automotive Hamburg GmbH, Hamburg, aus einer Schlitzdüse der Fa. Industra, wobei an der Applikationsvorrichtung, an der die Düse befestigt war, ein Führungspin oder eine Führungsleiste in geringem Abstand zur Düse angebracht ist. Der Abstand zwischen der Düse und der Oberfläche betrug ca. 0,5 mm (Millimeter).
• - Des Weiteren war eine Programmsteuerung und Peripherie vorhanden, für u.a. einen Kuka-Roboter, an dessen Kopf die Düse fixiert war, sowie die Zuleitungen zum Auftrag des Maskierungsmittels SikaMelt-050 mit einer Schichtdicke von ca. 400 µm (Mikrometer) in dem genannten Bereich.

The application of the masking agent SikaMelt-050 from Sika Automotive Hamburg GmbH, Hamburg, to the section of the surface of the raw part between the grooves generated by injection molding was carried out comprehensively with a program-controlled and person-independent application device

• - a Cobra 4010 double-diaphragm high-pressure pump from Wagner for pumping the masking agent SikaMelt-050 from Sika Automotive Hamburg GmbH, Hamburg, out of a slot nozzle from Industra, with the application device to which the nozzle was attached a guide pin or a guide bar is attached at a short distance from the nozzle. The distance between the nozzle and the surface was about 0.5 mm (millimeters).
• - In addition, there was a program control and peripherals for, among other things, a Kuka robot, on whose head the nozzle was fixed, as well as the supply lines for applying the masking agent SikaMelt-050 with a layer thickness of approx. 400 µm (micrometers) in the area mentioned .

The trace is drawn cleanly and with sharp edges, without air inclusions occurring in the masking agent. The masking layer was formed by cooling on the further transport path of the raw part fixed to the receptacle and provided with the partial masking.

On the further way to the paint application device, the partially masked raw part passed through a partition after the masking layer had been formed, in order to then be removed. It was then placed in a fixing device that is suitable for applying paint in the program-controlled paint application device. The raw part was transported to a program-controlled paint application device.

After the cleaning by means of power wash, known to the person skilled in the art, and the activation by means of flame treatment with a methane/air mixture, known to the person skilled in the art, the primer 39112702M from Akzo Stuttgart was applied using a paint robot, after drying in a convection oven at 80°C (degrees Celsius) object temperature to achieve a dry layer thickness of approx. 15 µm (micrometers) on the component section to be painted for 30 min (minutes).

This was followed by the application of the base coat Daimler color polar white by BASF Coatings, Münster, using a paint robot. After drying in a convection oven at an object temperature of 80°C (degrees Celsius) for 15 minutes (minutes), a dry layer thickness of approx. 35 µm (microns) to achieve.

The clear coat evergloss from BASF Coatings, Münster, was then applied using a paint robot to dry in a convection oven at an object temperature of 80°C (degrees Celsius) for 45 minutes (minutes) to achieve a dry layer thickness of approx. 35 µm on the base paint (microns) to reach.

Then the at least partially painted component was removed from the receiving or fixing device. After quality control of the three-layer coating and storage, the component was sent for assembly. There the masking could be removed without leaving any residue. This can be demonstrated using infrared FT spectroscopy. The component was then welded to the corresponding lower shell. The quality control by measuring the pull-off forces is fine.

Example 2

(example for a permanent masking - here the masking layer remains on the component)

The raw part was a rear spoiler for Mercedes Benz, made from ABS/PC Novodur H 801 (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, ABS - polycarbonate, PC) from the manufacturer Ineos Styrolution.

After cleaning with the usual methods, the raw part was fixed in a suitable holder. This recording allows the process-related fluctuations in the dimensions of the raw part to be compensated for, among other things, by spring systems, with the raw part being drawn into the mold by suction cups. Two grooves are formed on the component. The fixed raw part in the recording was measured at the starting point of one of the two grooves using a commercially available laser system and the reference point was generated in this way.

The raw part fixed to the holder was then transported via rollers to the application device.

• - eine Doppelmembran-Hochdruckpumpe Typ Cobra 4010 von Fa. Wagner zum Pumpen für das Maskierungsmittel JOWATHERM 613.75 der Fa. JOWAT, Detmold, aus einer Schlitzdüse der Fa. Industra, wobei an der Applikationsvorrichtung, an der die Düse befestigt war, ein Führungspin oder eine Führungsleiste in geringem Abstand zur Düse angebracht ist. Der Abstand zwischen der Düse und der Oberfläche betrug ca. 0,5 mm (Millimeter).
• - Des Weiteren war eine Programmsteuerung und Peripherie vorhanden, für u.a. einen Kuka-Roboter, an dessen Kopf die Düse fixiert war, sowie die Zuleitungen zum Auftrag des Maskierungsmittels SikaMelt-050 mit einer Schichtdicke von ca. 400 µm (Mikrometer) in dem genannten Bereich.

The application of the masking agent JOWATHERM 613.75 from JOWAT, Detmold, with a layer thickness of approx. 50 µm (microns) on the section of the surface of the raw part between The grooves generated by injection molding were carried out comprehensively with a program-controlled and person-independent application device

• - A Cobra 4010 double-diaphragm high-pressure pump from Wagner for pumping the masking agent JOWATHERM 613.75 from JOWAT, Detmold, out of a slot nozzle from Industra, with a guide pin or a guide pin on the application device to which the nozzle was attached Guide bar is attached at a small distance from the nozzle. The distance between the nozzle and the surface was about 0.5 mm (millimeters).
• - In addition, there was a program control and peripherals for, among other things, a Kuka robot, on whose head the nozzle was fixed, as well as the supply lines for applying the masking agent SikaMelt-050 with a layer thickness of approx. 400 µm (micrometers) in the area mentioned .

The trace is drawn cleanly and with sharp edges, without air inclusions occurring in the masking agent. The masking layer was formed by cooling on the further transport path of the unmachined part fixed to the receptacle and provided with the partial masking.

On the further way to the paint application device, the partially masked raw part passed through a partition after the masking layer had been formed, in order to then be removed. It was then placed in a fixing device that is suitable for applying paint in the program-controlled paint application device. The raw part was transported to a program-controlled paint application device.

After cleaning by means of power wash, which is known to the person skilled in the art, and activation by means of flame treatment with a methane/air mixture, which is known to the person skilled in the art, the primer 39112702M from Akzo Stuttgart was applied by means of a paint robot, after drying in a convection oven at 80°C (degrees Celsius) object temperature for 30 min (minutes) to achieve a dry layer thickness of approx. 15 µm (microns) on the component section to be painted.

This was followed by the application of the base coat Daimler color polar white from BASF Coatings Münster by means of a paint robot, in order to achieve a dry film thickness on the primer of approx. 35 µm (microns) to achieve.

The clear coat evergloss from BASF Coatings, Münster, was then applied using a paint robot to dry in a convection oven at an object temperature of 80°C (degrees Celsius) for 45 minutes (minutes) to achieve a dry layer thickness of approx. 35 µm on the base paint (microns) to reach.

Then the at least partially painted component was removed from the receiving or fixing device. After quality control of the three-layer coating and storage, the component was sent for assembly. There, the rear spoiler was welded to the corresponding lower shell without removing the masking and adjusting the welding parameters. The quality control by measuring the pull-off forces is fine.

As a result of the painting, the raw part is not only provided with paint on the desired surface side, but also the back of the raw part/component is contaminated with so-called overspray in the form of droplets. This overspray on the back of the component reduces the adhesion of adhesive tapes or welds in the process steps that follow the painting process. Therefore, hitherto conventional adhesive tapes have been applied to absorb the overspray. The disadvantage is that these adhesive tapes can only be applied manually or under the supervision of workers. This can lead to errors in gluing, which adversely affects the gluing and welding in the process steps that follow the painting process.

The temporary masking method described does not have these disadvantages.

The application and the curing of the masking agent according to the present invention overcome the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art and thus also simplify the gluing and welding in the process steps following the painting process.

In this way, high-quality components can be produced quickly, reproducibly, safely and cost-effectively.

If the peeling off of the masking layer is to be avoided after the painting process and before the process steps following the painting process, the formulation of the masking agent must be adjusted, as described above, a smaller layer thickness of the masking agent must be applied and cured compared to a masking layer to be peeled off.

This advantageously eliminates the labor intensive step of unmasking, thereby avoiding waste.

1. A) Bereitstellen eines Rohteils, dessen Oberfläche zumindest abschnittsweise zu schützen ist;
2. B) Fixierung des Rohteils in einer Aufnahme;
3. C) Positionierung des in der Aufnahme fixierten Rohteiles zu einem Bezugspunkt;
4. D) Transport des an der Aufnahme fixierten Rohteils zu einer programmgesteuerten Auftragsvorrichtung;
5. E) Auftrag eines Maskierungsmittels auf einen Abschnitt der Oberfläche des Rohteils mit der programmgesteuerten Auftragsvorrichtung, wobei das Maskierungsmittel eine Polymerzusammensetzung ist, die Polyamid und / oder ein Polyolefin enthält und einen Erweichungspunkt im Bereich von 80 °C bis 155 °C nach der Methode Ring und Kugel, einen Erweichungsbereich von 85 °C bis 120 °C (Kofler Heizbank), und eine Dichte bei 20 °C von 0,87 ± 0,02 g/cm³ aufweist;
6. F) Bildung einer Maskierschicht aus dem Maskierungsmittel auf dem Abschnitt der Oberfläche des Rohteils;
7. G) Transport des an der Aufnahme fixierten Rohteils aus der programmgesteuerten Auftragsvorrichtung und Weitertransport des an der Aufnahme fixierten Rohteils zu einer programmgesteuerten Lackauftragsvorrichtung oder Abnahme des an der Aufnahme fixierten Rohteils von der Aufnahme und Einbringung des Rohteils in eine Fixiervorrichtung und Transport des fixierten Rohteils zu einer programmgesteuerten Lackauftragsvorrichtung;
8. H) Auftrag eines Lackmaterials auf einen Abschnitt der Oberfläche des Rohteils mit der programmgesteuerten Lackauftragsvorrichtung;
9. I) Bildung einer Lackschicht aus dem Lackmaterial, wobei das zumindest abschnittsweise lackierte Bauteil gebildet ist;
10. J) Abnahme des zumindest abschnittsweise lackierten Bauteils von der Aufnahme oder von der Fixiervorrichtung.

The process for at least partially painting a component comprises the following process steps:

1. A) providing a blank, the surface of which is to be protected at least in sections;
2. B) fixation of the blank in a holder;
3. C) Positioning of the blank fixed in the holder to a reference point;
4. D) transport of the raw part fixed to the receptacle to a program-controlled application device;
5. E) application of a masking agent to a section of the surface of the blank with the program-controlled applicator, the masking agent being a polymer composition containing polyamide and/or a polyolefin and having a softening point in the range from 80 °C to 155 °C according to the ring method and Sphere, has a softening range of 85°C to 120°C (Kofler Heizbank), and a density at 20°C of 0.87 ± 0.02 g/cm ³ ;
6. F) forming a masking layer of the masking agent on the portion of the surface of the blank;
7. G) Transport of the unmachined part fixed to the holder from the program-controlled application device and further transport of the unmachined part fixed to the holder to a program-controlled paint application device or removal of the unmachined part fixed to the holder from the holder and introduction of the unmachined part into a fixing device and transport of the fixed unmachined part to a program-controlled paint application device;
8. H) application of a paint material to a portion of the surface of the blank with the program-controlled paint application device;
9. I) formation of a paint layer from the paint material, the at least partially painted component being formed;
10. J) Removal of the at least partially painted component from the receptacle or from the fixing device.

It was recognized that a vehicle which includes a component as described above is particularly distinguished from those of the prior art in terms of quality and appearance, in particular with regard to the component that is painted at least in sections.

Claims (11)

Method for producing a component which is painted at least in sections, the method comprising the following method steps: A) providing a raw part, the surface of which is to be protected at least in sections; B) fixation of the blank in a holder; C) Positioning of the blank fixed in the holder to a reference point; D) transport of the raw part fixed to the receptacle to a program-controlled application device; E) application of a masking agent to a section of the surface of the blank with the program-controlled applicator, the masking agent being a polymer composition containing polyamide and/or a polyolefin and having a softening point in the range from 80 °C to 155 °C according to the ring method and Sphere, has a softening range of 85°C to 120°C (Kofler Heizbank), and a density at 20°C of 0.87 ± 0.02 g/cm ³ ; F) forming a masking layer from the masking agent; G) Transport of the unmachined part fixed to the holder from the program-controlled application device and further transport of the unmachined part fixed to the holder to a program-controlled paint application device or removal of the unmachined part fixed to the holder from the holder and introduction of the unmachined part into a fixing device and transport of the fixed unmachined part to a program-controlled paint application device; H) application of a paint material to a portion of the surface of the blank with the program-controlled paint application device; I) formation of a paint layer from the paint material, the at least partially painted component being formed; and J) removal of the at least partially painted component from the receptacle or from the fixing device. procedure after claim 1 , wherein a cleaning process takes place between method steps A and B or B and C and/or a cleaning process takes place between method steps F and G or G and H. Procedure according to one of Claims 1 or 2 , wherein an activation process takes place between method steps A and B or B and C and/or method steps F and G or G and H, and the activation process preferably takes place after a cleaning process. procedure after claim 3 , The activation process being a plasma treatment of the surface of the blank and/or a corona treatment of the surface of the blank and/or a Flam treatment of the surface of the blank and/or an etching treatment of the surface of the blank. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lacquer layer is selected from a primer or a base coat or a clear coat or a top coat and/or a combination thereof. Procedure according to one of Claims 1 until 4 , whereby the coating material is formulated to be solvent-based and/or water-based and/or UV-curing. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the formation of the lacquer layer from the lacquer material takes place by the application of heat in a convection oven and/or by the action of IR radiation and/or by the action of UV radiation. Component which is at least partially painted, wherein the component according to a method according to one of Claims 1 until 7 is made. component after claim 8 , wherein the component contains a polymer material which is selected from polypropylene (PP) or blends and mixed compositions of polypropylene, which are provided with fillers or have no fillers, or from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or blends and mixed compositions of polymethyl methacrylate, or from polycarbonate (PC) or blends and mixed compositions of the polycarbonate, such as. B. PC / ABS, PC / PET, PC / PBT, which are also provided with filler, or have no fillers, or of polyethylene (PE) or blends and mixed compositions of polyethylene, which are also provided with filler, or have no fillers , or from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or blends and mixed compositions of polyvinyl chloride, which are also provided with fillers, or have no fillers. component according to claim 8 or claim 9 , Wherein the component is an automotive add-on part, in particular an automotive exterior add-on part, selected from a bumper trim, a rocker panel, a strip, a fuel tank cap, a roof rail, a tailgate, a spoiler, a hood, a fender, an outer door panel, a radiator grille, a front component for use in electric vehicles, a roof panel, and wherein the masking layer is removed or wherein the masking layer is not removed. Use of a component according to one of Claims 8 until 10 in a vehicle.