CLEVELAND, OH -- Mentor, OH-based DCR Systems and Ontario, CA-based Spray-Tech have formed a strategic research and development relationship to engineer an automotive refinish system with operational standards unique to the industry.

The joint R&D between the two companies has resulted in a process featuring high-speed, quality and consistency in output, including advanced undercoating applications, advanced curing capability and processing methodology, standardized tooling and products, and standardized operating procedures, practices and training.

“There are no complete refinish systems on the market today,” said DCR Systems President and CEO Michael Giarrizzo Jr. “DCR’s affiliation with Spray-Tech has put us on the ground floor of the research and development phase to engineer precisely what our exclusive collision repair operation requires. The end result is the development of one of the most advanced refinishing systems yet created.”

Tyler Rand, president and CEO of Spray-Tech said, “The paint processing plant booth has been specifically designed to meet the needs of DCR’s cutting-edge operation, and the paint facility has been custom designed and sized to meet the specialized needs of the continuous-flow refinish process.

“Single-touch paint processing is at the heart of this design,” Rand continued. “The process eliminates wasteful jamming and other non-value activities. An optimal air flow package within the cabin allows a 100 percent evacuation of overspray, and the unique baking process allows all panels of the vehicle to reach their optimal temperature simultaneously. This process provides consistently accurate first-time, every-time paint finishes.”

Because the paint process is fundamental to the success of any collision repair operation, DCR developed a refinish protocol based on flow dynamics. As a result, DCR’s high-throughput, reduced space, three-bay system was born. Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes has become the foundation of the system, supplying Sikkens products and processes.

“Because of this relationship, we have been able to design uniquely engineered equipment, advanced shop floor processes and innovative products that meet our stringent demands of lower cycle times and improved quality to greatly improve our customers’ experience,” said Giarrizzo.

The DCR refinish team involves key stakeholders from three companies: DCR Systems, Spray-Tech and Akzo Nobel. This team allows each of the alliance stakeholders to use their core strengths while drawing on a shared pool of intellectual and physical assets.