Auto Body Industry Information
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| 5S | Terms | Insurance Company Market Share | SIC vs. NAICS Codes |
| 6 Steps | Vehicle Identification Number | What is Six Sigma? | |
 |
- Continuous efforts to achieve stable and predictable process results (i.e., reduce process variation) are of vital importance to business success.
- Manufacturing and business processes have characteristics that can be measured, analyzed, improved and controlled.
- Achieving sustained quality improvement requires commitment from the entire organization, particularly from top-level management.
- A clear focus on achieving measurable and quantifiable financial returns from any Six Sigma project.
- An increased emphasis on strong and passionate management leadership and support.
- A special infrastructure of "Champions," "Master Black Belts," "Black Belts," "Green Belts", etc. to lead and implement the Six Sigma approach.
- A clear commitment to making decisions on the basis of verifiable data, rather than assumptions and guesswork.
Six Sigma is a business management strategy originally developed by Motorola, USA in 1986. As of 2010[update], it is widely used in many sectors of industry, although its use is not without controversy.
Six Sigma seeks to improve the quality of process outputs by identifying and removing the causes of defects (errors) and minimizing variability in manufacturing and business processes. It uses a set of quality management methods, including statistical methods, and creates a special infrastructure of people within the organization ("Black Belts", "Green Belts", etc.) who are experts in these methods. Each Six Sigma project carried out within an organization follows a defined sequence of steps and has quantified financial targets (cost reduction or profit increase).
The term Six Sigma originated from terminology associated with manufacturing, specifically terms associated with statistical modeling of manufacturing processes. The maturity of a manufacturing process can be described by a sigma rating indicating its yield, or the percentage of defect-free products it creates. A six sigma process is one in which 99.99966% of the products manufactured are statistically expected to be free of defects (3.4 defects per million). Motorola set a goal of "six sigma" for all of its manufacturing operations, and this goal became a byword for the management and engineering practices used to achieve it.
Like its predecessors, Six Sigma doctrine asserts that:
Features that set Six Sigma apart from previous quality improvement initiatives include:
Kaizen (改善), Japanese for "improvement" or "change for the better", refers to philosophy or practices that focus upon continuous improvement of processes in manufacturing, engineering, supporting business processes, and management.
-
5S OK maybe 7S
5-S was initially made famous by the Toyota Corporation. The late Dr. Shigeo Shingo was the main promoter of this concept within TPS (Toyota Production Systems). By starting with the premise that quality often circles back to lack of organization and neatness, it is not such a difficult transition to believing that opportunity in lean materials management lies also in the 5-S concepts.
Sorting (Serif) Sorting Eliminate all unnecessary tools, parts, and instructions. Go through all tools, materials, and so forth in the plant and work area. Keep only essential items and eliminate what is not required, prioritizing things as per requirements and keeping them in easily-accessible places. Everything else is stored or discarded. Stabilize (Seiton)
Straightening or setting in order There should be a place for everything and everything should be in its place. The place for each item should be clearly labeled or demarcated. Items should be arranged in a manner that promotes efficient work flow. Workers should not have to bend repetitively to access materials. Each tool, part, supply, or piece of equipment should be kept close to where it will be used – in other words, straightening the flow path. Seiton is one of the features that distinguishes 5S from "standardized cleanup". This phase can also be referred to as Simplifying.
Systematic Cleaning (Seiso) Sweeping or shining or cleanliness Keep the workplace tidy and organized. At the end of each shift, clean the work area and be sure everything is restored to its place. This makes it easy to know what goes where and ensures that everything is where it belongs. A key point is that maintaining cleanliness should be part of the daily work – not an occasional activity initiated when things get too messy.
Standardizing (Seiketsu)
Standardizing Work practices should be consistent and standardized. All work stations should be identical. All employees should be able to work in any station doing the same job with the same tools that are in the same location in every station. Everyone should know exactly what his or her responsibilities are for adhering to the first 3 S's.
Sustaining(Shitsuke) Sustaining the discipline or self-discipline Maintain and review standards. Once the previous 4 S's have been established, they become the new way to operate. Maintain focus on this new way and do not allow a gradual decline back to the old ways. While thinking about the new way, also be thinking about yet better ways. When an issue arises such as a suggested improvement, a new way of working, a new tool or a new output requirement, review the first 4 S's and make changes as appropriate.
2 more? While NOT part of the original Toyota System (TPS), Management might also want to include these fundamental building blocks: Safety
A sixth phase, "Safety", is sometimes added.
Security
A seventh phase, "Security", can also be added. In order to leverage security as an investment rather than an expense, the seventh "S" identifies and addresses risks to key business categories including fixed assets, material, human capital, brand equity, intellectual property, information technology, assets-in-transit and the extended supply chain. Who are the Top Car Insurance Companies by Market Share in the USA? The Insurance Information Institute of America publishes many reports on the auto industry but one of the most popular is the Top 10 car insurance companies by market share report. The report (2009) identifies the top 10 car insurance companies by market share in America as:
Car Insurance Company % of Auto Insurance Policies State Farm 18.6% Allstate 10.5% GEICO 8.2% Progressive 7.5% Farmers (Zurich Financial Services) 6.4% Nationwide Mutual 4.5% Liberty Mutual 4.4% USAA 4.1% Travelers 2.1% American Family Mutual 2.0%
Definition of Lean Production: Lean manufacturing or lean production, often simply, "Lean," is a production practice that considers the expenditure of resources for any goal other than the creation of value for the end customer to be wasteful, and thus a target for elimination. Working from the perspective of the customer who consumes a product or service, "value" is defined as any action or process that a customer would be willing to pay for. Basically, lean is centered on preserving value with less work. Lean manufacturing is a generic process management philosophy derived mostly from the Toyota Production System (TPS) (hence the term Toyotism is also prevalent) and identified as "Lean" only in the 1990s. It is renowned for its focus on reduction of the original Toyota seven wastes to improve overall customer value, but there are varying perspectives on how this is best achieved. The steady growth of Toyota, from a small company to the world's largest automaker, has focused attention on how it has achieved this.
| SIC | SIC Description | NIACS | NAICS Codes |
| 75 | Automotive repair, services, and parking | ||
| 7513 | Truck Rental and Leasing, Without Drivers | 53212 | Truck, Utility Trailer, and RV (Recreational Vehicle) Rental and |
| Leasing (pt.) | |||
| 7514 | Passenger Car Rental | 532111 | Passenger Car Rental |
| 7515 | Passenger Car Leasing | 532112 | Passenger Car Leasing |
| 7519 | Utility Trailer and Recreational Vehicle | 53212 | Truck, Utility Trailer, and RV (Recreational Vehicle) Rental and |
| Rental | Leasing (pt.) | ||
| 7521 | Automobile Parking | 81293 | Parking Lots and Garages (pt.) |
| 7532 | Top, Body, and Upholstery Repair Shops and | 811121 | Automotive Body, Paint, and Interior Repair and Maintenance |
| 7533 | Automotive Exhaust System Repair Shops | 811112 | Automotive Exhaust System Repair |
| 7534 | Tire Retreading and Repair Shops | ||
| Retreading | 326212 | Tire Retreading | |
| Repair | 811198 | All Other Automotive Repair and Maintenance (pt.) | |
| 7536 | Automotive Glass Replacement Shops | 811122 | Automotive Glass Replacement Shops (pt.) |
| 7537 | Automotive Transmission Repair Shops | 811113 | Automotive Transmission Repair |
| 7538 | General Automotive Repair Shops | 811111 | General Automotive Repair |
| 7539 | Automotive Repair Shops, NEC | 811118 | Other Automotive Mechanical and Electrical Repair and Maintenance |
| 7542 | Carwashes | 811192 | Car Washes |
| 7549 | Automotive Services, Except Repair and | ||
| Automotive Window Tinting | 811122 | Automotive Glass Replacement Shops (pt.) | |
| Lubricating Services, Automotive | 811191 | Automotive Oil Change and Lubrication Shops | |
| Towing | 48841 | Motor Vehicle Towing | |
| Except Automotive Window Tinting, | 811198 | All Other Automotive Repair and Maintenance (pt.) |
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
What is it?
A car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) is the automotive
equivalent of
human "DNA".
It sets the vehicle apart from the millions of other vehicles out
there. In recent times it has been reflected in 17 digit characters.
It displays a car’s uniqueness and heritage and provides a form of
"factory to scrap yard" identification. It can be used to track
recalls, registrations, warranty claims, thefts and insurance
coverage. Each character or digit has a particular purpose.
History of the VIN
Detroit automobile manufacturers began stamping and casting
identifying numbers on cars and their parts in the mid 1950's . The
primary purpose of this vehicle identification number (VIN) was to
give an accurate description of the vehicle when mass production
numbers were starting to scale in very significant numbers. The
early VINs came in a range of variations depending on the individual
manufacturer at that time.
In the early 1980's the U.S. National highway Traffic Safety
Administration (USDOT) required that all road vehicles must contain
a 17 character VIN. This established the standard fixed VIN system
which major vehicle manufacturers use currently. The result was a
unique "DNA" style number for each individual vehicle rolled off the
assembly line.
The Vehicle Identification Number was originally described in ISO
Standard 3779 in February 1977 and last revised in 1983. The ISO-VIN
was designed to identify motor vehicles, trailers, motorcycles and
mopeds and consists of several parts described below.
How to read a VIN
1st character-
Identifies the country in which the vehicle was manufactured.
For example: U.S.A.(1or 4), Canada(2), Mexico(3), Japan(J),
Korea(K), England(S), Germany(W), Italy(Z)
2nd character-
Identifies the manufacturer. For example; Audi(A), BMW(B), Buick(4),
Cadillac(6), Chevrolet(1), Chrysler(C), Dodge(B), Ford(F), GM
Canada(7), General Motors(G), Honda(H), Jaguar(A), Lincoln(L),
Mercedes Benz(D), Mercury(M), Nissan(N), Oldsmobile(3),
Pontiac(2or5), Plymouth(P), Saturn(8), Toyota(T), VW(V), Volvo(V).
3rd character-
Identifies vehicle type or manufacturing division.
4th to 8th characters-
VDS - Vehicle Descriptor Section. These 5 characters occupy
positions 4 through 8 of the VIN and may be used by the manufacturer
to identify attributes of the vehicle. Identifies vehicle features
such as body style, engine type, model, series, etc.
9th Character
- The check digit "character or digit 9" in the sequence of a
vehicle identification number (VIN) built beginning with model year
1981 (when the 17 character digit format was established) can best
be described as identifying the VIN accuracy.
A check digit shall be part of each vin (since 1981) and shall
appear in position nine (9) of the VIN on the vehicle and on any
transfer documents containing the vin prepared by the manufacturer
to be given to the first owner for purposes other than resale. Thus,
the vins of any two vehicles manufactured within a 30 year period
shall not be identical. The check digit means a single number or
letter "x" used to verify the accuracy of the transcription of the
vehicle identification number.
After all other characters in the VIN have been determined by the
manufacturer the check digit is calculated by carrying out a
mathematical computation specified. This is based on vin position,
sample vin, assigned value code, weight factor and multiply assigned
value times weight factors. The values are added and the total is
divided by 11. The remainder is the check digit number. The correct
numeric remainder - zero through nine (0-9) will appear. However, if
the remainder is 10 the letter "X" is used to designate the check
digit value/number.
10th character-
Identifies the model year. For example: 1988(J), 1989(K), 1990(L),
1991(M), 1992(N), 1993(P), 1994(R), 1995(S), 1996(T),
1997(V), 1998(W), 1999(X), 2000(Y)------2001(1), 2002(2), 2003(3)
11th character-
Identifies the assembly plant for the vehicle.
12th to 17th characters-
VIS - Vehicle Identifier Section. The last 8 characters of the VIN
are used for the identification a of specific vehicle. The last four
characters shall always be numeric. Identifies the sequence of the
vehicle for production as it rolled off the manufacturers assembly
line.
Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs)
are used to uniquely identify motor vehicles. Prior to 1980 there
was not an accepted standard for these numbers, so different
manufacturers used different formats. Modern day VINs consist of 17
characters that do not include the letters I, O or Q.
Modern Vehicle Identification Number systems are based on two
related standards originally issued by the ISO in 1979 and 1980, ISO
3779 and ISO 3780, respectively. Compatible but somewhat different
implementations of these ISO standards have been adopted by the
European Union and the United States of America
The VIN is composed of the following sections:
|
Standard |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
16 |
17 |
||
|
ISO 3779 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
North American
> 500 vehicles / year |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
North American
< 500 vehicles / year |
|
||||||||||||||||||
The first three characters uniquely identify the manufacturer of the
vehicle using the World Manufacturer Identifier or WMI
code. A manufacturer that builds fewer than 500 vehicles per year
uses a 9 as the third digit and the 12th, 13th and 14th position of
the VIN for a second part of the identification. Some manufacturers
use the third character as a code for a vehicle category (e.g., bus
or truck), a division within a manufacturer, or both. For example,
within 1G (assigned to General Motors in the United States), 1G1
represents Chevrolet passenger cars; 1G2, Pontiac passenger cars;
and 1GC, Chevrolet trucks.
The 4th through 9th positions in the VIN are the Vehicle
Descriptor Section or VDS. This is used, according to
local regulations, to identify the vehicle type and may include
information on the platform used, the model, and the body style.
Each manufacturer has a unique system for using this field.
One element that is fairly consistent is the use of position 9 as a
check digit,
compulsory for vehicles in North America and used fairly
consistently even outside this rule.
The 10th through 17th positions are used as the Vehicle
Identifier Section or VIS. This is used by the
manufacturer to identify the individual vehicle in question. This
may include information on options installed or engine and
transmission choices, but often is a simple sequential number. In
fact, in North America, the last five digits must be numeric.
One consistent element of the VIS is character number 10, which is
required (in North America) to encode the
model year
of the vehicle.
Another consistently-used element (which is compulsory in North
America) is the use of the 11th character to encode the factory of
manufacture of the vehicle. Although each manufacturer has their own
set of plant codes, their location in the VIN is standardized.
Besides the three letters that are not allowed in the VIN itself (I,
O and Q), the letters U and Z and the digit 0 are not used for the
year code. Note that the year code can be the calendar year in which
a vehicle is built, or a model or type year allocated by the
manufacturer. The year 1980 is encoded as "A", and subsequent years
increment through the allowed letters, so that "Y" represents the
year 2000. 2001 through 2009 are encoded as the digits 1 through 9,
and subsequent years are encoded as "A", "B", "C", etc.
|
Code |
Year |
Code |
Year |
Code |
Year |
Code |
Year |
|
A |
1980 |
L |
1990 |
Y |
2000 |
A |
2010 |
|
B |
1981 |
M |
1991 |
1 |
2001 |
B |
2011 |
|
C |
1982 |
N |
1992 |
2 |
2002 |
C |
2012 |
|
D |
1983 |
P |
1993 |
3 |
2003 |
D |
2013 |
|
E |
1984 |
R |
1994 |
4 |
2004 |
E |
2014 |
|
F |
1985 |
S |
1995 |
5 |
2005 |
F |
2015 |
|
G |
1986 |
T |
1996 |
6 |
2006 |
G |
2016 |
|
H |
1987 |
V |
1997 |
7 |
2007 |
H |
2017 |
|
J |
1988 |
W |
1998 |
8 |
2008 |
J |
2018 |
|
K |
1989 |
X |
1999 |
9 |
2009 |
K |
2019 |
Firstly, find the numerical value associated with each letter in the
VIN. (I, O and Q are not allowed.) Numerical digits use their own
values.
|
A:
1 |
J:
1 |
|
|
B:
2 |
K:
2 |
S:
2 |
|
C:
3 |
L:
3 |
T:
3 |
|
D:
4 |
M:
4 |
U:
4 |
|
E:
5 |
N:
5 |
V:
5 |
|
F:
6 |
W:
6 |
|
|
G:
7 |
P:
7 |
X:
7 |
|
H:
8 |
Y:
8 |
|
|
R:
9 |
Z:
9 |
Secondly, look up the weight factor for each position in the VIN
except the 9th (the position of the check digit).
|
1st:
×8 |
5th:
×4 |
10th:
×9 |
14th:
×5 |
|
2nd:
×7 |
6th:
×3 |
11th:
×8 |
15th:
×4 |
|
3rd:
×6 |
7th:
×2 |
12th:
×7 |
16th:
×3 |
|
4th:
×5 |
8th:
×10 |
13th:
×6 |
17th:
×2 |
Thirdly, multiply the numbers and the numerical values of the
letters by their assigned weight factor, and sum the resulting
products. Divide the sum of the products by 11. The remainder is the
check digit. If the remainder is 10, the check digit is the letter
X. Valid check digits also run through the numbers zero to 9.
Consider the hypothetical VIN 1M8GDM9A_KP042788, where the
underscore will be the check digit.
VIN:
1 M
8 G
D M
9 A
_ K
P 0
4 2
7 8
8
Value:
1 4
8 7
4 4
9 1
0 2
7 0
4 2
7 8
8
Weight:
8 7
6 5
4 3
2 10 0
9 8
7 6
5 4
3 2
Products: 8 28 48 35 16
12 18 10 0 18 56
0 24 10 28 24 16
The sum of all 16 products is 351. Dividing by 11 gives a remainder
of 10, so the check digit is "X" and the complete VIN is
1M8GDM9AXKP042788.
Auto Body Industry Terms Back to Top
Definition of Lean Production: Lean manufacturing or lean production, often simply, "Lean," is a production practice that considers the expenditure of resources for any goal other than the creation of value for the end customer to be wasteful, and thus a target for elimination. Working from the perspective of the customer who consumes a product or service, "value" is defined as any action or process that a customer would be willing to pay for. Basically, lean is centered on preserving value with less work. Lean manufacturing is a generic process management philosophy derived mostly from the Toyota Production System (TPS) (hence the term Toyotism is also prevalent) and identified as "Lean" only in the 1990s. It is renowned for its focus on reduction of the original Toyota seven wastes to improve overall customer value, but there are varying perspectives on how this is best achieved. The steady growth of Toyota, from a small company to the world's largest automaker, has focused attention on how it has achieved this.
Most of these are familiar for those who have worked in the Auto Body Industry. Some are from other English speaking countries, check them out you might get a chuckle.
2K - 2 components are mixed to use a material (2K primer
is the primer and a catalyst)
A
Abrasive- A coarse material, such as wet or dry
sandpaper that is used to rub against the surface to be altered in
order to 1.)make it smooth 2.) make it rough 3.) remove the surface
material.
Acid Core-Solder in a tubular wire
Acrylic - A plastic like material used in the
manufacturing of paint to increase gloss and durability.
Acrylic Urethane - A coating based on urethane
chemistry which also includes acrylic chemistry as part of the
cross-linked polymer backbone.
Adhesion-The attachment between two surfaces or
coatings i.e. the primer improves the adhesion of the paint to the
surface.
Air Brush-A very small spray gun used for spraying
smaller areas as in custom painting artwork and pin striping.
Air Dry-When paint is capable of drying at room
temperature without the need of heating or the addition of a
catalyst.
Air Hose-A rubber, plastic or cloth woven hose used
to carry compressed air from it's storage tank or compressor to be
used for the operation of air tools (like sanders or spray guns)
and/or breathing apparatus.
Air Line-This term can be used meaning air hose but
is mostly used to describe the hard piping that carries the air from
the compressor to the regulator/filter where the air is cleaned and
the pressure is controlled and where the hose is attached to carry
the air to the tools.
Air Pressure-The amount that air is compressed,
which is typically measured in "pounds per square inch" (PSI) for
use in US auto body industry. However, this pressure can also be
measured in other ways including "bars" which equal 14.2 PSI or in
"kilonewtons per square centimeter" (Kn.sqcm)
Air Pressure Drop-Is the amount that the air
pressure drops between the compressor and the tool being used. This
drop is usually a brought about and determined by the initial
pressure of the air leaving the compressor, the internal diameter of
the pipe or hose carrying the air and the length of the pipe or
hose.
Air Storage Tank or Receiver-The air from the
compressor is usually pumped into a vessel that holds the air ready
for use. The size of this tank is important when the use of the air
is beyond the capacity of the compressor to generate. The storage of
air can allow the user to use the tool for a longer duration before
the need to stop and wait for the compressor to replenish the supply
of compressed air. This becomes less of a factor when the compressor
is of sufficient size to handle the application.
Air Supplied Respirator - A respirator that
provides safe breathing air to a painter while working with paints.
The air supply provides not only breathing air but positive pressure
on the edges of the mask to eliminate any contaminates from the
outside air. (Also known as supplied air or positive pressure).
Airless Spray - A system of applying paint in which
the paint, under high pressure, is passed through a nozzle and
broken into droplets (atomized) when it enters the lower pressure
region outside the gun tip.
Alligatoring-When paint cracks into large segments
resembling alligator skin. Similar to "cracking, crazing or
checking."
Aluminum Oxide - Sharp and hard abrasive.
Ambient - Usual or surrounding conditions.
Ambient Temperature - Temperature of the air
surrounding an object.
Anionic Electro deposition - One of the electro
coating (E-coat) methods in which the body is charged positively and
the paint negatively. Frequently used OEM primer application.
Anodizing - An electrollic surface treatment for
aluminum which builds up an aluminum oxide coating to provide better
adhesion.
ANSI - American National Standards Institutes. A
privately funded, voluntary membership organization that identifies
industrial and public need for national consensus standards and
coordinates their development. Many ANSI standards relate to safe
design/performance of equipment and safe practices or procedures.
Arcing (the spray gun) - the action of turning the wrist or elbow at
the end of each pass of paint while doing blends or panel repair.
This causes a lighter application of paint at each end of the
pattern.
Aromatics - A type of solvent based on benzene ring molecules.
Aromatics are often used as diluents. Example are benzene, xylene,
and toluene.
Aspiration Hazard - The danger of drawing material
into the lungs, leading t inflammatory response.
Atomization- When a paint or other liquid is broken
into small droplets allowing for even distribution through a
spraying process.
B
Back to Top
Back Sanding - Technique of sanding a surface to
taper the paint film away from the metal repaired area. Also known
as feathering.
Basecoat- Highly pigmented paint which requires a
coating of clear for protection, durability and gloss.
BC/CC- Base Coat / Clear Coat is the two step process for applying
the color first then the shine in the form of the clear coat.
Binder- An agent that helps keep pigment suspended
in solution.
Bleeding- When a substrate tends to allow it's
color to matriculate through the to coat. This condition is
prevalent in some fillers that will allow their colored hardener to
"bleed" through the primers and colors that are applied over the
filler.
Blending- A spraying technique that tapers the
finish or color so that slight differences cannot be distinguished.
Merging one color into another. Tapering the color allows the old
finish to show through the new color.
Blistering - Effect of pressure from either air,
solvent, or moisture under a coating causing a swelling or blister
in the finish; i.e. water blister.
Blushing- A cloudy appearance in the finished paint
surface caused by excessive moisture in the air when spraying was
carried out.
Body Filler - An activated polyester type material
used on bare substrate or over primer to fill in dents in damaged
auto body parts.
Breaking Back - Term used to describe the action
that takes place when the layers being described are not feathering
smoothly into the surrounding material. When a new paint is blended
into old then buffed the new/soft material can "break back" if
compounded causing a visible flaw.
Bridging- Occurrence where a primer will not fill a
sand scratch or imperfection. This may not show in the prime coat
but will show in the topcoat. Also a term used to describe paint
applied to a surface that extends to an adjacent panel when the film
thickness becomes thick enough for the paint to "bridge" the gap.
Buffing Compound - A soft paste containing fine
abrasive in a neutral medium, used to eliminate fine scratches and
polish the topcoat.
C
CFM- Cubic Feet Per Minute the measure of the
volume of compressed air passed through an air line.
Carbon Black - A black pigment manufactured by
collecting the carbon resulting from incomplete combustion of
natural gas.
Carcinogen - A material that has either been found
to cause cancer in humans or to cause cancer in animals and
therefore is considered capable of causing cancer in humans.
Catalyst - A substance that changes the rate of a
chemical reaction when it is mixed with another substance and that
does not change or react itself. A catalyst differs from a curing
agent in that the catalyst is not itself chemically consumed in the
reaction while curing agent is consumed.
Caulking - Sealing used in joints to prevent the
passage of fluid (commonly moisture) or gas.
CC - Short for Clear Coat
Chalking - The result of weathering of a paint film
resulting in a white powdery appearance.
Checking/Crowfoot - Tiny cracks or splitting in the
surface of a paint film usually seen in a lacquer, caused by
improper film formation or excessive film build.
Chemical Cartridge Respirator - A respirator using
various chemical substances to purify inhaled air of certain gases
and vapors.
Chemical Stain/Spotting - Circular, oblong or
irregular spots or discoloration of areas of finish caused by
reactive chemicals coming into contact with air pollution (coal and
high sulfur emissions), acid rain and snow.
Clear- A finishing coat, such as a coat of paint
without pigment (hence "clear") which protects or covers a color
coat and acts as a lens that enhances color and depth.
Color- The effect of light of varying wavelengths
on the human eye. In paint, color is created by various tinted
pigments.
Color Version - A color matched in a different
quality finish, to match the same OEM standard; i.e., a color
matched to an acrylic enamel in lacquer.
Compressor- A mechanical device used to compress
air. An electric motor ( or a gas or diesel engine) is used to drive
a pump which usually consists of a cylinder and a piston assembly. A
Two Stage Compressor will have two such assemblies. Air is drawn
into the cylinder and compressed by the piston. This compressed air
is then either compressed again in the other cylinder or is passed
to the storage tank or air receiver.
Coverage-The area which a given amount of paint
will cover satisfactorily.
Cratering - The forming of holes in a film due to
contamination.
Crazing- Fine cracks on the surface of the paint.
Can be caused by old age, or recoating a synthetic paint before the
finish coat has dried properly. Also, an excessive delay in applying
a second coat of synthetic where the first coat has started to cure.
Cross coat - Applying paint in a crisscross
pattern. Single coat applied in one direction with a second single
coat applied at 90 degrees to the first.
Curdling - The gelling or partial cure of paint due
to incompatible materials. This usually occurs during the mixing
process.
Curing- A process of drying or hardening of a paint
film.
Curtains - Large sagging or runs of paint due to
improper application.
Custom Painting - Unique painting, frequently with
special effects or designs, normally designed by owner of vehicle or
individual painting the vehicle.
Cut-In - Painting of the edges of parts before
installation.
Cutting-The use of T-Cut or compound to polish
paint to a high gloss. See polishing.
D
Back to Top
DA - Dual action - refers to a power tool used for
sanding.
Defined Orientation - The dispersion of metallic or
mica flake with a definite pattern.
Delaminating - The peeling of a finish having
improper adhesion.
Depth - Lighter or darker in comparing two colors.
The first adjustment in color matching.
Die-Back - The gradual loss of gloss due to
continued evaporation of solvent after the paint work is finished.
This problem was a big problem in paint jobs that used paints that
had a large percentage of solvent trapped below the surface. Lacquer
is know for it's ability to "die back."
DOI - Distinctness of image. A measurement of the
accuracy of a reflection in a paint film.
Downdraft Booth - A spray booth in which air
movement is from the ceiling through the floor.
Double Header (Double Coat)- The process where two coats are sprayed
without waiting for the first to "flash-off". Used to build up a
thick layer of paint.
Driers-Substances which, when added in small
proportions to oil-based paints results inappreciable reductions in
their drying times at ordinary temperatures.
Dry Film Thickness (D.F.T.) - The thickness of a
paint after it has dried and/or cured, measured in mils.
Dry Spray-Condition caused by holding the spray gun
too far away from the work. The compressed air tends to dry the
paint too quickly giving rise to poor finish. Could also be caused
by too high an air pressure.
Drying Time-The period between applications of the
paint and the drying condition, determined by specified test
conditions.
Dust Free - Condition when a paint film has dried
enough that it will no longer allow dust to penetrate and stick to
the finish. Also know as "Out of Dust".
E
Elasticity-The flexibility of the paint film, much
needed on plastics and fiberglass.
Enamel-A gloss finish which dries slowly by
evaporation of the solvent.
Epoxy - A type of paint, adhesion or plastic noted
for high mechanical strength, good adhesion and chemical resistance.
Etch Primer-A primer which etches itself into a
surface for good adhesion. Used on Aluminum, fiberglass, meter, etc.
Evaporation-The process where the solvent leaves
the sprayed paint during the drying process.
Exempt Solvent - Solvents that do not react with
sunlight to form precursors to smog, so their use is thus free of
legislative control. Water, Acetone, and a few chlorinated compounds
are now considered exempt.
Extender Pigment - An inert, usually colorless and
semi-transparent pigment used in paints to fortify and lower the
price of pigment systems.
Extenders- Extenders are an added property to allow
paint film to take longer to dry, allowing the operator to cover
larger areas without the fear of the paint film drying too quickly.
F
Factory Package Color (F.P.C.) - Car colors that
are produced and packaged by paint companies for specific car color
codes for use at the refinish level.
Fading - A gradual change in color or gloss in a
finish.
Featheredge Splitting - Fractures or cracks along
the featheredge which occur during drying or shortly after the
topcoat has been applied over primer surface. This problem occurs
due to poor preparation, use of too fast solvents in primer,
improper flash times and/or too aggressive solvents in topcoat.
Featheredging- The sanding process where a painted
surface is worked until there is no step or lip where the paint and
metal meet.
FEE- Fish Eye Eliminator
Ferrous - Describes any metal composed of or
containing iron.
Film Build - The wet or dry thickness of applied
coating measured in mils; also see Dry Film Thickness.
Filter- A device which removes contaminates from
another material. for example lumps may be filtered out from paint
or water may be filtered out from the compressed air.
Fish Eye Eliminator - Additive used in paint to
prevent the occurrence of fish eyes in a freshly painted surface.
Sometimes referred to as FEE.
Fish-eyes- Small craters which will appear in the
paint if silicone or wax has not been removed from the panel being
sprayed.
Finish coat- The top or gloss coat.
Flash-off- The initial period when most of the
solvent in the paint evaporates.
Flash Point - The lowest temperature at which a
material, such as solvent, gives off sufficient vapor to ignite.
Flash Time - The time between paint application and
consecutive coats, and/or force dry.
Flat - Lacking in gloss.
Flatting-The act of using abrasive paper to rub and
smooth a panel or painted surface or the addition of a "flattening
agent" to the paint in order to remove the gloss in the finished
coat.
Flex Agent - Material added to paint for additional
flexibility, usually used for rubber or plastic flexible parts.
Floating - Characteristics of some pigments to
separate from solution and migrate to the surface of pain film while
still wet.
Flop (Side Tone) - The color of a finish when
viewed from a side angle, other than direct.
Flow (or Flow Out)-The ability of a liquid paint
film to spread out evenly after application to produce a surface
free from application irregularities such as orange peel.
Flow Coat - A coat of color or clear that is
applied.
Fluid Cup-The container on a spray gun which holds
the paint. Can be mounted above the gun (gravity feed gun) or below
(suction feed) or separated from the gun and the paint is fed by a
tube to the gun (pressure feed).
Fluid Needle - Part in a spray gun that opens and
closes fluid passages.
Fluid Tip - Part of a spray gun that meters and
directs the fluid stream.
Fog Coat-A paint coat applied at higher than normal air pressure.
G
Galvanized - Refers to steel treated with a zinc
coating.
Glaze - A very fine polishing material used to gain
gloss and shine.
Gloss-The shine or reflection from a painted
surface.
Gravity Feed Gun - A paint gun with the paint
reservoir on the top of the gun, which allows the paint to flow into
the spray area by gravity.
Ground Coat- Also known as background coat.
A special color undercoat which is used with Pearl coat finishes.
A special color coat used on single stage in order to achieve a
match.
Guide Coat- A light coat of contrasting color
sprayed on prior to sanding a panel. This this layer of paint is
removed while sanding and acts as a guide showing low and high
places in the surface indicating when the panel is prepared
properly.
Gun Body - Part of the spray gun to which all
required parts are bolted or attached.
H
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Hardeners (or catalysts)-The chemicals added to
paint that make the paint harden as opposed to drying. These
chemicals usually contain isocyanates.
High Build Primer- Primer that is usually used over
body fillers in order to achieve a smoother surface. High build
primer will usually have more of a solid content than a non-high
build primer and thereby increase the film build created by each
coat sprayed.
High Solid - Paints and undercoats which have more
pigment and resin (film formers) than their regular equivalent.
Holding Tank (storage tank)-The tank on a
compressor used as a reservoir to store the compressed air. The
larger the tank the longer an air consuming tool (like a spray gun)
can be use before the compressor must come on to recover the
depleted air.
Hold-Out (Color) - The ability of an under-coat to
stop or greatly reduce the topcoat from soaking into it.
Hot Spray - The technique of applying paint at an
elevated temperature. which reduces the viscosity so that higher
solid materials can be sprayed, and allows application with less
solvent.
HVLP - High volume. low pressure. Describes a paint
gun that uses a high volume and low pressure of atomizing air to
apply material to a surface. This provides higher transfer
efficiency and lower overspray.
I
Induction Period (Time) - An allotted amount of
time upon mixing of components for compatibilization. The process is
common among the use of epoxy/polyamide coatings.
Initiator - A chemical added to help start a
chemical reaction such as polymerization or curing.
Innercoat Adhesion - The ability of one coat of
paint to stick to another.
Intermix - The mixing of specific colors by adding
different components or colorants to produce a usual mixture at the
paint store or shop level.
Iridescents - All colors that contain aluminum,
mica, or other particles that impart a metallic appearance to the
color. Iridescent colors must be matched carefully at all angles in
order to achieve an acceptable appearance.
Isocyanate - A hardening agent used with acrylic
urethane and other 2-component reaction type paints. It reacts with
acrylic polymer, etc., to form a very durable coating.
J
Jelled- A thickening of paint to an unusable form
due to drying or curing.
K
L
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Lacquer-A paint type made up of pigment, resin and
solvent that dries quickly due to the evaporation of the solvent.
Let Down Panel - Panel made by a paint technician
with different methods of application and amounts of material,
resulting in different shades of the same color.
Leveling - Elongation of paint film occurring from
the time the paint particles form a wet film on the surface to the
time the film hardens and dries. Paint is said to have good leveling
properties when orange peel or texture disappears as a result of
elongation. Also known as Flow.
Lifting - The soaking of a solvent into a soluble
undercoat causing swelling, then causing the topcoat to wrinkle from
underneath, lifting off the surface.
Linnish- A term used to describe a sanding or
grinding process when preparing a surface prior to painting.
LVLP - Low volume, low pressure (See HVLP).
M
Makeup Air - A system that brings and heats air
from the outside to a desired air flow and temperature. Also known
as Air Makeup System.
Mapping or ringing - The shriveling of an edge of a
repaired area so that an outline of the repair shows through the top
coat of paint. In most cases this is caused by the solvents
attacking and reacting with the feathered edge of the repair.
Masking- Areas which are not to be painted are
covered with a material, usually paper, tape or plastic, that
prevents spray from coating the surface.
Matte Finish- A finish with no gloss.
Metal Conditioner - An acid-type cleaner which
removes small amounts of rust and corrosion left from mechanical
metal cleaning (blasting or sanding), etches the metal for better
adhesion, and forms a film which can inhibit further corrosion.
Metallic- Paint containing particles of metal or
other solid substance that makes the finish sparkle.
Mica Color - Colors containing various sizes and/or
colors of mica. Mica flakes have several optical characteristics
allowing light to reflect, pass through and absorb. When added to
color alone or with metallic flake, causes the color to look
different depending on the angle of view.
Microfiber is the terminology used to describe
ultra-fine manufactured fibers and the name given to the technology
of developing these fibers. Fibers made using microfiber technology,
produce fibers which weigh less than 0.1 denier. The fabrics made
from these extra-fine fibers provide a superior hand, a gentle drape
and incredible softness.
MIG (Metal Inert Gas) Welder - Welder designed to
provide a strong weld and not damage thinner metals now on vehicles
using different combinations of gas to shield the arc from
environmental conditions.
Mil - A measure of paint film thickness, equal to
one one-thousandth of an inch (0.001 inch).
Mist Coat- A coat of paint that is applied very
lightly in order to achieve a predetermined effect, for instance
mist coating metallic can make the particles stand up and achieve a
brighter appearance.
Mold Release Agents - Soils which must be removed
by a pretreatment prior to refinishing plastic parts to insure
adhesion. Internal mold release agents are processing aids needed in
the manufacturing of a plastic part. External mold release agents
are substrate components at or near the surface which can interfere
with paint performance.
Mottling- Blotches in paint caused by uneven
metallic or mica particles in the finish.
M.S.D.S. (Material Safety Data Sheets) - Used in
locating information on the properties of paint materials.
N
Nib- A small high spot in a paint job that is
usually caused by a dust particle or some other foreign object that
adheres to the wet paint and is then painted over causing the "nib".
Nib File- A small tool used to level high spots in
a paint job. These tools are used for runs as well as dust nibs.
NIOSH - National Institute for Occupational Safety
and Health. NIOSH evaluates medical, biological, engineering,
chemical, trade and other information relevant to hazards and
recommends preventative measures to reduce or eliminate adverse
health and safety effects from these hazards.
Nitrocellulose Lacquer - Lacquer paint whose resin
is formed with cellulose, a natural resin made from cotton.
O
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O.E.M. - Original Equipment Manufacturer.
Opacity-The ability of a coat of paint to obscure
(or cover) an underlying surface.
Open Coat - A type of sandpaper coating in which
abrasive particles are scattered in a low density to prevent it from
clogging up.
Orange Peel- A common problem which occurs when the
wet paint does not flow properly on the panel after spraying.
Similar to the texture on the surface of an orange.
Orbital Sander - Type of sander that uses circular
(orbit) motion to accomplish the sanding of different materials.
Overall Painting - A type of refinish in which the
entire car in completely refinished.
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
- A federal agency which sets safety and health regulations for most
of the U.S. industries and businesses.
Overlap-The amount by which each subsequent pass of
the spray covers the previous pass.
Over Spray - Paint which during application, will
stick to adjacent panels not being painted or that paint which blows
into the air during spraying.
Oxidation - Chemical reaction between oxygen and
another substance, causing paint film curing, paint film failure or
metal rusting.
P
PSI- Pounds Per Square Inch, the pre-metric measure
of pressure, still in everyday use in industry. The metric
equivalent is Kilonewtons per square centimeter. Also measured in
Bars (or Barometer) is equal to 14.2 pounds per square inch.
Paint- A mixture of pigment, binder and solvent
used to decorate and protect metalwork.
Paint Strainer - A filter used to clean paint as it
is poured into the gun cup.
Painter Variables - Painter controlled range or
reduction, air pressure, speed of travel, flash time, etc.
Panel Painting - Refinishing of a complete panel,
fender or door, etc., as opposed to spotting or blending.
Paper Grade -A measure of the roughness of the
abrasive paper. For example, a grade of 80 would be very course,
while 600 or 800 grade of paper would be very fine. Grades range
from 40 (production paper) or 80 wet or dry, up to 1500 superfine
grade.
Passivation - The conversion of a metal surface to
a less reactive state. A process used to reduce the corrosion rate
of a metal surface.
Pearls - Finishes which include mica flakes in
addition to the pigment and binder.
Peeling - The failure of paint film to adhere to
its substrate. Peeling results when contaminated surfaces are
painted, when there is excessive difference between paint and
surface polarity or thermal expansion, or when there is solvent
incompatibility.
PEL - Permissible Exposure Limit. Occupational
exposure limit established by OSHA. Time weighted average limit or
maximum concentration exposure limit.
ph - A measure of the acidity or basicity of a substance in aqueous
solution. 7 is neutral. Below 7 is acid and above 7 is basic. The
scale is from 0 (strong acid) to 14 (strong basic).
Phosphating - The formation of a layer of zinc,
iron or manganese phosphate crystals on the surface of the part to
be painted. Phosphate coatings are used to increase corrosion
resistance and improve paint adhesion.
Phosphoric Acid - An acid commonly used as a
catalyst to speed up the cure of some baking finishes, usually
alkyd/nitrogen resin combinations. Also a cleaner for ferrous
metals.
Photochemically reactive - Organic solvents that
react with ultra violet light to form oxidants such as ozone and
smog.
Pickling- Also known as Wrinkling, Puckering or
Shriveling. Fault condition where the surface of the paint wrinkles
like the surface of a prune.
Pigment - An insoluble finely ground powder, either
natural, synthetic, inorganic or organic that provides color,
hardness, durability, hiding and corrosion resistance to paint.
Pin-Hole - Paint imperfection resembling a hole
about the size of the head of a straight pin, caused by solvent
entrapment or air bubbles.
Plasticizer- A substance added to paint when
spraying or coating plastics. This enables the paint to become more
flexible and move with the plastic. This additive stops the paint
from drying rigid and avoids cracking.
Polishing-T he action of rubbing a painted finish
to a very high gloss (or shiny) finish.
Poly- A prefix meaning many.
Polyester- A polymer formed from a reaction between
many pairs of polycarboxylic acid and alcohol molecules.
Polyester Putty- A fine plastic filler used to fill
surface imperfections prior to painting.
Polyethylene - A common thermoplastic polymer.
Polymer -Large molecules built up by the
combination of many small molecules through a chemical process
called polymerzation. These molecules can consist of many thousands
of atoms in chains or networks of repeating units.
Polymerization - The formation of a polymer from
monomers by chemical reaction. There are several types of
polymerization processes.
Polyolefin-Plastic materials used to make flexible
plastic bumpers.
Polypropylene-A common polyolefin thermoplastic.
Polyurethane-A chemical linkage in finishes,
plastic parts and flexible parts. Polyurethane paint are known for
their durability.
Popping-A paint defect that results in the surface
having small bumps or craters that are caused by solvent trying to
escape from the lower layers after the surface has "skinned" over.
Pot Life- The time in which a paint is sprayable
after mixing. This usually refers to paint that has been mixed with
a catalyst or activator. This time can vary from a few minutes to
several hours depending on the chemicals and the ambient
temperature.
Powder Coating- A coating that is applied to the
surface as a finely ground powder then heated above it's melting
point and flows together creating a consistent film.
Pressure-Feed Gun- A spray gun in which the paint
cup is pressurized which assists the flow of paint to the fluid tip.
Pressure Pot - A sealed paint cup with a paint gun
which puts a measured amount of air pressure into it. This them
forces the paint to the gun for atomization.
Primary Color - Red, yellow and blue. These colors
resemble no other color and cannot be formed by mixtures of any
other colors.
Primer- A type of paint which has little color
content but which helps the bonding process between metal and color
coats.
Primer/Sealer: t An undercoat which improves
adhesion of the topcoat and/or seals the surface so that the paint
isn't absorbed. Paint is usually applied to the sealer without the
need for sanding as long as it is applied within the time window
prescribed by the sealer/paint manufacturer.
Primer/Surfacer-A heavily pigmented primer used to
fill in sanding marks and small surface imperfections.
Putty (Spot) - Materials used to fill imperfections
in a substance. Composed of a lacquer or polyester resin. Applied
with a squeegee/spreader and sanded smooth.
PSI: Pounds per square inch.
PVA: Polyvinyl Acetate
Q
Quarter Panel: Usually the metal panel that
stretches between the rear door and the rear of the car. Some cars
will also name the panel that the front fender bolts to the quarter
panel. For instance VW Beetle calls the front and rear panels that
the fenders bolt to the "Quarter panels."
R
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Re-coat-The action of going over a surface already
coated.
Reducer- Solvents used to thin enamel paints.
Resin - A clear or semi-clear part of a paint film
which gives solids or film build. Resin gives the finish shine,
gloss, durability, adhesion, handling and drying characteristics.
Retarder- A slow drying solvent used to slow down
evaporation and hence slow the drying of a paint coat.
Rubbing Down- See Abrasive, and Wet and Dry.
Run - Excessive amount of coating failing to adhere
uniformly over the surface, thus flowing unevenly in a small area.
S
Sag - Same as run.
Satin Finish-A semi-gloss finish.
Scotchbrite- A fine wire wool used to prepare a
surface for painting. Available in several grades such as fine and
superfine.
Sealer- A coating sprayed prior to the top coats
that can help with color coverage but normally will be used for
helping to hide sand scratches and also help prevent the top coats
from shrinking into a more porous substrate like primer.
Sealer or Isolator-A coating needed to cover
synthetic paint to allow a recoat with any other material except
synthetic.
Seedy - Rough or gritty appearance of paint due to
a very small insoluble particles.
Shrinking-The process where a newly sprayed paint
contracts as it dries. See Sinkage.
Silicone- Ingredient in polish which is the
greatest enemy of the spray painter. It prevents good adhesion when
spraying.
Single Stage - A one-step paint procedure of
applying color gloss and durability in one application. No clear is
used.
Sinkage- The process where the paint sinks into a
porous surface. Gloss is reduced by this process. It also shows
imperfections such as stopper edges, scratch marks, etc.
Solids - The part of the paint, pigments and resin
which do not evaporate.
Solvent- Any material used to thin paint prior to
application, such as thinners.
Solvent Pop - Blisters in the surface of a film
caused by trapment of solvent after the painted surface had begun to
cure or dry.
Spot Repair - The process or repairing only a
portion of a panel or vehicle.
Spray-gun- A device used to apply paint to a
prepared surface. Professional spray equipment requires an air
compressor to activate the spray-gun.
Spray Pattern - Spray from the paint gun adjusted
from a very small, almost round pattern to a wide, flat, somewhat
oval shape.
SS - Short for Single Stage paint which is a paint
not having a Clear coat
SSU - Short for Singe Stage Urethane.
Stopper- A body putty used to fill defects such as
pinholes after filler has been used.
Striping- This is the most common problem
encountered when spraying metallic. Generally caused by one of three
things: insufficient overlap between coats leading to a "dry edge",
or using cheap thinners which flash-off at the wrong speed for the
paint, or poor gun technique.
Stoving-The action of drying paints by means of
heat, rather than by natural air-drying. Stoving is often carried
out in a specially heated stoving oven or spray-booth.
Surfacer- A coating applied after the primer. Used
to build up the surface and fill minor scratches. See
Primer-Surfacer.
T
Tack Coat- First coat when spraying enamel. It is
allowed to dry until sticky.
Tack Free - Time in the drying of a paint film
where it is not sticky but not completely cured.
Tack Rag- A special cloth used to remove dust and
other contaminants from a panel immediately before it is sprayed.
The rag is impregnated with a sticky non-drying varnish.
Thermoplastic Paint - Material which with the
addition of heat becomes soft and pliable, returning to solid when
cooled, i.e., lacquer.
Thermosetting paint - Type of paint that becomes
hard when heated and thereafter is cured, i.e., enamels, urethanes.
Thinners-The solvent used to dilute many types of
paint for spraying.
Thixotropic Agent- The thick material that settles
at the bottom of a paint tin. This material must be thoroughly
stirred to add body to the paint.
Three-Stage System - A three-step paint procedure.
First a highly pigmented color coat is applied to achieve hiding,
referred to as the ground coat. This ground coat is then followed by
the intermediate coat. The intermediate coat is applied using a
transparent mica in a number of single coats until the desired
effect is obtained. This finish requires a transparent color or
clear coat for gloss protection and durability, which is applied
last.
Top Coat- See Finish Coat.
Transfer - Efficiency - The ratio in a percentage
of the amount of paint actually applied to a surface compared to the
amount of material sprayed.
Two-Pack Paints- A paint or lacquer supplied in two
parts which must be mixed together in the correct proportions before
used. The mixture will then remain useable for a limited period
only.
U
Urethane- A type of paint or polymer which results
from the reaction of an isocyanate with hydroxyl containing
component. Urethanes are noted for their toughness and abrasion
resistance. Also see Acrylic Urethane, Polyurethane
V
Viscosity Cup- A measuring cup used to measure the
degree of thickness or thinness of liquid paint.
V.O.C. (Volatile Organic Compound) - Any organic
compound that evaporates and subsequently participates in
atmospheric photo-chemical reaction.
W
Waterborne Coating - A coating containing more then
five percent water in its volatile fraction.
Wet and Dry Paper-A slightly misleading name given
to a waterproof abrasive paper which is almost always used WET.
Mostly used for rubbing down paintwork as part of the preparation.
More commonly used with a bucket of water to which some soap or
washing up liquid has been added. The soap helps prevent the paper
from clogging with removed paint particles.
Wet-on-Wet - This is a term describing the process
of applying two paint products that doesn't require sanding in
between coats. Epoxy primer can be topcoated using a wet-on-wet
process if the top coats are applied within the window of time that
allows the materials to bond together without sanding
