Axalta, a US-based paint and coating manufacturer, has partnered with mechanical and plant engineering firm Dürr to introduce a digital paint solution for transportation industry.

The agreement will see the integration of Axalta's NextJet technology with Dürr's expertise in robotics, targeting light vehicle original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Axalta global mobility coatings president Hadi Awada said: “The maskless application of paint for tutone and graphics takes collaboration.

“Through our partnership with Dürr, we can better serve OEM customers, building on Axalta’s coatings know-how and Dürr’s robotics integration. Together we are driving the future of digital paint technology.”

Dürr will act as the robotics integrator for the NextJet technology, enhancing the production process for OEMs.

In 2023, Axalta partnered with Xaar, a provider of drop-on-demand inkjet technology, to launch Axalta NextJet, a sustainable digital paint technology.

This overspray-free application ensures precise paint placement, offering design flexibility for two-tone vehicles.

With patented technology from Axalta and Xaar, NextJet allows manufacturers to create intricate patterns, details, and images sustainably.

The technology also eliminates the need for masking, reduces labour, energy use, and waste, while boosting productivity and efficiency.

Axalta said that the demonstrations of the Axalta NextJet technology using Dürr robotics are already underway at Dürr's test centre in Bietigheim, Germany.

In July 2024, Axalta closed the acquisition of aftermarket coatings firm The CoverFlexx Group from Transtar Holding for initial cash consideration of $285m.

Announced in May of the same year, the deal consideration also includes an additional $10m earnout based on the business’s 2024 performance.

The CoverFlexx Group is engaged in manufacturing coatings for automotive refinish and aftermarket applications.

The firm offers a wide range of primers, basecoats and clearcoats, as well as aerosols, fillers, bedliners, detailing products and paint shop accessories.