Energy saving tips for the bodyshop
Over the last few years energy costs have slowly been increasing and there appears to be no sign of this stopping. Therefore, the importance of energy saving in the bodyshop has never been more important. PPG’s Technical Team have come up with simple and easy to implement tips for cutting costs.
Changes to the Bodyshop
Tip 1: Always ensure the booth is turned off
This may sound simple, but you would be amazed at the amount of Bodyshops that PPG have visited that often leave the booth when it is not being used. By simply turning the booth off you can save hours of wasted energy. But more importantly minimise down time, manage and organise jobs to ensure the booth is constantly being utilised to full potential.
Bodyshops also need to consider the temperature spray booths are set to. Working at the correct temperature can not only ensure that a job is completed correctly but it will also save booths from being heated too high multiple times throughout the day.
Tip 2: Turn your dust extraction off when not in use
Similar to tip 1, this is an important aspect of energy saving. It is recommended that the dust extraction should be turned off when not in use. This simple tip will cut the energy usage and ultimately increase profit.
Tip 3: Use infer red lamps where possible
For smaller jobs save energy costs in the bodyshop by using an infrared light rather than heating up the booth.
Tip 4: Use the correct products
Ensure that you are using the correct hardner or thinner for the job size being worked on. By choosing a faster system for smaller jobs ultimately reduces the bake cycle time.
Tip 5: Fix Leaks
Leaking airlines can dramatically increase your air usage leading to extra running time of a compressor, use the correct fixings and PTFE tape to ensure that no air escapes.
Get your staff on board
It is important to make sure that staff are on board when it comes to energy saving. Raising awareness costs nothing and the team working on the shop floor will be in charge of managing the main top tips when it comes to reducing energy costs.
Tip 6: Understand your bake cycle
By organising jobs, working on the preparation before entering the booth and ordering the throughput booths can be used to their maximum potential at the minimum energy output.
Tip 7: Turn off the lights
During the summer months use a natural source of day light in your workshop rather than having the lights on. This simple step will help save months of energy that can be utilised in the darker winter months. An alternative is to install energy saving light-bulbs in the office and staff areas and ensure that all are turned off at the end of the day.
If you require further information on how to save energy in the bodyshop, contact our Technical Team on ukenquiries@ppg.com