3M and GM Revolutionize Paint Repair on Moving Assembly Line

3M, a global leader in adhesives and auto products, has partnered with General Motors (GM) to introduce the first-ever robotic paint repair system on a moving assembly line. The 3M Finesse-it Robotic Paint Repair System, installed at GM's Spring Hill, Tennessee plant, is set to revolutionize the automotive industry's approach to paint defect repair.
The system, which combines 3M's robotics, stream motion software, process modeling, and abrasive technology, is designed to fix imperfections in the paint topcoat on vehicles coming off the assembly line. By automating this process, GM aims to improve part quality, consistency, and efficiency while reducing cycle times and long-term costs.
Ryan Odegaard, GM's Director of Paint Polymers and Additive Manufacturing, called the implementation of the 3M Finesse-it Paint Repair System the "final frontier of automation" for the automaker's high-volume paint shop. He spoke about the partnership at 3M's Thought Leadership Theater at CES in Las Vegas in January.
"At GM, many of our processes are already automated, and this is a very complicated area to think about automating," Odegaard said. "If you have a customer-facing product, you have to make sure that that paint finish is perfect because it's the first thing you see when you go into a dealership."
The 3M Finesse-it Robotic Paint Repair System uses a high-tech vision system to check vehicles from all angles, identifying and categorizing any imperfections in the paint topcoat. This data helps the system create the best paint repair plan. Next, the car moves to sanding and polishing, where robots follow precise instructions to fix the imperfections using 3M's software, hardware, special abrasives, and polishes.
The system can work on a moving assembly line, as GM is using it at Spring Hill, making it an ideal solution for high-volume paint shops. The automation of this critical step in the manufacturing process can help GM maintain its reputation for quality and reliability while reducing warranty claims and dealer rework.

The partnership between 3M and GM demonstrates the commitment of both companies to continuous innovation in abrasives and robotics. By taking on challenging problems and delivering value, 3M is helping GM achieve its goals of driving sustained organic revenue growth, increasing operational performance, and effectively deploying capital.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, partnerships like this one will be crucial in driving innovation and improving efficiency. The 3M Finesse-it Robotic Paint Repair System is a testament to the power of collaboration between industry leaders and the potential for automation to transform traditional manufacturing processes.