Robotic Precision in Powder Coating: Assars’ Automated Touch-Up Solution
In Short
Assars modernized its powder coating operations by implementing an automated touch-up solution combining industrial collaborative robots from Universal Robots with application expertise from Nordbo and intelligent software from Mimic.
The result is a precise, repeatable, and ergonomic process that improves coating quality, reduces manual rework, and supports scalable production.
The Challenge
Powder coating demands consistency, precision, and a high-quality finish. At Assars, manual touch-up work was an essential but challenging part of the process. Operators were responsible for correcting areas where the coating thickness or coverage did not fully meet quality requirements.
While effective, the manual approach created several challenges:
- Variability in finish quality
- Physically demanding and repetitive work
- Time-consuming rework that limited throughput
- Difficulty scaling without increasing labor
Assars needed a solution that could:
- Deliver consistent, high-quality touch-ups
- Reduce manual handling and operator strain
- Integrate seamlessly into existing coating lines
- Support future scalability and automation goals
Assars
From manual touch-ups to intelligent automation
To address these challenges, Assars collaborated with Nordbo and Mimic to develop a tailored automation solution.
Industrial collaborative robots from Universal Robots handle the touch-up process with high repeatability, while Nordbo’s application expertise and Mimic’s software ensure precise control and intelligent execution.
The solution allows the robot to apply powder exactly where needed, maintaining consistent quality while eliminating unnecessary over-application.
Because the system is flexible and collaborative, it integrates smoothly into Assars’ existing workflow without major layout changes.
Key value drivers:
High precision and repeatability Improved ergonomics and safety Flexible automation Consistent quality
Tasks solved by collaborative robots:
Automated powder coating touch-ups
Automation challenges solved:
Manual rework and variability Operator fatigue Inconsistent coating thickness Process scalability
Krister Barck, CEO AssarsWith this investment, we have lowered our material consumption by about 25% and thereby reduced our CO2 footprint and simultaneously achieved a better working environment"
Driving quality through precision and consistency
With automated touch-ups in place, Assars has achieved a more stable and predictable coating process.
The robot delivers uniform application every time, reducing variability and ensuring that finished parts consistently meet quality standards.
This repeatability not only improves product quality but also reduces rework and material waste, supporting a more efficient and sustainable operation.
One of the key advantages of the solution is its accessibility.
Operators can quickly understand and work with the system, thanks to intuitive programming and collaborative robot design.
Training is hands-on and practical, enabling fast adoption on the shop floor without the need for specialized robotics expertise.
This empowers Assars’ team to focus on quality and process optimization rather than manual correction work.
Looking ahead
What began as a solution for powder coating touch-ups has become a foundation for further automation at Assars.
With a flexible, collaborative setup in place, the company is well positioned to expand automation across additional processes.
By combining industrial collaborative robots from Universal Robots with strong partner expertise from Nordbo and Mimic, Assars is shaping a future-ready powder coating operation built on precision, quality, and people-centered automation.
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