The changing face of automotive repair both in terms of technology and materials is having a wider impact on the tooling and equipment required to handle modern vehicles. Furthermore, wider objectives around light weighting and sustainability have in many ways changed the focus of product development.
Mirka has been leading the way in the abrasives sector for almost 80 years, with a history of innovation that has helped to keep its customers at the cutting edge of technological progress.
Here, we speak to Steve Smith, National Sales Manager, ART, Mirka, about new products, trends, and the evolution of customer service post Covid-19.
Can you give us a few insights into the latest product innovations from Mirka?
Galaxy is a multi-purpose, film-backed abrasive that has been designed to stay sharp from the first cut to the last. It also provides users with dust-free sanding, efficient performance, and a high-quality consistent finish, while decreasing sanding time and helping to reduce key to key times.
It is also the first abrasive to use Mirka’s innovative Multifit hole configuration. The Multifit technology is the result of extensive research from the development team in Finland that utilises optimal hole placement to allow the largest amount of dust extraction without sacrificing sanding performance.
In addition, its specially mixed blue ceramic grains have been engineered to form abrasive edges that break down during the sanding process and present fresh grain. This allows Galaxy to cut quickly and efficiently from edge to edge, which further increases the lifespan of the abrasive. The cut is so clean that scratch patterns in finer grits are especially easy to polish out and there are no loose grains left behind in the substrate.
It is available in discs covering the range from 40 through to 2000 grit and in Multifit perforated rolls from 40 to 400 grit.
When it comes to tooling, we are constantly pushing the boundaries, and the ANGOS is our first battery-powered grinding tool as part of our cordless line-up. This tool can be used for multiple applications including metal grinding, paint removal, surface conditioning, cutting and deburring.
When we design a tool, we always think of the end user, and ANGOS is no different. Its ergonomic design with a variable speed control trigger ensures the user has optimal control over the tool, no matter the application it is being used on.
The battery reduces the user’s need to access pneumatic air hoses or electrical outlets to get the job done, which, in turn, leads to a tidier workspace. In addition, the tool comes with Bluetooth technology, which allows it to be paired with a variety of devices and enables the use of the myMirka app. The app provides several features that allow users to measure vibrations and track their daily vibration exposure, while also ensuring the tool performs at an optimal level.
There are also several accessories, which are sold separately, that enable the technician to change the attachment quickly depending on the job. They include 50mm Quick lock discs, Abranet Max flap discs, deburring tools, and other tools that fit a 6mm collett.
What challenges are posed by light weighting and the wider use of composite materials?
There are going to be challenges as vehicle technology evolves and lighter weight composite-based materials are used.
To meet this challenge head on, we feel that it is important to work closely with manufacturers and the repair network to ensure suitable sustainable products and tooling are available for their needs. We are also in constant communication with the customer and the information we receive is fed back to the R&D team, which develops products and tools that ensure all sanding applications can be met with confidence.
How is Mirka working closer with customers to support them post-Covid-19?
Our national commercial and technical support team has a wealth of industry knowledge and is ATA certified, which enables us to understand what the customers require based on the jobs they are carrying out on a day-to-day basis.
When it comes to the level support our technical team offers, it is dependent on the needs and requirements of the customer. To ensure the customer gets the most out of the support we offer, we work closely with them and map out a timeline on how we achieve their goals.
Post-Covid, the one thing we have noticed is that the amount of support required has increased as there is now a higher demand for training due to the skills shortage currently being experienced in the refinish sector. For the training itself, we can offer programmes on site or at our training centre in Milton Keynes.
How do your products/services help customers meet their own sustainability objectives?
Mirka has always been focused on sustainability and this is highlighted by our Clean Commitments strategy.
These commitments mean that we strive to manage all parts of our operations and manufacturing with as little impact on the environment as possible and ensure that using our products improves ergonomics and facilitates a healthier work environment.
In addition, we look to conserve energy and raw materials, reduce waste, increase recycling, and decrease the use of persistent chemicals. We are also committed to developing healthier, safer, and more efficient products and processes for our customers and employees.
We are also seeing a move away from pneumatic tools to electric options as businesses look to reduce their carbon footprint alongside reducing energy costs. An example of this is the move to mobile dust extraction units over central vacuum systems.
What are the major trends impacting the abrasives sectors – and in which areas do you foresee the greatest innovations coming?
One of the major trends is dust-free sanding, and the combination of Mirka’s tools and abrasives solution ensures that the end-user benefits from a dust-free work environment.
he reason it is so important is because it protects the health and wellbeing of the technicians, which is paramount in any business, and leads to a more productive workshop, while also reducing costs and enhancing profitability.
