Nissan builds a better iPhone case
Japanese car company Nissan has developed an iPhone case that can automatically repair scratches. The smartphone
cover, known as the Nissan Scratch Shield
iPhone case, uses a world-first paint technology where scratches mend without any
human input.
Designed for Apple’s iPhone 4 and 4S,
the case is made of ABS plastic, a car in-dustry-spec substance often used on car
bumper bars that is known for its durability and flexibility. It is coated with Nissan’s
scratch resistant paint, and while the case
is currently under trial, Nissan claims the
prototype versions of the case can mend
small scratches within an hour, while bigger scrapes can take a week to “heal”.
The scratch resistant paint is currently
available on a number of Nissan cars, including the Murano, 370Z and X-Trail, as
well as all models in the upcoming Infiniti
luxury car lineup.
The paint was developed by Nissan in
conjunction with the University of Tokyo
and coatings specialist Advanced Softmaterials Inc.
BASF’s coatings division
launches a new website
BASF’s Coatings Division has launched a
redesigned website that offers a wide
range of information on all areas of
BASF’s paints and coatings. At www.basf-coatings.com, visitors will find a global
website with a new design and user-friendly structure.
“The internet is a central hub for our
communication. By providing detailed
information and points of contact, while
allowing access to communication materials we have available, our website combines usefulness, topicality and an
attractive presentation,” said Dr. Martin
Rissmann, head of BASF Coatings’
global communications.
From new scratch-resistant automotive
clearcoats to intelligent solutions for wind
energy, users will find everything they
need to know about all aspects of auto-
motive OEM coatings, automotive refinish products, industrial coatings and decorative paints.
In addition, the website also features
new innovation and sustainability pages.
Here, environmentally friendly products
and processes are presented, along with
the latest coating technologies. The website also offers a wide range of information for job seekers as well, from school
students to experienced professionals.
DuPont Performance Coatings
awarded the Daimler Trucks
North America Masters of
Quality Award
DuPont Performance Coatings (DPC) recently received the prestigious Daimler
Trucks North America Masters of Quality Award. This is the fifth time DuPont
has received the award, and the third time
in the past four years.
The Masters of Quality program recognizes an elite group of suppliers who
meet or exceed Daimler Trucks North
America’s stringent quality standards
and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to improving the quality of their
products. Daimler’s suppliers are evaluated semi-annually on more than 100
criteria related to aftermarket parts,
quality, engineering, warranty, service,
availability and purchasing. While more
than 1,200 suppliers are considered for
the award, only suppliers rated in the
top three to four percent are recognized
as a Masters of Quality winner.
DPC is the leading manufacturer and
marketer of heavy-duty truck coatings in
North America. Daimler, which manufactures the Freightliner brand of heavy
trucks, is the largest manufacturer of commercial trucks in North America, with
more than a quarter of the market for
class 5-7 trucks.
DuPont Imron Elite is the exclusive
topcoat for Daimler Trucks’ Freightliner
brand manufacturing facilities in the
United States and Mexico. The identical
product is used in the commercial vehicle
aftermarket by Freightliner dealers.
Paint Bid Tracker launches new
website, improved technology
Paint BidTracker hsa launched
www.PaintBid Tracker.com, new home to
its construction reporting service devoted
to the paint and coatings industry. Paint
BidTracker delivers bid intelligence to
contractors, consultants and suppliers
with daily e-mails and offers on-demand
access through an intuitive, searchable
database. The new site utilizes tag-based
technology, faster servers and updated
software to create a smooth, customiz-able user experience.
PaintBidTracker.com welcomes nonsubscribers to use many new free resources for coating professionals,
including a complimentary bid posting
tool for engineers, facility owners and
contractors seeking sub-bidders.
“By moving from three primary classifications—structure, scope and category—
to a tag-based system, we are able to
match individual reports to a wide range
of users,” said Brian Churray, Paint BidTracker product manager.
As a result, the service will now include
broader coverage of specialty coatings
work, with additional opportunities for
floor coatings, roof coatings, EIFS, waterproofing and cathodic protection.
Customers will now be able to e-mail individual reports, export spreadsheets of
search results, and save reports as a PDF. A
five-year archive of painting bid results is
also available for market research purposes.
For more information or a free trial, visit
www.PaintBidTracker.com or join Paint
Bid Tracker at SSPC 2012 in Tampa Jan. 31,
Feb. 1, and Feb. 2 for a demonstration.
DuPont Refinish strengthens
National Rule basecoat
offering
DuPont Refinish recently announced the
planned March 2012 introduction of two
