The Return of a Legendary Renault Model with Innovative Paint Technology

At the Maubeuge factory (Ampere ElectriCity), Renault 4 E-Tech Electric introduces a groundbreaking two-tone paint application technology. Fully integrated into the production line, the dedicated cabin for this process, known as Jetprint Paint, is equipped with two robots that achieve perfect two-tone painting of the roof and bonnet in just six minutes, eliminating the need for a second paint application and extensive manual preparation work.

In the new Jetprint Paint cabin, the two-tone painting of the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric's roof and bonnet is executed with a high-quality demarcation between the two colours. Katell, the head of painting, takes great pride in this premium finish. She is one of the key figures behind the deployment of this unprecedented paint technology at the factory. "Thanks to this innovation, the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric, whether equipped with a fabric roof or not, offers a unique customisation option that enhances its exclusivity," she explains.

The implementation of this innovation posed a particular challenge for Katell and the Maubeuge painting teams, including Frédéric, the sectoral paint consultant for the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric project. Technically and materially, everything is new. "Jetprint Paint does not use the same technology or paint. Therefore, we have created a specific cabin and trained the teams," explains Frédéric.

In terms of organisation, integrating this procedure into the production process is not only a first within the Renault Group but also a world first for a mainstream manufacturer. To achieve this, alongside the launch of the production of the factory's first 100% electric passenger car, the teams faced a dual challenge. "The schedule was ambitious, to say the least!" recalls Katell, adding, "everything had to be fully operational well before the car's commercial launch."

Traditionally, two-tone painting is achieved through a second paint application on vehicles on the main production line. "Specifically, car bodies are painted entirely in the primary colour chosen by the customer and then dried in an oven. Afterwards, a manual masking process requiring many hours of work and protection with tarps and adhesive tape is carried out before applying a second coat of paint only on the two-tone areas in the main cabin," Katell explains.

The two-tone paint procedure is now integrated into the production line. Manual masking is no longer necessary, nor are protective plastics and masking tarps. "Productivity improves, and waste is significantly reduced," notes Frédéric. Another benefit is that the Jetprint Paint technology's efficiency is 100%, meaning there is no paint waste.

Finally, the last stage, oven drying, is no longer necessary. The electricity consumption savings amount to 1.7 GWh per year. "This is equivalent to the annual consumption of 350 households and 331 tonnes of CO2 not emitted," Frédéric proudly states.

Inaugurated with the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric, Jetprint Paint uses a technology called paint printing. "Due to its extreme precision, this innovation is ideal for achieving two-tone finishes," declares Frédéric. The paint application is performed by a paint jet ranging from 1 to 50 millimetres wide, directed by projection pressure and gravity onto the car's body. "The roof and bonnet of the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric are painted in six minutes by two robots," Frédéric specifies.

For comparison, the complete painting of each vehicle is done using a jet 30 to 45 cm wide. The paint is diffused in a mist form directed onto the body by compressed air and high voltage using a technology known as atomisation.

This new painting procedure has so many qualities that Katell envisions big things. "The future prospects of Jetprint Paint extend beyond two-tone finishes." Indeed, this technology could enable the development of bespoke paint offerings for professional fleets or even customisation for individual customers. The range of possibilities is vast. "Contributing to more sustainable production with such a high-quality finish, Jetprint Paint has a promising future within the Group," Katell concludes proudly.