Developed by the IWRC, the LaserPaint is mounted onto a spray gun to improve painting performance.

The LaserPaint attaches to any model spray gun. Two laser beams project from the laser guided targeting tool to the target painting surface. The laser beams can be adjusted to form a single dot when the spray gun is at the correct preset distance from the part. If the gun moves too far or too close, the beams separate. This enables the operator to paint and maintain the correct distance for consistent coverage. The single dot can be used to target the spray pattern on the part that results in an accurate 50% overlap on the painting surface. If the painter strays from the proper spray distance or angle, two separate laser images will appear on the part alerting the spray technician to the inconsistent spraying.

The LaserPaint reduces hazardous waste and ozone causing air pollution from painting facilities. This is particularly important in areas with poor air quality that are working towards improvement. The end result is a high quality finish at reduced cost and enhanced environmental benefits.

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Flight simulation training has been an effective method used to train pilots for years. Pre-determined variables are replicated using advanced software and hardware to train these pilots in various situations. Along these lines, the STAR4D program has created a highly advanced training aid called the VirtualPaint™ training system to benefit the coating application in military operations.

The VirtualPaint™ benefits the training of spray technicians in many of the same ways as flight simulation benefits pilot training. When using the VirtualPaint™, real life situations and equipment can be used to simulate the coating application process. An instrumented spray gun with specialized software produces a life-like spray pattern onto a virtual door. The virtual spray paint produced by the trainee is then projected onto an interactive display.

One of the main features of the interactive display is an "accumulation mode" which provides instant feedback regarding application technique and film build. In this mode, various color intensities of red, green, blue and black are displayed. The various color intensities represent the different variations of film thickness. Transfer efficiency, average mil thickness, ounces of paint sprayed and application time are also displayed to evaluate the effectiveness of the spray techniques.

Implementing the VirtualPaint™ decreases time used to train with no clean-up required and the costs and material consumption with no actual paint being used. Consequently, VOC emissions and other wastes are no longer a problem either.

STAR4D's main objective for the VirtualPaint™ training system technology is to allow spray technicians a means of practicing proper spray techniques repeatedly before spraying actual coatings. It also provides a greater flexibility to train spray application technicians at a more reasonable cost with added environmental benefits.

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