Uniparts Canada has sealed a partnership with Parts Plex Inc. to distribute 3D-printed headlight repair parts across Canada through an exclusive agreement with Auto Additive. This distribution agreement focuses on offering sustainable repair solutions to the automotive collision industry in the country.
Innovation in the Automotive Parts Industry
The repair parts are manufactured using a polypropylene material compatible with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) standards that complies with GM's global GMW18647 regulation. The choice of this material aims to provide durability comparable to traditional repair methods, such as two-component epoxy resin, welding rods, and molding putty.
Benefits of the 3D Repair Solution
Uniparts' key account manager, John Donald, stated:
"This is a very exciting time to be in the repair industry. With Auto Additive's 3D-printed welded polypropylene tabs, you get the material and durability of original parts without the need for complete replacements."
This approach aligns with the growing sustainability efforts in the automotive repair sector. According to Mike Kaplaniak, president of Unipart’s OEM Canada Inc., thousands of parts end up in landfills each year. The new repair solution seeks to reduce waste while maintaining quality standards.
Cost Reduction and Profitability Improvement
The partnership aims to improve the profitability of repair shops and reduce consumer claim costs through localized production of parts. This approach enables repairs closer to the point of service, which could lead to a more efficient repair process for Canadian automotive businesses.
The Future of Sustainable Automotive Repairs
With this new solution, the Canadian automotive industry takes a significant step toward sustainability. 3D printing not only promises to reduce environmental impact but also to improve shop efficiency and consumer experiences. As technologies advance, the use of sustainable materials in vehicle repairs could become the norm, contributing to a greener future for the automotive industry.