AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings has introduced MIXIT, a digital colour-retrieval system for aircraft maintenance and paint operations, at MRO Europe in Amsterdam. The cloud-based platform lets users search coating formulas from a computer, tablet or phone, or use a connected spectrophotometer to scan a surface or paint sample when the colour is unknown. The system is intended for MRO providers, airline paint facilities and distributors, with on-site mixing designed to simplify preparation and help reduce repair turnaround time.
The initial database is due to contain more than 2,700 formulas for frequently requested tints for Topcoat FR2-55, a coating used on aircraft cabin interiors. Technicians can use a mixing wall and precision scales to prepare the selected colour, including the required tints, hardeners and thinners.
Exterior coating formulas are scheduled to be added in 2027. AkzoNobel also plans to introduce stock management, e-commerce, reporting and a facility for storing customer-generated formulas that year. The launch extends MIXIT, which is already used in automotive refinishing, to aerospace coating work.
The system is intended to make colour identification and paint preparation more straightforward, particularly when aircraft availability is critical. No measured turnaround-time results or customer adoption figures were provided.