LATTC to Train Auto Painters in New Techniques
Industry Partners Donate Special Equipment
Making sure Los Angeles Trade-Technical College is on the cutting edge of industrial trends is part of what makes this college special. One of the disciplines undergoing significant change is the technology surrounding the re-finishing and painting of automobiles. In 2008, new regulations laid down by the state through the Southern California Air Quality Management District will require the use of waterborne technology for re-finishing all vehicles. The plan calls for every automotive painter in the state to take special training to become compliant with the new law. Many paint companies, car dealerships and body shops are looking to Los Angeles Trade-Technical College because we are a leader in this technology training. Automotive instructors Frank Morago and Rudy Serrato are announcing that the college is partnering with various paint companies to develop seminars, and the classes will include state-of-the-art equipment offered by our partnering companies. Hundreds are expected to take advantage of the training over the next few years.

DuPont has donated a special fire proof computer diagnostic system for mixing paint, valued at more than $10,000. It has arrived on campus and will be installed in the new paint mixing room. DuPont is also providing a waterborne mixing machine with toners. This is valued at $12,000. The spray paint mixing room is being set up by SprayZone Incorporated at about half the usual price, and it will be compliant with current AQMD regulations. Pacific Coast Lacquer has upgraded our gun washing machine so it can be vented. DeVilbiss has stepped up to help us by providing a special fresh air helmet to be worn by those in the mixing room. It is a state-of-the-art safety feature to protect our students, and DeVilbiss is also providing a regulator at a value of $1400. They also would like to partner in providing seminars on use and maintenance of the paint guns. 3M has donated two new stainless steel spray guns valued at $1000 each. Trisk Corporation has donated a Venturi jet-dry system with a stand and a handheld unit, along with a computerized heat lamp. Total value of that equipment $5500. The auto painting industry is very serious about positioning Trade Tech as the leader in this technology. Congratulations to the automotive technology department for making us shine once again. 070716