One of the key drivers of new sanding and preparation technology has been Mirka. To see some of these innovations and get some practical hands on experience with them, Jon Pulsford of Autobiz, recently joined a group of guests at the Mirka Training School in Milton Keynes.

Before putting on the overalls in the training school, Steve Smith, Mirka National Sales Manager, provided guests with an interesting insight into the company’s business philosophy and recent developments. Steve explained how the Finish based company first established a subsidiary in the UK, which oversees it operation in Ireland, in 1979. It moved to its Milton Keynes base in 2011 and opened its training school in 2018.

Mirka is now renowned in the body repair market, for its expertise in the field of abrasives, tools and polishing and this reputation has been built on a track record of technological innovation. But as Steve explained, this innovation has always been firmly focused on the needs of the end user, meaning that the 60 strong Mirka R&D team are very customer engaged. This has brought about the development of solutions that meet the changing needs of bodyshops and has also been reflected in some dynamic business growth.  

Today, around three quarters of the company’s sales are made up of abrasives, with the other quarter accounted for by tools and polishing products. The emphasis is on providing users with complete sanding and finishing solutions and the concept of creating a virtually dust free working environment is central to this. This approach is now paying huge benefits to Mirka customers in terms of time, money, improved working environment and operative safety.

The Mirka training school at Milton Keynes caters for not just automotive refinish customers, but also users in the marine, industrial, woodworking and decorative sectors, as well as car manufacturer customers. Unlike some training schools, this one gets used on a very regular basis with a combination of induction, up-skilling and bespoke courses. As you may expect, it is well equipped with all the latest Mirka technology as well as a reduced size spraybooth.   

One of the key concepts presented by the training is the Mirka Optimised Surface Preparation (OSP) System, which uses an innovative combination of high-tech abrasives, tools and processes to transform a workshop’s preparation process, with a focus on speed, control, simplicity and repeatability. Using an easy to understand 1-4 abrasive numbering system makes it simple, while it also delivers improved control, to minimise the job area and reduce the risk of over-sanding. Dust free, net sanding, using advanced Mirka Abranet abrasives, also speed the whole process and minimises the need for denibbing, while creating a much healthier workshop environment.

Forming a key part of the OSP system is the DEROS electric orbital sander. Using it, you will be impressed by its light weight and comfortable feel, as well as its quietness. However, performance wise it really packs a punch and can make ultra-fast work of most sanding jobs. You also cannot fail to be impressed by the almost complete lack of dust created.

Other important features of this, and other Mirka sanders, are the smart features, such as an integrated vibration sensor and Bluetooth connectivity. The tools connect to the free myMirka app on a mobile phone or computer, to allow for the monitoring of vibration levels through simple colour coded risk assessment. This allows both users and managers to make informed decisions about tool use and reduce the risk of white finger, with the associated operator discomfort and potential for legal claims.

Also very impressive to use were the Mirka cordless polishers. These offer great flexibility and can be used with the Mirka Polarshine compound range, to produce an excellent finish in a very quick time. Other innovations that impressed on the day were, the Mirka Dry Guide Coat, which provides a quick and easy way to highlight surface imperfections and Novastar Flex, an ultra-flexible abrasive for hand and detail sanding. The training also highlighted the benefits of using mobile dust extraction units over fixed systems and how the adoption of this technology, adds to working flexibility and can boost productivity.

Overall the training day gave a fascinating insight into the huge improvements Mirka has been able to bring to the sanding and preparation process and how its innovative approach is helping to boost bodyshop productivity, but at the same time create cleaner, safer and healthier places to work.