WAGNER® today announced the next generation of its Sprint powder coating product line – the Sprint 2 Expert manual system. It offers new digital intelligence features for greater system control and an intuitive interface that enables every user to quickly become a manual coating expert. 

Touchscreen Control Panel
Coating job parameters are entered via a new, seven-inch WACON digital touchscreen on the Sprint 2 Expert. It is a centralized hub for entering all key parameters, such as voltage, air settings and powder output. It displays error history, operating hours and proactive maintenance reminders. An enhanced version of the Sprint 2’s analog control panel, the new digital interface facilitates additional functions such as WAGNER Wizard, advanced business tools and data export.

WAGNER Wizard
Sprint 2 Expert features the new WAGNER Wizard coating assistant. It guides users through a simple five-step setup process of entering workpiece geometry, size, coating structure, desired film thickness and powder type. The Wizard then uses those parameters to generate optimized coating recipes, which can be especially useful for complex part geometries. The Wizard empowers all users, even the most inexperienced, to easily determine correct recipes for all coating jobs. It also recommends suitable nozzles, extensions and gun distances.               

Advanced Business Tools and Data Export
Managing the powder coat process is simplified with Sprint 2 Expert’s integrated management tools.

• Data Export – Production and service data is easily exported to a USB drive for documentation purposes or audits.
• Weight/powder measurement – Integrated scale measures powder consumption in real-time while logging the user, recipe and time per job. This supports cost tracking, process monitoring and operational efficiency.
• User roles – Manages multiple users with individualized access levels for traceability and consistency across shifts or production teams.
• User-friendly recipe management – Custom recipes are easy to create and save. They can be assigned to specific users or applications, enhancing repeatability and reducing setup time.

Proven Performance
The Sprint 2 Expert is outfitted with the many features that have contributed to the success of Sprint 2.

• Digital Surface Optimizer (DSO) – Minimizes overcharging effects such as orange peel and edge buildup, even on complex parts and with sensitive powders. WAGNER’s patented Air Flow Control (AFC) maintains constant airflow for uniform powder output and consistent finish quality.
• Quick-Link Injector System – Allows for tool-free detachment of powder and air hoses, featuring an integrated scraper ring that cleans lance during removal. Optimized nozzle geometry reduces air requirements and creates soft, low-velocity powder clouds for fine or large-scale applications. 

• PEM-X1 Manual Powder Gun – Durable and versatile for a wide range of manual powder applications, the gun’s lightweight, ergonomic design reduces operator fatigue. Operators can choose coating characteristic curves, allowing for optimal charging of various powder types and part shapes. Controls for powder flow adjustment and recipe switching are right at the gun.

“Our new Sprint 2 Expert is the master solution for manual coating,” said Jim Jacquemard, vice president of WAGNER Industrial Solutions. “It is a game changer for businesses that want to maximize production with features like the WACON digital touchscreen, the Wizard coating assistant, and advanced business tools.” 

The WAGNER Sprint 2 Expert is available in two versions – box-fed or hopper-fed. It can be converted from one version to the other. Optional component kits are available. Systems can be configured for single or dual-gun operation and are designed to grow with customer needs from lab and touch-up to full-scale production.

The WAGNER Sprint 2 Expert is available in the U.S., Canada and Mexico at professional paint and equipment retailers. MSRP for the box feed version is U.S. $11,767 and MSRP for the hopper-fed version is U.S. $8,943. Learn more about the new Sprint 2 Expert at https://wagnerindustrialsolutions.com/sprint-2-series.

WAGNER Sprint 2 Expert is available in two versions: box-fed system (left) and hopper-fed system (right).

About WAGNER®
WAGNER is a leading manufacturer of high-tech systems and components for the application of paints and powders and various liquid media to surfaces. The WAGNER portfolio also includes the processing of liquid performance materials such as adhesives and sealants. More information about WAGNER is available at https://www.wagner-group.com/us/industry/.  

Spectra IQ™ is Diamond Vogel’s proprietary color development technology. It delivers precise color matching, superior hide, and consistent results through rough controlled dispensing and high‑performance toners. Built on proven formulation principles and advanced chemistry, Spectra IQ™ produces vibrant, true-to-life hues with durability and fade resistance for demanding OEM environments.

Solving a Common Challenge for Job Shops and OEMs
Job shops and smaller OEMs often face long lead times, complex two‑component systems, and inconsistent hiding when they need custom colors in smaller volumes.  Diamond Fleet 1K addresses these challenges with a single‑component solution that delivers OEM‑level durability and color accuracy in flexible batch sizes.

The Diamond Fleet 1K alkyd enamel system is designed as a high‑performance topcoat for OEM and industrial equipment. Manufactured with the same high‑quality toners used in Diamond Fleet 2K, it delivers exceptional gloss, excellent hiding, and strong color retention compared to conventional enamel systems and clear‑base matches.

Customer Value and Workflow Efficiency
Diamond Fleet 1K helps manufacturers finish more work without adding complexity to the line. It can be used direct‑to‑metal for up to 165 hours of salt spray performance, with a primer recommended for longer‑term corrosion protection.

Custom color matches are available in smaller batch sizes than traditional 50‑gallon batches. This reduces inventory risk for OEMs and job shops that rely on custom colors, while the shared toner platform with Diamond Fleet 2K also supports touch‑up and repair work.

“Diamond Fleet 1K helps customers simplify operations while meeting color and performance specifications,” said Danielle Dykstra, Business Development & Technical Services Manager. “Job shops and OEM suppliers want performance without complexity, with accurate color that fits their workflow.”

Learn more about Diamond Fleet 1K and Spectra IQ™ at diamondvogel.com/industrial.

ABOUT DIAMOND VOGEL
Diamond Vogel is a manufacturer of high-quality paint and coatings based in Orange City, Iowa. Founded in 1926, Diamond Vogel provides coating solutions to the architectural, industrial, farm and home, wood finishes, toll manufacturing, aerosol, and traffic markets. For more information about Diamond Vogel visit our website at diamondvogel.com.

Hubbard-Hall today announced the acquisition of the assets of JSA/Metalline Corporation, a Mequon, Wisconsin-based distributor serving the plating and general metal finishing industries. The combination of the two companies enables manufacturers in the Upper Midwest/Midwest to benefit from direct sales coverage and enhanced technical support of Hubbard-Hall proprietaries, Pavco plating specialties, and MetalChem’s EN product line.

As part of the acquisition, all JSA customer-facing employees have joined Hubbard-Hall: Jessica Dolezal, Luke Dunteman, Mike Lindemann, Jack Smith, Jeff Smith, Emma Tallmadge, Steve Trojan, and Ben Zweiban. The team will continue operating from the Mequon, WI, location and serving customers across WI, IL, MN, IA, MI, and territories farther west. Former JSA/Metalline CEO and owner Mark Sheldon will remain involved as a consultant to support a smooth transition.

“What a great team we have today! It’s exciting to think about the benefits we can bring to our customers by combining JSA’s responsive sales team with Hubbard-Hall’s deep technical bench,” said Molly Kellogg, President/CEO of Hubbard-Hall. “We are now able to support manufacturers in the upper Midwest on a direct basis, which means increased speed of response and single-source ordering. JSA/Metalline has a great reputation for service, and we look forward to building their legacy.”

A Shared Approach to Serving Finishers
The acquisition joins two companies with similar philosophies – prioritizing customer service, providing hands-on technical support, and strengthening strategic alliances with key suppliers, including Pavco, and MetalChem.

A Shared Approach to Serving Finishers The acquisition joins two companies with similar philosophies – prioritizing customer service, providing hands-on technical support, and strengthening strategic alliances with key suppliers, including Pavco, and MetalChem.

For customers, the combination offers:

• A deeper technical bench with expertise in plating, electroless nickel, pretreatment, and wastewater treatment
• An expanded product offering including cleaners, phosphates, rust preventatives, metal coloring products, wastewater treatment chemistry, and metal finishing equipment
• Continued support from the existing JSA commercial team with added resources from Hubbard-Hall’s technical specialists and production teams

With this acquisition, Hubbard-Hall now operates 3 manufacturing facilities, supported by 4 quality control laboratories and 9 stocking locations. These resources, along with a full plating support lab and pilot line/R&D center, enable trials, troubleshooting, and process development with faster turnaround and direct access to technical staff. With 32% of its workforce in technical support or sales, Hubbard-Hall provides direct, practical assistance to help operations run reliably and efficiently.

About Hubbard-Hall Inc.: Better Results. Less Chemistry.™
Founded in 1849, Hubbard-Hall is the oldest independent chemical distributor in the United States. Headquartered in Waterbury, CT, Hubbard-Hall supplies industrial chemicals and its own specialty formulations for surface finishing to manufacturers across the country. Now in its 6th generation of family leadership under CEO Molly Kellogg, Hubbard-Hall’s mission is to help customers get better results with less chemistry, cost, and complexity. The company has manufacturing locations in CT, SC, and MI, and has recently added a sales office in WI. Hubbard-Hall has been recognized as a CT Top Workplace 11 times and is ISO 9001:2015 and Woman-Owned certified.