System And Method For Producing A Coated Panel Component

A method 500 for producing a coated panel, comprising the steps of:

• supporting, on a support, a panel component, on which a fluid medium including a plurality of dispersed particles is to be applied,
• applying, using a magnetic field generating apparatus that includes an array of coils configured to generate a magnetic field, a magnetic field with a magnetic field direction that is oriented in a plurality of directions that at least includes a direction that is normal to the surface of the panel component,
• controlling the current to the array of coils such that the direction of the generated magnetic field causes the plurality of particles dispersed in the fluid medium to align with the direction of the magnetic field, and
• curing, using a curing apparatus, the fluid medium that is applied to the panel component such that the plurality of particles in the fluid medium are secured in alignment with the direction of the applied magnetic field.

A vehicle panel assembly, comprising:

• a panel component,
• a fluid medium including a plurality of dispersed particles therein, applied to panel as a coating,
• wherein the plurality of particles dispersed in the fluid medium are aligned with the direction of the magnetic field generated by an array of coils configured to generate a magnetic field with a magnetic field direction that is oriented in a plurality of directions that at least includes a direction normal to the surface of the panel component,
• wherein the fluid medium in which the plurality of particles are dispersed is cured such that the plurality of particles in the fluid medium are secured in alignment with the direction of the applied magnetic field.