In this episode, Sam Street travels to the Collision Repair Expo in Melbourne where she interviews representatives from 3M about their new products.

We begin our discussion by exploring 3M's new Performance Spray Gun, a carbon composite offering enhanced ergonomics, comfort benefits, high transfer efficiency to save paint, and the ability to switch between fine finish and conventional spray modes. Our discussion also gives us an insight into 3M™ Cubitron™ Abrasives, specifically the re-engineered Cubitron™ 3 range which can provide up to a 50% increase in performance over the previous model. We highlight its cost-effective use through its longer life, whilst it has a higher initial cost, it is recovered through its superior quality and productivity gains.

We wrap up by reviewing the new 3M™ Hookit™ Blue Net Abrasive Discs, which feature improved dust extraction capabilities compared to standard paper discs, enhancing workshop health and reducing cleanup time for better overall productivity.

Links & Resources:

3M Abrasives for Collision Repair

https://www.3m.com.au/3M/en_AU/p/c/abrasives/i/automotive/collision-repair/

3M™ Performance Spray Guns

https://www.3m.com.au/3M/en_AU/collision-repair-au/paint-preparation-system/

3M Stand at the 2026 Collision Repair Expo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVjCOEeTh_E

James Lawson - Collision Repair MSO Specialist

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-lawson-123415160/

Jason Nagy - Application Engineer

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-nagy-982210360/

Contact 3M

https://www.3m.com.au/3M/en_AU/collision-repair-au/support/

3M Customer Service: Dial 1-3M 1-3M (136-136)

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The Edge Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media.

Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Editor: Chris Visscher

Paint and Panel - © 2026

In this episode, Sam Street and Grant McHerron talk about Paint & Panel's 2026 Bodyshop Awards with sponsors and former winners. The group includes James Frape, CEO of Compass, Glenn Harvey, Managing Director of Harvey Accident Repairs, Martin Dickinson, General Manager Collision at AMA Group, and Stuart Faid, Chief Commercial Officer with Clear 21.

We begin our discussion by reviewing the evolution of the Paint & Panel's Bodyshop Awards now that it's entering its 30th anniversary, and is being held at Movie World in Gold Coast on November 27th. Our conversation recognises the importance of giving recognition in an underappreciated industry, celebrating excellence, and the value of bringing the collision repair community together. We get insights into why companies sponsor the event, the benefits experienced by previous winners and their teams, and receive updates for the 2026 awards, which promise for a simplified entry processes, and in person judging for best shop categories.

We look forward to the awards being a celebration and strategic opportunity for repairers to gain recognition, improve performance, and strengthen their place within the industry.

Links & Resources:

2026 Bodyshop Awards: https://bodyshopawards.com.au/

iBodyshop: https://www.ibodyshop.com/

Paint and Panel: www.paintandpanel.com.au

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The Edge Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media.

Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Editor: Chris Visscher

Paint and Panel - © 2026

In this episode, Sam Street travels to the ADAS Solutions Australia headquarters in Brisbane to talk with Adrian Parkes (Founder & Director) and Amy Morgan (Project & Administration Manager ) about their new AirPro Diagnostics & Auggie solutions.

We review the launch of AirPro Diagnostics by ADAS Solutions Australia, a remote diagnostic solution designed to address the growing complexity of modern vehicle repairs. We get an insight into how the diagnostic tool physically connects to the vehicle while being remotely operated by master technicians, delivering OEM-level accuracy without requiring in house expertise. Allowing everyone, everywhere to access high-level diagnostics, reduce errors, and identify issues earlier in the repair process. Our discussion also highlights the rapid evolution of ADAS technology and the industry's shift toward software driven solutions, making traditional tools obsolete. Innovations like Auggie, a portable augmented reality windscreen calibration device, removes the need for traditional target setups.

We wrap up by looking to the future where diagnostics, calibration, and repair planning are more automated, data driven, and remotely supported, improving efficiency, accuracy, and overall repair outcomes.

Links & Resources:

ADAS Solutions Australia https://adassolutions.com.au/

AirPro Australia: https://airproaustralia.com.au

iBodyshop: https://www.ibodyshop.com/

Paint and Panel: www.paintandpanel.com.au

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The Edge Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media.

Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Editor: Chris Visscher

Paint and Panel - © 2026