Development center

In parallel with the development of new coatings, researchers often need to define a method/process for proper drying. But in the early development stages, advanced materials are often available in limited quantities, which makes traditional pilot-scale coating and drying trials impractical.

However, the ability to characterize drying behavior on a smaller scale makes it possible to capture key information for timely process design decisions before making extensive development expenditures in time and capital.

Our bench-top laboratory methods make it possible to leverage early returns on key data to help assess the commercial viability of web-based substrates.

• Small sample capability; minimal investment in materials for initial process learning
• Opportunity to observe drying behavior both qualitatively and quantitatively
• Ability to characterize water-based and solvent-based coatings
• Initial drying process scoping as input to roll-to-roll process definition by simulating continuous process dryer conditions
• Drying process can be rate-limiting step; opportunity to assess economic viability of new formulations
• Sample preparation and drying tests can be performed in enclosures under dry room conditions (dew point < -40 °C)