Whitepapers

Work in a typical lab is aimed at achieving a long list of goals in product development. But every aspect of business in the lab is also driven by a collection of chronic shortages. Space for equipment in the lab is always tight, and virtually every lab manager will tell you that his lab is under-funded.

During the last few years, new directions in product development have added to the challenge of managing R&D. The drive to reduce VOCs, both with waterborne formulations and with formulations that require lower solvent content, has introduced many new variables in raw materials, special-purpose additives, mixing/dispersion equipment, and process techniques that must be considered in developing new products. In this environment, any equipment that provides a boost in versatility and efficiency, and enables development engineers to be more productive, is a welcome improvement. A single machine that can do the work of two, three or even four machines can save space in the lab and cut operating costs sharply.

When a piece of equipment provides the tools necessary to quickly compare the advantages of competing mixing techniques — using a method that is controlled, quantifiable, and projectable for scale-up — its value is far greater. It allows the development engineer to combine two dimensions of laboratory testing and development: to refine the formulation and identify the optimal process for a new product.