The Evolution of Inks & Coatings

Discover the biggest evolutions across the world of inks and coatings - and how these developments are impacting testing today.

The Evolution of Inks & Coatings

Trusted inks and coatings test solutions

For almost a century, the team at Industrial Physics have been providing test and inspection solutions to manufacturers, production lines, and laboratories all over the world.

But you could be forgiven for recognizing us under a different name.

Our equipment is used by businesses spanning a broad range of industries, and across our TQC Sheen, Sheen Instruments, and C+W Specialist Equipment product lines, we offer a broad range of solutions to the inks and coatings space.

These brands belong to the Industrial Physics group.

From washability testers, to gloss meters, to corrosion cabinets, to automated film applicators, you can access an incredibly diverse portfolio of products.

And over the years we’ve learned an awful lot about the vital nature of these testing techniques for the industry.

The vitality of inks and coatings

Have a think about the products we encounter in our daily lives - you’ll probably struggle to name something that isn’t impacted by the quality of the inks and coatings surrounding it.

For paint manufacturers, material manufacturers, and those working in an inks and coatings R&D lab, the end materials they’re providing solutions for could differ greatly.

But whether you’re perfecting the paint system of an aeroplane or curing the coatings of a beverage can, the principle is the same – ensuring the integrity of your inks and coatings is nothing short of vital. It’s critical to ensure consumer safety and offer a strong aesthetic to your final product.

That’s why we exist. To product the integrity of our customer’s brands and products.

Get in touch!

Hear from our resident expert Nico on all things regarding the evolution of inks and coatings!

Verifying viscosity

A customer success story

Across Industrial Physics, we offer a broad range of solutions for inks and coatings testing. And one of the areas in which we have a variety of products on offer is the critical application of viscosity.

But with so much on offer, just how effective are our viscosity solutions? Don’t take our word for it. Here’s a case study from of our customers…

You can discover more about our portfolio of inks and coatings solutions here!

What happened?

A leader in the world of food called us up – they were looking for a gauge to measure the viscosity of a starch solution for their packaging. The goal was to be able to effectively measure their pumps.

How did we respond?

After listening to their specific production requirements, we advised that a rotational viscometer would be the most appropriate, cost effective, and reliable solution to satisfy their needs. However, they decided to purchase an alternative gauge elsewhere.

What was the result?

One month later, the investment from an alternative provider led to issues with three different pumps that were incorrectly dimensioned due to measurements with their cup. The cost for the company? 200,000 euros.

How did we help?

After hearing about this issue, we suggested they take our previous advice and provided them with a rotational viscosity meter. Ultimately, their problem was solved, and the integrity of their product remained intact.

If you’d like to find out more about our viscosity solutions, get in touch!

A member of our team can advise the best solution for you – ensuring no quality mishaps or loss of earnings take place, right from the start.

The professionals at Industrial Physics took the time to understand the specific testing equipment needs of our lab. Marschall Labs has purchased several pieces of equipment and are extremely happy with the performance and value we have received. I can’t say enough about the excellent customer service and support they provide. We would recommend the professionals at Industrial Physics for your laboratory testing equipment needs.

Daniel Marschall, President, Marschall Labs

Painting a bright future

Painting a brighter future for the industry

Over the years, there have been numerous advancements that have affected the world of inks and coatings.

And as a result, these developments have affected equipment that is used to test the integrity of these coatings.

To get a clear picture, we decided to shine a light on some of the biggest developments that are taking place across the industry right now.

We caught up with our product specialists – individuals who are experts in the world of inks and coatings – to discover some of the biggest trends that are impacting the daily activity of manufacturers, production lines, and laboratories across the globe.

What do you believe is the biggest factor driving change in inks and coatings?

Automation
Sustainability
Testing standards
Other

At Industrial Physics, we have a wealth of test and inspection solutions available for the inks and coatings space.

Browse through our portfolio of products here!

Automation

A driver for change...

Automation amplifying application & production

It will likely come as no surprise to hear that automation is massively disrupting processes surrounding the research, production, and application of inks and coatings.

Laboratories are significantly shifting processes due to automated solutions.

There are countless benefits to automation – allowing for better repeatability, removing the risk of human error, maximizing lab resource, saving on cost, improving efficiencies – the list goes on and on.

Improving processes

Many different testing tools now offer an automated alternative – let’s take film applicators as an example. Historically, manufacturers and labs would have to rely on human influence when applying coatings across many substrates.

But now – with advanced technology like the TQC Sheen Automated Film Applicator - this application can be automated. As a result, the risk of error that comes with human application disappears.

With an automated solution, a user can set applicators to a desired level to achieve a much more consistent and stable approach, and truly determine a constant speed, downforce, and substrate –hugely important factors for the final result. Depending on the viscosity of your coatings, this can make a world of difference.

Learn about TQC Sheen Automated Film Applicator!

Saving time while accessing improved data

Alongside many of the bigger testing systems that have been automated, many automated accessories and components are now on offer.

Take the TQC Sheen LinQ – a component like this can completely revolutionize the way testing and inspection is conducted.

Find out more about the TQC Sheen LinQ!

The TQC Sheen LinQ is a communication tool that allows a user to connect our larger testing systems to their own software. And this component can be used to amplify the process of various different tests.

From viscosity testing, to washability testing, to film application, utilizing this component can completely revolutionize your approach to testing across a broad stroke of applications.

Let’s take an example – imagine you’re in a development environment and exploring UV curing coating systems – where timing between application and curing is critical.

The LinQ allows you to connect an instrument of ours, such as the TQC Sheen Automatic Film Applicator, directly to your own software. Your software is then able to control the settings of the film applicator and automatically make adjustments in accordance with your specifications!

Where you would normally integrate your UV system to the tool carrier, now you can also directly control this through your software.

With this tool, you’re eliminating the risk of human error! But this is only one example as to how our LinQ can be utilized – there are so many combinations that can be explored with washability testing, appearance testing, color, testing… there are a diverse range of parameters you can explore here!

Find out more!

How does automation change your process?

Ultimately, this gives you the opportunity to eliminate hours and hours of time spent waiting, meaning that you can concentrate on the important part – analyzing the results.

Not only does this approach allow you to maximize time and resource, but it also offers an integrated data connection that lets you identify points of failure across testing - data that can prove especially useful within a laboratory environment.

If a LinQ is utilized, an exact point of failure could be easily identified.

For example, if you wanted to identify an issue with scratching on a substrate, automated technology like the LinQ allows you to track the scratch, follow the patterns, discover where more scratches are appearing, and ultimately determine the precise point of failure.

Access to data like this allows you to concentrate your efforts on making more critical decisions.

Learn more about our suite of inks and coatings test solutions!

Automated accessories

Our TQC Sheen Camera Toolkit is another example of automated accessories improving processes.

By selecting this purpose-built tool for your TQC Sheen Scrub, Abrasion, and Washability Tester, the process is significantly improved.

Advanced technology allows pictures of samples to be taken using two purpose-built cameras – and thanks to the software, you can take pictures of the test as you go!

This eliminates the need for individuals to move back and forward from the labs to conduct manual checks. Saving time, money, and resources, allowing for digital record keeping, and also eliminating the risk of human error.

Ultimately, automation is changing the face of testing within the industry. Improved processes, access to better data, maximizing resource – the benefits are clear. If you’d like to find out more about how automated testing solutions could improve your inks and coatings testing process, just get in touch with our team!

Find out more about our TQC Sheen Washability Tester!

Sustainability

Is the industry going green?

Sustainability is a huge factor causing major disruption across the world of packaging – we researched the impact on the world of packaging, product, and material test and inspection in our exclusive report ‘Global Outlook of Sustainable Packaging’ which surveyed 250+ packaging professionals.

But how are innovations in this area impacting inks and coatings specifically? Well, there’s no set answer to this. Understandably, sustainability is driving change in many different ways…

Access our exclusive report here!

Could reflective coatings change the industry as we know it?

As the industry seeks to discover new sustainable solutions, a major development is coming from Japan involving the development of solar reflective paints – particularly interesting when thinking about paints for commercial and residential buildings.

So, how does this work exactly?

Let’s say we’re painting a building using plain white or light colors in order to reflect heat and take less energy to cool.

Great. But there are some issues here.

This approach not only reflects the visible spectrum but also the UV spectrum. Ideally, we want our coatings to reflect infra-red light, have standard characteristics for the visible spectrum, and absorb rather than reflect UV light.

To combat this issue, R&D specialists in Japan are exploring the solar characteristics of paint.

In particular, they’re looking to discover how coatings can be developed to reflect more on the infra-red spectrum while still retaining a standard characteristic on both the visible and UV side.

This is a fundamental development with the power to change the world of inks and coatings as we know it. So, how is this happening? And what are research and development teams striving to achieve?

Currently, experiments are taking place that involve radiating samples with a standard illuminant and looking at the heat build-up behind those coatings – this is a test method that is currently in development (along with many others).

This is a highly innovative piece of research surrounding functional coatings. Essentially, the work that’s taking place is striving to discover a solution that will cool down or prevent coatings from heating up.

And this project is driven from another piece of research taking place that involves the production of polymers that will actively cool paint down. Ultimately, the goal is that if you eradiate one of these polymers it will actually get cooler when the sun radiates on this polymer – a unique application that could significantly change the state of outdoor inks and coatings.

A move towards water-based paints driving a demand for innovation

Another area particularly worthy of note is the discussion surrounding both water and solvent-based coatings.

There have been huge strides in developments surrounding water-based paints – and as a result, the technology needed to ensure the integrity of the properties and pigments of these paints.

For a while now, there’s been a gradual move away from solvent-based paints. And sustainability is only one of the factors leading to this change. The level of VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions that come from a lot of solvent-based paints is not only an environmental issue, but a health related one too. A mixture of consumer desire and government legislation is pushing many towards utilizing water-based paints.

Now, the industry finds itself in an interesting position. Demand for water-based coatings may be strong, but a desire to retain the durability that comes with solvent-based coatings is equally prevalent.

So, what technologies and tools can be implemented to ensure the quality associated with the traditional solvent-based solution in a way that allows us reduce toxicity? While a lot of progress has already been made, this is the big question.

Switch from solvents leads to new issues

When looking at testing solutions for solvent-based properties, the focus is not necessarily on developing an entirely new method. Don’t get us wrong, often a brand-new solution with a whole new testing approach can come to the fore.

But most of the time, experts are concentrating on outlining a method that can replicate the techniques already utilized in existing pieces of equipment that allowed solvent-based coatings to work so well.

As you know, solvent-based coatings are generally much more resistant, making them perfect for outside coatings such as wood. And these solutions have tried and tested properties that have been able to stand the test of time. While there are some ways to reduce the amount of solvents and chemicals in these traditional oil-based paints, a lot of manufacturers are opting for a complete shift towards water-based coatings rather than a diluted approach.

New European legislation is restricting the use of di-isocyanates - this sudden disruptive change to the industry is causing a huge impact and forcing new ways of thinking.

You can find out more about the restrictions and also access training information on this here!

Research & development at the forefront of change

There is a lot of research to be done here. Laboratories are consistently experimenting with the mix, the quantity, the percentage of pigments within the coatings, ensuring the viscosity of the paint is as a customer would expect historically – lab experts certainly have a lot to consider!

Essentially, it’s all about meeting customer expectations. For instance, if a customer is used to a certain level of viscosity within their solvent-based paints, water-based paints have to achieve the same results -this is another reason why having a reliable set of viscosity solutions for your specific needs is key.

At Industrial Physics, we offer a broad selection of solutions under our TQC Sheen product line – you can find out more about how we’ve supported our customer’s viscosity needs here.

Functional coating

Driving change within the automotive industry

Advancements around functional coatings are disrupting many industries and leading to a wealth of new opportunities. In particular, the automotive industry is a space that's worthy of note.

There have been numerous developments in this area leading to improvements of coatings for the industry.

The importance of functional coatings within car interiors

When we think of inks and coatings within the automotive space, you could be forgiven for jumping straight to the importance of the car’s exterior - there are countless tests that are critical for this. Tests to ensure the all important aesthetic such as viscosity testing, abrasion testing, scratch testing, and so many more will likely sprint to mind.

And there’s also been a large focus on the improvements of coatings for interior of cars - good performance for visible and non-visible functions.

For example, the acoustics, friction, safety, and comfort are all a part of non-visible functions.

Just think about the hidden airbag that’s there for protection, the multifunctional door seals that need to avoid leaks and external sounds, the seats that need to be comfortable and stain resistant, and the dashboards that have to avoid discoloration and scratching that comes with daily use.

And don’t forget endurance of the different types of material and coating systems. All of these combinations need to meet the high standards outlined by the automotive industry.

And every failure will come with a price for the manufacturer.

Want to learn more about the inks and coatings solutions we have on offer for the automotive industry? Get in touch!

Barriers to development

While there are many different developments at play here, there are also numerous barriers stalling innovation across the space. From sustainability, to testing standards, to governance surrounding equipment development, we took a look through some of the biggest factors stalling progress across the industry:

• Regulations limiting scope to new development - one barrier to entry is the limited scope for new developments caused by regulation. It's fair to say that more recently, governance – set by bodies such as ECHA - has become tighter for various reasons surrounding sustainability and toxicity of gases. As a result, the industry is having to find new alternatives

• Paint development barriers – in relation to the point above, many different types of paint can now only be made with a limited list of ingredients or regulated quantities that can vastly change the quality of the coating. While this need to discover new mixes is leading to the sourcing of new solutions, innovation is somewhat tempered as many blockers surrounding the contents of coatings are preventing progress

• New electronics causing equipment issues – for test and inspection partners like Industrial Physics, development of testing machines can be made tricky by new electronics. This involves alternative approaches being made regarding the set up of testing instruments that lead to new avenues being explored

• Challenges around testing standards – Our global survey of packaging professionals revealed that 49% of individuals are concerned about current testing standards in relation to sustainable packaging materials. And what's more, coatings, printing, and labelling were cited as the most challenging area for testing of sustainable materials

Testing standards

How are standards impacting inks and coatings?

In our recent insight report, ‘2022 Global Outlook of Sustainable Packaging', we explored the suitability of current test methods in detail.

Access our results here!

As experts in the world of test and inspection for inks and coatings, one of our team members, Nico Frankhuizen, Manager of Product Management, is a project leader and convener within the ISO standards body.

He shared his thoughts about the current state of play with standards, and how things may need to change moving forward.

In our report, almost three quarters of manufacturers said they can meet conventional standards "always" or "most of the time" when testing sustainable packaging. Yet, when asked about their overall challenges with sustainable packaging, almost half (49%) of respondents said their ability to meet safety and testing standards was one of their biggest challenges.

One of the reasons for the discrepancy between being able to meet standards most of the time, and yet still noting that it's a big challenge, is that while there are often conventional standards that have been developed and can be used in many situations with sustainable materials, this is not always the case.

We had one customer who had serious issues with their packaging. They wanted to test the quality of cardboard drink boxes, but there was no real method to test the hardness of the coating on the box.

We have technology within paints and varnishes that's been used for 70 years, so when we applied our expertise to their problem, we were able to give them a means of differentiating between good or bad results.

Nico Frankhuizen, Manager of Product Management

About Industrial Physics

Your test and inspection partner

At Industrial Physics, we provide packaging, product, and material test and inspection solutions to manufacturers, production lines, and laboratories across the world. It's our purpose to protect the integrity of our customer's brands and products.

For us, this is about more than just supplying you with testing equipment, it's about being there for you as a full-solutions partner. Whatever your needs are, we'll work with you to find the right solution for your business. We have a full team of experts to support you.

It's our purpose to protect the integrity of our customer's brands and products. And when it comes to quality control and R&D within inks and coatings, we know our stuff. We offer a full suite of solutions to cover an extensive range of testing requirements for your requirements.

It's our innate desire to continuously learn, innovate, and better ourselves that allows us to provide businesses across a diverse range of industries with the highest quality of test and inspection solutions possible. Our experts are positioned across the world. And through our collective expertise, we're able to support the unique needs of our customers.

Partner with Industrial Physics and protect your business today.

For many years, we have been a user of laboratory equipment under the TQC brand for coating tests. As an independent laboratory providing services to external clients from all over the world, we attach great importance to the quality of the equipment in our laboratory.

TQC equipment on which we work, incl. wet scrubbing machine, automatic drawdown machine, drying time recorder, flow cups, applicators, pendulum device and many others meet our expectations in terms of compliance with the standards of international test methods and ergonomics of work as well as zero failure rate.

All our instruments under the TQC brand also meet the calibration requirements that are carried out by us on a regular basis. Many of our customers appreciate the TQC brand equipment, because it is a world-class apparatus that they know and use in their laboratories.

Excellent technical contact, perfect customer service and fast order processing time are undoubtedly additional advantages that determine the choice of TQC as our permanent supplier of laboratory equipment today and in the future.

Artur Palasz PHD, R&D Director, Spektrochem Paint Laboratory

Our services

At Industrial Physics, we believe that supplying you with high quality testing instruments is only part of our job.

We're committed to offering you a service that ensures your needs are fully supported throughout every step of your journey with us – from purchasing, to installation, and throughout ongoing maintenance.

We understand that being fast, efficient, and truly reliable is critical when it comes to servicing the instruments that keep your business running. And that's why we've established a global network of dedicated service specialists – to ensure you have an expert ready and waiting at a nearby location who can offer you support.

Wherever you are in the world, our experts are on hand to support your needs – whatever they may be. We know that having the right people ready to help is critical. It's critical to delivering a quality and speedy service that ensures your instruments can get up and running as quickly as possible. From installation, through to calibration, repair, and preventative maintenance, we've got you covered.

Our service options are truly diverse, and we also offer comprehensive training and dedicated support so that you can make the most of your machines. If you want to find out more about how we can help you, just get in touch.