When developing a new formulation, laboratory staff have so far had to rely on visual evaluation of the samples. Many samples have to be carefully compared and evaluated. This routine work is very time-consuming, especially for larger test series, and therefore noticeably limits the scope for innovation.

"Coatino Defect Detection makes our customers' day-to-day laboratory work easier and frees them up for other important tasks," explains Oliver Kröhl, Head of Strategic Business Development at Coating Additives. "In addition, our digital solution delivers objectively reproducible results. This means that the evaluation of test samples no longer depends on the subjective assessment of laboratory staff."

Innovative image recognition methods

Defect Detection, part of the Coatino formulation network from Evonik Coating Additives, saves laboratory experts a lot of time: They photograph the coated samples with a camera connected to the computer. Within seconds, the tool evaluates them using innovative image recognition methods.

Coating defects are analyzed with an accuracy of a tenth of a percent and presented clearly. "For example, you can immediately see what percentage of the surface is affected by foam," says Philipp Isken, Coatino Product Development. "To highlight the performance of the tested formulations more clearly, reference formulations or zero samples can also be added. Based on the data, the best formulation can be selected for the respective application."

Coatino Defect Detection was initially developed for pigmented systems in the architectural sector. In formulations with defoamers, the tool measures defects such as micro and macro foam, cratering and incompatibilities. The Coating Additives Business Line plans to add further industries and defect types to the tool. In the next stage of development, Defect Detection will also independently suggest new formulations. The existing measurement results and the comparison of test series will serve as the data basis for these improved formulations.

Coatino Defect Detection makes everyday laboratory work easier

The tool is easy to use: the application is browser-based, so no software needs to be installed on the PC. The test series are documented in the system and can be called up again at any time. An integrated Help Center provides detailed answers to all questions about the required hardware or individual application steps.