R&D Lab Focus

Coatings manufacturers rely heavily on the R&D lab to stay vital in this challenging market. Developing innovative technologies and products is key to growth. Lab equipment suppliers must likewise innovate to keep up with their customers' ever changing needs.

Coatings customers are looking for a number of things when purchasing lab equipment. Not only are they looking for the latest technological advances in terms of equipment, but they also demand training, technical support and a variety of other individualized services.

Just like anybody buying a brand new car would never dream of purchasing it without testing it out first, purchasers of lab equipment also want to take their expensive equipment for a test spin before purchasing it.

"They expect to try our products prior to purchase, which is why we have an extensive rental flee and also our own test and development center," said Christine Angos, application engineer, Charles Ross and Son. "Customers visit our facility to prepare their own formulations on our equipment. Through testing and simulation, we prove our mixing technology as a viable solution and also come up with appropriate