R&D in Nor-Maali – WE MAKE IT TO LAST

9/12/2021

From the early days, Nor-Maali has developed high-quality and easy-to-use coatings. Finding new solutions, technologies and ways of working has always played an essential role in the company. Over the last decades, customer needs have changed, although the main principle is still the same – make it to last. In addition to the functionality and the corrosion resistance, sustainability and safety are becoming more and more important aspects. Our general focus is to provide the right solution in combination with high level technical support for our customer needs – whether it is solvent-based or water-borne or for example modern non-isocyanate (NISO) coating solution.

Our Product development process

Product development projects are typically long-term and require a considerable amount of research and testing. To ensure the good performance in the selected corrosion class, can take in minimum several months. “Our development process is built in the way, that we run in parallel test painting and applicability tests both in our own painting facilities and in customers painting halls. This is prior to the fine-tuning of the new development and completion of the requested corrosion tests”, says Janni Lavikainen from Nor-Maali´s R&D.

“R&D work is a continuous process. The research part focuses on finding new technical solutions, and the development part includes the formulation and modification of existing products. At its best, the product development process acts as a solution provider for customers. However, the development and provision of suitable products to cover the required features are only part of the process. In addition, technical support is needed to carry out the painting work. Product-specific tips can be reviewed in great detail in test paintings with customers. Evaluation of various painting-related equipment solutions and the product life cycle up to waste management are also essential parts of our product development and customer service”, continues Janni Lavikainen.

R&D in Nor-Maali - We make it to last

R&D chemist Janni Lavikainen (M. Sc. Polym. Chem.) has worked at Nor-Maali for about 1.5 years. During this time, she has been involved in the development of several environmentally friendly products. Interaction with Nor-Maali’s sales department and customers has been an important part of the work.

More environmental and user friendly coatings

Our product development of industrial coatings is strongly guided by aspects related to the environment including the use of renewable materials. In combination with user-friendliness and easy to use features, we are able to create right protection for various objects to be painted.

Environmental friendliness consists of several different factors, such as:

  • One of the most important factors is the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the coating. VOC content can be reduced with two different ways, either by developing high solids solvent-based products or water-borne solutions. Low VOC content (below 100 g/L) can be achieved especially with water-borne products. Over the past couple of years, we have made considerable progress in reducing VOC content by developing a number of water-borne and high solids solvent-based products.
  • Faster drying of coatings both under standard conditions and at lower temperatures, as well as direct-to-metal (DTM) coatings, enable customers to complete the painting process faster and thus with lower energy costs. Objects are delivered faster from the painting halls, which means that heating and ventilation can be optimized. With the right product choice, need for oven can also be eliminated altogether, or the desired result is achieved at significantly lower temperatures.
  • Environmental friendliness starts from the raw materials in the R&D process. Whenever possible, we choose renewable raw materials for our products instead of traditional fossil-based ingredients. Through this, we can also contribute to the overall reduction of the carbon footprint.

The classifications of chemical compounds are constantly under revision and are updated accordingly by the legislation. This is considered in product development for both new and existing products. Also, awareness of the customers regarding environment and user safety, gives pressure into R&D to seek more sustainable and safer raw material alternatives. We strive to select the safest possible ingredients for our products, and at the same time maintain the best possible performance. “Nor-Maali was already forerunner in modern NISO products over ten years ago – our latest innovation NoreFast HS offers a new groundbreaking product into the market”, says Janni Lavikainen.

R&D IN NOR-MAALI - WE MAKE IT TO LAST

R&D in Nor-Maali – WE MAKE IT TO LAST.

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