COATINO® Defect Detection evaluates coating defects in the shortest possible time

Essen, Germany. Evonik's Coating Additives business line has developed a new tool for the digital analysis of coated test samples: COATINO® Defect Detection (CDD), which precisely and objectively detects and evaluates coating defects. Within a few seconds the system delivers quantifiable results.

So far, laboratory personnel have had to rely on visually evaluating samples when developing a new formulation. Many samples must be carefully compared and evaluated. This routine work is very time-consuming, especially for larger test series, and thus noticeably limits the scope for innovation. "COATINO® Defect Detection simplifies our customers' daily laboratory routine 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 personnel."

The Defect Detection, part of Evonik Coating Additives' COATINO® formulation network, saves lab experts a lot of time: They use a camera connected to the computer to photograph the coated samples. Within seconds the tool assesses them, using innovative image recognition methods.

Coating defects are evaluated to an accuracy of a tenth of a percent and processed in a clear manner. "For example, you can immediately see what percentage of the surface is affected by foam," says Philipp Isken, COATINO® Product Development. “Reference formulations or blank samples can also be added to more clearly highlight the performance of the tested formulations. Based on the data, you can select the best formulation for the specific application."

COATINO® Defect Detection was initially developed for pigmented systems in the architectural sector. For formulations with defoamers, the tool measures defects such as micro- and macrofoam, cratering, and incompatibilities. The Coating Additives business line plans to add more industries and defect types to the tool. In the next stage of development, the Defect Detection will also independently suggest new formulations. Existing measurement results and the comparison of test series will serve as the data basis for these improved formulations.

The tool is easy to use: The application runs browser-based, so no software needs to be installed on the PC. The test series are documented in the system and can thus be retrieved at any time. An integrated help center provides detailed answers to all questions regarding the required hardware or individual application steps.

COATINO® Defect Detection is initially available free of charge to all registered users at www.coatino.com.