Innovation Centre

Competition within the global market for protective coatings is ever increasing and more than USD 50 million are spend on research and development each year.

In the light of this, HEMPEL opened its new Innovation Centre in Lundtofte, north of Copenhagen, Denmark, in May 2001.

The purpose of the Innovation Centre is to set new standards for research and development in the paint industry, by focussing on test procedures giving optimum assurance for good practical performance without extraordinary limiting the time needed for product development and assisting in selection of new raw materials which are more environment friendly.

Rough tests

Inside the building you find facilities for abrasive blasting and spray application, where test samples are prepared.

After preparation of the samples they are maltreated and stressed in every way possible - they are exposed to fluctuating humidity and temperature, salt spray, artificial sunlight etc.

In specific test equipment mechanical properties of the paint are tested by subjecting them to impact, abrasion and bend tests.

Finally the results are scrutinised, and the paint is either approved or returned with recommendations for new adjustments of the formulation and new tests to follow.

High demands

The increasing demands on protective paint during recent years are highlighted by the fact, that it is just 6 years ago HEMPEL opened a new Research & Development Centre on the same site. Here research & development of new types of paint is carried out, with specific focus on limiting the impact on the environment, without compromising on the performance.