The collaboration between AD Chemicals (part of AD International B.V.) from Heijningen and KO-AR High Tech Surface Treatment from Stompetoren takes on an extra dimension with the commissioning of a new laboratory at KO-AR. Together they have set up six thousand-liter baths, where new chemicals are tested. AD's R&D department is now receiving feedback from the workflow of KO-AR, which uses the chemicals in its production processes for the surface treatment of aluminum and stainless steel. KO-AR specializes in dimensionally stable and colorfast anodizing of small aluminum parts and pickling/passivation of stainless steel parts.
AD has complete freedom to experiment and can closely monitor the progress of a bath to improve process technology. Considering the pH progression, the stability of the mixture and the quality of the surface treatment. In a traditional laboratory environment, small test baths are used, where the effects cannot be tested with larger volumes. With the new collaboration, AD can enter the market more quickly with new products. KO-AR benefits from this through the shared knowledge and by being the first to apply this knowledge in its own production.
Marco Kaarsgaarn (KO-AR): “Even if we have a problem in a production line, we can now act quickly. We pump the mixture to the test setup and do the analysis on site with AD. AD's product developers/chemists are on the road themselves, which speeds up the process. Add a little salt and pepper until stable. Then transfer it to the production pool and we can continue. So we no longer have to empty and dispose of the entire pool. Better for production and better for the environment. This is how we share knowledge at a high level. Both parties learn from this and we get more returns from chemicals.”
Roland van Meer (AD Chemicals): “We deliver worldwide. If there is a problem somewhere, we no longer have to solve it on the spot. We have samples of all our deliveries. With the test facility and help from KO-AR, we simulate the situation and come up with an adequate treatment plan in half a day. This way we help our customers faster and spend fewer flying hours. It's nice that practice and development are now close together. With KO-AR we have found a serious party that aknowledges the importance of collaboration.
“KO-AR is at the forefront when it comes to a clean and efficient workflow. We want to keep it that way. That is why we invest in this test facility together with AD. We work with chemical raw materials in our baths. In collaboration with AD, we are looking for new solutions that are less harmful to the environment. This can only be achieved with innovation. For example, we can now perform electrolytic polishing at room temperature, so we are no longer bothered by harmful nitrous fumes. With this We are the first in the world”, says a proud Marco Kaarsgaarn.
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