Paint Application and Testing System

The Automated Paint Application and Testing System is an integrated robotic system designed to automate paint sample preparation, measurement and durability testing.

The system combines three dedicated workcells that create coated test panels, analyse coating properties and perform durability assessments. Sample data is collected throughout the workflow and linked through a central database, providing complete traceability from preparation through to final performance results.

Paint samples are automatically applied to test panels using precision drawdown techniques to create repeatable film thicknesses. Following controlled drying, panels undergo a range of automated analytical measurements including colour measurement, gloss assessment, image analysis and film characterisation. Panels can subsequently be subjected to scrub and burnish testing to assess coating durability and surface performance.

The platform can operate as a standalone paint application and testing solution or be integrated with an automated formulation workcell to create a complete end-to-end coatings development workflow, linking formulation, application, appearance assessment and durability testing within a single automated system.

The platform is designed to generate high-quality, repeatable performance data while significantly reducing manual laboratory effort.

Drawdown Workcell

Responsible for:

• Paint dispensing
• Automated drawdown creation
• Wet film preparation
• Wet film measurement
• Image capture
• Panel identification and traceability
• Sample storage and drying

Paint is dispensed onto steel or aluminium test panels before being drawn down using controlled applicator bars to produce repeatable wet-film thicknesses. Wet measurements are performed before panels are transferred into drying cassettes.

Analysis Workcell

Responsible for:

• Panel handling
• Colour measurement
• Gloss measurement
• Image analysis
• Surface profiling
• Data collection
• Sample tracking

Dried panels are automatically analysed and measurement data captured. Results are linked to sample records within the central database for subsequent reporting and comparison.

Durability Testing Workcell

Responsible for:

• Scrub testing
• Burnish testing
• Abrasion assessment
• Pre- and post-test measurements
• Gloss retention analysis
• Weight-loss determination

The durability workcell can scrub or burnish up to eight panels simultaneously. Abrasion performance is assessed through weight measurements, while burnish performance is determined using gloss measurements. All results remain linked to the originating panel barcode.

Customer Benefits

• Accelerates coating development programmes.
• Improves repeatability of drawdown preparation.
• Reduces operator workload.
• Automates performance testing workflows.
• Provides complete sample traceability.
• Generates consistent analytical data.
• Supports rapid comparison of coating formulations.
• Combines appearance and durability testing within a single integrated platform.

Need to formulate?

Formulation Workcell

The Paint Application and Testing System can operate as a standalone paint application and testing solution or be integrated with an automated formulation workcell to create a complete end-to-end coatings development workflow, linking formulation, application, appearance assessment and durability testing within a single automated system. See an example of a Formulation Workcell.