Behind the innovations: Atotech

AMM – Can you tell us about the product development process, any anecdotes or stumbling blocks that got in the way?

Atotech – UniPrep’s goal was to develop a long-lasting technology. Any development needs to be as thorough as possible to ensure the viability of the process. Consequently, the development process was lengthy to allow for lifetime studies of the technology. For example, to quantify the effectiveness of the long-life technology, a 10-week study was conducted to measure the change in organic matter. The attached diagrams show some of these capabilities.

AMM – What is the technology behind this innovation?

Atotech – The technology on which the UniPrep long-life system is based is patented, but in principle it supports the degradation of organic compounds that are introduced into the solution during the degreasing process. Typical organics we refer to include forming and stamping fluids, cutting fluids, coolants and the like, which are found in the metal finishing industry.

AMM – What are the main advantages of this innovative product, what needs does it cover and how can it improve the life of companies?

Atotech – The main advantage of the long-life technology is that it can help reduce waste. Think of a degreaser that has to be disposed of every month versus one that is only disposed of every three months. If the degreaser tank is 5,000 litres, one applicator can eliminate 40,000 litres of used chemicals that must be sent to wastewater treatment. This also helps to reduce the amount of chemical needed, as each new replenishment will require a certain amount to reach the required working concentration. In addition, for applicators who normally use some form of filtration or oil skimming, it can potentially eliminate the need for this and the secondary oil waste stream. In addition, this means that there are no equipment running and maintenance costs and staff can focus on other activities. All this can be achieved without compromising the quality of the final part.

The low temperature capabilities of UniPrep cleaners also offer additional advantages. By reducing the operating temperature of the cleaner compared to a conventional cleaner, applicators can see significant energy cost savings. This is especially important in today’s economy, where energy costs are rising rapidly. In turn, low energy consumption also has a direct correlation to the carbon footprint. With increasing scrutiny on carbon emissions, this is another unique added value possible with UniPrep cleaners.

AMM – Which sectors are you mainly targeting for innovation?

Atotech – architectural aluminium and furniture. In recent years, this technology has also been adopted for many coating applications, driven largely by the automotive market, but also with widespread adoption in the fastener industry.

AMM – What are the main obstacles facing a company that wants to develop an innovative product?

Atotech – There are many challenges a chemical supplier faces when developing new processes. The most difficult is to understand the needs or demands of the market or the customer, be they technical, commercial or environmental, and turn them into a viable solution. It is absolutely critical to be in tune with current market requirements and to anticipate what may come in the future; otherwise, developments solve today’s problems while missing features that would make them a sustainable solution for many years to come.