At universities and colleges experiments are precise and controlled and designed to develop a student’s ability to work in a methodical logical manor and draw conclusions from the results of the experiment. These experiments are tried and tested and little can go wrong. Central to this approach is the methodology vary the factor you are interested in and hold all other factors constant. This method of working is fine for students and academic researchers alike but in the real world of adhesives and coatings it often falls flat on its face for a number of reasons.

• There are often a number of variables and not enough time to take this approach.
• Some variables affect the final outcome but cannot be effectively controlled.

In industry in the areas of adhesives and coatings chemists require more than just one approach to experimental design. Ideally they need a toolbox of design concepts. One of the most powerful tools to have in this box is a knowledge of statistical experimental design. This approach allows the Chemist to

• Vary several factors together.
• Investigate the effect these factors may have on each other.
• Distinguish real effects from bogus results.
• Control or eliminate factors which affect the experiment but are not under investigation.

The real power of this experimental technique is that it allows the experimenter to investigate and control several factors in a logical scientific way. It ensures the results are analysed scientifically. It investigates interactions between different variables a phenomenon frequently encountered and missed in adhesives and coating formulating.  Most importantly it saves time and money. Using these techniques the Chemist or Formulator can handle the complex number of variables found in the real world scientifically.
                         
ATAC UK Ltd can provide full training in statistical experimental design for your technical staff at your premises.

• Learn how to investigate several variables using Factorial Designs.
• Optimise your process with surface response methology.
• Formulate mixtures and blends using Simplex Mixture Designs.

Alternatively where required we can design and analyse experiments for you

Why not contact ATAC UK Ltd today and speak to our expert in experimental design and significantly boost the output of your Technical Department.