Soromap has its own laboratory and develops every year many types of paints, antifoulings, varnishes, primers and coatings for the nautical industry. If a standard range exists, regular developments are made specifically for customers.
Specifications specific to each nautical professional
Like any custom project, it starts with a set of specifications. Very different and more or less precise according to the customers, they establish a certain number of criteria to be filled. "We have performance criteria, with adhesion, resistance to outdoor conditions, colorimetry, corrosion resistance, abrasion resistance, and product longevity, but also weight performance, meaning being as light as possible. This is particularly important for sails. There are also environmental, health and safety criteria, on the implementation, the use or not of solvents and their choice. Finally, economic criteria according to the expected volume. We have the advantage of being relatively small in the sector and not requiring a customer to take 5 tons" underlines Franck Prenveille, Soromap's laboratory manager.
Product formulation
Once the specifications have been defined, the engineers work on the chemical formulation of the product. They start by choosing the binders used according to the established criteria. "Depending on whether or not there is a customer requirement, we'll decide to go single or two-component. If UV resistance is a priority, we might go with polyurethane and more with epoxy if chemical resistance is more essential. We have 28 different resins in stock" explains the laboratory manager.
Laboratory tests
The teams develop up to ten formulations. Compatibility tests, then implementation tests, according to the customer's process are carried out by Soromap. "We will check for example the debulking, different if it is roller, brush or gun" says Franck Prenveille.
The laboratory equipment ensures the behavior of the paint or varnish to salt spray, UV, condensation or thermal shock.
The packaging is also tested in an oven to check the durability of the products stored in the warehouse and their ageing when they are sometimes sent to distant destinations.
Customer tests
2 or 3 formulations are then applied to the customer's boats or nautical equipment. The customer provides feedback and criticism, and the process of going back and forth allows us to find the right compromise between product hold and application.
Industrialization
Once the product is technically validated, a commercial agreement must be reached. Once the contract is signed, it is time to move on to the production phase.
The laboratory carries out pilot production in larger volumes to ensure that the formulation retains its properties. "Sometimes there are some adjustments for example in the order of introduction of the components" illustrates the chemist.
Last step before the production for the customer, Soromap prints the labels and can then deliver to the nautical professionals.
"Being our own printer allows us to react quickly. Overall, our size is our strength." concludes the head of the Soromap laboratory.
