Sao Paulo, Brazil - Purcom Química, an independent polyurethane systems supplier based in Barueri in Sao Paulo state, has created what it claims is Brazil's first research polyurethane technology centre.
Designated Purcom´s Intelligence Center, the unit involves an investment of US$1.5 million, part of which came from the Financier of Studies and Projects (FINEP), a Brazilian governemnt body. It aims to put into practice "the ideas of the formulators of polyurethane, its customers and market in general," said Purcom in a 1 Dec announcement.
The centre will allow processors to develop, test and implement new processes and products based on polyurethane (PU), for use in many sectors including automotive parts, furniture, electronics and sports equipment.
It will offer physical and chemical testing laboratories as well as a range of processing equipment for customer trials including a two-component high-pressure variable-ratio spray applicator, a high-pressure injector with mechanical cleaning head, and a low-pressure dynamic mixer injection head with solvent cleaning. Customers will be able to use a flexible foam cell with expansion box and rolling tape cutting, an injection system for froth foams, and a unit for abrasive blasting, as well as a heated cabin for coating tests, Purcom added.
Each machine is isolated in a cabin, which means that only Purcom and the people responsible for the original idea will have access to the development project, the firm stresses.
Starting in 2011, Purcom also intends the centre to offer marketing training programmes for technicians and operators involved in the application of PU systems, directly with customers or through agreements with Universities and Technical Schools.
Established in 2002, Purcom Química claims it quickly became Brazil's leading independent polyurethane systems supplier for applications ranging from automotive parts, such as seats, steering wheels, and dashboards, casings, white goods, furniture and structures for construction, appliances and even surfboards. The company says it earned $82 million in 2009 and expects to grow 30 percent this year to reach $100 million mark.
"
