As a preferred distributor for the Lord Corporation, we at Chemical Concepts are typically in the know when it comes to technological advances and new processes from the experts in adhesives and coatings. Known for their cutting-edge technology, Lord is no stranger to developing new, more efficient ways of bonding. In this Blog we’ll highlight the idea of ‘Process Optimization,’ which is not necessarily a new technological system, but an important process that deserves focus and attention.

What is Process Optimization?

To put it simply, process optimization is the streamlining of one’s particular process of bonding, ensuring its effectiveness, efficiency, and proper utilization.

Lord’s executives put it this way: “Process optimization ensures the conversion to adhesives is done right the first time and addresses problems before they occur.”

A plan is important

Because what we’re talking about here has to do with defining a plan that the customer is very much involved in, as opposed to chemical properties, it’s useful to talk about what goes into establishing that plan. This, according to the Lord Corporation, begins with a dialogue between the customer and the supplier, identifying priorities, goals, and future needs. Below is a snapshot of the entire four step plan that Lord suggests before arriving at a totally optimal finished product.

• Have a dialogue (see above)
• Review the current process (in order to improve and consolidate a process, it’s necessary to pick apart exactly how it’s currently being done or was done in the past)
• Test prospective processes (testing is crucial and it’s exhaustive; testing various types of substrates, adhesive formulations, fixturing methods, etc. will provide the knowledge and the data necessary for choosing a proven process and product)
• Installing & Training (once the process is nailed down, it’s necessary that anyone executing the process or maintaining it should be properly trained and informed).

When it’s all said and done, a proper process optimization plan will lock in the following benefits, and more.

• Reduced lead times
• Improved reliability
• Reduced production errors
• Reduced design changes
• Reduced through-life costs
• Improved organizational structure

Mechanical Fasteners versus Structural Adhesives

Another role that process optimization plays is that it often times proves that mechanical fastening methods may not be best for your application(s) any longer. Upgrading to structural adhesives can reduce costs and installation time, greatly modernize and improve systems, and add value to one’s business in the long run. We’re all about streamlining things – that’s why process optimization is key!

What Next?

At Chemical Concepts, we share Lord’s emphasis on process optimization. In fact, we believe it’s critical to the structural adhesives our customers use day in and day out. To discuss a process optimization plan with one of our representatives, call or email us today!

Lord Structural Adhesives

For more on Lord’s products, visit our Lord Structural Adhesives Home Page. Here you’ll found our complete offering of Lord structural adhesives, from their Low-Read-Through technology (pictured above) to their two-component epoxies, and so much more.

[email protected] – 800.220.1966