Custom Lab Work
Custom Lab Work
Custom Chemical Formulation, Product Development & Testing
WestChem’s in-house laboratory supports custom chemical formulation, product development, testing and troubleshooting for industrial applications. Whether you’re developing new chemistry, replacing a discontinued product, improving an existing formulation, troubleshooting a process issue or validating product performance, our technical team can help determine the right approach.
Our Testing Capabilities Include:
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
Chemical analysis covers the testing of pre-coating components of the coating process. This includes scrutinizing baths, formulation analysis and testing oils / lubricants. This covers all of the chemical and physical tests that can be performed on components that go into coating / working on a part, not necessarily the part itself.
COATING ANALYSIS
Where chemical analysis looks at the components and solutions of the coating process before a part is coated or worked on, coating analysis focusses mainly on the part or panel after it has been coated. This includes endurance tests for liquid or powder paints after the pretreatment process as well as analysis of pretreatment quality on the part before painting.
CAULKING ANALYSIS
Calking and sealants are deposited onto a panel in order to observe their effectiveness and, in the case of developing products, to check for any deficiencies. Deficiencies in the formula can include sagging, bubbling and discoloration of surface or paint. WestChem is dedicated to delivering the best product possible.
COMPETITOR PRODUCT COMPARISONS
At WestChem we often compare our products to competitors. This is to ensure that we have the highest quality chemicals. Details on specific tests can be found in the Chemical Analysis and Coating Analysis sections.
IMAGING
DIGITAL: Using digital cameras, we capture images of tested parts and any other visual evidence to be used in reports or marketing.
MICROSCOPIC: Our microscope, capable of 50X zoom reveals many things on parts and samples not visible to the naked eye. Using a specialized adapter images of what is seen under the microscope can be captured.
PREPARING OUTSOURCED SAMPLES
Sometimes a sample comes in that cannot be analyzed by us directly, even with our vast array of test methods. For these occasions we have struck contracts with multiple third-party labs, including the University of Calgary, allowing for the use of their advanced instrumentation. We prepare the sample, deliver it to the lab and interpret the results.
NOTE: At WestChem we love keeping our in-house lab services complementary, but use of a third-party lab may incur additional costs.
PARTS CUTTING
While it is always preferable to have the parts or panels from our clients delivered to us pre-cut, we have the capability to cut samples down to the necessary sizes for testing.
TIMKEN LUBRICITY ANALYSIS
The Timken method employs a wheel and bearing apparatus to test the load capacity of different lubricants and cutting fluids. The wheel is primed with the target sample before having a metal bearing placed against it. The motor which spins the wheel is activated and increasing weight is added to the bearing. Once the load is too much for the lubricant the wheel will stop spinning. The time period and load are recorded and evaluated.
WestChem also completes contract salt spray testing for companies looking to compare coatings and or chemical treatments in a controlled setting.
WELD TESTING
In metal treatment, cleaning, and finishing, welds are often the first place to show stress, contamination, or surface challenges. That’s why weld testing is such an important part of our lab work. By evaluating how our chemistries perform on weld smoke, heat tint, and oxide removal, we ensure products deliver consistent results across even the toughest surfaces. The benefit? Stronger quality control, reliable performance, and solutions that keep metal finishes looking their best—no matter how demanding the job.
CUSTOM CHEMICAL FORMULATION FAQs
Yes. As a Canadian chemical manufacturer with an in-house laboratory, WestChem can work with customers to develop chemistry for specific applications and manufacturing processes. Our team can evaluate performance requirements, application conditions and other factors that need to be considered when developing a formulation.
Talk to us. If a product you rely on is no longer available, our lab team can evaluate what the chemistry needs to accomplish and determine whether developing an alternative formulation is possible.
Yes. Sometimes the goal isn’t to create something entirely new, but to improve how existing chemistry performs. WestChem can evaluate formulations and test variables that may affect performance, efficiency and suitability for the application.
Yes. WestChem performs comparative testing to evaluate how different chemistries perform under controlled conditions. Depending on the application, testing may include chemical analysis, coating analysis, corrosion testing, lubricity testing and other performance evaluations.
Our laboratory primarily supports industrial manufacturing, metalworking, surface preparation and metal finishing applications. Testing capabilities include chemical and coating analysis, oils and lubricants, pretreatment chemistry, sealants, corrosion performance and other industrial applications.
Yes. WestChem is a Canadian chemical manufacturer with in-house laboratory and technical capabilities. This allows our team to support customers from product development and testing through to manufacturing and supply.
Yes. Our in-house lab allows us to evaluate formulations and product performance before full-scale use. Where specialized instrumentation is required beyond our in-house capabilities, WestChem can also work with third-party laboratories and interpret the resulting data.
Start with the problem you are trying to solve. You don’t necessarily need to know what chemistry you need. Tell our team about the application, your current process and what you need the product to accomplish, and we can determine the appropriate next steps.
Need Lab Testing?
WestChem provides lab services for companies seeking third-party validation or comparative testing. Whether you’re benchmarking coating performance or evaluating a new formulation, our team is ready to help.
Only company with a lab in Western Canada. Fast and reliable turn-around time on all lab projects. If you have a problem, you need it solved NOW – you can’t wait 2 weeks to receive results and solutions.
We can supply chemical products through the ENTIRE manufacturing process. This allows us to offer bundled pricing and volume discounts by streamlining your supplier base.
