19 May 2022

The R&D department: a glimpse behind the scenes

2022.05.19 - Our own R&D department is committed to continuously improving our existing products and developing new ones. In this way, we respond to new demands from the market. We are happy to offer you a glimpse behind the scenes of the R&D department.

R&D deparment

For 50 years now, we at Grafityp have been constantly looking for new possibilities to align films and adhesives. That way we can find the perfect match for a specific application.

The first step in the development process of any new film or application is the Research and Development department. How can we improve our films and make them universally applicable? That is what R&D is all about.

Three pillars

The R&D department works on the basis of three pillars:

  1. Process optimisation. So that we can improve our production processes.
  2. Market-driven innovations. So that we can respond to the demands of our final processors.
  3. Long-term innovations. So that our product range is ready for the future.

Some examples of innovations we have already rolled out are our sustainable GEF films, Omega Skinz car wraps and films with Air Escape technology.

Listen, listen, listen

Everything R&D does is for the customer. Our R&D department wants to be in touch with all these applications as much as possible. Because we make each product in the context of a particular application. To get in touch, you have to listen to the customer. One of our focal points is therefore to take the R&D staff even more on the road to our distributors.

Test, test, test

In addition to listening, the R&D department also has to do a lot of testing. We carry out more and more application tests at the request of our customers. It is fantastic that we are getting more and more requests – that is exactly what we want. That way, we can make the difference together with them.

The employees test different films for their UV resistance, slideability, stretchability and so on. The adhesion of the glue is also tested on various substrates. In addition, we simulate the adhesive and weather conditions in a special room. In this way, we can determine the service life of a film with certainty.

Testing - R&D

Collaborating

R&D Manager Bart Bylois keeps everything on track. He attaches great importance to the optimisation of the department. This goes beyond the department itself. We also focus on a good cooperation, both internally between departments and externally with other companies and knowledge institutions. For example, we regularly cooperate with UHasselt to solve complex and challenging issues. In this way, we also keep our finger on the pulse and can anticipate on market demands more quickly.

101 projects

Niche products, specific customer requests, … all the novelties in the market could be an R&D project. Here too, we work analytically to determine the right priorities.
Through market research, combined with our long-term vision, we determine which projects we will roll out. For example, we continue to invest in more sustainable products (our GEF films), an innovation that is becoming increasingly important.

Countless projects for R&D