LABS-free (PWIS-free)

LABS-free products play a decisive role in processes in which impurities, oils, greases, lubricants, silicone and plasticisers interfere with or severely impair paint wetting. The main advantages are:

• Avoidance of blistering: critical when applying paints and coatings.

• Improved chemical resistance: fewer reactions with aggressive media.

• Increased material purity: essential for sensitive applications such as in the food or medical sectors.

• Longer durability: no premature material degradation due to LABS-catalysed reactions.

LABS-active substances are chemical compounds that act as catalysts and can promote undesirable chemical reactions. Typical LABS-active substances are:

• Chlorides: can promote corrosion and impair material stability.

• Sulphur compounds: lead to discolouration and chemical degradation reactions.

• Organic solvents: increase the risk of blistering in coatings and seals.

LABS-free products are indispensable in many industries. The most important applications include:

Mechanical and plant engineering

• Enclosures, housings: use of LABS-free materials to prevent blistering during painting.

• Coatings: protection against undesirable chemical reactions.

Food and beverage industry

• Container seals: ensuring purity and avoiding contamination.

• Packaging materials: use of LABS-free plastics for food contact.

Pharmaceutical and medical sector

• Medical devices: seals and components made of LABS-free materials to prevent chemical reactions.

• Packaging: LABS-free packaging for medicines and medical substances.

Chemical industry

• Reactors and containers: use of LABS-free materials to ensure the purity of chemical processes.

• Catalyst systems: avoidance of undesirable side reactions.

Using LABS-free materials offers numerous advantages:

• Quality assurance: prevents defects such as blistering or discolouration.

• Safety: reduces the risk of chemical reactions that could impair products or processes.

• Environmental friendliness: LABS-free products do not contain any harmful chemicals.

• Durability: extends the service life of products and materials.

Although LABS-free materials offer numerous advantages, there are also challenges:

• Costs: LABS-free materials are often more expensive to produce.

• Availability: not all materials are available in LABS-free form.

• Verification: certification and testing for LABS-freedom can be complex.

The difference between LABS-free and non-LABS-free materials is particularly evident in sensitive applications:

Criterion	LABS-free	Not LABS-free
Blistering	None	High risk
Streaking	None	Low to medium
Costs	Higher	Lower
Area of use	Sensitive and regulated applications	General applications

• Which industries need LABS-free materials? All industries in which painted or coated components are used.

• How is LABS-freedom demonstrated? Through certificates, test reports and compliance with specific standards.

• Can all materials be made LABS-free? No, it depends on the chemical composition of the material. With elastomers and foams, plasticisers can migrate to the surface. Please feel free to ask us about this.

• Are LABS-free products more environmentally friendly? No, these products are simply suitable for painting and coating; this has no effect on the environment.

LABS-free materials are indispensable when components or assemblies are to be given a uniform, full-surface paint finish or coating afterwards. They offer decisive advantages in sensitive applications and ensure high product quality and safety. Whether in the construction industry, medicine or chemicals, LABS-free products are an important basis for clean, reliable and durable solutions.