In the world of alchemy or modern day chemistry, how many times have you encountered problems ranging from unexpected results in your formulations to securing a supply source and had to spend countless hours, days, weeks or months, piling up costs and jeopardizing your products performance, complicating and compounding the problems only to find yourself coming full circle back to the most simple solution?

Granted there are times when complicated issues require complicated answers, yet if we can step outside that box, we can often find the solution in an easier fashion and sometimes several solutions in that same place. Industry in general as we have all learned has good intentions to address problems that arise, building bigger, ever more complicated & sophisticated systems and platforms to make getting the solutions easier, yet that system in itself becomes a monumental endeavor and the answers customers seek to their problem has now manifest itself 1,000 fold, combine this with fewer options via mergers and acquisitions in supply chains, this is where the law of parsimony can be very useful.

It is said no one can be everything to everybody but one can be many things to many people, this is an inherent philosophy of First Source Worldwide, LLC. From our four quality control, application and testing laboratories, to our coating and colorant experts and technicians, to our eight manufacturing and distribution facilities, many answers can be found in one place:

• Water and solvent borne resin products & technical coatings.
• Organic and inorganic pigment powders and dispersions.
• Powder and liquid dye colorants for numerous platforms.
• Performance additives.
• Specialty chemistries.
• Fillers and extenders.
• Specialty packaging.
• Custom and spectrophotometer color matching.

An ISO 9001:2015 company, First Source Worldwide is big enough to handle the important conversations yet flexible enough to serve the clients needs, do you have an Occam’s Razor?

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First Source Worldwide has always been extremely adept at understanding a client’s colorant needs from our laboratory and pigment technical sales perspectives, our historical focus has been on inorganic pigment powders and their dispersions. We are extremely pleased to welcome the addition of Colourscapes as a valued and respected partner with their expertise and proven historical track record of manufacturing quality organic pigments.

“The benefits of Colourscapes organic and inorganic pigment expertise and First Source Worldwide’s technical support and logistical advantages throughout North America, Central America, and the Caribbean are a perfect match for anyone requiring pigments for the Ink, Paint & Coatings and Plastics industries”, states Dale Clark, CEO of First Source Worldwide.

There have been several disruptions in the global organic pigment marketplace the last 24 months due to trade conflicts, tariffs, pollution and environmental concerns. This has created a tightening of some supply chains. While some of the supply chain issues facing pigment consumers have been addressed for now, there remains a need for a dependable supply chain on special/higher performance pigment colors. In this blog we examine just a few of our products that fit these criteria.

Paints & Coatings

• Infinity Orange B1-O036-104 – Excellent light fastness with good weather fastness properties for non-aqueous decorative and industrial use.
• Infinity Red A1 R170-301- Mid shade with good light fastness in full shade and tint for non-aqueous decorative and industrial use.
• Infinity Yellow A1 -Y074-102 -O – Applicable for aqueous, solvent or powder decorative and industrial use.
• Infinity Yellow A1 -Y074-302 -T – Applicable for aqueous decorative use.

Printing Inks

• Infinity Yellow Y014-301 – Very transparent for solvent systems.
• Infinity Yellow Y014-401 -Clean/strong & highly transparent for Aqueous systems.

Plastics

• Infinity Yellow A3 Y083-201 -Excellent light fastness in full shade and tint.
• Infinity Yellow A3 Y183-101 -Excellent light fastness in full shade and tint.
• Infinity Red BO R170-104-Excellent light fastness in full shade and tint -F3RK type.

First Source Worldwide has a world renowned reputation of a stable and timely supply chain for our valued clients with distribution points throughout the North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Be sure to check back for the next organic pigment blog installment covering more of your perfect match, Colourscapes & First Source Worldwide.

The post The Perfect Match for Your Pigment Requirements first appeared on First Source Worldwide.

First Source Worldwide is excited to promote our partnership as the exclusive distributer of Multiquimica for U.S. and Canadian coatings markets.

Multiquimica Water Based & Alkyd Resin Products

First Source Worldwide provides technical, formulating and logistical services for Multiquimica coating products.

The extensive Multiquimica portfolio includes formaldehyde free water-based acrylics, vinyl acrylics, urethane dispersions, styrene acrylics, acrylate & urethane hybrids and water based epoxy chemistries as well as several classes of short-medium and long chain alkyd resin products.

These chemistries are used in anti-corrosion, water repellent and moisture management coatings as well as formulations for rooftop, architectural paints, wood, concrete and direct to metal coatings and finishes. 

Coating Resins, Dyes and Chemicals

First Source Worldwide manufactures Sorament pigment dispersions, Soratint liquid dyes and SoraDur and SorOx pigment powders.

We provide custom water-based resin solutions for multiple industries including wood, textiles, non-wovens, paper, leather and architectural paints and stains under the Merithane, Meracryl, Sorabind and Soracoat names. We can custom blend or compact resin formulations for simplified processing for our clients use.

These products can be supplied in pails, drums, totes and returnable bulk tankers from one of our several distribution facilities.

Click the picture below to view First Source Worldwide’s list of products!

ISO 9001:2015 Certified

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While many chemistries can be, or are closely related across multiple industries, they often still maintain their own uniqueness in how they are formulated, applied, cured and colorized. The approach that yields the greatest success is for the raw material manufacturer to have a deep understanding of what parameters the formulator will be looking for such as:

• Need for a VOC compliant coalescing agent with appropriate evaporation rates within the coating or finish
• Minimal Film Formation Temperature (MFFT)
• Glass transition temperature of a binder or resin and its ability to adhere, flex yet be durable
• Elongation and tensile strength-film stretch recovery
• Curing and drying conditions
• Quick dry road marking capability
• Chemical, water, solvent, salt, ultra violet, gasoline & oil resistance and many other repellent & flame retardant capabilities
• Weatherability of a coating or finish for outdoor applications ie UV degradation, chalking, shrinkage, ability to hold pigment or dye color within a film
• Penetration, adhesion, abrasion & uniform crosslinking of a cured coating or finish
• FDA or food contact compliance
• Scrub resistance, early water resistance
• Formaldehyde free
• Stain blocking

First Source Worldwide stands ready to evaluate & understand your water-based coating and finishing needs and provide laboratory trials, startup formulations or technical guidance for the following markets:

• Textile
• Filter Media
• Architectural Coatings
• Elastomeric Roof Coatings
• Interior Wall Paint
• Coatings for Concrete
• Moisture/Water Barrier Coatings
• Road & Zone Markings
• DTM (Direct to Metal)
• Exterior Wood Coatings
• Water Repellent Coatings for Wood
• 1K WEAH Epoxy & WUAH Urethane Technology
• Fluorochemical Surfactants and Polymers
• Pigment Dispersions
• Liquid Dyes for Staining

First Source Worldwide has exhibited at SPE-CAD Retec, Coating Trends & Technologies, ANPIC Mexico & The American Coatings Show. We also attend the AWFS & IWF Wood Technology & World of Concrete shows. First Source Worldwide looks forward to continued expansion of our presence in the future.

Providing the perfect coating or finish is a very in depth and challenging task as the applied chemistry is expected to perform well with dozens of requirements or parameters in mind. There is an old saying amongst coatings and finishing technicians & formulators, “When it’s finished, it’s finished “, thus communication between the raw material manufacturer and the formulator is key to fully understand their goals and achieve the very best end result.

First Source welcomes the opportunity to evaluate and help construct your water based coating, paint and stain products, we want to help you to the finish line. Click the picture below to visit our Contact page if you have any further questions about products or shows we will be attending.

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We are proud to present several new classes of acrylics, emulsions, urethane, dispersion, and epoxies for industries utilizing water based technology.

• Do you require a particular cure time or MFFT that meets your process infrastructure?
• Do you need a specific or custom produced glass transition factor for your coating?
• Do your water based binder systems need to be scrubbable, self-crosslinking, solvent resistant, provide repellency characteristics, flexible yet durable, or have early dirt pickup resistance at a competitive price?
• Do you need binders for the following applications:
  • Interior and exterior walls
  • Siding
  • Wood
  • Concrete
  • Garage floor 
  • Asphalt road markings
  • Metal
  • Elastomeric roof coatings
  • Synthetic and cellulosic fibers, nonwovens, and textiles
  • Leather finishes
  • Paper coatings

These are just a few scenarios and if you answered yes to any of these, First Source Worldwide has the depth of application knowledge and a wide breadth of chemistry to help fill your needs and support your business.

Here are some of the newer chemistries we are excited to bring to market:

• Self-crosslinking acrylics
• 100% acrylics
• Vinyl acrylics
• Hydrophobic modified acrylics
• Acrylic epoxies
• Acrylics with encapsulated water repellents
• Acrylic/urethane blends & hybrids
• Urethane dispersions
• C-6 water/stain & oil repellents
• Flourine & silicone free water repellents
• Dynamic non-water soluble silicone repellents

This chemistry—combined with flexibility in packaging/ regional logistics and, when requested, custom compacted binder systems—allows First Source Worldwide to help improve your chemistry, your bottom line, and your ease of supply chain and processes.

With First Source Worldwide’s coating products, dyes, and pigments, we have you covered…to the finish!

Please click on the First Source logo below to request more information.

The post First Source Worldwide: Announcing Their Latest Expanded Chemistry first appeared on First Source Worldwide.

The binder classes can include 100% acrylic, styrene, styrene acrylic, butadiene, vinyl acrylic, acrylic-epoxy, acrylic – urethane hybrids, urethane dispersions of polyether, aromatic, and aliphatic urethanes, to name a few. Some of the performance choices within the product classes can include but are not limited to: self-crosslinking (resins that self-crosslink at ambient air temperatures with minimal or no need for external crosslinking agents like isocyanates/poly aziridines/carbodiimides ), low or no volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde free, minimal MIT content or MIT alternatives, APEO free, and more.

There are products that can contain photoinitiators, UV absorbers, stabilizers, blockers, and gaining momentum. These are resins that can have a flame retardant or water repellent encapsulated into the polymer backbone as compatible with the polymer matrix. With encapsulation onto the backbone of the polymer matrix, this process can minimize or at times eliminate the need to pre or post treat a substrate with a flame retardant or water/oil/stain repellent, thus saving extra steps in the manufacturing process which can result in time/handling/labor and energy cost benefits. When one chooses a resin or binder it can be a very complicated endeavor. One has to consider environmental compliance-downstream affects, price, and packaging-delivery options before they even get to thinking about the chemistry itself, then one has to evaluate the following:

• Target lifespan of the coating
• Wetting/flow/open time/leveling
• Recoatability
• Tackiness or brittleness – TG of the coating
• Elongation/Elasticity/Flexibility
• Adhesion/cohesion wet and dry
• Abrasion wet and dry
• Blocking
• Freeze/thaw efficiency where applicable
• VOC
• Viscosity or rheology of the resin
• MFFT- Minimal film formation temperature
• Particle size
• How the coating will stand up to wear and tear such as washability
• Scrubbability
• Stability with the colorants that may be involved-compatibility
• Cure times or process in manufacturing conditions,
• Resistance to solvents
• Weathering resistance including uv resistance
• Salt and water resistance
• Traffic wearing

Combine all this with the multiple ways a coating can be applied such as roll, spray, brush, pad, curtain, calendar, knife/air or forward-reverse synchronized roll coating machines and one can see making the right choice can be a daunting task.

When all is done properly however, the end results can be very beneficial in regards to life extension of the coated substrate, aesthetics, serviceability, enhanced performance, and of course energy savings.

Depending on the manufacturing facilities process or the products field of application, the curing process can include hot air tunnels, gas fired infra-red, UV/EB radiation or natural outdoor curing from the sun, are all to be considered when choosing the right resins or binders for the job. There’s an old saying in the coatings world, when it’s finished it’s finished, with our product lines of Meracryl, Merithane, Sorabind and Sorathane resins, our technical coatings staff stand ready to help you formulate the proper systems for your resin, binder and coatings requirements, and we offer custom blending of resins to offer turnkey or close to turnkey products, at First Source Worldwide, we help you finish!

The post Water Based Resins & Binders For The Coatings Industry first appeared on First Source Worldwide.

As companies began to “pull out” of manufacturing chemicals and colorants in the Americas, this left a void in the market that caused significant issues. Many downstream users who relied on the chemistries were left with drastic reductions in supply chains and long lead times to import the necessary products.  At times, they needed to import a one to two-year supply of product. This caused long term cash flow versus inventory turn.

Regional players picked up the slack for several years, but only if they had the right position and prior investments in their capabilities and infrastructures. Those that did not invest in the future became stagnant, and either died a slow death or merged with a larger regional company. The only positive part for the downstream user was imported chemistries had very attractive price points even when factoring importation costs. But, over time, that benefit began to erode. Thus, the demand for simple in-and-out distribution, a stable supply chain, and quick availability of products rose swiftly. The Americas saw an aggressive increase in the number of distribution companies. For a while, only the prepared regional companies filled the void for the downstream user.

While providing a “service” model worked for a long time, these companies lacked any capability to manufacture, innovate new products, and provide technical support. Their “model” was simply based on oversaturation of distribution companies. There was little, if any, innovation and technical support.

In recent years, this trend reversed course with the acquisition of distribution companies by larger companies or capital investment firms. This forged a model of bigger entities, yet still with little or no innovation and technical support. A market opened for a high-value, small-to-midsize partner in the chemical and colorant industry. Here is where First Source Worldwide built our business, and the path we continue to take to support our clients beyond the demands of today’s market.

FSW is not only a value-driven distribution partner with ties to global multinationals, we are also a company providing technical and laboratory support for distribution products. This along with added features of manufacturing, supplying multitudes of chemical, and colorant products to multiple industries.

It is not uncommon for a prospective client to ask us for a particular pigment or dye product, and evaluate the need for laboratory analysis that may improve the client’s process and end product. We are able to manufacture a product better suited to their needs or offer specialized packaging options. By building the relationship this way, a client can take advantage of many services in one package. This highlights options they had not experienced from one, single “first source.”

Simple distribution entities merely flipping product at a high margin have their place, but are becoming less attractive to consumers. Established demands will continue to evolve for a versatile chemical and colorant company who manufactures and distributes their own products, provides technical and laboratory support, and combines this with competitive market pricing and stable supply chains that can be provided on a short notice basis.

The demand for the new model of supply chain is now in the spotlight. We continue to invest in ourselves to better serve our clients. We welcome the challenges ahead. To learn more about First Source Worldwide, click the picture below!

The post First Source Worldwide- A high-value model for manufacturing & distribution first appeared on First Source Worldwide.

From textile and fiber coatings, coloration through all classes of dyes and pigments, and support of the products in manufacturing – we are well-versed in operational efficiencies to support our products in manufacturing. These levels of technical support can provide added value to the raw material you may be sourcing from us.

It’s factors like technical support that:

1. Can’t be taught. And,
2. Can make or break a supplier’s product performance.

We share these three case studies as examples of industries that saw better results with our products because of the technical support they received from our labs and staff. We dare you to challenge us with your chemical and colorant needs next!

Case #1: Enhancing Pigment Dispersion Systems

A new client approached us to help them improve their pigment dispersion application process. They wanted to develop a more robust and stable pigment dispersion system, so we went to work. The first thing we did was visit their facility and evaluate their application process. We wanted to see their operations in action.

With our application knowledge in their industry, we created a mechanical plan of improvement based on our visit and conversations. This plan also involved in-depth discussions with their application machinery manufacturer. With this, we were able to guide them to equipment that instantly corrected 80% of the application issues they were facing, while reducing chemical and colorant waste by 10%.

After fixing equipment inefficiencies, we then looked at the chemical and colorant products they used in the past. These were creating multiple issues for them, including:

• Clogging of in line filters.
• Lackluster color appearance of final substrate.
• Excessive use of chemical and colorant product.
• Lack of technical performance from the chemical or colorant product.

We undertook a series of lab experimentation with their substrate to see where we could improve upon these factors. We also took into account their end product goals that they weren’t able to achieve due to these constraints.

As a result, we provided a specialized pigment dispersion that gave a vast improvement in color intensity. The new product eliminated any clogging of their in-line filtering process, resulting in production efficiency. Using a higher strength product that reduced excessive use of the colorant also saved them money on logistics. Technical performance of the end product improved through lightfastness to outdoor UV degradation and improvement to repetitive moisture exposure.

By working together, utilizing FSW products and technical support, we were able to develop a holistic solution that tackled the problem from both sides of the issue.

Case #2: In-hand Samples for the Paper Industry

Several companies from the paper and pulp industry presented colorant opportunities to us more recently, and we knew we had to take action for this market. We invested in lab scale paper process equipment. This allowed us to provide physical color prototypes and matches to existing productions from our customers. We now have the ability to produce “hand sheets” in our laboratory pulp press!

With client-supplied raw material, we can take their pulp, process it, and add our colorant products and return a cured colored paper sample for their reviews. Whether using a dyestuff or pigmentation, we can work within the parameters of the customer’s material. Even additional chemical applications can be included in this process. Here again, the extended industry knowledge from our laboratory and technical sales staff allowed us to recognize the need and react to the paper market.

Case #3: R&D for Product Dispersion

Sometimes, client’s already have the product they need, but struggle to get it compatible within an environment. This additional R&D work is another area where we provide technical support.

A client needed help in taking existing chemistries and uniting them into a new all-in-one product. This compacted product would then have the ability to accept and perform with a nanoscale fiber material. The catch, the nanoscale fiber material wasn’t easily dispersed in a water based solution.

Through six months of stability, application, and full process studies we resulted in an innovative new product that proved successful in dispersing the nanoscale fiber material. Because of this, the client could diversify and enter a fresh market they had not previously been able to access.

Whether helping our clients work through application and process challenges, developing colorants and systems that provide performance and cost advantages, or innovating chemistry for the next market demand, First Source Worldwide helps our clients improve their product performance and bottom line. We’re willing to take the conversation beyond supply and price, to make sure you’re able to use our products to their best ability.

The post Use FSW Tech Support! Get the Most From Dyes & Chemicals first appeared on First Source Worldwide.

Industries that utilize pigmentation include:

• Architectural
• Automotive and aerospace
• Ceramics
• Cosmetics
• Decorative coatings
• FDA Compliant goods
• Industrial coatings
• Leather
• Paints, stains, and varnishes
• Paper
• Plastics
• Printing inks
• Rubber
• Textiles, wovens, nonwovens, technical textiles, and geo textiles
• Yarn and solution-dyed fiber

As you’re researching which pigments are best for your process, keep size, shape, application method, and surface effects in mind.

How Particle Size Impacts Pigments

Dry pigment comes in several pigment particle shapes and sizes. Different sizes create surface chemistries that determine how the pigment will react when included into a formulation or process. Like a jigsaw puzzle, the pigment particle shape will determine how those particles fit in a film, coating, or extrusion. Many industries will pulverize or disperse the pigments even further to get a smaller pigment size which usually results in better coverage, less breakage, and fits within the width of the coating or fiber.

Choosing the right dry pigment is crucial when making a dispersion. A substandard or wrong pigment choice will lead to bad results. It also complicates the grinding, milling, wetting, shearing, stabilization, and rheology of the final dispersion.

Throughout the process, an inefficient pigment can add extra time, labor, and mechanical wear. Making amends for the wrong pigment extends a dispersion formula beyond what is needed.

The right-sized pigment will fit together with components of a coating, allowing you to achieve the outcome you desire. In aqueous pigment dispersions, when particles aren’t appropriately sized, agglomeration, flocculation and pigment flooding creates poor outcomes.

Inorganic pigments are easier to disperse than organic pigments. Because of this, when working with organic pigments, choosing the right one is even more important since the process is more involved.

Uneven Surfaces Due to Pigment Size

Since pigments often act as surface barriers against degradation, it is critical that the size of the pigment aligns with the other components in the formulation. Resistance against external forces such as ultra violet rays, weather, salt, corrosion, and others requires a uniform coating. If irregular or erratic spaces occur within the applied colorant film, it creates entry paths for various degradations. This can ultimately lead to a performance failure of the pigment colorant system or a mechanical failure of the formulated pigmented coating.

Methods of Pigment Application

There are many methods to apply pigments. Each method results in a different set of characteristics. It depends on your desired end result and industry when choosing the best application method.

Application methods for pigments include:

• DIY Brush or roller
• Immersion
• Injection molding
• Polymer extrusion
• Powder coating and solvent/waterborne liquid coating
• Roll coating
• Solution dyeing fiber/filament
• Spray application
• UV Curable

Technical Support for Specialty Pigments

Besides the most popular inorganic and organic pigments, also included are pearlescent and metallic pigment powders and easily-dispersed (ED) pigment powders. These two classes are very unique and utilize special chemistries and processes to create them. For the entry level or novice user, it can be difficult to achieve the best success using these technologies without proper technical support. Once you define the end results you’re looking for, connect with a pigment color specialist to develop a formulation that will work best for your desired effects.

Pigments provide a unique combination of aesthetics, service life, protection against external forces, technical performance, and color marketing. As their use across markets grows, knowing how to incorporate them into different application formulations will be critical. Maintaining the right pigment size and shape, choosing the pigment that best aligns with your application methods, and paying attention to the end appearance you’re going for are all areas to take into consideration as you make your pigment selections.

The post What to Monitor When Using Pigments first appeared on First Source Worldwide.

Expanding Lab Operations Capabilities

Expanding out of our first location, we moved in to our main operations facility in Milwaukee, WI. The moved allowed us to create lab space for applications equipment. As an example, recent installation allowed us the capacity to create hand sheets with our lab scale pulp press, an investment and commitment for our paper industry clients. We recognized early on that service opportunities existed to help advance our products with the industries applications. While many suppliers treat paper dye products as commodities, our equipment allows us to apply a colorant into the pulping process for end result verification.

We did similar installations with our leather lab in Milwaukee, WI and in Leon, Mexico. Both expanded to not only test for quality control on key raw ingredients, but also through to application for end use testing. We’re able to fully apply leather chemical and colorant products in a lab setting for end result verification on the substrate our customer uses.

Growing Our Logistic Footprint

On an even grander scale, we acquired our latest facility in Dalton, Georgia. This investment allows us to expand our textile, carpet, and fiber lab capabilities for colorant applications on numerous types of fibers and substrates used in the industry. We improved production flow with a larger facility and ability to receive bulk tanker capacities. Our lab capabilities grew while we scaled our water-based padding applications and increased the size of the lab. This location is now our largest facility, with plans to grow into the space with further production capabilities and warehousing services. While the relocation provided us short-term benefits, we made sure the long-term benefits met or exceeded them to stay true to the goals of our company.

Over the last fifteen years, we’ve been strategic in our commitment to setting up distribution and manufacturing locations that best service our clients. We recognize the importance of working with a supplier that keeps inventory close to home. It secures your supply chain and reduces your costs. These ideas led to our Albany, NY warehouse and Charlotte, NC locations. Both supply products to more than ten states for industries ranging from textile, paper, leather, military, coatings, and several others.

Valuing Time, Resources, and Research

Besides our investment in our locations, we also value the capital that comes with time, expertise and research and development. On more than one occasion we receive compliments on our expertise and the time we make for our clients. These result in the customer experiencing end product improvements, time and cost savings, and simplified processes. It’s hard proof that this type of capital spent is an investment in itself. We don’t take it lightly, as we know it’s not something all chemical and colorant manufacturers and suppliers care to provide as a corporate standard procedure.

Whether you’re a new or existing customer, we strive to invest in finding solutions that benefit your business. We want to be a partner that is more than just a “wholesaler,” but also one who can bring value to your bottom line. Conversations beyond the products are our true specialty. Our goal – from the beginning – is to continue to strive for long-term growth over short-term solutions to best benefit you as a complete partner.

The post On 15 Years: Investing in Our Future first appeared on First Source Worldwide.