Adler Lacke & Merlin^®

Perfect surfaces thanks to controlled humidity: Merlin Technology at ADLER Lacke

Targeted air humidification is the key to high-quality paint surfaces. The collaboration between ADLER Lacke and Merlin Technology demonstrates in practice how constant humidity minimizes errors and improves production in the long term.

ADLER Lacke relies on innovative air humidification

At ADLER Lacke, the leading manufacturer of water-based paints, controlled humidity plays a central role in the quality of window coatings. The company uses a high-tech air humidification system from Merlin Technology in its production to reliably meet the high demands for flawless surfaces and optimize processing steps. An additional requirement in ADLER Lacke's window application technology is that test series are carried out here and optimal processing procedures for the products are determined under laboratory conditions. For this purpose, precisely controllable humidity is indispensable in terms of comparability and reproducibility.

Why constant humidity is crucial

When processing water-based coatings on wood, precisely controlled conditions are essential. ADLER Lacke, together with Merlin Technology, has fine-tuned processes so that relative humidity and wood equilibrium moisture are optimally adjusted for each application area.

For coating, a constant relative humidity of 65 % and a wood equilibrium moisture between 11–12 % is targeted. This prevents wood from extracting water from fresh coatings and ensures smooth, even results. Surface defects such as blisters, orange peel, or pores are reliably avoided.

ADLER recommends processing conditions of 40–80 % relative humidity and a temperature of 15–25°C, depending on the process step. The merlin® humidification system is used in various areas of ADLER’s application technology:

• Wood storage: to achieve the correct wood equilibrium moisture
• Sanding areas: to reduce dust exposure
• Drip-off and evaporation zones: to prevent overly rapid drying (minimum 65% relative humidity recommended)

Technology in use: VISCORE system at ADLER Lacke

The VISCORE high-pressure air humidification system from Merlin Technology uses MICRO DROP nozzles to distribute an ultra-fine water mist evenly throughout the painting areas. For ADLER paints, this means a controlled room climate, regardless of outside temperatures or production peaks. The result is stable processes, reproducible painting results, and a consistently high surface quality. The control system allows the desired values to be maintained with pinpoint accuracy throughout the year.

“A constant room climate is crucial for optimum process reliability. In our application technology, we therefore rely on a precise humidity control system from Merlin. It enables us to control the humidity precisely and thus achieve flawless surfaces with our water-based paints,” explains Matthias Stötzel, Head of Application Technology for Window and Building Coatings at ADLER.

Complete solution from a single source

In addition to the air humidification system, Merlin Technology also supplies the appropriate reverse osmosis system for demineralized water. This guarantees hygienic conditions, protects the technology, and ensures trouble-free, constant humidification—a decisive factor for quality assurance in paint processing.

Key advantages:

• Constant relative humidity of 65% for perfect paint flow
• Wood equilibrium moisture content between 11 and 12 % prevents surface defects
• Reduction of dust exposure and rework
• Efficient drying from the inside out for resistant layers
• Hygiene, protection of technology, trouble-free humidification