Since the first years, Böttcher has worked to improve the technology of printer rollers. Research and development leads the way for everything that happens in the company.
Ninety scientists and chemists - most of them Ph.D.'s - work in the Böttcher lab in Cologne, Germany. In the lab, a four-story building dedicated only to research, these scientists advance both the theoretical and applied body of knowledge in chemistry, materials science and "rotational transfer technology", a field in its own right. They develop improved roller and blanket technology and manufacturing processes for the printing industry, but also for textiles, plastics, steel and other markets of the future.
Böttcher scientists are experts on the geometry of the roller system. They work to improve their understanding of the physics of rollers in operation, including factors such as pressure distribution, screw-down forces and torques. They conduct performance tests on new rollers, testing for tearing and hardness, rebound resilience, measurements of specific weight and swelling and abrasion. They conduct and evaluate field tests and simulations to measure the performance of rollers in service.
Böttcher scientists and chemists work closely with press OEMs to develop products to keep up with the advances in press technology. They work jointly and share findings with chemists and materials specialists from all over the world, often traveling to other major research centers and universities.
Böttcher research is driven by a long-term commitment. Some of the compounds they are experimenting with today will not be ready for commercial production for five to ten years. At the same time, they spend time listening to pressmen to help solve their current problems and to improve current products.
Overall, the goal is to develop rubber and polyurethane compounds with ever greater performance characteristics to make Böttcher rollers run longer, cooler, with less distortion, and greater resistance to heat and harsh solvents. They also explore high-tech compounds of silicone.
The formulations for our printing chemicals are developed by Böttcher chemists in close coordination with the press manufacturers and FOGRA, the Graphic Technology Research Association. BöttcherTop printing blankets are built to our own exacting specifications and are brought to the market after sophisticated testing procedures are completed.
The tremendous resources that Böttcher invests in research and development is what makes Böttcher the leader in roller technology and an undisputed choice for printing blankets and pressroom chemistry. Results speak for themselves. Böttcher is always bringing out new products that solve problems in the pressroom, and developing rollers that run longer, truer and that withstand the beating they go through during millions of impressions. This is the secret of the Böttcher advantage.
