Deformulation is the method of taking a formulated chemical product and separating it into its constituent components and identifying each compound and the quantity so that the end result is a “recipe” for the product.

Companies can have many reasons for deformulation of existing products such as checking a product for banned substances, confirmation of product identity, benchmarking or even competitor product reverse engineering.

The methods used to deformulate a product are varied and depend upon the type of product. At LPD Labservices we have access to a wide variety of analytical techniques to separate and identify the components.

Our aim at LPD Labservices is not only to provide the customer with a breakdown of contents of a product but also to provide a value added service, for example we can:

• Make trial batches of the product if necessary (generally up to 100 litres) and / or advise the customer how to make it themselves safely and accurately
• Give guidance on improving or altering the formulation to differentiate it from existing products or to give additional functionality
• Advise on replacements and alternatives where a formulation contains banned or environmentally problematic substances

Materials and Product Reverse Engineering

We are also capable of performing materials and product evaluation as well as reverse engineering of general products. This can apply to anything from metallic parts to polymer products. The components will be carefully dismantled and each part characterised from a materials and possible manufacturing method point of view, e.g. alloy composition, polymer types, process, treatments etc. Advice can also be often given as to likely possible product and process improvements. We can also test parts for substances banned under the RoHS directive.

Please contact us to confidentially discuss your requirements with our staff and find out how LPD Labservices can help you.