In our Legacy series, we’re celebrating the pioneering systems that have shaped our journey and stood the test of time. This chapter looks back at TIDAS - a cornerstone in our story and a system that helped change the pigment, paints and coatings industry.
Introducing TIDAS: a system born from partnership
Back in 1997, Huntsman Tioxide’s site in Wynyard (now Venator) approached Labman with a challenge. With an early-stage design, they needed a partner to bring an automated Hegman Gauge system to life. They wanted a solution that could deliver repeatable grind readings and remove the subjectivity from pigment testing, as well as evidence testing that included images of drawdown.
Labman built and delivered the first ‘Tioxide Instrumental Dispersion Assessment System’, or, TIDAS unit in 1998. After a successful year of use locally, its success led to the rollout of ten more units across their global sites in the UK, US, and Asia.
Specs and capabilities
TIDAS was designed to automate the Hegman Gauge (or Grindometer) process - a key quality control step in pigment and dispersion manufacturing. Its standout feature was its ability to objectively analyse particle dispersion with incredible consistency, and following version 4 onwards, to perform drawdowns.
Overcoming challenges, driving innovation
The challenge was clear: replace a manual, highly subjective process with a reliable automated system that operators could trust. Labman tackled the task by blending smart design with intuitive functionality. Early innovations included advanced image analysis, durable hardware, and an interface that users could easily navigate.
At the time, very few companies had attempted to automate this process, making TIDAS a pioneering piece of equipment in the market.
TIDAS through the years
From its initial rollout, TIDAS quickly earned a reputation for reliability and accuracy. Some of the original 1998 units were still running as late as 2022 - albeit on Windows NT! Over time, newer models were introduced, but the core technology remained rooted in the original design principles.
In 2003, thanks to customer demand, Huntsman (who held the IP at the time) allowed Labman to begin selling TIDAS systems to a broader market. As a result, Labman expanded its offering, and TIDAS went from a handful of units sold per year to as many as 50 annually.
Until 2017, Labman remained one of the only suppliers of automated Hegman Gauges. Even after the trademark and IP were released, TIDAS remained a preferred choice due to its proven track record of repeatable results and long service life.
Key features include:
- Automated drawdown functionality
- Camera for particle detection
- High accuracy and repeatability
- Data logging and analysis tools
- Long-term serviceability and support
A partnership built to last
The success of TIDAS is about more than just automation - it’s about trust, collaboration, and shared vision. The long-standing relationship between Labman and Huntsman (now Venator) highlights what’s possible when great ideas meet great engineering.
TIDAS remains a testament to the durability of Labman systems and the value of long-term customer partnerships.