At Innovation Chem, research and development isn’t just a backroom activity — it’s the heart of how we create products that stand out. Our latest project is one we’re especially excited about: a new bleeding wheel cleaner that reacts visibly as it works, turning purple as it dissolves iron contamination from wheels.
The Idea: More Than Just Clean Wheels
Enthusiasts love the dramatic “bleeding” effect that shows a wheel cleaner is working. But behind the colour change is serious chemistry. Our goal was to develop a formula that not only looks the part but also delivers:
- Strong fallout removal and brake dust cleaning
- Safe use on a wide range of wheel finishes
- Improved rinse-off compared to older formulations
- Balanced pH for user safety without compromising performance
Stage 1: Lab Bench Development
Every Innovation Chem product begins with small batch lab simulations. For the wheel cleaner, we trialled 500 g and 2.5 kg test batches. These allow us to experiment with surfactant blends, chelating agents, and pH adjustments while observing:
- How quickly the product reacts on iron particles
- Foaming and wetting behaviour on wheel surfaces
- Stability over time in different temperatures
Dozens of tweaks happen here — adjusting one ingredient at a time, recording performance, and comparing results side by side.
Stage 2: Scaling to Production Trials
Once the lab results are consistent, we scale to 1000 kg pilot runs. Scaling is never just copy-paste: viscosity, mixing times, and aeration all behave differently at production scale. We use our IBC mixing vessels, pneumatic mixers, and batch coding systems to simulate real manufacturing conditions. This ensures that what worked in a beaker will work in bulk — reliably, safely, and repeatably.
Stage 3: Performance & Safety Testing
In R&D, testing doesn’t stop at the lab. We apply the product to iron-contaminated wheels and track:
- Speed and intensity of the purple bleeding reaction
- Ease of rinse-off with pressure washers
- Residue levels and finish safety on lacquered and painted wheels
We also run stability screens — holding samples at low, room, and high temperatures to confirm no separation or loss of performance. Every batch is pH checked and retain samples are kept for full traceability.
Stage 4: Packaging & Pre-Launch
Once the chemistry is perfected, we prepare it for market with induction-sealed bottles, batch coding, and QC sign-off. This protects the formula in transit and ensures each bottle that leaves our site is consistent.
Our bleeding wheel cleaner will be available soon through our brand partners, bringing professional-grade chemistry direct to enthusiasts and trade users alike.
Why This Matters
This project is a great example of how Innovation Chem approaches product development: with science, safety, and performance at every step. From the spark of an idea to full-scale manufacturing, we make sure every product is ready for market — not just in theory, but in practice.
Want to develop your own signature product? Get in touch with our team to see how Innovation Chem can turn your idea into a market-ready formula.
