Paint, Resin & Polymer Compounding worked example

Batch Sample Workload at 14% prep and documentation allowance: a worked example

Here is what the math looks like when conditions slip. We hold every other input steady and drop prep and documentation allowance to 14%, then walk the calculation through step by step. Estimate QC lab hours to test a set of batch samples from the sample count, testing rate, and a prep and documentation allowance.

The inputs for this scenario

  • Batch samples to test: 30 samples (held at the documented default)
  • Lab testing rate: 4 samples / hr (held at the documented default)
  • Prep and documentation allowance: 14 % (the input this scenario stresses; the baseline uses 20)

Working through the calculation

  • The calculation starts from the formula this tool documents: Base testing time = batch samples to test / lab testing rate.
  • Required QC testing time works out to 8.55 hr at these inputs, and this is the headline figure for the scenario.
  • Base testing time works out to 7.5 hr at these inputs.
  • Prep and documentation allowance works out to 14 % at these inputs.
  • Lab testing rate works out to 4 pieces / min at these inputs.

How this compares with the baseline

  • Against the tool's baseline example, where prep and documentation allowance sits at 20% and the headline result is 9 hr, this scenario comes in 5% below the baseline at 8.55 hr.
  • The practical read: the gap between this scenario and the baseline is entirely attributable to prep and documentation allowance, so recovering it is worth quantifying in dollars before considering equipment or staffing changes. It assumes a uniform testing rate; specialty tests like accelerated weathering or full cure profiles take far longer than routine checks and should be scheduled separately.

Results at a glance

  • Required QC testing time: 8.55 hr (headline result)
  • Base testing time: 7.5 hr
  • Prep and documentation allowance: 14 %
  • Lab testing rate: 4 pieces / min

Run it with your numbers

  • To rerun this with your own numbers, open the live Batch Sample Workload calculator, set prep and documentation allowance to your actual value, and adjust the remaining inputs to match your operation.

Last reviewed 2026-05-12.