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The Science of Innovation: USG Corporate Innovation Center

Innovation is in our DNA. From CGC Sheetrock® Brand Gypsum Panels in the early 1900s, Fire Resistant (Type X) Gypsum Panels in the 1940s, Lightweight Metal Framing and Shaft Wall Systems in the 1960s, CGC Durock® and CGC Fiberock® Panels in the 1980-90s to the CGC Sheetrock® Brand Ultralight Gypsum Panels of today, we have shown ourselves to be leaders in moving the residential and commercial construction industry forward.Our Corporate Innovation Center (CIC) has helped contribute to the long-term success and competitive advantage of USG and CGC over the past century. The CIC campus presents a distinct, state-of-the-art workplace with multiple buildings and laboratories utilized in the research, testing and materials analysis and pilot operations of our high-performance products and systems. At the core of the CIC is a blend of forward-thinking professionals from the fields of material science, chemical, mechanical and civil engineering, physical, inorganic and analytical chemistry and architecture. Our professionals are leaders in their respective fields and help set the standard for industry innovation at CGC.A primary initiative of the Corporate Innovation Center is to conduct ongoing, in-depth research to enable our company to continue developing novel solutions for today’s building challenges. Our multiple laboratories conduct research for specific products and systems to ensure we are aligned with our corporate vision for continual innovation.

Research

Gypsum Panels LaboratoryThe Gypsum Panels Lab combines a unique blend of chemistry and engineering with years of industry experience, focusing specifically on all gypsum panels under the CGC Sheetrock® and CGC Securock® Brand panels. The research, product and processes development and patented formulations creation that takes place in the lab stand together as an integral element of CGC’s stature as a recognized leader in the gypsum industry.Ceilings LaboratoryThe Ceilings Laboratory makes use of a variety of the latest technology platforms, including X-Technology, cast, water-fitting, fiberglass, wood and metal in its development of our cutting-edge ceiling panels. The lab is responsible for product and process development of some of our most well-known ceiling products and solutions, including CGC Donn® Brand Acoustical Suspension Systems.Performance Surfaces LaboratoryTeams in our Performance Surfaces Lab work to develop formulas for products used in the finishing of panels. The research, innovation and product development connect the understanding of manufacturing capability and regional preferences to direct formula development. Teams work specifically with major CGC performance surface products, including CGC Sheetrock® Brand All Purpose Joint Compound, CGC Sheetrock® Brand Paper-Faced Plastic Corner Bead, CGC Sheetrock® Brand Joint Tape, CGC Sheetrock® Brand First Coat Primer, CGC Sheetrock® Brand Tuff-Hide™ Primer-Surfacer, CGC Imperial® Basecoat Plaster and CGC Diamond® Veneer Finish.Performance Substrates LaboratoryThe Performance Substrates Lab focuses research and development efforts on the chemistries and technologies relevant to cement and composite panels, including CGC products like CGC Durock® Cement Board, USG Structural Panels, CGC Durock® Tile Membrane, CGC Fiberock® Aqua-Tough™ Panels and CGC Levelrock® Floor Underlayment.Analytical LaboratoryThe CIC’s Analytical Lab plays a critical role in supporting the safety efforts of USG and CGC by facilitating the material safety assessment process. Our chemists characterize materials, including chemistry methods and instrumental tools such as X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy. Contacts are also maintained with outside organizations to access specialized analytical techniques where needed.

Technology

The Corporate Innovation Center (CIC) utilizes core technologies that enable the creation of new products and processes and improve established ones. Our experts utilize unique fire, acoustical, structural and environmental testing capabilities to evaluate products and systems. Additionally, we employ chemical analysis and material characterization to ensure product safety and quality. The CIC incorporates four core technologies:Process TechnologyDevelopment and ultimate scale-up of solutions in both methods and formulations from the work bench to the manufacturing facility.Engineered MaterialsComposite products, like gypsum wallboard, cement board and acoustical ceiling tiles, designed for specific performance properties, such as fire, acoustics, environmental and aesthetics.Formulated ProductsDevelopment of finishing products, such as coatings, joints, compounds and textures, all of which are custom formulated by region to meet a wide range of environmental conditions.Building Sciences & Construction TechnologiesEvaluation of materials behavior for fire performance, sustainability, moisture resistance, heat transfer and noise reduction to ensure the most high-performance final product.

Building Sciences & Construction Systems Laboratory

The primary function of the Building Sciences & Construction Systems Laboratory is to incorporate CGC products into practical construction systems while establishing performance and long-term durability of new and existing products. The practical application of Building Sciences is Construction Technology, which focuses on the design and evaluation of new and existing CGC products to meet the needs of residential and commercial construction markets. Large-scale fire, structural and acoustical testing procedures are used to establish performance of new and existing products in practical building systems.