Each type of coating has characteristics and properties that need to be analyzed and controlled. Each of these properties depends not only on the type of coating or surface treatment, but also on the type of support on which it is applied.
The checks that can be performed all fall into the category of non-destructive testing, although in some cases (such as the control of the resistance to abrasion, scratching, crosshatching etc.) will affect the final state of the product or sample analyzed.
One of the most important checks for coatings is the verification of adhesion to the substrate. Measuring instruments such as cross hatch adhesion testers or checkers or digital adhesion meters (Pull-off) perform this type of tests.
Another indispensable control for coatings is the verification of coating elasticity. Cylindrical or conical coating bend testers, impact testers and cupping tester are the most common devices employed for this type of test.
However, it is also possible to carry out surface-type checks on the substrate coatings, thus to evaluate their characteristics of surface hardness or resistance to scratching. Pencil hardness testers, pendulum hardness testers, constant or variable loading scratch testers are perfect for this checks.
A further check for coatings is the verification of abrasion or rubbing. This type of test is performed with rotational abrasion testers, wet abrasion testers and Solvent rub resistance testers.
