Coating and Surface Treatment Testing with METL
From identifying compositions and measuring thicknesses to determining bonding, cohesion and adhesion strengths - coating evaluation is essential for quality control, acceptance testing, qualification of equipment and procedures. METL can analyze a wide variety of coating types using spectroscopy, metallography and mechanical testing methods.
Macro/Micro Hardness
Many coatings and platings are used for wear resistance and have hardness requirements. We can help ensure your part meets the needs for which it was designed.
Applicable Specifications
ASTM E384
Metallography
Examinations can include overall quality assurance, coating thickness, additive determination, coating structure, coating failure analysis, and more.
Applicable Specifications
ASTM E3, ASTM B487, ASTM B748
See Failure Analysis
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) can be used on both metallic and non-metallic surfaces to observe and identify layers, additives, and analyze coating failures.
Applicable Specifications
ASTM B748
See Scanning Electron Microscopy
Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS)
Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) can help measure the chemical composition of metallic coating layers and additives in organic layers.
Applicable Specifications
ASTM E1508
Passivation Testing
Free iron on the surface of your sample can be identified easily and quickly using a copper sulfate liquid solution.
Applicable Specifications
ASTM A380, AMS 2700
Surface Roughness
Using a digital profilometer we can measure the surface roughness of your sample. Common roughness parameters reported include Ra, Rq (RMS), Rz, Rt, Rp, Rv. Additional parameters are available upon request.
Applicable Specifications
ISO 4287:1997
Salt Spray Corrosion
A common, routine test that evaluates a coating's resistance to corrosion in a high-chloride environment over extended periods of time.
Applicable Specifications
ASTM B117
Coating Weight
By stripping a coating from its substrate we can measure its weight by difference.
Applicable Specifications
MIL-A-8625, ASTM B137
Bond Strength
Test the adhesion or cohesion of thermal spray coatings.
Applicable Specifications
ASTM C633
Lap Shear
Adhesives can be bonded to two lapped metal substrates and pulled in tension to evaluate the strength of the bond.
Applicable Specifications
ASTM D1002
Lug Test
METL can test the pull-off strength of your coating with a standardized testing apparatus.
Applicable Specifications
ASTM D4541
Coating Adhesion
There are 11 standard procedures to test the coating adhesion of your plating depending on the geometry and material of your part.
Applicable Specifications
ASTM B571
Paint Adhesion
Using the Tape test method, METL can ensure the quality of your paint adhesion.
Applicable Specifications
ASTM D3359
Taber Abrasion
Testing of abrasion resistance on materials, coatings, platings and paints.
Applicable Specifications
MIL-A-8625, MIL-PRF-24712, MIL-PRF-24613, ASTM B733, ASTM B607, ASTM B893, ISO 10074, ISO 7784-1, and other specifications that reference ASTM D4060 and ASTM G195
Coatings And Surface Treatments We Analyze
The following are examples of coatings or surface treatments we are capable of testing, measuring, identifying or examining. Don’t see what you need? Due to the vast industry of coating technology everything we analyze may not be listed. Contact us to find out more.
Thermal Spray Coatings
Including Plasma Spray, Detonation Spray, Twin Wire Arc Spray, Flame Spray, Cold Spray, High Velocity Oxygen Fuel Spray (HVOF), and High Velocity Air Fuel Spray (HVAF)
Thermal Spray Coatings
Including Plasma Spray, Detonation Spray, Twin Wire Arc Spray, Flame Spray, Cold Spray, High Velocity Oxygen Fuel Spray (HVOF), and High Velocity Air Fuel Spray (HVAF)
Diffusion
Including Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and Plasma Vapor Deposition (PVD)
Diffusion
Including Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and Plasma Vapor Deposition (PVD)
Conversion Coatings
Including chromate conversion coatings, phosphate conversion coatings, bluing, black oxide coatings, and anodizing
Conversion Coatings
Including chromate conversion coatings, phosphate conversion coatings, bluing, black oxide coatings, and anodizing
Platings
We analyze a wide variety of platings which includes, but is not limited to, strike platings, electroless nickel plating, hard chrome plating, cadmium plating, and galvanizing
Platings
We analyze a wide variety of platings which includes, but is not limited to, strike platings, electroless nickel plating, hard chrome plating, cadmium plating, and galvanizing
Dry Film Lubricants
Including Molybdenum Disulfide, PTFE and Graphite
Dry Film Lubricants
Including Molybdenum Disulfide, PTFE and Graphite
Paints & Primers
We can help classify the base of many paints and primers including alkyd, epoxy, and polyurethane coats
Paints & Primers
We can help classify the base of many paints and primers including alkyd, epoxy, and polyurethane coats
Passivation
Free iron can easily be identified using a copper sulfate solution
Passivation
Free iron can easily be identified using a copper sulfate solution
Alclad Layers
METL can identify and measure alclad layers on aluminum alloys through cross-sectional examination
Alclad Layers
METL can identify and measure alclad layers on aluminum alloys through cross-sectional examination
Grit Blasting / Sand Blasting / Shot Peening
Embedded grit or mechanical deformation can be identified and classified using high magnification imaging
Grit Blasting / Sand Blasting / Shot Peening
Embedded grit or mechanical deformation can be identified and classified using high magnification imaging
Additives
Including metallic and non-metallic particles, flakes, fibers or phases
Additives
Including metallic and non-metallic particles, flakes, fibers or phases
Why METL
We provide third-party testing to ensure viability and reliability
Affordable
As an independent laboratory we have the freedom to offer extremely competitive rates without compromising our integrity.
Trusted Knowledge
With Over 45 years of service to customers of many industries, you can trust that you are getting the highest quality results.
Fast Service
We work with your schedule. Need your results by a specific date? Let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your requirements.