Coatings

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

Questions?

Contact us for a quote or for any information about our capabilities!

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.

Commonly Asked Questions