Coatings for corrosion and wear resistance
If a metal is used in its raw manufactured state, it is likely to go through many changes: it might corrode, become unsightly, and wear away or even shatter if used in moving parts. To overcome these issues, metallic coatings are applied to the bare metal, to enhance appearance and ensure long in-service life. Examples of coatings applications are:
In decorative finishing process, chrome is often thinly coated onto metal to provide both corrosion resistance and a decorative finish. It is widely used for automotive trims, e.g. car badges, and bathroom accessories such as taps, showers etc.
For wear resistance, titanium is commonly coated on steel, for example
on high speed tool drills.
For corrosion resistance, a coating of zinc is typically applied to a metal surface to form a protective barrier against oxidation. This coating will ensure long in-service life of items such as fasteners, nuts and bolts, etc.
Coatings can be applied as single or multiple layers, providing different properties to the original component. Careful control of the layers thickness and uniformity is important to ensure products specification are met, and production costs are tightly controlled.
The technique of choice to measure coating thickness is energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry. Its benefits include:
- Rapid, cost-effective analysis (results in seconds)
- Non destructive analysis: no sample preparation
- Analysis of a wide range of elements
- Analysis of solids and of plating solutions
The CMI900 is an easy to use, field proven, benchtop EDXRF analyser tailored to measure a wide range of metallic coatings and plating solutions. The built-in camera provides a magnified image of the sample, enabling to clearly locate the area of measurement on the sample, even small. The analysis of a sample consists of three simple steps: 1- Place sample on the analysis tray; 2- At the click of a button, optimise the camera focus to ensure reliable results; 3- Press the Go button to start the analysis. Results are displayed within seconds, offering routine production and quality control analysis with associated increased productivity and process cost optimisation.
The X-Strata980 is a high performance instrument for coating thickness and composition analysis. It has also been optimised for the screening of samples for compliance to regulations and directives such as RoHS (Restriction on the use of certain Hazardous Substances). Additionally to the benefits listed above, the X-Strata980's large analysis chamber allows the measurement of large and/or oddly-shaped parts and components. The combination of its 100 watt X-ray tube and high resolution detector provides outstanding precision, accuracy, and long-term stability, ensuring reliable results day-in day-out.
An extensive list of optimised application solutions is available for both products. To learn more, please click on the links to a specific instrument or contact us for more information.