Physical Test Equipment
When assessing a coating for suitability for a particular application the testing of the physical properties such as bendability, impact resistance, hardness, washability and abrasion resistance are all required to provide information for decision making. Testing of the pigments using fineness of grind gauges, determining the specific gravity of the coating using density cups, measuring the viscosity using viscosity cups or rotational viscometers and assessing the drying time all provide information for the coating technical data sheets.
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Gloss & Reflectance
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Visual appearance can determine a person’s perception of a product. Colour and Gloss are two key parameters that are used to define a product’s overall quality. Perception is subjective, but Elcometer’s range of gloss meters, DOI meters and colour assessment equipment can quantify appearance measurement. The ability of a surface to reflect light without scattering is known as gloss. Using a gloss meter, gloss is measured by directing a constant intensity light beam at a fixed angle to the test surface and then by monitoring the amount of reflected light at the same angle. Different surfaces require different reflective angles.
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Colour Management
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A material’s ability to absorb certain wavelengths of light and reflect others is defined as its colour. For example a black material reflects no light across the complete colour spectrum. A pure white material reflects all of the light, whilst all other colours reflect light at different points of the spectrum. Colour is quantified by the material’s Red, Green and Blue (RGB) values.
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Fineness of Grind/Dispersion
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From the development of coatings, inks & cosmetics in the laboratory to testing during the production process, quick and precise measurement of the particle size of the material (Dispersion) and volumetric mass (Density) are essential measurement techniques required for reliable and repeatable formulations.
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Density & Specific Gravity
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To maintain consistency of a coating, the Density should remain constant from batch to batch. Density Cups, also known as Specific Gravity Cups or Picnometers, are used to determine the mass per unit volume (Specific Gravity) of a liquid at a given temperature. Specific Gravity is defined as the ratio of the density of a given substance to the density of water, when both are at the same temperature. As the Specific Gravity Cup is an exact measurement of the volume of the liquid, it is imperative that the exact weight of the sample is obtained.
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Viscosity & Flow Measurement
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Viscosity is perceived as ‘thickness’ or resistance to pouring, but there is more to viscosity than this. All fluids have an internal friction between molecules, which determines how well fluid flows. Due to this internal friction, energy is required to move the liquid and viscosity is the measure of the resistance to flow. Elcometer manufactures and supplies a wide range of viscosity gauges from flow cups to dip cups to rotational viscometers.
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Film Application & Test Charts
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For numerous products, such as paint, ink, varnishes, glue and cosmetics, the reliability of many laboratory tests is directly related to the quality and consistency of the samples. Any measurements made on coatings for the purpose of describing their physical properties (drying time, elasticity, abrasion, gloss, colour, shade, etc.) are made on the basis of uniform and comparable samples with precisely controlled thickness.
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Drying Time & Permeability
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When developing a coating process, it is important to know the exact time it takes for the coating to dry or cure. For multicoat paint systems, having knowledge of the drying time enables the operator to know when any subsequent layers can be applied. There are many stages involved in the coating drying time. Once a coating has been applied, it levels off under gravity, and, as the coating begins to cure, a thin dry film appears on the surface. The coating then continues to dry until, finally, it is totally cured.
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Washability & Abrasion
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Improved mechanical resistance to wear is a key requirement of a wide range of products. From coatings to clothing, leather to upholstery, keypads to plastic toys, a product’s ability to resist wear is an important characteristic. There are testing methods relating to the ‘abrasion by friction’ concept. Others are based on the projection of abrasive particles on to the test specimen. These techniques provide valuable information about materials and processes.
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Hardness & Scratch Resistance
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Hardness can be defined as a material’s resistance to permanent deformation. In the coatings industry, hardness measurement can be used to determine the resistance of the coating to scratching from general wear and tear and also if a coating is fully cured.
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Elasticity, Bend & Impact Testers
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The performance of coatings when influenced by external stresses caused by stretching, bending or impact, determines their suitability for their designed application. A coating designed for use in the coil coating industry, for example, should have the ability to stretch as the substrate is formed into its desired shape without damage.
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Flash Point
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When developing any solvent based liquid including paint, coating or ink it is imperative that the flash point is determined and declared in order to meet the stringent transport regulations laid down by governments around the world. Flash Point is defined as “the lowest temperature of a liquid at which its vapours will form a combustible mixture with air”. It is a convenient and reliable classification of the “flammability” of many substances.
