The practice of metal coating is now an ancient practice that is a part of almost all industries. Metallic coatings not only improve their appearance aesthetically, but also protect them by protecting them from external environmental pollution, which can destroy their structural and quality properties. Among the most dangerous are corrosives. In this article, we gain insight from industry experts on how ASTM B117-based salt spray Testers can help accurately test coated metals.
Relevance and Challenges of Coated Metal Corrosion Testing
Metals consist mainly of iron and other metal molecules. As such, they tend to react very quickly to corrosive environments. Especially in the absence of an effective coating, they can react with and oxidize with oxygen molecules in the surrounding water, humidity or salt spray. Over time, the reaction can cause corrosion and even damage the product from the inside out.
Corrosion is a natural factor that cannot be controlled, what can be done is to protect the metal surface from the surrounding elements by adding an effective barrier in between. But how do we know that the coating is effective enough to be chosen for a particular metal.
ASTM B117 Salt Spray Test Apparatus - Solutions to Salt Spray Testing Challenges
The field of quality testing equipment manufacturing has brought FRP based salt spray testing machine through thorough market research and laboratory analysis by an experienced technical team. This particular standard defines the rules for how to conduct corrosion tests on coated metals. They specify the parameters to be preserved, chamber design, angles and the overall process. This standard is accepted worldwide and is the most accurate testing process. The Tester is made of a fiber reinforced body that protects the machine itself from corrosion in the long term. This is a very important feature that many machines of this type do not have. As a result of successive corrosion test cycles, they start to corrode and interfere with test results.
Among other things, the chamber provides features such as a continuous flow salt spray funnel connected to a salt solution tank. A pH balance checker and safety features ensure a warning signal is given before overheating or test solution completion. In the long run, using ASTM-based machines can help users and improve the quality of coating materials.
