Coating Analysis
Coating analysis provides a detailed assessment of protective and functional coatings, ensuring their performance, reliability, and compliance with specifications. Coatings are critical for protecting materials from corrosion, wear, and environmental damage, making an in-depth understanding of their structure and integrity essential for quality assurance and failure prevention. Advanced imaging and analytical techniques deliver precise insights into coating performance, supporting process optimization and high-quality standards.
By examining coatings at both the surface and subsurface levels, potential defects such as porosity, delamination, or microcracks can be identified before they lead to failure. Quantitative measurements of thickness, uniformity, and adhesion provide a basis for verifying compliance with industry standards and customer requirements. This comprehensive approach allows for informed decision-making in design, manufacturing, and maintenance processes, helping to extend component life and enhance overall reliability.
Coating evaluation is performed using a combination of advanced techniques to ensure a thorough understanding of both surface and subsurface characteristics. 3D optical microscopy provides high-resolution imaging and profilometry to assess surface topography, uniformity, and visible defects. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) enables detailed examination of coating microstructure, revealing morphology, porosity, and potential failure points, with optional elemental analysis through Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). Cross-sectional analysis allows precise measurement of coating thickness, evaluation of adhesion, and detection of internal defects such as cracks, voids, and delamination.
Together, these techniques provide a complete and quantitative assessment of coating integrity and performance. The resulting data supports verification of compliance with industry standards, identification of failure modes, and optimization of coating processes, ensuring that materials meet demanding operational requirements and maintain long-term reliability.
