Coating Analysis
A detailed assessment of protective and functional coatings, verifying their performance, reliability, and compliance with specification by measuring thickness, uniformity, and adhesion and detecting defects such as porosity, delamination, and microcracks.
Laboratory
Thickness · uniformity · adhesion
Porosity · delamination · cracks
3D optical · SEM · EDS
Coating analysis verifies that a protective or functional coating meets its specification, measuring thickness, uniformity, and adhesion and detecting hidden defects such as porosity, delamination, and microcracks before they let the part beneath fail.
What coating analysis delivers
Coating analysis provides a detailed assessment of protective and functional coatings, ensuring their performance, reliability, and compliance with specifications. The service identifies defects such as porosity, delamination, and microcracks while measuring thickness, uniformity, and adhesion to verify that a coating meets the relevant industry standards.
Analytical techniques
We characterize each coating with a combination of imaging and cross-sectional methods:
- 3D Optical Microscopy: high-resolution imaging and profilometry to assess surface topography, uniformity, and visible defects.
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM): detailed examination of coating microstructure, morphology, and porosity.
- Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS): optional elemental analysis of the coating and substrate.
- Cross-sectional Analysis: precise measurement of coating thickness, evaluation of adhesion, and detection of internal defects such as cracks, voids, and delamination.
Where it adds value
This assessment approach supports design optimization, manufacturing verification, maintenance planning, and component longevity across demanding operational environments.
Case study
We successfully analyzed a babbitt coating failure on roller bearings caused by insufficient lubrication and contact fatigue, a practical demonstration of using coating analysis to identify the underlying failure mode.
Coating cross-sections
Thermal-spray, plated, and specialty coatings under the microscope.
Often ordered together
Metallographic Examination
Cross-sectioning and coating-thickness measurement of the substrate and layers.
View serviceCorrosion Analysis
Evaluates the corrosion protection a coating is meant to provide.
View serviceSEM-EDS
High-magnification imaging and elemental micro-analysis of coating structure.
View serviceFrequently asked questions
What does coating analysis measure?
Coating thickness, uniformity, and adhesion, plus defects such as porosity, delamination, microcracks, voids, and poor bonding, checked against the relevant specification.
What techniques do you use?
3D optical microscopy and profilometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optional EDS elemental analysis of coating and substrate, and cross-sectional analysis for precise thickness and adhesion evaluation.
Why does coating analysis matter?
A coating only protects if it is the right thickness, well bonded, and free of hidden defects. Verifying those properties before service prevents premature failure of the part beneath.
Can you identify what type of coating is present?
Yes. Combining cross-sectioning, imaging, and elemental analysis, we can characterize coating composition and structure.
Where does coating analysis add value?
In design optimization, manufacturing verification, maintenance planning, and component longevity. For example, we analyzed a babbitt coating failure on roller bearings caused by insufficient lubrication and contact fatigue.
Is your coating performing to spec?
Send us the coated component and the specification. We will measure thickness, uniformity, and adhesion, flag any defects, and confirm compliance in a defensible report.