The ATS Family of Companies (ATS FoC) performs scribe creep services to determine the corrosion resistance of coated materials.
What is Scribe Creep?
Scribe creep occurs when a technician intentionally creates a “scribe” or scratch in a coating to observe how corrosion spreads from the initial scratch site to other areas beneath the protective coating. During scribe creep evaluations, technicians measure the distance corrosion travels through the protective layers towards the metal substrate, enabling them to determine the material’s corrosion resistance. Scribe creep is often associated with the ASTM D1654 standard.
What is ASTM D1654?
The ASTM D1654 testing standard establishes a standardized procedure for evaluating the corrosion resistance of metal pretreatments and coatings subjected to corrosive elements. The test procedure involves the following steps:
Preparation
- Technicians prepare metallic test specimens by applying a coating material with the desired thickness to the metallic substrate. The size of a specimen is often at least 10 cm x 15cm with a thickness of 0.3mm, but the size may vary.
Exposure to Corrosive Elements
- Technicians scribe an “X” or straight line through the coating until the substrate is exposed. Technicians then subject the sample to accelerated corrosion tests involving humidity, salt spray, or cyclic corrosion.
Evaluation
Following the sample’s exposure to the corrosive properties, technicians use a specialized tool to remove the coating to determine how far the corrosion traveled from the scribe. The distance is measured in mm, and the less the corrosion traveled, the higher the sample’s corrosion resistance.
Rating System
Specimens evaluated in accordance with the ASTM D1654 standard receive a rating number. A rating of 10 indicates that the sample did not experience any and a rating of zero signifies that it experienced over 16 mm of creep.
Our Scribe Creep Testing Services
Our experts provide professional ASTM D1654 scribe creep testing that determines the corrosion resistance of protective coatings. Our environmental testing lab is equipped with the cutting-edge equipment needed to simulate the real-world environmental conditions your product may experience. Our scribe creep tests enable our clients to ensure their products and coatings meet industry performance and durability standards. Our services benefit businesses in various industries, including the automotive, aerospace, and marine industries.
Contact Us
To learn more about our scribe creep tests or many other environmental testing services, call us at +1 (888) 287-5227 or submit a web form.
