The Applied Technical Services Family of Companies (ATS FoC) conducts coating failure analysis to identify the root cause of detachment or breakdown.
In addition to enhancing appearance, coatings can provide a protective barrier between the external environment and the material beneath. Inconsistent application, drying time, or thickness can cause deterioration, leaving materials vulnerable to corrosion or damage. Coating failure analysis identifies degradation mechanisms, guiding corrective actions, and process improvements.
What Methods do Testing Labs Use to Identify Paint Failure?
Coating failures often originate from issues with surface preparation, environment, materials, or application. Testing labs assess these factors by analyzing substrate material, coating uniformity, chemistry, service environment, and application methods.
Our experts routinely investigate coating defects using methods such as:
- Coating Thickness Measurement
- Adhesion Testing
- Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
- Visual and Macroscopic Inspection
- Metallography
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with EDS
- Corrosion Testing and Analysis
Common defects include adhesion failure, sub-coating corrosion, blistering, cracking, peeling, chalking, fading, and chemical degradation.
Coating Labs that Deliver Reliable Results
ATS paint and coating testing labs help ensure your coatings perform as intended. We offer chemical analysis and corrosion testing to help you reduce costs and minimize waste.
In addition to coating failure analysis, our labs offer a range of paint and coating tests to applicable standards, including:
- EPA 24: VOC Testing
- ISO 2812- 1,2,3,4,5: Immersion in Liquids
- ASTM B117 / DIN EN ISO 9227 NSS: Salt Spray Testing
- ASTM 3170 / ISO 20567-1 / SAE J400: Chip Resistance
- ASTM D2247 / DIN EN ISO 6270-2CH: Humidity
- ASTM D3363: Pencil Hardness
- ASTM D2244: Color Testing
- ASTM G154: UV Fluorescent
- ASTM D2794: Impact Testing
- ASTM 3170 / ISO 20567-1 / SAE J400: Chip Resistance / Gravelometer
- ASTM D3359 / DIN EN ISO 2409: Tape Adhesion Testing
With over 50 years of experience, ATS is a leader in testing, inspection, calibration, and consulting (TICC) services. We hold multiple ISO 9001:2015 registrations and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditations, reflecting our commitment to quality.
Contact Us
To identify the root cause of coating failure, contact ATS through our web form or by calling +1 (888) 287-5227.
