We Don't Just Test Paint!
Whilst the Elcometer 4340 Automatic Film Applicator was originally developed to meet the needs of ASTM D 823-C (Standard Practices for Producing Films of Uniform Thickness of Paint, Coatings and Related Products on Test Panels),it is now used in many industrial applications globally outside of the paint industry from glues to cosmetics where repeatable film thickness application is required on test panels.
A coating is defined as a layer or film spread over a surface for protection or decoration.It is for this reason that the division is called the 'Coating' and not the 'Paint' Inspection Divison. At Elcometer, paint is simply just another coating.In fact, for much of Elcometer's range of inspection equipment, paint is only one of the products that can be tested. The Elcometer 4340 allows the user to create multiple samples of the same coating, drawing them at the same speed and thickness - ensuring repeatability and reproducibility - in order to undertake fair and accurate tests. A coating is defined as a layer or film spread over a surface for protection or decoration.It is for this reason that the division is called the 'Coating' and not the 'Paint' Inspection Divison. At Elcometer, paint is simply just another coating. In fact, for much of Elcometer's range of inspection equipment, paint is only one of the products that can be tested. The Elcometer 4340 allows the user to create multiple samples of the same coating, drawing them at the same speed and thickness - ensuring repeatability and reproducibility - in order to undertake fair and accurate tests.
Such tests are carried out to ensure the coating or product meets the user's specifications for a range of properties such as:
- Permeability
- Formation of pinholes and other defects
- Adhesion to substrates and to underlying coats
- Hiding power
- Resistance to ultraviolet radiation
- Abrasion resistance
- Hardness, elasticity and deformation
- Ease of cleaning
- Gloss and colour measurement
These tests are carried out by the Research & Development, Production and Quality Control departments or by third-party testing laboratories. The Elcometer 4340's precision-engineered flat aluminium table gives better film application repeatability due to its surface being five times flatter than traditional glass-based applicators. This, combined with its rugged design and interchangeable head attachments, can replicate multiple coating application methods - making it a versatile laboratory device, whatever the coating.