Surface World June 2019 Surface World June 2019 | Page 40

IMF: THE INSTITUTE OF MATERIALS FINISHING The Southern Branch of the IMF – “Coatings – Are you up for it?” The Southern Branch of the IMF in conjunction with Fischer Instruments held an afternoon mini symposium entitled “Coatings – Are you up for it?” at Fischer Instruments, Lymington, Hampshire on the afternoon of Tuesday 14th May 2019. Simple Coatings Thickness measurement was explained by means of Magnetic Induction (used for ferrous base) and Eddy Current (non-ferrous). With Magnetic induction this used for electroplated deposits such as chromium, nickel, zinc etc. plated on iron. It also works for painted and plastic coated articles. Eddy Current tends to be used on aluminum substrates again electroplated, painted or plastic coated and anodize. The varying types of instrument were shown to suit all the different applications and material shapes as this does reflect which probe is required. X-ray Fluorescence Analysis was then described. This has the advantage of measuring multiple layers of different substrates/ coatings and also very thin coatings for metallic coatings. The result of the X-ray analysis gives a spectral analysis, which in turn can identify what metals are present, and quantity. A description of how the X-ray instrument operates was shown, describing all the various parts and their use. Emphasis was on safety to the operator with regards to X-rays and all the interlocks that are in place on the units supplied Mechanical testing of coatings was then discussed. There are two instruments available: The Nano Indenter and the Scratch tester. The symposium was designed to be both informative with a Welcome Presentation presented by Darin Enefer of followed by two papers given by Clive Arnold (Lloyds Register) and Alexander Dorodko (Fischer Instruments). Interspersed between the papers were practical demonstrations by Paul Cave on their latest measurement technology. Modern day industry is now demanding higher and higher standards and fully in-line automated measuring systems with direct connection to a quality management system is now possible together with world wide support by highly qualified technicians. Clive Arnold from Lloyds Register presented a paper on “Marine Coatings and Approvals” The Nano Indenter uses an indenter ball (available in different types such as Vickers Pyramid, Knoop pyramid, Rockwell cone etc.) to produce a tiny indent on the surface, which can then give the elastic modulus and hardness of the material, the scratch tester literally scratches the surface of the coating in order to test the adhesion. Typical Nano Indentation applications are: Hard chrome, gold coatings, toughness of metal foils, mechanical properties of thin anodised layers, hardness of paint coatings and many more. In between the papers, Paul Cave demonstrated the instruments in the laboratory and people were allowed to bring along their samples for testing. In this paper he described how the marine sector had its own class structure which has its own rules as governed by the International Maritime Organisation. Using these rules the building of the vessel must comply to them in order to ensure that the vessel is truly seaworthy and surveying organisations worldwide together with nine major classification societies carry out these surveys, one of which is Lloyds Register. Clive then went on to discuss marine paint systems and the various layers used in order for the vessel to withstand the salt water from the sea and meet the desired properties of adhesion, cohesion, toughness and flexibility. Our final speaker was Alexander Dorodko (Business Development Manager) for Fischer Instruments who gave a presentation on Laser Coating Analysis and Measurement Techniques. 38 JUNE 2019 For Membership enquiries, Education and Training issues and the submission of papers for Transactions please contact Karen Yates using karen@materialsfi nishing.org For Technical enquiries, REACH issues and matters not covered by the above then contact Helen Wood using helen@materialsfi nishing.org Telephone: 0121 622 7387 Visit: www.materialsfi nishing.org read online: www.surfaceworld.com