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