Physical testing

Optical readings say nothing about whether a coating will last. That is what the mechanical tests are for: pendulum damping and pencil hardness for the degree of crosslinking, cross cut and pull-off for adhesion, falling ball and cupping for formability, scrub and abrasion tests for service load. Almost every one of these tests is standardised — and the standard describes not only the instrument but also sample preparation, climate and evaluation.

The same category holds the classic laboratory figures that belong in a test report: drying time as a curve rather than a single value, density via the pycnometer, fineness of grind via the grindometer. They are simple to use but sensitive to how they are carried out — they only become reproducible with uniform sample preparation and trained staff.

What matters when choosing

• Test standard first — it fixes instrument, sample and evaluation
• Test panels and substrate must match the standard, not just the component
• Plan for a conditioned test room and sample ageing
• Manual or motor-driven version — weigh reproducibility against investment
• Evaluation: single value, mean or documented image
• Budget for wearing parts such as cutters, blades and test media

Instruments in this category

Trade names from our range. Click a name to ask Corvus — he knows the technical data and helps you narrow things down.

Data sheets, operating manuals and quotations are available on request. We quote prices individually, because configuration, accessories and the scope of calibration decide the figure.

After the purchase

An instrument is only worth something once its readings hold up. Calibration, adjustment, repair and operator training are handled from Aesch — the same contact, the same language.