PRODUCT TESTING
We perform a myriad of tests on our products so that we can say with confidence that we are the industry's leader in durability, hardness, scratch resistance, flexibility and chemical resistance.
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE
Cerakote's® chemical resistance was analyzed using a variety of solvents under extreme conditions. Coated panels were submerged in a solution for a period of 24 hours. Samples were then removed, analyzed and assigned a rating based on the average color change across all solvents tested. The results of this test are shown in the table.
HARDNESS
Hardness, or Pencil Hardness (ASTM D3363), is measured by using different grades of pencil lead to cut through a coating surface. To conduct this test, a coated panel is placed on a flat, horizontal surface. A weighted trolley with the hardest pencil lead (9h) is placed on the panel and pushed away from the operator. The length of the stroke should be about 6.5 mm. This process is repeated until a lead is found that will not cut through the coating to the substrate for a distance of at least 3 mm. This is the pencil hardness rating. This process is then repeated until a lead is found that will not cut nor scratch the coating (this is the scratch rating).
Cerakote® H-146 Graphite Black finished strong with a 9h hardness rating, the highest hardness rating that can be achieved.
ADHESION
Adhesion (ASTM D3359), is a test method to analyze whether a coating has adhered to a substrate. Cerakote Elite Series and H Series coatings were applied to a set of steel panels and a crosshatch pattern was made through the coating to the substrate. Pressure-sensitive tape was applied over the crosshatch cut and then the tape was smoothed into place over the area of the incisions. The tape is then removed by pulling it off rapidly back over itself at approximately a 180° angle. The adhesion of the coating to the steel is assessed on a 0B to 5B scale (shown). Cerakote Elite and H Series coatings 'finished strong' with a 5B adhesion rating, the highest adhesion rating possible.
Cerakote® H-146 Finished Strong with a 5B adhesion rating, the highest adhesion rating possible.
COLOR MEASUREMENT
We use three separate devices during production to accurately measure the color and gloss of our coatings. The following tools are used to ensure the strict color standard is met with every coating manufactured by Cerakote®: the X-Rite Ci6X Color Spectrophotometer, the X-Rite AcuGloss Reader, and the X-Rite Judge LightBox.
DURABILITY
Impact Resistance (ASTM D2794) measures the resistance of organic coatings to the effects of rapid deformation (Impact). Impact resistance is measured by placing a coated panel in an universal impact tester. A standard weight is dropped a distance to strike an indenter that deforms the coating and the substrate. The indentation can be either an intrusion or an extrusion. By gradually increasing the distance the weight drops, (2 inches at a time) the point at which failure occurs can be determined by cracking or delamination of the coating.
All Cerakote Elite and nearly every Cerakote H Series have an impact strength measuring 160 inch-lbs., which is the maximum the impact tester can measure.
PHOTOPOLYMERS
Cerakote provides long-term UV protection of UV-sensitive photopolymers. We collaborated with PolySpectra on their COR(Cyclic Olefin Resin) Alpha material on a 1,000 hour Accelerated UV Test(ASTM 4587). The combination of the durable and robust COR Alpha material and Cerakote’s C-Series coatings provides an excellent end-use part that can be utilized in harsh long-term outdoor exposed applications.
MULTI JET FUSION
Testing adhesion(ASTM D3359), hardness(ASTM D3363), chemical resistance(ASTM D4752), and color consistency(ASTM D1729), Cerakote is the industry-leading post-processing finish for Multi Jet Fusion Nylon 12 parts.