UKAS Accreditation Awarded for On-Site Coatings Testing

Having the right coating system can ensure long term performance in a range of conditions and environments through reduced corrosion and improved durability. ESG’s extensive expertise in paints and coatings testing provides clients with an in depth understanding around the cause and prevention of corrosion.

With the new accreditation, ESG can provide quality assured on-site testing including: cross-cut tests, film thickness, determination of gloss value, surface profile of blast cleaned steel and pull-off strength of coatings*.

Cross-cut tests are used to determine the resistance of coatings to separation from substrates, while film thickness is a critical measurement needed to determine the impact on the coating process, quality and cost. The determination of gloss value at 20, 60 and 85 degrees measures specular reflection; this test is often used for aesthetic purposes but can also indicate the coating break down.

Before painting, steel is blasted to roughen the surface. This needs to meet specification, hence the need to test the surface profile. Also falling under the new UKAS accreditation, pull-off strength of coating measures the adhesion of a coating by assessing the minimum tensile stress needed to detach or rupture the coating.

With the above on-site tests now adhering to internationally recognised standards, ESG can inform and support clients on the correct selection and application of coatings for quality assurance.

Ryan Emery, operations manager, Coatings, ESG, commented: 

* A listing of ESG’s UKAS accredited activities can be found in our schedule of accreditation – Testing Laboratory 0001