Quality Control & Testing
The ability to test our work to NACE standards through each stage of processing, gives us advantages over less well structured competitors in the blast and coating industry. Diligent quality control and random testing is vitally important in the quest for efficient and accurate media usage, saving waste, time, money and the environment.
Our in house, full time, NACE Level 3 Coatings Inspector, Jamie Reynolds, is your first point of contact regarding all things quality control, testing and written reports. Jamie, can be contacted via reception on 01953 888 200.
Listed below are some of the testing terms and methods used to ensure our customers receive a first class service and end product.
Blotter Test
The Blotter Test is carried out on a daily basis, to establish clean, dry air passes through the air lines from the compressors.
Blast Media Inspection
A visual inspection to determine the abrasive media is not contaminated with salt, oil and blast process contaminants. This also monitors the abrasive integrity of the media after recycling.
Blast Profile Test
To establish that the blast profile/anchor pattern, is sufficient for good coating adhesion, as per specifications/Ripblast procedures.
Environmental Conditions Test
Check air temperature, steel temp, dew point and relative humidity, to ensure blasting and coating operations are carried out within client specifications / Industry and Ripblast standards.
Soluble Salt Test, The Bresle Method
To determine the level of soluble salts on the substrate before coating is applied.
C.S.N
To determine the level of Chlorides, Sulphates and Nitrates on the substrate before blasting.
WFT: Wet Film Thickness
To determine the thickness of wet paint, to use as a guide to estimate what the film thickness will be when dry.
DFT: Dry Film Thickness
To determine the thickness of a dry coat of paint.
Low Voltage Holiday / Discontinuity Test
To establish that all the desired surface has been fully coated without causing damage to the coating.
Visual Check
Constant visual checks are carried out during the cleaning, blasting and coating processes, so any defects can be addressed and resolved.
Adhesion Test – Pull Off Test
The check the coating adhesion level to the substrate and test it is within specified parameters.
Adhesion Test – Bend Test
To establish how well a thermal sprayed coating, i.e. Zinc, Aluminium, Copper, Brass, Corten etc, has adhered to the substrate.
Batch Numbers
Batch numbers are recorded for each job to establish the traceability of all products used during processing.
Final Inspection
All finished items undergo a thorough final inspection before being passed onto dispatch. Although we are confident in our coating’s adhesion and durability, we do take extra precaution when proc- essing multiple batch orders, by performing relevant, random tests.
