Evaluations in Corrosion Testing

The Impact of Corrosion: Why Corrosion Testing Matters

Corrosion poses a major challenge for industries that rely on metal surfaces. Businesses today commonly run tests for corrosion to evaluate how well protective strategies like coatings and passivation layers are at protecting metals from harsh environments. In our recent webinar, Q-Lab’s Technical Director for Testing Services, Michael Crewdson, explored the latest techniques in performing evaluations in accelerated corrosion testing to get the most complete information on coatings performance from corrosion testing programs.

Rust Evaluation and Scribing Techniques

Rust is not always an immediate sign of failure in corrosion evaluations. The webinar covered the role of rust staining and how it differs from primary corrosion failure. By using ASTM D610 and ISO test standards, Crewdson explained how to assess various rust types—including pinpoint, general, and spot rusting—using visual comparisons or image analysis software.

Scribing Methods for Accurate Corrosion Testing

A critical aspect of corrosion testing is scribing, where controlled damage is introduced to coatings to simulate corrosion growth. The session covered best practices for performing accurate scribing, using tools like a lathe bit. Cutting through to the bare metal ensures reproducible results, which is crucial for corrosion evaluations in scab rust and blistering tests. This method allows for precise measurements of rust creepage, helping to assess the protective performance of coatings.

Q-Lab's Corrosion Testing Solutions

For those looking to conduct accelerated corrosion testing in a controlled environment, Q-Lab’s accelerated corrosion test chambers offer both precise and reliable testing. In just a few days or weeks, Q‑Lab’s line of Q‑FOG test chambers can reproduce the damage that occurs over months or years outdoors.

For businesses looking for the same level of corrosion testing precision at a fraction of the cost, Q-Lab’s Corrosion Testing Services offer a practical solution. Our expert corrosion exposures and evaluations help companies enhance product durability, improve coating formulations, and meet industry test standards like ASTM and ISO for corrosion resistance.

Want More Information on Corrosion Testing?

This brand-new session on evaluations testing is just one of many educational presentations on corrosion and weathering testing available from Q-Lab. Stay up-to-date with all of Q-Lab's upcoming educational events and view our extensive corrosion material in our events library.

Ready to get your testing journey underway? Contact our team today!

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