The impact testers for paints and coatings are instruments designed to evaluate the behaviour of a coating when subjected to rapid deformation caused by a falling mass. The test determines whether the coating develops cracks, fractures or detachment from the substrate following the impact.
Impact testing instruments are particularly useful for inspecting paints, protective coatings and finishes applied to substrates that are compatible with the method. A coating may appear uniform and properly applied under normal conditions, yet become damaged when the component is subjected to impact during production, assembly, handling or use. An impact test makes it possible to assess the ability of the film to withstand this stress without compromising coating continuity.
The test principle involves positioning the coated sample on the instrument and subjecting it to the impact of a mass dropped from a specified height. After the impact, the deformed area is examined to determine whether any cracking or detachment of the coating has occurred.
The test can be carried out as a pass/fail test, applying predefined impact conditions and determining whether the coating meets the specified requirement. Alternatively, a progressive evaluation can be carried out by increasing the drop height and/or the mass until the conditions that cause the first signs of cracking or separation from the substrate are identified.
Two models are available: the SAITS305 impact tester and the SAITS306 impact tester. Both perform tests on coatings subjected to impact, but differ in indenter configuration and applicable test references.
The SAITS305 is configured for testing in accordance with ISO 6272-2, which uses a smaller-area indenter to evaluate coating behaviour following localised rapid deformation. It is suitable for applications requiring the configuration specified by this method, particularly where the coating response needs to be assessed over a more concentrated impact area.
The SAITS306 is configured for testing in accordance with ISO 6272-1, using a larger-area indenter. This model is suitable for evaluating the impact resistance of paints and coatings applied to substrates that are compatible with the method, including coated panels and sheet metal exposed to rapid deformation. For applicable applications involving coil-coated products, this model can also be used for testing in accordance with EN 13523-5.
Both models can also be used for tests in accordance with ASTM D2794, a reference standard for assessing the resistance of organic coatings to the effects of rapid deformation caused by impact. The correct configuration must be selected according to the applicable standard, under evaluation and the requirements established for the test.
Impact testers are used to inspect painted panels, coated metallic components, protective coatings and finishes that could be exposed to accidental impact or stresses during processing and handling. The test is also useful for developing and comparing different coating systems, helping to determine which solution provides the most suitable result following impact.
In quality control, the test provides a simple way to verify whether a paint or coating meets the criterion defined by the inspection. In development laboratories, determining the conditions under which cracks or detachment first appear makes it possible to consistently compare materials, formulations and application processes.
The SAITS305 and SAITS306 impact testers for paints and coatings therefore provide dedicated solutions for performing impact-resistance tests on coatings and coated surfaces, with the model selected according to the required test configuration and applicable standard.
Applications
- Impact testing on paints and coatings applied to compatible substrates
- Assessment of cracks, fractures or detachment after impact
- Inspection of protective coatings and industrial finishes
- Verification of painted panels and coated metallic components
- Pass/fail tests under defined impact conditions
- Identification of the coating resistance limit to rapid deformation
- Comparison between different application cycles or coating formulations
- Quality-control checks and laboratory testing on coated surfaces
- Testing in accordance with ISO 6272-2 using SAITS305
- Testing in accordance with ISO 6272-1 using SAITS306
- Testing in accordance with ASTM D2794, according to the required configuration
- Testing in accordance with EN 13523-5 using SAITS306, where relevant to the application
FAQ – Impact testers for paints and coatings
What is an impact tester for coatings used for?
It is used to assess the behaviour of a paint or coating after deformation caused by a falling mass, verifying whether the coating shows cracks, fractures or detachment from the substrate.
How does an impact test on paint work?
The coated sample is positioned on the instrument and subjected to the impact of a mass dropped from a defined height. After impact, the deformed area is examined to verify any damage to the applied film.
What is the difference between a pass/fail test and a classification test?
In a pass/fail test, defined impact conditions are applied and the coating is checked against the specified requirement. In a classification test, the drop height and/or mass are progressively increased to identify the condition at which the coating begins to crack or detach.
Why perform an impact test on a coating?
The test verifies whether the film maintains its integrity when the coated component is subjected to impact or rapid deformation. It is useful both for quality control and for comparing different application systems.
What is the difference between SAITS305 and SAITS306?
SAITS305 is configured for testing in accordance with ISO 6272-2, with a smaller-area indenter. SAITS306 is configured for testing in accordance with ISO 6272-1, with a larger-surface indenter, and can also refer to EN 13523-5 where relevant to the application.
When should the SAITS305 model be selected?
SAITS305 is suitable when inspection must be carried out using the configuration specified by ISO 6272-2 and the response of the coating to rapid deformation concentrated in a smaller area must be assessed.
When should the SAITS306 model be selected?
SAITS306 is suitable where the test requires the configuration specified by ISO 6272-1 or, for relevant applications involving coil-coated products, EN 13523-5.
Can the impact testers be used for testing in accordance with ASTM D2794?
Yes. Both models include ASTM D2794 among the applicable reference standards. Test configuration must be selected according to the required method and the inspection to be performed.
Which coatings can be tested?
Tests can be carried out on paints, protective coatings and finishes applied to samples and substrates compatible with the selected method and instrument configuration.
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