The digital cupping testers for paints and coatings are instruments used to assess the behaviour of a coating applied to a metallic substrate when subjected to progressive deformation. The cupping test identifies the point at which the coating starts to show cracks, fractures or detachment, providing useful information for checking the resistance of the applied film during sheet-metal deformation.
The cupping test principle involves clamping the coated sample in the instrument and progressively deforming it using a punch. During advancement, the surface is observed until a defect appears; the depth reached at that point represents the test result and makes it possible to compare the behaviour of paints, enamels and coatings subjected to the same inspection.
This test is particularly important where the painted metallic substrate must subsequently be formed, stamped or deformed. A coating may appear uniform after application but show cracking or loss of adhesion when the sheet is subjected to the intended processing. The cupping tester therefore makes it possible to verify whether the applied film can follow substrate deformation while maintaining its continuity.
Digital cupping testers are suitable for testing paints, enamels and protective coatings applied to metallic samples compatible with the method. They can be used during coating-system development, production quality control and comparative checks between different formulations, surface treatments or application conditions.
Two models are available: the manual digital cupping tester SACT309 and the automatic digital cupping tester SACT310. Both identify the depth at which a defect appears in the coating, but they differ in test execution and surface-observation method.
The SACT309 is a manual model, suitable where the operator wants to control advancement directly during inspection. Observation of the sample is supported by an illuminated magnifier, useful for identifying cracks or detachment as deformation progresses. The depth reached when the defect appears is displayed digitally.
This configuration is a practical solution for individual tests, laboratory activities and inspections where the operator follows coating behaviour directly during cupping. The digital reading makes it possible to associate observation of the defect with the value measured on the sample.
The SACT310 is an automatic model designed to perform the test with speed-controlled movement. This reduces operator influence during deformation and supports better operational repeatability, particularly where numerous samples must be analysed or different coating systems compared.
On the automatic model, the digital camera allows the tested surface to be displayed directly on screen and makes it easier to identify the appearance of a defect during advancement. This configuration is particularly useful for repeated tests, laboratory activities and quality procedures where more uniform inspection conditions are required.
The choice between SACT309 and SACT310 therefore depends on test frequency and the required level of control. The manual model is suitable where the operator wants to follow test execution directly and the number of tests is limited; the automatic model is preferable where tests are numerous, several samples must be compared or variability linked to manual deformation control must be reduced.
The digital cupping testers SACT309 and SACT310 are used for testing in accordance with ISO 1520, the reference for assessing the resistance of paints, varnishes and coatings to cracking or detachment from the substrate during progressive cupping deformation.
Cupping tests on coatings are used for inspecting painted panels, coated sheet metal intended for forming operations, metallic components subject to subsequent deformation and samples prepared to compare the response of different coating systems. Identifying the point at which the film starts to be damaged provides a practical assessment of coating suitability for the intended processing.
The digital cupping testers for paints and coatings therefore make it possible to check coating resistance to deformation on metallic substrates, with a choice between manual execution with assisted observation and automatic testing with controlled movement and digital-camera viewing.
Applications
- Cupping tests on paints and coatings applied to metallic substrates
- Assessment of cracks, fractures or detachment during deformation
- Inspection of painted panels and coated sheet metal intended for forming operations
- Verification of enamels, protective coatings and paint systems applied to metal
- Comparison of different coatings or application conditions
- Quality-control checks on coated metallic samples
- Manual tests with direct observation of the coating
- Automatic tests with controlled movement for series of samples
- Testing in accordance with ISO 1520
FAQ – Digital cupping testers for paints and coatings
What is a digital cupping tester for coatings used for?
It is used to assess the behaviour of paint or a coating applied to a metallic substrate during progressive deformation. The test identifies the depth at which cracks, fractures or coating detachment appear.
How does a cupping test on paint work?
The coated sample is clamped in the instrument and progressively deformed using a punch. During the test, the surface is observed until a defect appears and the corresponding cupping depth is recorded.
What does the test result indicate?
The result indicates the depth at which the coating starts to show a defect during substrate deformation. This value makes it possible to compare the resistance to deformation of different paints or coating systems.
Why perform a cupping test on painted sheet metal?
The test is useful where coated sheet metal will subsequently be formed, stamped or deformed. It verifies whether the paint maintains its integrity or develops cracks and detachment during processing.
What is the difference between SACT309 and SACT310?
SACT309 is a manual model that allows the operator to control the test directly and observe the coating through an illuminated magnifier. SACT310 is automatic, performs deformation with controlled movement and uses a digital camera to display the surface during testing.
When should the manual SACT309 cupping tester be selected?
SACT309 is suitable for individual tests or activities where the operator wants to control advancement directly and visually follow coating behaviour during deformation.
When should the automatic SACT310 cupping tester be selected?
SACT310 is preferable where tests are numerous, several samples must be compared or operator influence must be reduced to improve operational repeatability.
What is the advantage of the digital camera on the automatic model?
The camera allows the coated surface to be observed on screen during deformation, making it easier to identify the appearance of cracks or detachment during the test.
Which materials can be tested?
The test is performed on paints and coatings applied to metallic substrates compatible with the selected method and instrument configuration.
Which standard applies to the cupping test?
Digital cupping testers SACT309 and SACT310 are used for testing in accordance with ISO 1520, relating to the assessment of the resistance of paints, varnishes and coatings to cracking or detachment during progressive cupping deformation.
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