Digital Microscopes
Observation and Measurement of Coatings with a Digital Microscope
Coatings are utilized across various industries, but in the automotive and aerospace sectors, they provide effects such as increased material strength and added functionality. However, maximizing these effects hinges on selecting the optimal coating and application method for the target object and its purpose. This document introduces the purposes and roles of coatings, their application methods, and case studies of analysis using a digital microscope to verify their effectiveness.
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Purpose of Use and Primary Targets for Coatings
| Purpose | Primary Target | Deterioration Factor |
|---|---|---|
|
Purpose
Corrosion Resistance
|
Primary Target
Mainly metals
|
Deterioration Factor
Oxygen, Water
|
|
Purpose
Weather Resistance
|
Primary Target
Mainly plastics
|
Deterioration Factor
Ultraviolet (UV) rays
|
|
Purpose
Decorative Properties
|
Primary Target
All materials
|
Deterioration Factor
-
|
To add strength, it is crucial to clarify the purpose of the coating for the specific target object.
Roles of Coatings
| Characteristic | Content |
|---|---|
|
Characteristic
Mechanical Properties
|
Content
Provides durability, lubrication/anti-slip properties.
|
|
Characteristic
Separation Properties
|
Content
Provides waterproof, gas barrier properties.
|
|
Characteristic
Coating Properties
|
Content
Provides adhesive, water-repellent, antibacterial properties.
|
|
Characteristic
Heat Resistance Properties
|
Content
Provides heat resistance.
|
To add functionality, it is essential to select a coating with the necessary characteristics.
Coating Methods
| Coating Method | Precision | Skill Dependency |
|---|---|---|
|
Coating Method
Brush/Roller Coating
|
Precision
Low
|
Skill Dependency
High
|
|
Coating Method
Dip Coating
|
Precision
Low
|
Skill Dependency
High
|
|
Coating Method
Electrodeposition Coating
|
Precision
High
|
Skill Dependency
Low
|
|
Coating Method
Atomization (Spray) Coating
|
Precision
High
|
Skill Dependency
High
|
Select the optimal coating method based on the target object and the type of coating.
Observation and Measurement Case Studies with a Digital Microscope
Even after going through these processes, it is not always clear if the coating has been applied correctly. Below are analysis examples of coating conditions.
Observation of Coated Surface
Conventional Observation
Observation using Advanced Surface View
Observation of Coating Film
Conventional Observation
Surface Observation using Deep Contrast
Analysis of Foreign Matter in Coating
Bright-field, dark-field, 3D display, and elemental analysis can be performed on a single screen, allowing for the exploration of problem causes from various information.
Area Measurement of Coating Film Particles
Instantly performs quantitative analysis of counts that often vary by operator, and facilitates reporting.
