We perform a myriad of tests on our products so that we can say with confidence that we are the
industry’s leader in durability, hardness, scratch resistance, flexibility and chemical resistance.
Taber Abrasion is a test using a weighted abrasion wheel that rotates at a constant speed to determine the resistance of finishes to abrasion and wear, as stated by test standard ASTM D4060. Seven competitive finishes including Cerakote® H-146 Graphite Black were tested in accordance with ASTM D4060.
Based on ASTM testing standard D4060, Cerakote® Finished Strong by lasting nearly twice as long as the nearest competitive finish and 24 times as long as the further competitive finish.
Adhesion (ASTM 03359) is a test method to analyze whether a coating has adhered to a substrate. Cerakote®
H-146 was applied to a set of steel panels and a crosshatch pattern was made through the coating to the substrate.
Pressure-sensitive tape was applied over the crosshatch cut and then the tape was smoothed into place over the area of the incisions. The tape was then removed by pulling it off rapidly back over itself at approximately a 180° angle. The adhesion of the coating to the steel is assessed on a 0B to 5B scale.
Cerakote® H-146 Finished Strong with a 5B adhesion rating, the highest adhesion rating possible.
Cerakote’s® chemical resistance was analyzed using a variety of solvents under extreme conditions. Coated panels were submerged in a solution for a period of 24 hours. Samples were then removed, analyzed and assigned a rating based on the average color change across all solvents tested. The results of this test are shown in the table.
Impact Resistance (ASTM D2794) measures the resistance of organic coatings to the effects of rapid deformation (Impact).
Impact resistance is measured by placing a coated panel in a universal impact tester. A standard weight is dropped a distance to strike an indenter that deforms the coating and the substrate. The indentation can be either an intrusion or an extrusion. By gradually increasing the distance the weight drops, (2 inches at a time) the point at which failure occurs can be determined by cracking or delamination of the coating.
All Cerakote® Elite and nearly every Cerakote® H Series have an impact strength measuring 160 in-lbs., which is the maximum the impact tester can measure.
Hardness, or Pencil Hardness (ASTM D3363), is measured by using different grades of pencil lead to cut through a coating surface.
To conduct this test, a coated panel is placed on a flat, horizontal surface. A weighted trolley with the hardest pencil lead (9h) is placed on the panel and pushed away from the operator. The length of the stroke should be about 6.5mm. This process is repeated until a lead is found that will not cut through the coating to the substrate for a distance of at least 3mm. This is the pencil hardness rating. This process is then repeated until a lead is found that will not scratch the coating. This is the scratch hardness rating.
Cerakote® H-146 Graphite Black finished strong with a 9h hardness rating, the highest hardness rating
that can be achieved.
Salt Spray corrosion testing is used to evaluate the relative corrosion resistance of a coated part exposed to a salt spray or fog at an elevated temperature. The chamber is kept at an operating temperature of 95°F and fogging a 5% salt solution at the required 1.0 – 2.0mL/hr. Based on the ASTM B117 testing standard, Cerakote’s H Series exceeded 2,000 hours and Cerakote Elite series exceeded 3,000 hours.
