Metal coating

As layers of pure metals or alloys are used to enhance certain features of a product, it is important to precisely and accurately determine coating thickness. Quality control of metal coatings requires non-destructive, elemental analysis as well as detailed characterization of physical properties. X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and particle shape analysis are non-destructive, non-contact analytical techniques that require little or no sample preparation, making them ideal for this application. 

Typical applications include:

• Steel pre-treatment processes 
• TiN for machining iron-based materials
• CrC with high temperature oxidation resistance used in die casting
• Tungsten carbide/carbon (WC/C) for coating and protecting highly-loaded precision components, gears and drives, engine components, hydraulic pumps and compressors
• Conductive coatings such as metalized plastic used in food packaging