Salt Spray Testing is an accelerated corrosion test that helps to evaluate the resistance or susceptibility of materials. We analyse the quality of surface treatments to ensure that they are able to protect the material as intended. Coatings, platings, and powders applied to a material act as protective barriers, and our salt spray testing ensures that they are able to provide that service.
A salt spray test subjects a sample or material to a salt-concentrated atmosphere for prolonged periods of time. Humidity and temperature changes can also be accommodated to provide a comprehensive environmental setting. This type of test replicates a highly corrosive atmosphere that the sample or material may experience in real service conditions.
The samples are then checked regularly to monitor corrosion and degradation levels.
It is important to understand that salt spray testing cannot predict the service life of a material. Instead, salt spray testing helps our customers to:
- Identify if the material they have chosen for their product is suitably resistant to corrosion levels expected in its intended environment.
- Provide a vital understanding of how the material will behave in a corrosive environment
- Highlights areas susceptible to weakening or highrisk areas of corrosion
- Identify design flaws, which can help to improve production processes and quality control
Understanding the limitations of a particular material helps our customers to make informed decisions about their products and materials.
Our Corrosion Science team says, “Since salt is naturally found in many environments, it's important to know how materials react when they're exposed to it.
“Salt spray testing helps us see the weaknesses of a material, so it's a great way to find flaws or defects in raw materials before production starts. It gives our customers upfront information about their product and material, so they have confidence in the suitability and durability of their products in a corrosive setting.”
If you need to carry out salt spray testing on your product or material, get in touch with our team to discuss your testing requirements on 0121 514 0602 or complete our contact form.