Corrosion Testing on Hardware

What is corrosion?

Corrosion testing helps to identify a product’s potential to corrode or tarnish during it’s lifetime.

Corrosion can occur in most materials from polymers to ceramics, but it is most well-known for its destruction of metals. When corrosion forms on the surface of a metal it produces a discoloration known as tarnishing, potentially with acidic atmospheres.

Corrosion tarnishing often occurs in transit, especially if the components are shipped from overseas. Shipping can take many weeks, and the environmental conditions inside the container can vary. Hot and humid conditions can speed the mechanism of corrosion considerably. The problem may not have been evident when the goods were packed, but by the time they reach their destination the problem has become clear.

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Why carry out corrosion testing?

At Eurofins | BLC, we test a wide variety of metallic products and components for durability against corrosion and tarnishing, including:

  • Accessories
  • Jewellery
  • Watches
  • Home ware
  • Metal components for footwear and clothing textiles
  • Metal plating and coatings

Eurofins | BLC test the metallic hardware to highlight any potential problems which are likely to occur during the lifetime of the product.

Plating thickness and metal analysis can also be carried out on metallic hardware to determine their makeup. This often highlights any inconsistencies in construction, and will show if the plating thickness of different layers is sufficient. Microscopy is also a useful tool in examining the porosity of plating layers or lacquers.

Why choose Eurofins | BLC to conduct your corrosion testing and analysis?

  • One of the fastest testing laboratories in Europe
  • UKAS accredited laboratory (ref: 0076)
  • Experts in chemical testing and compliance – over 95 years’ experience
  • Technical support and guidance if and when failures occur
  • Solutions to cleanse and reduce toxic chemicals from your supply chain
  • Expert advice and solutions on legislation and supply chain compliance
  • Access to chemical supply chain specifications

Read more about Eurofins | BLC Chemical Testing

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