Element Materials Technology has invested in new equipment to facilitate scratch hardness testing for the automotive industry. The Erichsen 430 P-I scratch hardness device, which is located at Element’s Wednesbury, UK laboratory, provides more accurate scratch hardness testing of automotive paint coatings and is able to replicate tests such as ISO 2409 with better precision due to the automated nature of the technology. This also ensures capacity to create scratch lines within 0.5mm of one another.
The enhanced precision of the Erichsen 430 P-I gives Element the capability to conduct scratch hardness testing to new, leading industry standards as implemented by Jaguar Land Rover, General Motors and BMW. This is in addition to capabilities for traditional requirements utilizing handheld devices.
Element’s investment in new scratch hardness testing equipment is in response to changing market conditions, with automotive companies increasingly demanding more accuracy and numerical data in relation to the testing of paint coatings.
Rob Veitch, EVP of fire and building products at Element, said, “As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the requirements for all aspects of vehicle testing are becoming more rigorous and data-oriented.
“It is likely that more companies will follow JLR, GM and BMW in mandating higher testing standards and investing in technology at the forefront of automotive paint testing, such as the Erichsen 430 P-I, ensures that Element is established as a leading testing center operating to the highest technical standards. It also serves to highlight that we have the capability and expertise to invest in the latest technology to provide the most comprehensive service to our clients.”