In Part 1 of our blog about testing paint flexibility, we introduced the Conical Mandrel and here, we will introduce the Cylindrical Mandrel. Like the Conical Mandrel, paint testing with the Cylindrical Mandrel forms a large part of what our laboratory does, and we regularly receive samples from all over Ireland and sometimes abroad, either liquid or powder paint samples, or materials coated with a paint film.
One common request comes from manufacturing companies, who send us painted panels to ensure that their spray painting process or powder coating processes conform to their internal manufacturing processes. This is important as if the painting protocol is not being adhered to, time consuming and expensive claims may result. This is not only bad for the business as it can cause reputational damage, a precious thing.
The flexibility (encompassing elasticity, elongation and adhesion), of a paint film is important mechanical property, most particularly where the paint is applied to materials such as steel, aluminium etc.
