Author: Ascott Analytical

Alcoa Fastenings

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Alcoa Fastenings, manufacturers of fixings & fasteners, have been successfully testing their products in one of our chambers for the past 5 years.

By comparison to some of the test standards that can be obtained by an Ascott chamber, the duration of the test for this product is unusually only 2 hours long! Which is long enough to determine a pass or fail.

Alcoa have also taken full advantage of having their test chamber serviced regularly and in conjunction with using our recommended Corro-Salt, has ensured their chamber remains in perfect working order.

Photograph shows Alcoa product undergoing corrosion testing in S450xP Salt Spray Chamber

Introducing our new innovative adjustable sample rack

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Accommodates test panels over a range of thicknesses and at the right angle

adjustable sample rack

Many Ascott customers test for corrosion resistance using test panels (also called coupons) which represent the material and surface coatings, used for the finished product. Not only are these test panels available in a variety of materials and finishes, but they are also available in a wide range of widths and heights, as well as different thicknesses.

Once a customer has chosen the most suitable test panel for their application, these panels then have to be accommodated within the corrosion test chamber using a slotted sample rack which enables the test panel to incline at the correct angle from vertical, in accordance with the requirements of the test standard they wish to test to.

There are, therefore, many variables to be taken into account when testing panels.

To simplify this, Ascott have recently introduced a new range of sample racks which are available as optional accessories across our chamber product range and which feature an ingenious way of adjusting the slot width (up to 6mm thick) and angle of inclination (0 to 20 degrees from vertical). This is a major advantage over fixed slot width/angle racks because these can not generally accommodate test panels over 3mm thick and below this thickness the panels tend to ‘lean’ at an angle greater than the angle at which the slots have been cut, which may mean them not being tested at the angle required by the test standard.

In addition, the construction of these racks is an open form (top to bottom) to allow the ready passage of air through them. This helps to ensure a uniform distribution of the atmosphere around the samples during testing.

Now available to buy via our online store at www.ascottshop.com  

ACC14/1 Slotted Sample Rack – 450L chambers – variable angle – Upper Support Level
ACC14/2 Slotted Sample Rack – 450L chambers – variable angle – Lower Support Level
ACC14/3 Slotted Sample Rack – 1000-2600L chambers – variable angle – Upper Support Level
ACC14/4 Slotted Sample Rack – 1000-2600L chambers – variable angle – Lower Support Level
ACC14/5 Variable Angle Sample Rack – Atmosfär Chambers with carry handle – Lower Support Level

Midland Powder Coatings

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Midland Powder Coatings (www.mppcltd.co.uk) first contacted Ascott in the Autumn of 2013. Wishing to bring their requirement for corrosion testing ‘in house’ they worked with Ascott to identify the correct corrosion chamber for their needs.

In choosing an Ascott S450iP chamber, they are able to perform the typical salt spray tests such as ASTM B117, but are also able to perform some of the more advanced salt spray tests such as ASTM G85, should they require them in the future .

Taking delivery of the chamber in early January 2014, the Ascott S450iP now forms the centrepiece of Midland Powder Coatings corrosion testing facility.

Launch of new Atmosfär chamber at Scandinavian Coatings Show

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Ascott are pleased to announce that their ‘new baby’ was safely delivered at the Scandinavian Coatings Show in May after a successful 18 month gestation!

The Volvo & Ford CCT test standards are unlike other automotive corrosion tests in the way the salt solution is applied to the samples. The application method is to spray this solution directly on to the samples under test from a swaying spray-bar, located high above the samples. During this phase of the test cycle, the spray bar sways backwards and forwards inside the chamber, spraying salt solution from an array of specially selected spray nozzles, each with a ‘fan shape’ spray pattern. This creates a uniform spray which is then ‘swept’ over the surfaces of the samples under test, as the spray bar sways backwards and forwards.

However, thanks to its unique design – featuring a novel magnetic drive system for the spray bar, this can also easily be removed to allow the chamber to comply with other more conventional salt spray and CCT specifications, using the usual Ascott salt spray atomiser which is also fitted as standard.

In addition, the Atmosfär is supplied with a separate refrigerated air conditioning unit which circulates temperature and humidity controlled air through the chamber. This is required at certain points in the above tests in order to achieve low controlled humidity levels as well as rapid rates of change to the temperature and humidity. This unit also has the ability to refrigerate the chamber to –20C, if and when required by other tests standards, or if the user is interested in examining the performance of their products under freeze/thaw conditions.

Designed specifically to comply with Ford and Volvo cyclic corrosion test (CCT) standards:

  • Ford CETP 00.00-L-467
  • Volvo VCS 1027, 149 (ACT-1)
  • Volvo VCS 1027, 1449 (ACT-2)
  • Volvo STD 423-0014
  • Volvo STD 1027,1375

Ascott CC450ip for demanding GMW14872 test for LG Electronics, Korea

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In association with our agent in South Korea, Lee Su Trade, we are pleased to announce that L G Electronics Korea will shortly receive their first Ascott CC450iP cyclic corrosion test chamber, equipped with an optional air temperature conditioning unit.

The primary application for the chamber will be to follow the demanding GMW14872 test standard, but the selection of the air conditioning unit means the chamber will also be able to refrigerate to -20ºC to conduct sub-zero and freeze/thaw tests too.

During his pre-delivery inspection visit to Ascott, Mr Lee from LG Electronics attended one of the product training courses offered by Ascott. These are run at regular intervals throughout the year.

Pictured is Mr Lee receiving his training certificate from Ascott managing director Chris Gates.

Turkcoat Coatings Show – Istanbul, Turkey – September 2013

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Yet another exhiition was on the agenda for Ascott, this time it was the Turkcoat Coatings Show Eurasia. The exhibition took place at the Istanbul Expo Center in Turkey.

The 3 day show was well attended and Ascott were pleased to provide support to their local distributor, MEGA Danismanlik. Visitors to the stand were met by representatives both from Ascott and MEGA.

A fully operational Ascott chamber, complete with a number of optional accessories fitted was on display, showing exactly what a corrosion testing chamber is capable of!

The stand at the exhibition was very well received with a lot of interest from some very influential market leaders, and with the amount of interest shown, Ascott are certainly hoping to team up with MEGA Danismanlik again for next year’s show.

Ascott stand representative Martin Ryley comments: “The show was well attended over the three days and I enjoyed working alongside our colleagues from Mega in presenting our products to many new and existing Turkish customers”.

Latin American Coatings Show – July 2013

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The Latin American Expo Paints and Inks (Latin American Coatings Show) remains as one of the leading events for raw materials suppliers and equipment manufacturers for the industry of paints and printing inks. Investment in the region has increased at a faster rate than expected in view of the global economic downturn.

Expenditure on machinery, equipment and construction has played a major role in the recovery of the region, with this becoming a continuing trend.

Ascott Analytical, in partnership with our Mexican distributor Comintec, exhibited at this year’s show resulting in greater awareness of the Ascott products in Latin America.

With an increasing number of visitors both at the show and via our website, Ascott is now establishing itself as a recognisable brand in the region, enabling foreseeable future growth within the main industry sectors of automotive, aerospace, oil and gas, paint and many other industrial sectors.