DANBURY, CT (April 15, 2008) - A2 Technologies published an application note, entitled “Metal Coatings Analysis Using the Exoscan Hand Held FTIR,” which demonstrates why it is ideal for non-destructive analysis of samples that are too large to bring to the laboratory or too valuable to require a small portion to be removed for analysis. Since a variety of coatings can be used to protect a metal surface from corrosion or to impart specific properties, it is important to ensure that the selected coating has been applied via the correct process and at the desired thickness.
Infrared spectroscopy has been shown to be capable of carrying out this coating verification, but only using laboratory spectrometers and only for samples that were the proper shape and size to be accommodated by the spectrometer. Exoscan enables the coatings on any size surface to be analyzed directly where the metal part is located, for example on the manufacturing floor or in a maintenance shop.Weighing less than seven pounds, the portable, hand-held A2 Technologies Exoscan allows even large complex parts to be directly measured in any orientation eliminating the need for sample disassembling or destruction.
Results demonstrate that by using the high performance external reflectance sampling interface, Exoscan can identify and quantify even the thinnest anodized coatings as well as paint and primer coatings on metal surfaces.
About A2 Technologies
Headquartered in Danbury, Connecticut, A2 Technologies is taking FT-IR spectroscopy out of the lab and into the field. A2 Technologies manufacture and develop portable FT-IR spectrometers designed for the analytical needs of the petrochemical, environmental, metals and mining and general environments where there is a need for analysis. The portable FT-IR analyzers extend the proven capabilities of Fourier Transform infrared technology by rendering sample preparation obsolete and ensuring real time results.