ATC has strict quality control processes.
Our quality control processes include :
- Inspection before plating to ensure good parts before processing
- Inspection after plating using appropriate measuring tools and testing equipment
- Implementation of quality procedures of the Nadcap process and AS 9100 for aerospace customers and ISO 9001 for non-aerospace customers
List of Quality Tools & Equipment
- Cross Cutter
- Gloss Meter @ 60 Degrees
- Color Spectrometer
- Vacuum Seal Machine
- Dualscope Coating Meter
- Micrometer
- 10X Magnifying Luxo Lamp
- 400X Microscope
- Abrasion Tester
- Salt Spray Chamber
- Weighing Scale Unit
- Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS)
- Microhardness Tester
Performing porosity test highlights any corrosion of the base metal alloy, in areas where there are any inconsistencies in the surface coating.
Copper sulphate and Potassium Ferricyanide tests are adopted for the determination of porosity of surface coating on steel alloy substrates. Copper sulphate is used when there is a need to verify the effectiveness of stainless-steel passivation treatment, while potassium ferricyanide is utilized for steel passivation treatment. For Tin plating, sulphur dioxide is utilized for the identification of discontinuities at surface coatings.
Adhesion test is an important tool to evaluate the strength of bonding between the surface coating and metal substrate.
The test methods employed are Bending test and Taping test. Bending test revolves around the deformation of plated metal substrate to the point of breakage, before evaluation for peeling or cracking of coating. Taping test involves two variations: Cross-hatch and Wet-tape. The use of approved standard tapes is utilized for both of these variations, which yields reliable and repeatable results.
The assessment of plating thickness is an important aspect of the plating process. Accurate cross-sectional plating thickness may be verified by the utilization of an Optical Microscope capable of 500x magnification – down to 1 micron. The capability to reveal surface details too small to be seen by the unaided eyes, sets it apart from regular thickness gauges capable of only rough thickness evaluation.
Coating weight test is a measurement of the weight of coating applied on a known surface area of metal substrate. This measurement allows the indirect co-relation of coating weight to the degree of corrosion resistance, much like the relationship between coating thickness and corrosion resistance.
Attaining consistent coating weight results also provides assurance to customers of the maintained quality standards of plated goods.
Water immersion test is an accurate method to test the water-resistance of surface coating, as it allows the specific identification of leak locations, if any.
Parts are either fully or partially immersed for a set duration of time. This is followed by visual evaluation and via appropriate physical tests. Surface coatings that are inadequate will reveal signs of blistering, cracking, or adhesion loss.