Me­chan­i­cal Re­sis­tance

The mechanical resistance of a component or work piece refers to its behavior under the influence of mechanical forces. These include elasticity, viscosity, hardness and brittleness as well as rigidity under various stresses - for example pressure or traction.
Against this background, when choosing the optimal coating solution it is particularly important to be aware of the mechanical stresses exerted on the component. As a rule, each coating or paint film applied consists of various components, tailored to one another – however, decisive factors here are above all the binding agent employed and the pigmentation. The binding agent ensures adequate adhesion between the coating and the component (substrate). If effective corrosion protection is to be achieved, this adhesion may not be reduced via mechanical stresses such as vibration, deformation, elongation, pressure or impact.

Mechanical resistance includes specifications such as hardness, scratch resistance, abrasion resistance, slip resistance, impact resistance, flexibility and formability. The basis for many of these properties is the adhesion of the coating to the substrate material, however.

The test methods employed vary greatly depending on sector and the components to be coated. Common procedures include the cross cut, the mandrel bend test, the Erichsen cupping test and the stone impact test.