ANALYSIS AND RESEARCH - La Tecnogalvano s.r.l.

La Tecnogalvano has a modern and well-equipped laboratory in which to carry out the most accurate tests, analyses and checks on galvanic coatings.

It is also structured with the special Ruveco® Lab section, certified, for the analysis and testing of materials, with regard to their chemical composition and in application of the regulations relating to the transfer of metals in water and food.

Tests and analysis are carried out by qualified personnel with decades of experience.
They are accompanied by a specific analytical report, where all the parameters and the techniques used are indicated

TESTS AND ANALYSIS

INSTRUMENTS

TESTS AND ANALYSIS

ANALYSIS OF GALVANIC BATHS

They are carried out on all types of solutions in the traditional galvanic, ABS metal plating, thick chrome plating sector and some of the solutions used in other finishing treatments.
The analyses are carried out according to now standardised and recognised methods, by means of titrations, gravimetry and analysis by Atomic absorption spectroscopy.

TEST ON BASE MATERIALS

These are tests carried out to check the quality of the base metal used to make the product.

Test	Method description	Standard/Method
Percentage composition of the alloy	Destructive method through optical emission spectrometry (OES) with arc and spark excitation for the analysis of the percentage composition of STEEL, ALUMINIUM, COPPER, BRASS. Method accredited according to UNI CEI EN ISO/IEC 17025 standard only for the percentage analysis of brass. Non-destructive X-ray fluorescence method, semi-quantitative (which gives indicative values) for the analysis of the percentage composition of alloys including, STEEL, BRASS, BRONZE.
Resistance to dezincification of brass	Destructive method performed by exposure to a solution of copper chloride (II) and subsequent examination under a microscope	- AS 2345 - UNI EN ISO 6509-1
Resistance to an environment containing ammonia (ammonia test)	Method for determining the internal stresses of copper alloys. Performed by exposure to an environment containing ammonia for a period of time defined by the reference standard and subsequent microscopic examination to identify residual cracks.	- ISO 6957 - DIN 50916-1 - DIN 50916-2
Metallographic etching	Destructive method for verifying the arrangement of the α (alpha) and β (beta) phases of the brass performed by etching with specific solutions.

TEST ON THE FINISHED PRODUCT

These are tests carried out on the finished product, intended for sale, to verify technical and aesthetic characteristics, such as resistance to corrosion over time and the release of heavy metals in water intended for human consumption.

Test	Method description	Standard/Method
Thickness measurements of galvanic coatings	Non-destructive X-ray fluorescence method, for the determination of multilayer coatings with a maximum total thickness of 20 - 30 microns. Coulombmetric destructive method by anodic dissolution by removing a known surface of the analysed report. Used for thick coatings and if it is not possible to work with the X-ray method.	- UNI EN ISO 3497 UNI EN ISO 2177
Accelerated salt spray corrosion tests	Method for determining the corrosion resistance of metallic materials with or without an anti-corrosive coating. Performed by exposure to neutral salt spray (NSS), acetic acid salt spray (ASS) or copper acetic acid salt spray (CASS). The test parameters (duration, type of solution, temperature, humidity and others) are described in the specific regulations for the sectors of use.	- UNI EN ISO 9227 - UNI EN 248 - ASTM G85 - UNI EN ISO 10289 (method for corrosion assessment)
Adhesion	Destructive qualitative methods for verifying the adhesion of electrolytic and autocatalytic coatings. In particular, the test is carried out on thermal stresses on base metals such as ZINC ALLOYS, COPPER AND ITS ALLOYS, ALUMINIUM AND ITS ALLOYS with coatings of CHROMIUM, NICKEL, NICKEL + CHROMIUM, COPPER, TIN NICKEL ALLOY and TIN.	- UNI EN ISO 2819
Synthetic sweat	Test method for the release of nickel from all assemblies that are inserted into pierced parts of the human body (piercings, etc.) and articles destined to come into direct and prolonged contact with the skin (frames for glasses excluded).	- UNI EN 1811
Release of heavy metals into water intended for human consumption	Various methods for determining the transfer of heavy metals to products intended for the supply of water and beverages (hot or cold) destined for human consumption. The standard, type, quantity of samples and parameters analysed are to be agreed with the laboratory.	- UNI EN 16889 (coffee machines) - NKB4 (Northern European test) - NSF61.9_NSF61.8_NSF61.4 (American test) - TISI (Thai test) - 98/83 CE_UBA (German federal republic test) - AS/NZS 4020 (Australian_New Zealand test)
Global and specific migration	Method for the determination of global and/or specific migration on manufactured articles intended for contact with food.	- Ministerial Decree 174 of 06/04/2004 - REG. CE 1935/2004 of 27/10/2004 - D.M. del 21/03/1973 and updates

OTHER TESTS

They complete the range of tests performed in our laboratory through sophisticated instruments such as the SEM (Scanning electron microscope).

Test	Method description	Standard/Method
Metallographic survey	Qualitative method using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for investigating the causes of defects in manufactured products and/or micro and macrographs.
Waste water analysis	Analysis of: - metals (Copper, Zinc, Lead, Chromium tot, Chromium VI, Iron, Nickel, Cadmium, Boron, Aluminium, Arsenic, Phosphorus tot etc.) - anions (Fluorides, Chlorides, Sulphates, Nitrates, Nitrite etc.) - COD, surfactants, pH, Electrical conductivity, ammonia, etc.	- APAT CNR IRSA MAN 29 2003

INSTRUMENTS

Atomic absorption spectrometer acetylene air torch and graphite furnace
For the analysis of metals in galvanic baths and wastewater

HPLC high pressure chromatograph
For the analysis of brightener additives in polished Nickel baths

Ionic chromatograph
For the analysis of anions in galvanic baths and wastewater

CVS polarograph
For the analysis of brightener additives in acid copper and acid tin baths

Mass spectrometer
For the analysis of metals in extraction and drinking water

Optical microscope
For verification of copper penetration of ADZ tested samples

Stereo microscope
For checking the size of cracks on samples subjected to AMMONIA TEST

Spectrometer with optical emission
To check the percentage composition of metal alloys

Scanning electron microscope SEM
For the verification of defects on samples, analysis of particulate composition, etc.

X-ray thickness gauge
For checking the thickness of galvanic coatings

Couloscope thickness gauge
For checking the thickness of galvanic coatings, using a destructive coulometric method

UV-Visible spectrometer
For wastewater analysis

Digital tensiometer
For the analysis of the surface tension of galvanic baths

Absorption Spectrophotometer

High pressure chromatograph

Ion chromatograph

Polarograph CVS

Mass spectrometer

Optical microscope

Optical emission spectrometer

Scanning electron microscope SEM

X-ray thickness gauge

Couloscope thickness gauge