What is EN 50968-2010?

EN 50968-2010 is a technical standard that establishes requirements for the measurement of electrical conductivity in metallic coatings. This standard was developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and provides guidelines for conducting accurate and reliable measurements of the electrical conductivity of metallic coatings on non-magnetic metallic substrates.

Importance of Electrical Conductivity Measurement

The measurement of electrical conductivity in metallic coatings is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it helps to evaluate the quality and performance of the coating. Coatings with low electrical conductivity may indicate poor adhesion or a high level of porosity. Secondly, it is an essential parameter in determining the corrosion resistance of a coating. Lastly, it aids in assessing the feasibility of a particular coating for applications requiring good electrical conductivity.

Principles and Techniques for Measurement

Several techniques can be employed to measure the electrical conductivity of metallic coatings. These include the Eddy Current Method, the Four-Point Probe Method, and the Contact Resistance Method. The Eddy Current Method uses electromagnetic induction to measure the conductivity, while the Four-Point Probe Method directly measures the resistance. The Contact Resistance Method involves measuring the resistance between two contact points on the coating surface. Each method has its advantages and limitations, and the appropriate technique should be selected based on the specific requirements of the measurement.

Considerations and Challenges

There are certain considerations and challenges when performing electrical conductivity measurements on metallic coatings. One major consideration is the substrate material. Metallic coatings can be applied on various substrates, such as steel, aluminum, or copper. Each substrate has different electrical conductivity properties, which need to be accounted for during the measurement. Another challenge is the potential influence of coating thickness on the measurement results. Thick coatings may have different conductivity characteristics compared to thin coatings.