Laboratory analyses and test service

BERKEM'S LABORATORIES

Berkem has two in-house specialized and technologically-advanced analytical laboratories dedicated to research and development of new processes, production quality control and customer technical assistance.

Efficient quality control processes according to strict analytical standards, combined with continuous investment in Research & Development and improvement of the supply chain are crucial in order to allow us ensuring the marketing of repeatable products and expanding and improving our quality products offer.

Berkem offers an accurate analysis service for any galvanic process and any verification need on its deposits:

Instrumental tests/presence of metals

These tests can be performed both on solution and on the surface, allowing obtaining precise qualitative and quantitative information regarding the metals present.
  • Color coordinates
  • Thickness analysis
  • Alloy test, quantitative analysis of metals
  • Qualitative analysis of metals in solution
  • Nickel transfer

Tests on galvanic baths

Tests carried out directly on galvanic solutions that allow monitoring and optimizing their efficiency.
  • Cathodic efficiency
  • Deposition test
  • Chemical composition analysis

Corrosion tests

Monitoring of the surfaces and deposited layers resistance in extreme conditions and simulating periods of prolonged use.
  • Salt spray
  • Damp heat
  • Sulfur dioxide
  • NO2 corrosion
  • Synthetic sweat
  • Chlorinated water

Chemical analyses and laboratory tests

Our laboratories allow performing the following chemical analysis and laboratory tests:

1

Chemical analysis of metals in solution by means of plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES)

Determines the metals present in galvanic solutions, even in traces. It is regularly used for quality control and technical assistance analysis of customer galvanic processes

2

Spectroscopic analysis by X-ray fluorescence (XRF)

Metallographic analysis of the alloys composition and of the thicknesses by means of X-ray fluorescence (XRF)

3

Infrared spectroscopic analysis (FTIR)

Non-destructive analysis for the identification of organic substances present in solution

4

Analisi chimica di sostanze mediante spettrofotometria UV-VIS

Permette la determinazione di sostanze chimiche che assorbono radiazioni tra i 200 – 900 nm. Questa tecnica analitica viene generalmente impiegata per l’analisi quantitativa dei pigmenti nelle vernici cataforetiche e in altre sostanze con caratteristiche “colorate” allo stato liquido

5

Photometric analysis of color

It allows identifying the color of a galvanic deposit by means of numerical coordinates in the CieLab color space. In this way the color can be measured, analyzed and repeatable according to the customer needs

6

Resistance analysis of galvanic deposits

Defines the hardness and abrasion resistance of galvanic deposits and cathodic dip-paint coating

7

Volumetric, conductometric, potentiometric and pH chemical analyzes

The inorganic compounds and pH values of galvanic solutions are quantitatively determined by using special instruments and certified procedures

8

Electrochemical analysis of galvanic deposits

It establishes the bath performance by analyzing the quantities of metal alloy deposited in the time unit and determining the concentrations of the brightening additives present in the galvanic solutions

Corrosion tests

They determine the surfaces and deposited layers resistance in extreme conditions and simulating periods of prolonged use. All tests are performed in compliance with the reference ISO standards

  • Damp heat
    (UNI EN ISO 4611:2011)
  • Salt spray
    (UNI EN ISO 9227:2017)
  • Sulfur dioxide
    (UNI ISO 4524-2:2008)
  • Corrosion
    (UNI ISO 4524-2:2008)
  • Synthetic sweat
    (UNI EN ISO 105-E04:2013)
  • Chlorinated water
    (UNI EN ISO 105-E03:2010)
  • Release of nickel
    (UNI EN 1811:2015)