Gravel Impact Tester is primarily used in automotive radiator testing, serving as a comprehensive evaluation of the mechanical properties of coating systems. It reflects the flexibility, interlayer adhesion, and compatibility of coatings, making it a critical test item for assessing secondary mechanical performance of coatings. This equipment is widely adopted by domestic and international automakers as an essential test for vehicle inspection.
I. Test Principle
Steel balls or gravel with sharp edges are propelled to impact the coating surface within a short timeframe under controlled temperature conditions. After the gravel impact test, loose coating particles are removed using adhesive tape, leaving residual impact marks on the specimen. The degree of coating damage is analyzed to determine its stone chip resistance.
II. Test Procedure
The stone chip resistance test utilizes a gravelometer to project numerous small, sharp-edged steel balls or gravel onto the coating surface under controlled temperature conditions. Upon completion, adhesive tape is applied to remove loosened coatings, exposing residual impact marks on the specimen. The extent of coating damage is evaluated to assess its stone chip resistance performance.
III. Applications
Given the significance of coating stone chip resistance testing, and the substantial differences in test methods and evaluation criteria between coating systems, appropriate testing protocols should be selected based on product development stages or practical coating application scenarios.
The gravel impact tester complies with three major international standards and can be adapted to different experimental requirements by replacing spray gun assemblies and angle boxes, reducing user testing costs. It primarily simulates gravel impacts at specific velocities encountered by vehicles during real-world driving conditions.
Key Technical Features
- Multi-Standard Compliance: Supports ASTM D3170, SAE J400, ISO 20567-1, and other standards through modular component replacement.
- Precision Control: Adjustable parameters include impact angle (0°–90°), gravel velocity (30–120 km/h), and specimen temperature (-30°C to +80°C).
- Automated Operation: Equipped with programmable logic control (PLC) for automated gravel feeding, impact cycling, and data logging.
- Damage Analysis: Integrates high-resolution imaging and 3D scanning to quantify coating delamination, cracking, and adhesion loss.
This equipment is indispensable for validating coating durability in automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery industries, ensuring compliance with safety and performance benchmarks.
