In university laboratories or labs in engineering, materials science, metallurgy and mechanics, the term coating identifies a set of functional and protective coatings applied to metals and materials to control their surface behavior during testing, heat treatments and high-temperature processing.
Laboratory coatings are used in a variety of research and educational activities: materials testing, industrial process simulations, plastic deformation studies, controlled heat treatments, surface analysis, and mold and tool testing. The choice of the correct coating directly affects the quality of the experiment and the durability of samples and equipment.
What is meant by laboratory and university coating?
The term “coating” refers to functional coatings applied to the surface of a material for a specific purpose: protection, insulation, anti-adhesion, lubrication or marking.
In university laboratories, coatings are used to replicate industrial conditions on a small scale, but also to study the behavior of materials under extreme conditions of temperature, pressure and atmosphere.
Unlike traditional coatings, coatings used in academia must be:
- technically controllable
- easily applicable in a laboratory environment
- repeatable
- compatible with a wide range of materials
Their function is often temporary and related to the individual test or test run, but their role is critical to avoid contamination, unwanted adhesion, or surface alterations that would compromise results.
Technical requirements of coatings in research and university settings
Resistance to high temperatures
One of the main requirements of laboratory coatings is the ability to withstand high temperatures. Many tests and treatments involve ovens, thermal cycling, localized heating or metal processing at high temperatures. The coating must maintain its protective properties without degrading, reacting or contaminating the underlying material.
Compatibility with metals and materials
Research and university laboratories often work with different materials:
- carbon and alloy steels
- steels and stainless steels
- special nickel- or cobalt-based alloys
- copper and light alloys
- titanium
- ceramic and composite materials
An effective coating must be compatible with the substrate, avoiding unwanted chemical reactions or surface alterations that could distort the analysis of results.
Control of surface interaction
Many coatings are used to control the interaction between surfaces during a test or process:
- prevention of adhesion between metal and mold
- isolation of specific areas
- protection from oxidation and decarburization
- reduction of friction
This is particularly important in comparative testing and applied research activities.
Ease of application in the laboratory
Unlike the industrial environment, the university laboratory requires coatings that are easily applied with simple tools: brush, spray or dip. Drying time, surface preparation and removability after testing are also determining factors in product selection.
Common mistakes when choosing coatings in the laboratory
One of the most common mistakes is choosing the coating based solely on the maximum use temperature, neglecting other factors such as atmosphere, substrate material or test objective. Another common mistake involves uncontrolled application of the product: uneven thickness, improperly prepared surface or insufficient drying time can compromise the entire experiment. Finally, using a “standard” coating for very different applications often leads to unreliable results that are difficult to interpret scientifically.
ATP Europe coatings for university laboratories and research centers
ATP Europe develops functional and protective water-based coatings designed for advanced industrial applications, but perfectly usable in universities and research centers as well. ATP solutions are suitable for experimental settings where precision, repeatability and control of process parameters are required.
- Protective Coatings: Protective coatings are applied prior to heat treatments, heating cycles or hot testing to protect the metal surface from oxidation, decarburization or contamination. They are particularly used in metallurgy and materials science laboratories to ensure that the measured properties are derived from the material itself and not from unwanted surface alterations.
- Coating stop-off for selective surface inspection: Stop-off coatings allow specific areas of the component to be masked during heat or surface treatment. In research and academia they are often used to study the selective effect of treatments, compare treated and untreated areas, or control surface hardening in a targeted manner.
- Coating and water-based lubricating coatings for hot machining: In laboratories simulating forging or plastic deformation processes, water-based lubricating coatings perform a dual function: material protection and friction reduction. These products make it possible to replicate industrial conditions in a controlled manner, facilitating the study of process parameters.
- Boron Nitride Coating: Boron nitride is one of the most widely used materials as a coating in academia due to its nonstick, lubricating and high temperature resistance properties. It is used on a wide range of materials, including metals, ceramics and composites, and is especially popular in multi-material laboratories and surface interaction testing.
- Coating in borosilicate glass for extrusion: Borosilicate glass is used as a coating for protection and lubrication in hot extrusion tests. In laboratories it is useful for studying the behavior of materials during deformation, improving the quality of the extruded surface, and protecting experimental dies and molds.
- Coating for metal marking and identification of metals: Traceability of samples is a key aspect in research. Marking coatings allow specimens and components to be identified even after severe thermal cycling or processing, while maintaining readability and adhesion over a wide range of materials and temperatures.
These products allow laboratories to operate with technical solutions similar to industrial ones, yet maintain the flexibility needed for research and experimentation. To choose the most suitable coating for your research and university laboratory, contact ATP: technical support allows you to identify the most suitable solution based on material, temperature, atmosphere and test objective.
Frequently asked questions about laboratory coatings
Coating is a specific type of surface treatment applied to achieve a precise function (protection, anti-adhesion, lubrication), often temporary and related to a process or test.
Yes, many ATP Europe coatings can be used in the laboratory because of their ease of application, thermal stability, and compatibility with various materials.
It is essential to prepare the surface, apply the product evenly and adhere to the specified drying times to ensure repeatable results.