Testing and product standards
Prepainted metals are widely used in many different applications and environments, including e.g. exterior and interior buildings, domestic appliances, furniture, etc. These products are tested in accordance with the requirements of the product specification and particular market application.
Durability with primers in FIDURA™ system
Over the years, several test methods have been developed to ensure that the material is fit for purpose for the desired application. The relevant European standards (EN) are based on test methods developed by ECCA (European Coil Coating Association) and are available from all European national Standardisation standardisation institutes.
Some EN standards specify test methods that deal with parameters such as the thickness of paint layers (EN 13523-1); specular gloss (EN 13523-2) &and colour difference and metamerism (EN 13523-3). A list of other such test standards that coated metal are put through:
| Coating hardness | EN 13523-4 | Pencil hardness |
| EN 13523-12 | Resistance to scratching | |
| EN ISO 2815 | Buchholz indentation test | |
| EN 13523-16 | Abrasion resistance | |
| EN13523-17 | Determination of the adhesion of the strippable films | |
| EN13523-24 | Blocking/pressure marking test | |
| Adhesion/flexibility | EN 13523-5 | Resistance to rapid deformation (impact test) |
| EN 13523-6 | Adhesion after indentation (cupping test) | |
| EN 13523-7 | Resistance to cracking on bending (T-bend test) | |
| Curing test | EN 13523-11 | Resistance to Solvent Resistance/M.E.K. rub test |
| Water resistance | EN 13523-13 | Resistance to accelerated ageing using heat |
| Shelf life (corrosion resistance/UV resistance) | EN 13523-8 | Resistance to salt spray (fog) Behaviour on artificial weathering |
| EN 13523-9 | Resistance to water immersion | |
| EN 13523-10 | Resistance to fluorescent UV light and water condensation | |
| EN 13523-14 | Resistance to chalking (Helmen method) | |
| EN 13523-25 | Resistance to Humidity | |
| EN 13523-26 | Resistance to condensation of water | |
| EN 13523-27 | Resistance to Humid Poultice (cataplasma test) | |
| Films Behaviour in outdoor natural weathering | EN 13523-19 | Panel design and method of atmospheric exposure testing |
| EN 13523-21 | Evaluation of outdoor exposure panels |
Global Weathering Program
Our AkzoNobel Global Weathering Program exposes our products to a variety of outside weather conditions over an extended period. By accelerating the outside exposure, we’re able to define the durability of our systems and offer reliable solutions. Our chosen benchmark location for outdoor exposure testing is South Florida, known for its subtropical weathering conditions. These exposures are not only realistic but also accelerated, with one year in Florida often equating to several years of weathering elsewhere. This rigorous testing allows us to guarantee that FIDURA™ coating systems will maintain their performance and appearance over time
Flexibility testing
Experience the flexibility and formability of FIDURA™ systems, designed to adapt to various substrates and application requirements. Our rigorous testing ensures that our coatings maintain their integrity and performance, even under extreme conditions. Good flexibility performance ensures that your project will remain protected and beautiful for years to come.
In house testing and OEM support
For project consultants and specifiers
AkzoNobel coil coatings comply with industry product standards for coated metal such as:
EN 1369:2015 - Aluminium and aluminium alloys - Coil coated sheet and strip for general applications
EN 10169:2010 - Continuously organic coated (coil coated) steel flat products
Learn more about the benefits of our FIDURA™ system
Ready to elevate your next project with FIDURA™ systems?
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