Automotive Coatings Analysis with Semplor NANOS
Advanced automotive coatings demand sophisticated analytical capabilities for quality control, failure analysis, and innovation. The Semplor NANOS Tabletop Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) delivers industry-leading imaging and analytical power that enables automotive manufacturers and suppliers to examine paint systems with unprecedented detail and efficiency—directly in your facility.
Surface Morphology
High-Resolution Imaging: SEM provides magnified images, allowing for the analysis of the fine details of the paint’s surface. This can help identify any cracks, defects, or wear patterns in the paint, which can be valuable for quality control and understanding how the paint ages.
Layer Structure: SEM can reveal how many layers of paint are present, showing the distinct boundaries between base coats, colour coats, and clear coats.
Figure 1: Backscattered Electron Diffraction (BSD) image of the cross section of a metal piece from a car door. This image shows individual paint layers as well as some inconsistencies within the layers. The sample was mounted carbon resin.
Composition Analysis with EDS (Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy)
The NANOS Tabletop SEM comes fully equipped with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), delivering precise elemental analysis of coating compositions. This powerful capability allows you to:
Identify specific pigments, binders, and additives used in paint formulations
Generate detailed elemental maps showing precise distribution of components across surfaces and between layers
Detect and analyze contaminants that may compromise coating integrity or appearance
Elemental Mapping: SEM with EDS can produce elemental maps showing how specific elements (e.g., carbon, oxygen, titanium, iron) are distributed across the paint’s surface.
Figure 2: The image on the left is BSD image of the region of interest where EDS Maps were recorded. The image on the right is a composite overlay EDS Map of that same region showing where a selected amount of element are present in this car paint sample cross-section.
Figure 3: There are individual EDS Maps the region of interest shown in Figure 2. Here the Nanos shows all the different layers of paint and what those layers are composed of.
Defect Investigation & Root Cause Analysis
Quickly identify and characterize manufacturing defects such as bubbles, inconsistent coverage, or delamination. Our high-resolution imaging reveals the microstructural origins of coating failures while integrated elemental analysis detects contamination that may disrupt adhesion or finish quality.
Comprehensive Cross-Sectional Analysis
Measure layer thickness with nanometer precision and examine the critical interfaces between different coating layers. Evaluate adhesion quality, spot delamination issues, and verify that coating systems meet precise specifications.
Advanced Durability Assessment
Evaluate how environmental exposure affects coating structures over time. Track changes in surface morphology and chemical composition after weathering, UV exposure, chemical contact, or mechanical stress—essential insights for developing more durable and resilient automotive finishes.
Quality Control Integration
The intuitive interface of the NANOS system enables both technical specialists and production personnel to obtain actionable data with minimal training. Incorporate our tabletop SEM into your quality control workflow for rapid sample analysis and faster decision-making.
Industry Leadership Through Advanced Analysis
By incorporating Semplor’s NANOS technology into your automotive coatings development and quality assurance processes, you gain analytical capabilities previously available only in specialized research facilities. Our system delivers the detailed understanding of coating performance that drives innovation and elevates quality standards.
Whether you’re troubleshooting complex coating failures, developing next-generation automotive finishes, or ensuring consistent production quality, the Semplor NANOS Tabletop SEM provides the critical insights you need to maintain leadership in today’s competitive automotive market.