Describe the surface function you need
A functional coating enquiry starts with the behaviour required from the surface. The objective might concern abrasion, scratching, wetting, cleaning or a combination of properties. Identify the component, substrate and expected contact conditions. SRNC reviews these requirements in relation to the process and application; the suitability of a particular coating needs component-specific evaluation.
Scratch resistance and abrasion are different requirements
A single-contact scratch test and repeated-contact abrasion test can describe different forms of damage. State the relevant method, load, contact material, number of cycles and acceptance criteria where these are known. Describe the real exposure, such as handling, wiping, assembly or contact during use. A hardness value alone does not establish performance under every contact condition.
Wetting behaviour and contact-angle evaluation
For a surface-wetting objective, identify the test liquid and measurement method. Water and oils behave differently, so an initial water contact-angle result should not be treated as a complete description of oil repellency or easy cleaning. State how the property will be assessed after wear, cleaning or environmental exposure when these conditions matter to the application.
Cleanability and chemical exposure
Describe the contaminants, cleaning materials and cleaning frequency relevant to the part. Include chemicals or solvents that may contact the surface during assembly or use. If a visual or optical component must remain clear, define the acceptable change after cleaning. The coating, substrate and underlying layers should be considered together when reviewing cleaning and exposure requirements.
Substrate and existing coating layers
Provide the substrate grade, current surface treatment and any known coating stack. Include temperature limits, prepared surface condition, component dimensions and masked areas. Existing hard coats, primers or optical layers can affect the evaluation scope. Identify which layers must remain and which may be changed; do not assume compatibility from a coating label alone.
Combining surface protection with optical targets
Camera windows, lenses and other transparent components may require both functional surface behaviour and a defined optical response. Specify transmission, reflection, wavelength and haze requirements where applicable, alongside wear or wetting criteria. The evaluation should consider the combined stack rather than accepting an isolated surface test as proof of complete component performance.
Agree the test sequence before sampling
A useful test plan identifies initial measurements, exposure or wear steps, and the measurements repeated afterwards. Agree sample preparation, quantities, test responsibilities and acceptance criteria. If an existing component is used as a reference, document its history and test it under comparable conditions. Timing, commercial scope and further qualification steps should follow the project review.
Prepare a functional coating enquiry
Share the component, substrate, current treatment, target surface behaviour, expected exposure, test methods and quantity. Identify which criteria are confirmed and which still need development. For transparent parts, review the optical component application guide and the camera component guide. Begin with non-confidential information before exchanging sensitive drawings or recipes.