Steel test panel Q-PANEL

for quality control

Q-PANEL® steel test substrates from Q-Lab minimize metal variability as a source of bias in critical tests. Made from standard low-carbon, cold-rolled steel, they are clean, consistent, convenient, and economical. A wide range of panel sizes and types are available for immediate shipment from stock. Panels are stored completely clean and, in most cases, can be used right out of the box. Minimizing Variability in Coatings Testing For coatings tests to be reliable and reproducible, they must be performed on a substrate that is consistent from test to test. Unfortunately, ordinary commercial steel displays wide variations in the surface properties that affect the bonding of coatings. This is due to variations in surface texture, cleanliness, and chemistry. The result is that ordinary steel is unsuitable for many coatings tests. See Steel: The Problem of a Standardized Surface for details. Q-PANEL steel test substrates from Q-Lab address this issue by minimizing metal variability as a source of bias in critical paint, coating, and adhesion tests. For over 60 years, Q-PANEL steel and aluminum test substrates have been recognized as the world standard for a consistent and uniform test surface for paints, plating, adhesives, sealants, rust inhibitors and other coatings. Thousands of labs around the world use millions of our steel test panels every year for color development, weathering exposures, salt spray and corrosion testing, physical properties testing, and quality control. A wide range of panel sizes and types are available for immediate shipment from stock - see Q-PANEL Steel Specifications Bulletin for a complete list.