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The TQC Sheen Machu Test Bath (VF8700) is a temperature-controlled 11-litre corrosion test bath for Qualicoat and QIB accelerated weathering of coated aluminum and steel panels - 24 hours of Machu testing correlates with approximately 500 hours of conventional salt spray testing.
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Manufactured by our TQC Sheen paint testing specialist brand, the TQC Sheen Machu Test Bath (VF8700) is a temperature-controlled corrosion test bath for accelerated evaluation of powder coating and paint performance on aluminum, steel and other metal substrates. It supports Corrosion Testing per Qualicoat and QIB specifications – the two dominant international standards for powder coating quality certification on architectural profiles.
Used by Qualicoat-accredited coating laboratories, aluminum architectural profile manufacturers verifying batch quality, automotive coating QC teams running rapid R&D iterations, and coating formulators screening new products before committing to a full salt spray program – the Machu test delivers reliable corrosion data in 24 hours that correlates with approximately 500 hours in a conventional Salt Spray Cabinet.
Test panels are scribed crosswise through the coating to the metal substrate using the Machu Scratching Tool (VF8600 Basic or VF8605 Professional), then immersed in a steel or aluminum container filled with an acidified salt solution (natrium chloride, acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide) held at 37°C for 48 hours. Corrosion protection is then assessed by measuring infiltration at the scribe. The 11-litre bath includes an SST steel top lid, perforated base plate and a 4-litre plastic sample container – the PosiTest ATM and ATA adhesion tester complements Machu results with quantitative pull-off adhesion measurement on the tested panels.
Defensible Qualicoat and QIB compliance data. PT100 digital temperature control at ±0.1°C accuracy across ambient +5°C to 100°C, plus 59-hour on/off timer, deliver the reproducible test conditions Qualicoat and QIB audits require.
24-hour Machu correlates with ~500-hour salt spray. Rapid R&D iteration on new coating formulations, quick screening before committing to a full salt spray program, and fast arbitration testing between supplier and customer disputes.
Bench-top footprint, dispatched in 2 days from stock. 338 x 280 x 260 mm bath fits on a standard QC bench, uses 220-230VAC / 50-60Hz mains power at 1.2 kW – and unlike large corrosion cabinets, the Machu Test Bath is dispatched within 2 days from stock.
The Machu test serves as a rapid corrosion test for aluminum and steel. This immersion test for corrosion gives you the opportunity to evaluate the weathering performance of powder coating systems, pigments fading, film haziness or loss of gloss and film.
In contrast to the comparatively time-consuming salt spray test, the Machu test gives you reliable corrosion test results after a short test period.
This test is fast and delivers results that typically correlate well with the results of a salt spray corrosion test. So it’s often used as a quick test before a more comprehensive assessment is started.
During the process your test panel samples are cut down to the metal, scribed and then exposed to a test solution containing natrium chloride, acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide for 48 hours at 37°C. You can then determine the corrosion protection by assessing the infiltration at the scribe.
To give an indication of how effectively the Machu immersion test for corrosion recreates the natural weathering process: a 24 hour test equals up to 500 hours in a salt spray chamber.
When you purchase a Machu Test Bath from TQC Sheen you get the 11 liters of Machu Test Bath itself, a SST steel top lid and perforated base plate and a 4 liter plastic container.
The TQC Sheen Machu Test Bath supports coating performance testing to the following standards:
This item is also included as an optional extra within the Qualicoat kit.
Across the Industrial Physics portfolio we have plenty of devices that are designed to recreate realistic, real world testing conditions.
Our C&W Salt Spray Cabinets were designed to test both components and coated test panels across the whole spectrum of industry. These corrosion analysis test cabinets are reliable, easy to operate and have a robust construction.
The PosiTest range of pull off adhesion testers swiftly and accurately measure the force required to pull a specified test diameter of coating away from a substrate using hydraulic pressure.
We’re always pleased to share the knowledge we’ve gained over decades of making machines to test metal samples, parts and components.
In the knowledgebase section of our website you’ll find blogs about subjects related to the product on offer on this page. For example, this one explores how to assess car paint quality. Or perhaps you’d consider this blog that asks manufacturers whether they should switch to water based paints of more interest.
When you enquire about the TQC Sheen Machu Test Bath, our TQC Sheen specialists will confirm which Qualicoat or QIB protocol you test to, whether you already own a compatible Machu Scratching Tool (VF8600 or VF8605), and any additional accessories needed for your specific coating type or panel size.
For purchasing teams, we provide the SKU (VF8700), 2-day dispatch confirmation from stock, quotation turnaround and technical documentation for internal sign-off.
Every TQC Sheen Machu Test Bath is supplied with a 1 year parts and labour warranty as standard – our Industrial Physics group commitment across all brands. Ongoing support focuses on the Machu Scratching Tool companion product for scribe preparation (VF8600 Basic or VF8605 Professional), spare 4-litre plastic containers, and spare PT100 temperature sensors if calibration verification identifies drift. To arrange service, order spares or discuss Qualicoat protocol setup, contact our support team.
Beyond the warranty period, the Industrial Physics global service network provides advice on Qualicoat and QIB protocol interpretation, cross-verification between Machu and salt spray results, and integrating the VF8700 into a documented QC workflow across coating batches, shifts and sites.
SKU: VF8700
Applications: Corrosion Testing
Materials: Aluminum, Metal, Steel
Dimensions (outside): 338 x 280 x 260 mm / 13.31 x 11.02 x 10.24 inch
Corrosion test controls: digital controller with jog-shuttle knob
Display: Illuminated LCD
Contents: 11 L
Sensor: PT100
Machu Test temperature range: ambient +5°C to 100°C / ambient + 41 °F tot 212 °F
Temperature accuracy: ±0.1°C / ± 0,18 °F
Timer: 59 hr for turn-on and turn-off timing
Power: 1.2 kW
Power supply: 220-230VAC / 50-60Hz
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The Machu test is a rapid immersion corrosion test for coated aluminum and steel – test panels are scratched crosswise through the coating with a 1 mm cutter, then immersed in an acidified salt solution held at elevated temperature. The TQC Sheen Machu Test Bath (VF8700) provides the temperature-controlled 11-litre bath (ambient +5°C to 100°C, ±0.1°C accuracy) that holds the 4-litre test container, along with a 59-hour on/off timer, stainless steel top lid and perforated base plate. Because Machu accelerates the corrosion mechanism dramatically, a 24-hour Machu test correlates with approximately 500 hours in a conventional salt spray cabinet – useful as a rapid screening tool before committing to a full salt spray or cyclic corrosion program.
The Machu Test Bath supports the Machu test per Qualicoat specifications and QIB (Qualicoat International Board) test protocols – the two dominant international standards for powder coating quality certification on aluminum architectural profiles. It is included as an optional item in the TQC Sheen Qualicoat Powder-coating Test Kit. The Machu test panel scribe operation itself is covered by ISO 17872 (paints and varnishes – guidelines for the introduction of scribe marks through coatings on metallic panels for corrosion testing) – performed with the TQC Sheen Machu Scratching Tool.
Machu is a screening test – use it for rapid R&D iteration on new coating formulations, when qualifying incoming raw materials against a benchmark, for arbitration testing between supplier and customer, or as a pre-check before committing to a longer salt spray run. A full ASTM B117 or ISO 9227 salt spray test still remains the reference method for final product qualification and specification compliance – Machu results correlate well but do not replace the full test where a customer contract or industry standard calls for salt spray specifically. In Qualicoat-accredited laboratories, both tests may be required depending on the certification level.
The VF8700 ships with the 11-litre Machu Test Bath itself, a stainless steel top lid, perforated base plate and a 4-litre plastic test container. External dimensions are 338 x 280 x 260 mm. Power is 1.2 kW, 220-230 VAC / 50-60 Hz. The bath uses a PT100 sensor with digital controller and jog-shuttle knob, illuminated LCD display, and a 59-hour on/off timer. Ordered separately: the TQC Sheen Machu Scratching Tool (VF8600 Basic or VF8605 Professional) for panel preparation, spare test panel holder (VF8625), spare plastic box (VF8620), and the acidified salt solution reagents to your chosen Qualicoat protocol.
Panel setup: apply a crosswise 1 mm scribe through the coating down to the metal substrate using the Machu Scratching Tool (VF8600 Basic for ~80 μm coatings, VF8605 Professional for thicker or more variable coatings up to 750 μm max cutting depth). Place the scribed panel in the 4-litre plastic container inside the bath, submerged in the acidified salt solution called for by your test protocol. Bath temperature is set on the digital controller – consult your specific Qualicoat, QIB or internal protocol for the exact temperature and duration (typical Machu tests run at elevated temperature for 24 hours). The bath holds temperature to ±0.1°C accuracy across ambient +5°C to 100°C. Contact our support team if you need protocol-specific setup guidance.
The Machu Test Bath operates from ambient +5°C to 100°C with ±0.1°C accuracy, controlled by a PT100 temperature sensor and digital controller with jog-shuttle knob. The 59-hour on/off timer supports unattended timed test runs across the typical 24-48 hour Machu test duration. Total bath volume is 11 litres, with a 4-litre plastic sample container included. Power is 1.2 kW at 220-230VAC / 50-60Hz.
The Machu Test Bath is designed to support Qualicoat specifications and Qualicoat International Board (QIB) specifications. It is included as an optional item in the TQC Sheen Qualicoat Powder Coating Test Kit. The scribe preparation itself follows ISO 17872 and is performed with the companion Machu Scratching Tool.
After the 48-hour immersion at 37°C, the test panel is removed and dried. Corrosion protection is assessed by measuring the infiltration of corrosion products under the coating from the scribed crosswise cut through to the metal substrate. The measurement is typically expressed in millimetres of maximum infiltration from the scribe line. Pass/fail thresholds are set by the specific Qualicoat or QIB protocol you are testing to – accredited laboratories should reference the current protocol version for their exact acceptance criteria.
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