NBN T22-104

Introducing NBN T22‑104 – Industrial Physics

NBN T22‑104 is a national standard that defines the cupping test for assessing the flexibility and adhesion of paint and varnish coatings. By gradually deforming a coated metal panel with a spherical punch, the method determines the point at which the coating begins to crack or detach — a key indicator of coating durability and substrate compatibility.

This test is widely used in industrial coatings, automotive finishing, metal fabrication, and quality‑control laboratories.

What NBN T22‑104 Covers

NBN T22‑104 outlines a controlled procedure for evaluating coating performance under mechanical deformation. Key elements include:

• Applying a uniform coating to a metal substrate
• Clamping the panel in a cupping apparatus
• Gradually deforming the panel using a hemispherical punch
• Observing the coating for:
• Cracking
• Delamination
• Loss of adhesion
• Recording the depth at which failure occurs
• Reporting results according to the standard’s classification system

The method applies to:

• Industrial coatings
• Decorative paints
• Powder coatings
• Protective and corrosion‑resistant systems

It is especially useful for evaluating coating flexibility and substrate preparation quality.

Why Cupping Testing Matters

Understanding coating flexibility and adhesion is essential for:

• Ensuring durability under bending, forming, or impact
• Preventing cracking and delamination during fabrication
• Supporting coating selection for metal substrates
• Meeting industry and customer specifications
• Optimizing formulation performance

The cupping test is a reliable indicator of how coatings behave under mechanical stress.

NBN T22‑104 Testing Equipment

Automatic Cupping Tester

The Automatic Cupping Tester is a precision instrument designed to perform cupping tests in accordance with NBN T22‑104 and related international standards.

Key benefits:

• Fully automated deformation control for repeatable results
• Digital measurement of cupping depth
• High‑precision hemispherical punch
• Suitable for a wide range of coatings and metal substrates
• Supports standards including NBN T22‑104, ISO 1520, and EN 13523‑6

This instrument ensures accurate, consistent evaluation of coating flexibility and adhesion.

Your Global Test and Measurement Partner for NBN T22‑104

Industrial Physics supports coatings manufacturers, metal finishers, and quality‑control laboratories worldwide with the expertise needed to meet NBN T22‑104 requirements. Whether you’re validating coating flexibility, optimizing formulations, or ensuring consistent production quality, we provide the guidance and solutions to help you achieve dependable, standards‑aligned testing.