--- type: "WebPage" title: "Surface analysis: identify and correct a treatment defect" description: "Do you want to carry out a surface analysis to identify and correct a treatment defect? Is a surface treatment defect affecting the performance of your parts? Peeling of coating, premature corrosion, poor adhesion, non-compliance of a deposit, change in..." resource: "https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-surface-characterization/surface-analysis-identify-and-correct-a-treatment-defect/" tags: ["EN", "pll_6a5a3f47c9f00", "Anaïs DECAUX"] timestamp: "2026-07-17T14:44:56Z" published: "2026-07-17T14:42:24Z" language: "en" author: "Laure Durieux" --- # Surface analysis: identify and correct a treatment defect ## Do you want to carry out a surface analysis to identify and correct a treatment defect? ### Is a surface treatment defect affecting the performance of your parts? Peeling of [coating](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-surface-characterization/laboratory-surface-coating-characterization.md), premature [corrosion](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-deposit-contamination/laboratory-expertise-and-analysis-of-corrosion.md), [poor adhesion](https://filab.fr/paroles-d-expert/metallurgie-fonderie-automobile/filab-vous-accompagne-dans-les-problematiques-d-adhesion.md), non-compliance of a [deposit](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-deposit-contamination/laboratory-analysis-residue-characterization.md), [change in appearance](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/rd/problem-solving-related-research-and-development/defect-in-appearance-products-filab-helps-you-to-solve-this-problem.md) or wetting defect… Surface treatments play an essential role in the functional performance and durability of materials. When a defect appears, it is essential to quickly identify its origin in order to secure production, limit scrap, and implement effective corrective actions. At the FILAB laboratory, our experts in [surface characterization](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-surface-characterization.md) support you in identifying the root causes of treatment defects through an approach combining [physicochemical analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/chemical-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-physicochemical.md), microscopic observations and [materials expertise](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-material-testing.md). ## The FILAB laboratory supports you with surface analysis to identify and correct a treatment defect ### Our surface analysis approach to identify and correct a treatment defect Characterization and diagnosis We isolate the defective area and analyze its topography and morphology at high resolution (SEM - Scanning Electron Microscopy). This step makes it possible to map the defect and understand its geometry (crack, crater, inclusion). Chemical analysis and cause identification Thanks to spectroscopic analysis (EDX, XPS, FTIR), we identify the exact chemical composition of contaminants or treatment layers. We detect traces of unwanted elements (silicones, oils, washing residues) at the nanometric scale. Correction plan and process optimization Finding the cause is not enough. Our experts provide you with an operational report: adjustment of your treatment bath parameters, modification of the cleaning cycle, or redefinition of the specifications for your raw materials. ### Our technical resources for surface analysis and treatment defect detection For more than 30 years, the FILAB laboratory has had the experience and dedicated analytical equipment to meet the needs of[surface analysis and surface characterization](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-surface-characterization/laboratory-analysis-surface-condition.md) on all types of materials (metal, polymer, ceramic). FILAB offers the following surface analysis techniques: [### SEM-EDX](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-sem-scanning-electron-microscopy.md) [### SEM-EBSD](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/sem-ebsd-analysis-laboratory.md) [### AFM](https://filab.fr/nos-moyens-techniques/laboratoire-analyse-afm.md) [### TOF-SIMS](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-tof-sims.md) [### XPS](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-xps-esca.md) [### FTIR](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-ftir-spectroscopy.md) [### ICP](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-icp-icp-ms-icp-aes.md) ## Identify the root cause of the treatment defect ![ISO 10993-10](https://filab.fr/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/DM-1.png) Our expertise is not limited to simply observing a defect. Our specialists interpret the analytical results in order to determine: - the origin of the failure; - the degradation mechanism; - the process step responsible; - the critical parameters; - the corrective actions to consider. This approach helps make your process more reliable and prevent defects from recurring. ## Our FAQ Why carry out a surface analysis after a treatment defect? Surface analysis makes it possible to precisely identify the origin of a defect such as delamination, corrosion, contamination, or poor adhesion. The results make it possible to implement targeted corrective actions and secure the manufacturing process. What types of surface treatments can be investigated? The FILAB laboratory works on many treatments: galvanizing, anodizing, passivation, paint, varnish, metallic coatings, chemical treatments, plasma treatments, PVD or CVD coatings, as well as surface preparation operations. What techniques do you use to analyze a surface? Depending on the issue, our experts use techniques such as SEM-EDX, XPS, TOF-SIMS, AFM, profilometry, roughness measurement, XRD, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, as well as ICP-OES and ICP-MS. Can you determine the origin of an adhesion defect? Yes. Our investigations make it possible to identify the causes of adhesion loss: contamination, preparation defects, oxidation, insufficient coating thickness, material incompatibility, or drift in the treatment process. What materials can be analyzed? Our analysis cover metals, alloys, polymers, composites, ceramics, glass, and multilayer materials used in the most demanding industrial sectors. How can i get a quote from FILAB laboratory? To get a quote, you can contact our teams via our contact form, by phone, or by email. All you need to do is send us your requirements (material type, desired analysis, any applicable standard, urgency, number of samples, etc.). We will then send you a personalized technical and pricing proposal within 24-48H. What is the typical turnaround time for analysis? Lead times vary depending on the nature of the analysis and the complexity of the expert assessment project. FILAB is committed, however, to providing fast turnaround times tailored to your industrial constraints and urgent needs.