TAMPOTECHNIKA offers advanced testers for determining the surface energy and cleanliness of various materials, such as plastics, metals, and glass. These tools are essential in the process of preparing surfaces for further processing, such as painting, printing, or gluing, where adequate surface energy and cleanliness are crucial for achieving high-quality bonds.
How the testers work
Surface energy and cleanliness testers work by applying a test liquid with a specific surface tension to the surface being tested, in the form of pens or bottles with an applicator. If the line drawn with the tester loses its shape within 3 seconds, it means that the surface energy of the substrate is lower than the surface tension of the tester liquid, indicating that the surface needs to be activated before further processing. This process allows for a quick and accurate assessment of the material’s readiness for processes such as painting, printing, or bonding.
Types of testers
TAMPOTECHNIKA supplies testers in two main forms:
- Test pens (Easy Test Pen): These are easy-to-use tools that allow for quick and precise application of the test liquid. The pens are particularly recommended for testing surface cleanliness, e.g., to check whether the surface is free of grease and organic contaminants such as oils, fats, or fingerprints. The test liquid in the pens, e.g., with a surface tension of 38 mN/m, allows the cleanliness of the surface to be assessed in just a few seconds. After the test, the surface can be easily cleaned with compressed air, allowing the tested elements to be used further without leaving any traces.
- Test liquid bottles: These allow the liquid to be applied to larger surfaces, which is useful for testing large components such as chain links. They are available in a wide range of surface tensions, from 18.4 to 105 mN/m, allowing them to be precisely matched to different materials and process requirements.
Application and benefits
Testers offered by TAMPOTECHNIKA are indispensable in many industries, including the automotive, medical, cosmetics, and household goods industries. A particular challenge is the treatment of polyolefin surfaces, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, which, due to their low surface energy, require activation before painting, printing, or gluing. The testers allow for a quick assessment of whether the surface is properly prepared, minimizing the risk of defects such as poor paint or adhesive adhesion.
Thanks to their ease of use and immediate results, testers are a practical solution for use directly on the production line. Easy Test Pens and test liquid bottles do not require specialized training, making them accessible to personnel with varying levels of experience. In addition, cleanliness testers such as arcospray 38 are safe to use as they do not require labeling as hazardous substances in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 (CLP).
Practical aspects of use
- Speed and precision: Test results are available within seconds, allowing for immediate assessment of the surface condition.
- Ease of cleaning: After testing, the surface can be cleaned with compressed air, which does not affect further production processes.
- Versatility: Testers are available in different surface tension variants, allowing them to be used on a wide range of materials, from plastics to metals and glass.
- Safety: The test liquid in pens and bottles is harmless and easy to remove, which increases user comfort.