In two seconds, the Surface Analyst measures the cleanliness level of surfaces and determines if it is properly prepared for adhesion. Developed and manufactured by BTG Labs, it is a fast, easy, accurate and nondestructive instrument for manufacturers with critical surface requirements. The Surface Analyst replaces legacy methods such as dyne and water break tests. The instrument verifies and monitors surface preparation methods such as plasma treatment, corona, and flame treatment.
The Surface Analyst deposits a highly purified drop of water on the surface and measures the contact angle and in turn, determines the cleanliness level of a substrate. When a surface is clean it emits high energy, and water—as a high energy molecule—spreads out on the surface, in attraction to other high energy molecules. A contaminated surface, emits low energy and will cause water to bead up in attraction to itself rather than the low energy surface molecules. By knowing the volume and area of a drop of water, the contact angle of the water against a given surface can be determined. The larger the contact angle, the more the water is beading up on the surface – and therefore the lower the energy level of the surface.
When adhering, the surface requires a level of cleanliness in order to produce strong, reliable bonds. Ensuring surface condition and consistency is a vital component for guaranteeing success in sealing, coating, bonding, painting, printing or cleaning. All surfaces contaminate upon exposure, and the presence of contaminants is inevitable. But studying and comprehending the relationship between a contaminant structure and the effects it can have on a bond can help develop more productive monitoring procedures for surface preparation processes, and can also effect the development of stronger adhesives and coating formulations.
Outdated surface evaluation methods such as dyne and water break methods are destructive and do not provide the reliable, precise, and quantifiable surface measurements on the factory floor that can be obtained in seconds with the Surface Analyst.
BTG Labs (formerly Brighton Technologies, LLC) is a Materials Science-based technology company focused on understanding, quantifying, and controlling surface critical processes in manufacturing. The Surface Analyst instrumentation is widely used in the aerospace, automotive, electronic, medical device, consumer product industries and in a wide range of manufacturing and assembly operations.
More info: 513-469-1800, www.btglabs.com