Quality assurance test equipment
For our quality assurance and to support our process development as well as the materials processing contracts various test methods and measurement techniques are employed to ensure we comply with the relevant standards and customer specifications.
Optical spectrometry
(plasma analyzer)
With optical spectrometry it is possible to monitor the spectrum of the plasma (color) as well as changes over time.
This gives more accurate information about processes and allows quicker adaption of their parameters.
Microscope
Gives a closer inspection of plasma modified surfaces. Changes in the structure after plasma treating can be observed.
After destructive testing the breakage pattern of the bond can be evaluated.
To observe if the breakage was cohesive or adhesive for example.
Surface hardness tester
Used to test the scratch resistance and abrasion resistance from parts and materials.
Testing after DIN 55656:2014-12 by sliding a point with a defined loading across the surface of the test piece where the depth of the scratch in the surface indicates the surface hardness.
With this test method we can assess the improvement achieved by plasma coating or surface modification.
IR Camera
Infrared cameras give the intensity of the infrared spectrum over the surface of the part.
This corresponds to the temperature.
Plasma transmits energy into the work piece which heats it up.
Therefore, we can get a visual record of heating homogeneity.
Tensile strength tester
Tensile testing machines are used to determine material characteristics.
Tensile strength and elongation diagrams can be charted.
Various stretch, compression and bending tests enabling us to assess the effects on parts or materials such as polymers or elastomers.
Additionally, we can evaluate the effectiveness of our processes, like plasma activation or plasma priming, on improving the adhesive bonding strengths or paint adhesion.
Contact angle meter
To determine the surface energy of a material a small amount of fluid is applied to the surface of the work piece.
The steepness of the angle of the drop surface is measured.
This indicates the ability of the fluid to wet the surface.
Many polymers have a very high contact angle due to their low surface energy.
This indicates they will be difficult or impossible to print, bond or paint.
After plasma activation the contact angle is normally flat indicating the workpiece can be printed, bonded or painted easily.
LABS test
A Germany term for paint repelling surface test. Often referred to as the orange peel effect.
Contamination on the surface repels the paint.
The LABS test offers evidence that the plasma cleaning was effective, and the parts are ready to be painted.
With conventional cleaning problems are generally experienced in small canals where the cleaner has difficulty accessing the contamination. Plasma penetrates and cleans in even the smallest of fissures.
Cross cut test
Standard test for determining the adhesion of paint to a substrate as detailed in DIN EN ISO 2409 or ASTM D3359-02.
With a 6 bladed cutting edge a grid pattern is formed. Any particles are removed with a soft.
After an adhesive tape is applied on the grid it is pulled off. The amount of paint removed from the surface and adhering to the tape is assessed and compared to the customers' specification.
Depending on the results the process parameters can be adapted.
