The Revetest® scratch tester (RST³) is the industrial standard extensively used for characterizing hard-coated materials with a normal coating thickness surpassing 1 µm. RST³ is a dependable instrument for the characterization of both substrate/coating adhesion and surface anti-scratch resistance. Fitted with an user-friendly software package, it is possible to do scratch tests in an extensive variety of testing modes, including advanced scratch testing (with pre-scan and post-scan), simple scratch testing, scratch map, user-defined scratch, scratch map by stage, etc. Anton Paar is a global leader in scratch testing with over 1,500 Revetest® instruments sold.
Key Features
Patented Synchronized Panorama Mode
This unique feature is available only in Anton Paar scratch testers. It automatically synchronizes the recording of all sensor signals with the entire scratch image in excellent focus. In this manner the measurement curve can be tested exactly parallel to the scratch picture on a single page. Anton Paar has the patents US 12/324, 237, and EP 2065695 for the synchronized panorama mode.
Measurements on Curved and Uneven Surfaces
The Revetest® scratch system with its unique force sensor control detects every surface deviation and the active force feedback rectifies this deviation. By following the shape of the sample with total control of the preferred load, RST³ is also capable of performing flawlessly reliable measurements on curved and uneven surfaces.
Compliant with ASTM C1624, ISO 20502 and ISO EN 1071
Anton Paar is well-linked with standardization organizations such as ISO, DIN, ASTM and others so as to support its customers to meet the high requirements they have for their own products, especially in quality control, where standards are regularly critical. By certifying Anton Paar products accordingly, the company can ensure superior-quality products and services in terms of reliability, safety and environmental friendliness.
High Flexibility on Scratch Measurements
The indenter tips in the indenter holder can be swapped in an easy and fast manner. Tips of varied angles and diameters are available. The same indenter holder can be used for various kinds of tips such as spherical tips (1, 5, 20, 200, 800, ... µm tips with open angles of 120° or 90°), Vickers tips or Berkovich tips.
Automatic Detection of Critical Loads
The critical load data is used to quantify the adhesive properties of a variety of film-substrate combinations by using different sensors (penetration depth, acoustic emission, friction force) and video microscope observations. All critical loads can be detected automatically with the new user-friendly software. The user just needs to program some threshold values and begin the automatic analysis of critical loads (Lc). RST³ is the only commercial scratch tester with automatic detection of critical loads.
Technical Specifications
| Normal load |
Fine range |
Large range |
| Max. load [N] |
100 |
200 |
| Resolution [mN] |
3 |
6 |
| Penetration depth |
Fine range |
Large range |
| Max. depth [μm] |
100 |
1000 |
| Depth resolution [nm] |
1,5 |
15 |
| Friction load |
Fine range |
Large range |
| Max. friction [N] |
100 |
200 |
| Friction resolution [mN] |
3 |
6 |
Acoustic Emission Sensor
- Central frequency: 150 kHz
- Maximum amplification: 200,000 x
- Dynamic range: 65 dBae
Scratching Speed
- From 0.4 mm/minute to 600 mm/minute
Scratch Tables
- Scratch length: up to 70 mm
- Scratch speed: 0.4 mm/min to 600 mm/min
- Inline scratch inspection: up to 30 mm
Applications
- Characterization of thermal spray coatings by instrumental indentation and scratch testing
- Physical characterization of coated surfaces – scratch testing
- Characterization of the scratch resistance of ceramic tiles
RST³ Revetest Scratch Tester
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