Automatic film applicator for paint and ink testing

Citation

(1998), "Automatic film applicator for paint and ink testing", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 27 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.1998.12927ead.003

Automatic film applicator for paint and ink testing

Automatic film applicator for paint and ink testing

Keywords Inks, Paints, Sheen, Testing

Those whose job it is to prepare films of paint or ink for testing using hand drawdown methods will know how difficult it is to achieve consistent results. The new 1137 Automatic Film Applicator, from Sheen Instruments, Richmond, UK, claims to achieve uniformity and reproducibility of film thickness in conventional, low build and transparent paint and ink coatings of widely differing rheological profiles by allowing the drawdown speed to be preset and, if necessary, memorised so that each and every drawdown is the same (Plate 1).

Plate 1 The new 1137 Automatic Film Applicator from Sheen Instruments

Only by doing this can meaningful comparative mechanical and appearance testing results be achieved because variations in film thickness severely affect the results of tests for opacity, abrasion, washability and so on.

The 1137 is designed to operate with all Sheen Instruments' range of wire wound bars and applicators, as well as those supplied by other companies, and the latest technology has been used in its design to ensure ease and safety of use. Drawdown speed is variable from 50-500mm per second in 10mm increments and is clearly indicated on an LED display. Four memories allow reproducibility of film thickness for commonly used formulations and a specially designed drive mechanism ensures a smooth film is produced even for low build and transparent coatings.

More information is available from Sheen Instruments Limited. Tel: +44 (0)1892 864256; Fax: +44 (0)1892 864802; E-mail: 101326.3161@compuserve.com