Automatic Scratch Resistance Tester Features

• Large working table with left and right movement for convenient measurement of different areas on the same panel.
• Special fixing device for samples accommodating various substrate sizes.
• Sound-light alarm system alerts puncturing through the sample panel, enhancing visual cues.
• Stylus made from high-hardness material for increased durability.

Automatic Scratch Resistance Tester

Automatic Scratch Tester QT-ASRT-CL

Automatic Scratch Tester QT-ASRT-VL

Introducing Automatic Scratch Resistance Tester from Qualitest: Coatings and paints serve multiple purposes, including protecting, decorating, and concealing substrate defects, with these functions being closely tied to the hardness of the coatings. Hardness is a crucial aspect of paint mechanical strength and serves as a key indicator of paint quality. A significant tool for evaluating coatings hardness is the scratch tester.

ISO 1518 "Paints and varnishes -- Determination of scratch resistance" outlines a method for determining, under defined conditions, the resistance of a single coating or a multi-coat system of paint, varnish, or related products to scratching using a specified load on a scratch stylus. The stylus penetrates the substrate unless dealing with a multi-coat system, where it may penetrate to either the substrate or an intermediate coat.

This test method proves invaluable for comparing the scratch resistance of various coatings, particularly in providing relative ratings for coated panels that exhibit notable differences in scratch resistance.

Before 2011, only one standard existed for evaluating paint scratch resistance, which did not account for scientifically evaluating scratch resistance under different applications. However, following the standard's revision in 2011, this test method was split into two parts: constant-loading, where the loading remains constant during the scratch test, with results displayed as maximum weights that do not damage coatings, and variable loading, where the loading on the stylus increases continuously from zero throughout the test, measuring the distance from the starting point to the point where paint scratches appear. Testing results are presented as critical loads.

Qualitest offers the Automatic Scratch Resistance Tester in two CL and VL variations for Constant Loading and Variable Loading, conforming to the latest ISO 1518 and other standards.