Adhesion tester Qscratch 20 GO

for coatingfor productionindustrial

Overview
The Qscratch 20 GO is a semi-automatic macro/micro scratch tester designed for standardized quality control of coatings and surfaces. It supports single measurements with progressive or constant load and provides traceable, standards-compliant results through integrated hardware and QpixControl2 software.

Product Advantages

• Semi-automatic macro/micro scratch tester for defined quality check workflows
• Compact solution for routine testing and production monitoring
• Electronic force control with a test force range of 0.5–200 N
• Constant and progressive load modes for standards-compliant testing
• 8-position automatic tool changer for test modules and lenses
• Dynamically automated Z-axis and motorized Y-axis
• QpixControl2 software with guided scratch workflow and structured reporting
• Traceable evaluation and standardized reports for QC documentation

Test Methods & Force Range
Progressive load
Initial and final loads and the load rate are defined; the load increases along the scratch length and visible events are assigned as Lc points at their positions. Standards referenced include ISO (PFST) and ASTM (PL). Lc denotes the critical load.

Constant load
The normal force remains constant along the scratch length, suitable for single measurements, series comparisons and recurring QC conditions. Standards referenced include ISO (CFST) and ASTM (CL). Lc: critical load.

Test Principle & Failure Events
A diamond stylus moves across the coated surface under a defined normal force. Visible failure events (cracking, spalling, penetration) are localized along the scratch and assigned to corresponding critical loads, making failure points traceable.

Defining and assigning failure events

• Lc1 - Initial cracking / plastic deformation
• Lc2 - Spalling
• Lc3 - Penetration of the coating down to the substrate

Optics, Illumination & Imaging
The Qscratch 20 GO uses a QATM lens system with Koehler illumination and white LEDs plus motorized aperture control to deliver high-contrast, high-magnification images. Standard achromat and higher-quality semi-apochromat lenses are available. Integrated imaging and motorized lens/tool change enable inspection and Lc determination without offsets.

Operation & Automation
The system features an 8-position motorized tool changer (max. 3 test modules, max. 7 lenses), motorized Y-axis, dynamic automated Z-axis with 150 mm travel and CAS (Collision Avoiding System) to protect mechanics via predictive 3D motion. LED test-space lighting and an illuminated status display assist positioning and overview.

Software & Workflow
QpixControl2 offers a guided scratch workflow and a 3D user concept: method creation, visual positioning, automated single or multiple measurements, guided Lc evaluation, integrated image capture, data management, export and standardized reporting. Connectivity options include XML, CSV, Q-DAS, LIMS and OPC UA for Industry 4.0 integration.

Coating & Material Types (typical applications)

• Thin, hard ceramic coatings (typically 0.1–30 μm): carbides (TiC, CrC), nitrides (TiN, CrN, TiAlN), oxides (Al2O3), diamond, DLC
• Thin hard PVD/PACVD and technical coatings (typically ≤ 20 μm): PVD TiN, PACVD DLC, arc-discharge DLC, PVD/PACVD Cr–C, PVD Al2O3, hard chrome

Standards

• DIN EN ISO 20502 / ASTM C1624 — Determination of adhesion and mechanical failure modes of hard ceramic coatings using a scratch test
• ISO 27307 — Evaluation of adhesion and cohesion of thermally sprayed ceramic layers using a transverse scratch test
• ASTM G171 — Determination of scratch hardness using a defined diamond stylus and constant normal force

Included / Basic Equipment

• Rockwell diamond indenter (basic testing module)
• Standard lenses: 20x, 50x (included)
• Motorized Y-axis and dynamic Z-axis (CAS)
• 8-position motorized tool changer (max. 3 modules, max. 7 lenses)
• Integrated QpixControl2 software (guided workflow and reporting)

Technical Specifications

• Test force range: 0.5–200 N (0.5 N and 1 N > 1% accuracy)
• Z-axis: dynamic, automated (CAS), travel 150 mm
• Tool positions: 8-fold motorized tool changer (max. 3 testing modules, max. 7 lenses)
• Lens types: standard (achromat) and high quality (semi-apochromat)
• Table size: 150 x 120 mm
• Traverse path (Y): 150 mm
• Positioning accuracy Y-axis: ±0.2 μm
• Control elements: emergency stop, start button, joystick Y/Z
• Max. workpiece weight: 50 kg
• Weight of basic device: 58 kg
• Optional modules: Qpix Inspect (crater-grinding, Rockwell adhesion test), digital caliper and inspection options