Adhesion tester Qscratch 20

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Introduction
The Qscratch 20 is a fully automatic macro/micro scratch tester for quality control of coatings, functional surfaces and components subject to critical loads. The system combines controlled force application, precise electronic load control, integrated optical imaging and guided workflows in QpixControl2 to enable reproducible scratch testing with progressive or constant load, structured evaluation, documentation and reporting.

Product advantages

• Fully automatic macro/micro scratch tester for coatings and surfaces
• Single and multiple measurements for efficient test series and comparisons
• Electronic force control with test force range 0.5–200 N
• Constant and progressive load modes for standards-compliant testing
• 8-position motorized tool changer for testing modules and objectives
• Motorized X/Y/Z axes with high-precision positioning
• QpixControl2 software with guided scratch workflow and automated Lc detection
• Optional hardness upgrade and Qpix Inspect analysis modules for microscopy tasks

Test methods

• Progressive load (PFST / ASTM PL): initial and final loads and loading rate are defined; load increases along scratch length and distinct events are assigned as Lc points.
• Constant load (CFST / ASTM CL): normal force remains constant along the scratch; suitable for single measurements, series comparisons and recurring QC conditions.

Standards & Procedures

• DIN EN ISO 20502 / ASTM C1624 — adhesion and mechanical failure modes of hard ceramic coatings using scratch testing
• ISO 27307 — evaluation of adhesion/cohesion of thermally sprayed ceramic layers (transverse scratch)
• ASTM G171 — scratch hardness determination using defined diamond stylus and evaluation of remaining scratch width

Optical & Imaging System
The Qscratch 20 uses a QATM-developed objective system with Köhler illumination, white LED lighting and motorized aperture shuttering to deliver high-contrast, high-magnification images comparable to advanced microscopes. An optional built-in sample image camera (A+ version) provides a 5 MP color overview image (field of view 52 × 39 mm) for navigation and documentation.

Operation & User Experience
Guided operation via QpixControl2 supports test creation, visual positioning of scratch marks, single/multiple measurements, automatic Lc event evaluation, image capture and integrated reporting. Automation and lab workflow features include barcode/QR/NFC integration, IoT connectivity and automatic software updates (features depend on configuration).

Optional Analysis Modules (Qpix Inspect)

• Crater-grinding: microscopic coating thickness measurement (DIN EN ISO 26423)
• Rockwell adhesion test: qualitative adhesion evaluation of ceramic coatings (DIN EN ISO 26443)
• Phase analysis, particle sizing, weld seam measurement and other microscopic evaluation tools integrated in Qpix Inspect

For laboratories
Designed for laboratories making critical surface-related decisions: standardized scratch tests with high repeatability, efficient documentation, intuitive workflows and optional integrated hardness and analysis functions to consolidate testing on a single platform.

Technical specifications

• Test force range: 0.5 - 200 N
• Test modes: Constant load and Progressive load (single and multiple measurements)
• Z-axis: Dynamic automated (CAS), travel distance Z 150 mm
• Tool positions: 8-fold motorized tool changer (max. 3 testing modules, max. 7 objectives)
• Included basic equipment: Rockwell diamond; 5×, 20×, 50× objectives
• Objective types: Standard (achromat) and High Quality (semi-apochromat) for hardness testing and microscopy
• Sample image camera (optional A+): 5 MP CMOS color, USB3.0, field of view 52 × 39 mm
• Motorized X/Y axis (cross slide) with positioning accuracy X/Y ±0.2 µm
• Table size: 150 × 120 mm
• Traverse path: X 150 mm, Y 150 mm
• Control elements: Emergency stop, Start button, Joystick X/Y/Z
• Maximum workpiece weight: 50 kg
• Weight of basic device: 60 kg
• Optional: Hardness upgrade (Vickers/Knoop/Brinell/Rockwell) and Qpix Inspect analysis modules
• Notes: *0.5 N and 1 N > 1% accuracy