Drop Shape Analyzer

DSA100E

The automated premium solution for wetting and adhesion analysis of solids and liquids

Bookmark
Brochure
Data sheet

Compare Send request

The Expert version of the DSA100 Drop Shape Analyzer system solution enables solids and liquids in wetting and coating processes to be analyzed comprehensively. The high degree of automation with easy programmable procedures provides for user-independent contact angle and surface tension results, which is ideal for the use in quality control. However, the DSA100E is also frequently used in R&D due to its versatility in controlling thermal conditions, its multi-dosing option with up to eight test liquids, and its scientific tools for analyzing the solid/liquid contact.

Applications

Quality assurance and optimization of activation processes such as plasma treatment, flame treatment, or corona treatment before coating or bonding
Analyzing the wettability of plastics, glass, ceramics, wood, paper, or metal
Analyzing the effectiveness of hydrophobic coatings and other coatings
Analyzing coating liquids and adhesives and assessing their adhesion
Assessing long-term stability of coatings
Analyzing (super-) hydrophobic and self-cleaning surfaces
Analyzing homogeneity of cleanliness and wettability and measuring differences between coated/uncoated or treated/untreated areas
Wetting analysis at controlled temperature and/or humidity
Measuring surface tension of hot liquids, e.g. hotmelts

Measuring methods

Contact angle of a drop on a solid surface
Contact angles of two drops dosed in parallel
Automated position-dependent contact angle measurement and evaluation
Contact angle using a gas bubble beneath a solid surface in a liquid
Roll-off behavior and advancing/receding contact angle of a drop on a tilted surface
Surface free energy of a solid using contact angle data
Calculating adhesion-related scientific parameters for the interfacial contact
Surface or interfacial tension using the curvature of a drop or bubble at the tip of a needle
Carrying out a measurement up to 20 consecutive times and displaying the results together
Calculating the polar and disperse part of the surface tension from contact angle and surface tension data

Measuring results

Static contact angle
Advancing and receding contact angle
Contact angle using a bubble in a liquid
Roll-off angle
Surface free energy (SFE) according to the following models: Owens/Wendt/Rabel/Kaelble (OWRK), (extended) Fowkes, van Oss & Good, Schultz, Wu, Zisman
Position-dependent contact angle and SFE
Surface tension of a liquid and interfacial tension between two liquids
Work of adhesion, solid/liquid interfacial tension, spreading coefficient
Temperature

The DSA100: Why we call it premium

Comprehensive and versatile wetting and adhesion analysis for almost all surfaces and tasks: see what’s possible with the DSA100.

Analyzing solids with up to eight liquids

The special multi-dosing system of the DSA100E for software-controlled dispensing of up to eight liquids provides for automated determination of the surface free energy (SFE) based on a vast amount of scientific data. Precise measurements of the advancing and receding angle run smoothly thanks to the adjustable dosing dynamics. This measuring mode leads to a statistically significant mean value for the measured sample position.

Automated positioning for complete sample analyses

The DSA100E is fitted with three software-controlled axes. These move the sample accurately and quickly to all programmed measuring positions. This makes it possible to carry out complete, standardized analyses, which is ideal for quality control. Moreover, wetting can be analyzed dependent on the sample position to check for homogeneity or to assess differences between coated and uncoated areas, for example.

Reliable drop shape analysis thanks to high imaging quality

The DSA100E features a high-resolution camera and a quality zoom lens for accurate display of the drop with optimum size. The high image quality that this achieves leads to a precisely measured contact angle or surface tension (SFT). Combined with the intelligent image evaluation algorithm of the ADVANCE software, drop shape analysis with the instrument provides exact results.

OPTIONAL

TILTING TABLE

Characterize low wettability

The tilting table for the DSA100: Analyze (super-) hydrophobic and self-cleaning surfaces automatically by means of the contact angle and roll-off angle.

Protective housing and time-saving setup

The robust housing of the DSA100E protects sensitive components such as the camera and also minimizes the troublesome effect of vibration.

Adjusting the viewing angle, which is often necessary when measuring the contact angle, is particularly easy since the position of the drop in the image does not change during this step. As a result, the otherwise necessary tracking of the sample height is eliminated. This is possible thanks to a special optical arrangement, which also creates space for large samples.

Maximum repeatability and comprehensive adhesion analysis

With the ADVANCE software's easy-to-create automation programs you can design standard procedures for fully automated sample analyses in no time at all. Optional software tools for data analysis combine SFE and SFT data in order to assess the adhesion and other scientific parameters of the solid/liquid contact.

Intuitive software with a workflow-oriented user interface
Swift and repeatable analyses thanks to measurement templates and powerful automation functions
Superior algorithms for image analyses provide for precise results even with difficult images
A wide range of evaluation methods makes ADVANCE a reliable scientific tool