Application

As a starting point for each check a test ink or test pen with a medium value should be applied, e. g. 38 mN/m (dyne/cm). If the line of ink stays unchanged for at least 2 seconds on the surface of the material without turning into droplets, the surface energy of the material is the same or higher than the surface tension of the fluid.

In this case, the test ink/test pen with the next higher value is applied to the surface, e. g. 40 mN/m (dyne/cm). This check has to be repeated with the next higher value of surface tension up to the point, at which within 2 seconds the line of fluid turns into separate droplets.

If already at the starting point (38 mN/m (dyne/cm)) droplets are formed from the line of fluid, the check is continued with test inks/test pens of lower values, which is often the case with metals.

As a general limit often 38 mN/m (dyne/cm) are mentioned: If the surface energy level is below this value, the adhesion will be bad, above this value the adhesion will be good or sufficient. Anyway it is always highly advisable to check the surface energy being necessary for good adhesion for each special application.

The ARCOTEC test inks and test pens are a means for determining the surface energy value easily and exactly. This serves well to either find out about the necessity of a treatment or cleaning process in a planned production line, or about its quality in an existing line.

In this way the surface energy of a material can be determined to be between two values, e. g. between 36 and 38 mN/m (dyne/cm).

This testing method is well suitable for the operating personnel on any production line as a routine check, which the result of can be immediately evaluated and gives a very clear picture of the degree of treatment or cleaning to accordingly trained staff.

Due to the fact that the test fluids are composed of two liquids evaporating at different rates, and because they are of hygroscopic nature, the bottles or pens must always be kept closed when not in use.