New tackiness tester

Koehler Instrument Company, Inc. has launched their newly minted tackiness tester, the K95200. It has been created to provide an objective and qualitative test for tackiness. The tester adeptly quantifies the cohesive and adhesive tactile properties of greases by measuring the sample in Newton’s and replaces the old finger stick test method with a numerical and graphical result. Greases are often found in machinery and automotive components to guard against frictional and wear losses. This equates to interaction properties like performance, most saliently when it comes to bearing aspects of grease such as thickener network, wetting agents and additives.

The measurement system consists of a dual set of parallel discs which are precisely aligned. The lower disc is connected to a high precision force measurement system and the upper disc to an electro mechanical cylinder system. All components are adjusted together to make certain that the outcome is as dependable as possible. The automatic self-calibration process, before the test procedure begins, offers the maximum level of confidence. The intuitive software interacts with the user via the colour-touch panel as simply as possible. A visual, guided step-by-step instruction facilitates an instantaneous start. An optional heating and cooling upgrade is available which allows grease tackiness tests at various temperatures up to a maximum of 80°C (175°F).

The specifications include the following: Accuracy of <0.1 N; Max. test force of 100 N; electromechanical load system; A sample test size of 5 g; Test time of approximately 120 s; test speed is standard 250 mm/s; PLC is Siemens system + HMI; Ethernet Interface; temperature range (optional) is ambient – 80°C (50 – 175°F); voltage of 110-230 V/ 50 – 60 Hz; and power 150 W max.

The Koehler K95200 is extremely user-friendly by utilising these five easy-to-follow steps: Make sure that the discs are clean and dry; select a new test sequence on the touch screen; load the lower disc with the test sample (approximately 5 g of grease is sufficient; press the start button; view result displayed on the screen.

Accessories are as follows: Basic machine, multi-range power supply; PLC and HMI software; 10x syringes; 2 discs (50 mm), verification tools and documentation. The dimensions (HxWxD) are 620 x 300 x 320 mm (24.4 x 11.8 x 12.6 in.) weight is 30 kg (66 lbs).