Quick , easy , low-cost surface measurement technology
MEASUREMENT & MONITORING
DYNE PENS
DYNE TESTING
Quick , easy , low-cost surface measurement technology
To help industrial and research users measure surface energy with a quick , easy , and low-cost methodology , Dyne Testing , an Intertronics company , supplies Dyne Pens and Inks . Dyne Pens and Inks are a convenient way of measuring a polymer ’ s surface energy or wettability , and of identifying filmic contamination of metals . This can benefit engineers and researchers in packaging and converting , automotive , aerospace , medical device manufacturing , and battery technology applications .
The Dyne Pen test is a simple method of determining the surface energy of most polymer-based materials in line with ISO 8296 and ASTM D2578- 84 . It is used to help understand the surface energy and wetting characteristics of polymers , and their suitability for bonding , coating , painting , or printing . Test results will inform the need for surface preparation , such as cleaning , or plasma , corona , or flame surface treatment .
Dyne Pens are available in a range of values from 30 to 72 “ Dynes ”. To perform the test , the user selects a pen , and draws a line on their substrate . The test ink will either form a continuous film on the surface or draw back into droplets . If the test ink stays as a film for 3 seconds or more , then the substrate ’ s minimum surface energy ( measured in mJ / m ², mN / m , or dyne / cm ) is lower than the test ink . The surface energy of the substrate can be determined within a tight tolerance by applying a range of increasing or decreasing values of test inks and observing the wetting . Users can also purchase inks
The Dyne Pen test is a simple method of determining the surface energy of most polymerbased materials in line with ISO 8296 and ASTM D2578-84 .
in bottles , which can be spread using a brush , spreader or drawdown bar to perform the test .
There are two types of Dyne Pen , the ISO Type , which is based on ISO 8296:2003 ink specifications , and a Non-Toxic range , an ethanol-based alternative . The ISO Type is available both in pen format and as bottles of ink , which are purple in colour . The non-toxic range is available as ink only and is yellow in colour . Test inks also have application in assessing contamination on metal surfaces .
“ For bonding / printing to be a success , the liquid ’ s surface tension must be less than the substrate ’ s surface energy , so that wetting occurs ” said
Ben Swanson , Chief Commercial Officer at Intertronics . “ While most metals wet fine , many plastics do not . Metals , however , can become contaminated during handling , and this can impact their ability to be processed .
“ There are many ways to improve a plastic ’ s surface energy , including cleaning , treatment with plasma / corona or by using a primer ,” continued Swanson . “ Plasma treatment can increase the substrate ’ s surface energy and clean it simultaneously , making it useful to treat both metals and plastics .”
“ Originally designed for use in packaging applications to test the surface energy of polyethylene film before printing , Dyne Pens have been used successfully in many applications ,” said Alison Fox , Brand Manager at Dyne Testing . “ Before and after surface treatment , the Dyne Pen test can be extremely helpful to understand a substrate ’ s surface tension . Customers who want to ensure a successful printing or bonding process can order Dyne Pens from us for next day delivery .”
For environments where a move advanced test is needed , Dyne Testing supplies instrumentation for contact angle measurement and optical tensiometers .
For customers looking to use surface measurement to improve their understanding of wetting and adhesion , Intertronics and Dyne Testing can support with developing a reliable , repeatable , and safe process .
For more information on Dyne Pens , visit dynepens . co . uk
100 PECM Issue 70