Scratch Tester is part of the Characterization Laboratory infrastructure at ITU Surface Lab. This page summarizes where the device sits in the laboratory workflow, what kind of measurements or process steps it supports, and why it matters in applied surface engineering studies.
In practice, the device is used to compare coating behavior, process stability, microstructural response, or surface-related performance outputs under controlled research conditions. The goal is not only to list the equipment, but to clarify the role it plays in experiment design and interpretation.
The summary, metadata cards, and detailed content below connect the device to real laboratory questions such as deposition strategy, corrosion response, tribological performance, characterization depth, or data reliability across projects and publications.
Equipment Scratch Tester Brand IPA- FRAUNHOFER INSTITUT SCRATCH TESTER Specifications: Generation of scratches on the sample by drawing a diamond stylus across the surface, while applying a continuously increasing load. Identification of th
| Equipment | Scratch Tester |
|---|---|
| Brand | IPA- FRAUNHOFER INSTITUT SCRATCH TESTER |
Specifications:
- Generation of scratches on the sample by drawing a diamond stylus across the surface, while applying a continuously increasing load.
- Identification of the load at which the coating flakes off by acoustic emission signals.
- Possibility of wide range of load (0-200 N) application.
- Movement of the specimen holder at desired velocity (1-100 mm/min).
- Possibility of specimen holder movement along x and y axis.
- Possibility of following the scratch that is generated on the specimen from the monitor.
- Ability to transfer the image by CCD camera to the compter.
- Possibility to apply the load with desired rate.
Applications:
- Measurement of the adhesion strength of hard coatings on the substrates.
Related Guides
How to Measure Coating Adhesion
Relate scratch response and critical load behavior to interface stability.
How to Interpret Coating Hardness
Connect hardness, elastic response, and failure mode instead of reading one number alone.
Tribology Test Methods
Follow how wear tracks, friction curves, and coating integrity are read together.
Tribology and Wear
Follow how friction, wear, and coating durability are interpreted together.
Surface Characterization Methods
Use the broader interpretation map that connects imaging, chemistry, and topography.
How to Interpret SEM-EDS
Tie morphology and composition together to read coatings and degradation behavior.
How to Interpret XRD
Use phase and crystallographic information to support coating interpretation.
What Is Profilometry?
Move from height maps to roughness interpretation and surface process decisions.
