Advanced Friction Tester (COF Tester)
Coefficient of friction is also known as COF testing. The Hanatek Advanced Friction Tester is the most comprehensive tool available for measuring the coefficient of friction of plastic film, printed cartons, packaging substrates or paper.
This flexible instrument can also be used to measure and display the frictional values of any flat surface including plastics textile, coated metals and leather.
In addition to providing static and dynamic slip values for a surface, the instrument allows the full friction force output to be displayed, stored and compared. This unique ability helps a manufacturer to relate the feeding and running speeds of a product to its surface characteristics.
The friction tester is available with optional extras to measure peel strength of adhesives, tear strength of substrates and the blocking of plastic films and coated cartons.
Measuring Friction
The Hanatek Advanced Friction Tester measures both static and dynamic coefficient of friction.
Static Friction:
The initial force required to make two surfaces slip against each other.
Dynamic Friction:
The ongoing force required to maintain movement between two surfaces.
How is friction measured?
A sample of 63.5mm² with a weight acting over the entire surface area is run over another sample at a given speed.
This is typically a face to face test.
Exact test parameters are specified in ASTM D1894, ISO 8295, ISO 15359, ASTM D2534, TAPPI T549.
Advanced Friction Tester Features:
Automatic sled placement with variable dwell times give more repeatable static slip results
Sled is positioned on lift pins
Lift pins retract into the instrument and the sled is place in the same position each time
Fixed link between the sled and the load cell means that there are no errors in friction from pulley wheels or cords associated with other measuring instruments
Full graphical & statistical analysis of test results can be printed to PDF for easy reporting
All results can be compared graphically - a previously tested reference can also be overlaid to help understand batch to batch consistency and quality
Create & store electronic references for future comparison
The instrument calculates detailed statistics for multiple measurements, A detailed report can be printed directly from the instrument
Choice of easy-load sled for measuring films or standard sled for other materials
Pre-loaded ISO/ASTM/TAPPI slip test methods
The instrument has pre-loaded test instructions that help ensure samples are tested to international standards
Choice of easy-load sled for measuring films or standard sled for other materials
Easy-load friction sled
Touch Screen Interface
The AFT Advanced Friction tester uses an intuitive touch screen interface making it accessible and easy to use.
Development tool or Q.A. instrument
This flexible instrument can be configured for quality or research use
Research tool
- Create bespoke test methods
- Statistical and graphical analysis of results
Q.A. instrument
- Pre-loaded ISO/ASTM/TAPPI/FINAT test methods
- Date/operator stamped results
- User definable pass/fail criteria with optional password protection
On-Screen Graphical Help
All operations and test methods have comprehensive graphical on-screen help.
- Intuitive and easy to use
- Easy to train new users
- Consistent results for all operators
- No need to consult complicated manuals
All operations have on-screen graphical help including instructions for sample preparation and testing, software navigation and instrument set-up
Paper & Board Friction Test Attachment
Additional attachment to remove uncertainty in measurement of paper and board.
- Utilises the unique Hanatek sled lowering system to remove placement errors
- Guidance system ensures that the sled is kept parallel with the measuring plate
- Sample preparation system eliminates errors caused by sample contamination
Peel Testing
Optional attachments transform the AFT into a precision peel test instrument, accurately measuring the force required to separate glued or laminated films, tapes, labels etc.
- All tests are to FINAT international standards
- T-Peel, 180º peel or 90º peel tests
- Graphical on-screen instructions
- Force curves and statistical analysis
Box Closing Force
Measure the forces required to close filled cartons.
This test ensures that carton based packages can be stacked and displayed correctly. Cartons must also be properly closed to ensure that any secondary process such as film wrapping can be performed.
Block Testing - Flims, Labels & Cartons
During storage, films, labels or cartons can inadvertently block together making them difficult to separate and feed into finishing or packing lines.
- Measure the force required to separate blocked samples
- Full testing and sample conditioning instructions
- Test to international standards
Detachable Heated Bed
Detachable heated bed can be added to test frictional characteristics at elevated temperatures up to 110º C.
Tear Testing - Substrate Strength
Optional tear strength attachment allows the user to measure and control tear strength to international standards.
- Trouser Tear method
- Full graphical instructions and sample templates