3D Scratch Adhesion Tester UST-2 Overview
Main Features
- Nano, Micro, and Macro Scratch ranges on one platform
- 3D surface panorama image of each scratch
- Patented in-line 3D imaging of scratch
- Normal and tangential forces standard and measured atop the sample
- 3D Profiler and scratch data automatic correlation
Designed to quantify mechanical behaviors of bulk or coated surfaces in scratch. The UST-2 scratch tester measures scratch adhesion & cohesion, scratch hardness, mar resistance, and hardness. Additionally, the scratch tester provides multi-pass wear at nano, micro, and macro scale.
The In-line integrated 3D profiler allows a unique analysis of failures with high resolution. The profilometer correlates the effect of roughness, features, and more on the measured properties.
3D Scratch Tester Like No Other
Customizable To Fit Your Needs

Interchangeable Nano, Micro, Macro Scratch Measuring Modules
Down force from mN to 200 N (Higher force on MFT-5000 platform)

Patented In-line Profilometer
3D profiler to automatically combine high resolution nm profiler data and scratch test data

Lower Interchangeable Motions
Scratch in linear, rotary or custom motion.


XY Stage
High precision 210 mm XY stage to move test samples between testing and image positions, as well as performs slow speed reciprocating tests.

Upper Z Structure
High precision multiple Z drives with high resolution encoders to move position testing module and profilometer.

Platform
Open platform architecture for superior ease of use. Large sample testing volume, ability to mount and test any large dimension sample or full product.
Automatic Stitching Of In-line 3D Images
Scratch Data Visualization. Further analyze failure points and then relate to scratch data.

At the end of the scratch, the Universal Scratch Tester UST-2, automatically moves the sample under the optical profilometer to create a full 3D panorama of the scratch. The combination of the measuring head and the profilometer provide measurements for scratch volume, depth, residual deformation, roughness, volume wear and a clear determination of points of failure with sub-nanometer resolution. The turret on the profilometer allows the installation of up to 5 objectives providing multiple magnifications simultaneously.
Interchangeable Scratch Tester Heads On One Platform
Easy exchange of measuring heads accommodates nano scratch, micro scratch and macro scratch on the same platform.

Nano Scratch Tester Head
Nst-1
Max Down Force 1000 mN

Micro Scratch Tester Head
MSt-50
Max Down Force 50 N

Macro Scratch Tester Head
HSt-200
Max Down Force 200 N
Friction, Wear, and Coating Failures Data Correlation

Pre Test Image
Sample moves under 3D profilometer to measure surface topography

Scratch test
Single or multiple scratches using predefined recipes are performed

Post Test Image
The sample moves under the profilometer to analyze scratch area

Report
Automatic visualization for failures, adhesion, friction, cohesion and roughness characterizations. Residual depth, volume wear, and permanent deformation easily calculated.
Patented Integrated Four Mode Profilometer
The profilometer is optimized to image scratch and indentation marks with high resolutions. Automatic multiple imaging modes selection to image any sample surface – transparent, glass, mirror, rough, smooth, steep slope, and much more with ease.

Dark Field Mode
Allows detection of cracks at the surface with notable contrast

White Light Interferometer Mode
Allows high resolution images of flat surfaces


Spinning Disk Confocal Microscope Mode
Measures steep slopes, transparent, dark or rough surfaces

Bright Field Mode
2D profiles with high resolution and real colors
Load Profile and Custom Motions
Load Profiles: constant, linear increasing or decreasing, steps, or user’s defined load profiles. The applied normal force and resulting friction forces are measured using precise NIST traceable sensors with high thermal stability.
Various Motions: The automatic 210×150 mm XY stage can perform multiple scratch on single or multiple samples automatically. Scratch tests can be customize to achieve any motion profile –straight, curved, circle, zigzag, and more.

Scratch Setup With In-line Profiler

Scratch With Rockwell Tip

Scratch With Cutting Tool
Sensors and Chambers
Application specific solutions
Environmental chambers and a variety of sensors create numerous test variations that replicate real-life scenarios.
Electrical Contact Resistance
Identifies the coating failure point via the measure of the electrical resistance change during the scratch.
Acoustic Emission
Identifies brittle material failures by measuring the shock vibrations during the scratch.
Corrosion Setup
Allows scratch corrosion studies.
Environmental Chambers
Temperature, Humidity, and More.
Additional Sensors
Various sensors on coating scratch adhesion tester provides more information during the test.
Solution To
The UST-2 scratch tester is used extensively across a wide range of industries:
Aerospace
- Thermal Spray Coatings
- Turbine, engine, components
- Anti corrosive coatings
Automotive
- Marr Resistance
- Thermal Spray Coatings
- DLC
- Paints
Bio-materials
- Bio compatible coatings
- Medical devices
- Joints
- Valves, pumps
Ceramics
- Ceramic coatings
- Bulk materials
Hard Coating
- Cutting tools
- Thermal spray
- DLC
Metal
- Bulk Materials
- Coatings
- Textured surfaces
Optics and Glasses
- Lenses
- Touch screen
- Consumer goods
Pharmaceutical
- Coatings on tablet
Polymer
- Marr resistance
- Coating
- Bulk materials
Semicon
- Screens
- Thin coatings
- Protective coatings
- Consumer goods
Need Versatile 3D Scratch Testing?
Take a look at our Multi Function Tribometer, the MFT-5000.
Want to learn more?
Get in touch, and request a demo.