Measuring Contact Angle using DMe-211 Plus | Contact Angle Meters from Kyowa, Japan

Summary

The Kioa Interface Science Japan DME 211 Plus Contact Angle Meter is a cost-effective, precise instrument designed to measure key surface parameters such as contact angle, surface energy, and surface tension. It helps quantify hydrophobicity, wetability, cleanliness, and spreadability. The device features a liquid dispenser, sample stage, high-speed camera, and LED light, with real-time monitoring through its Famas software. It excels in surface tension measurements using the pendant drop method and provides advanced edge deduction technology. The meter includes factory-calibrated droplet samples and pixel calibration for long-lasting accuracy, ensuring optimal performance and measurement precision.

Takeaways

• 😀 The DME 211 Plus contact angle meter from Kioa Interface Science Japan is an affordable and precise instrument for measuring contact angle, surface free energy, surface tension, and other parameters.
• 😀 The device quantifies important properties such as hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, wettability, spreadability, and surface cleanliness.
• 😀 Key components of the device include a liquid dispenser with a needle, a sample stage that moves in the Z-axis, a high-speed camera, and LED lighting for camera functionality.
• 😀 To perform measurements, the user places the sample on the stage, fills the syringe with the liquid, and uses the software to create a droplet with precise volume control up to 0.1 microliters.
• 😀 The measurement process is monitored in real-time through the Famas software, displaying droplet volume on the screen for adjustments.
• 😀 Advanced Edge Deduction Technology in the software allows for accurate measurement, even for super hydrophilic surfaces, with the option to manually select edges and baseline for calculation.
• 😀 The DME 211 Plus excels at measuring surface tension using the pendant drop method, which is effective when the sample volume is less than 1 ml.
• 😀 The device comes with a standard droplet sample, with three pre-calibrated droplet shapes to ensure proper functioning and accuracy.
• 😀 The pixel calibration dot helps maintain the camera’s accuracy and longevity, while the Focus Assistant tool helps with tuning the camera and lighting for optimal results.
• 😀 The system features adjustable LED lighting for consistent image quality, regardless of external lighting conditions, and a spring-loaded mechanical dispenser for precise control of droplet volume.
• 😀 The device’s dispenser position can be adjusted to accommodate samples of various sizes, and the company offers live demos and further details for interested customers.

Q & A

What is the primary function of the DME 211 Plus contact angle meter?

The DME 211 Plus is designed for measuring contact angle, surface free energy, surface tension, and other related parameters, helping quantify hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, wetability, spreadability, surface cleanliness, and more.

How does the contact angle meter measure droplet behavior?

The meter uses a high-speed camera to capture the droplet behavior, with LED lighting to assist in image capture. The measurements can be monitored in real-time using the Famas software.

What is the advantage of the Famas software in the DME 211 Plus?

Famas software allows real-time monitoring of the droplet volume and enables precise control over the measurement process. It also comes with advanced edge deduction technology and options for manual edge and baseline selection.

What is the precision level for controlling the droplet volume?

The droplet volume can be controlled with a precision of up to 0.1 microliters.

What method does the DME 211 Plus use to measure surface tension?

The DME 211 Plus uses the pendant drop method to measure surface tension, which is particularly effective when the sample volume is less than 1 milliliter.

What is the significance of the standard droplet sample included with the device?

The standard droplet sample has three droplet shapes engraved inside, which are factory calibrated and certified. These samples help ensure the proper functioning of the machine during periodic inspections.

How does the camera's focus assist with measurement accuracy?

The camera's intuitive focus assistant makes it easier to achieve the maximum focus, with a real-time focus bar indicating the percentage of focus, aiming for 70% focus for optimal accuracy.

What are the features of the LED lighting system?

The LED lighting system is adjustable, allowing users to optimize image quality regardless of external light conditions.

What is the role of the spring-loaded mechanical dispenser?

The spring-loaded mechanical dispenser is used to control droplet volume precisely. It also allows adjustment of the dispenser position to accommodate various sample sizes.

Can the DME 211 Plus be used for samples smaller than 1 milliliter?

Yes, the pendant drop method is particularly effective for measuring surface tension in samples smaller than 1 milliliter.