Automotive Coating Scratch Tester

The Automotive Coating Scratch Tester is a precision instrument designed to evaluate the scratch resistance of automotive coatings. It is suitable for single-layer or multilayer painted panels and uses controlled ball-ended steel needles under defined loads to assess coating durability. The tester provides reproducible, quantitative data on scratch resistance, supporting R&D, quality control, and comparative evaluation of automotive surface coatings.

Application

The Automotive Coating Scratch Tester is widely used for:

Assessment of scratch resistance of automotive exterior coatings

Evaluation of single-layer or composite paint systems

Testing coating durability under defined mechanical load

Comparative studies of protective surface coatings and material formulations

Specific testing product: Automotive Coating Scratch Tester

Standards

The instrument complies with international and national standards for coating and mechanical surface testing:

ISO 1518 – Paints and varnishes – Determination of scratch resistance

IEC 60950‑1 – Information technology equipment – Safety, Part 1: General requirements (mechanical strength and scratch resistance of enclosures)

IEC 60335‑1 – Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety, Part 1: General requirements (mechanical strength and surface scratch resistance)

BS 3900 – Paint test methods, including scratch and abrasion performance

ASTM D5178 – Test method for scratch resistance using a linear scratch device

ASTM D2197 – Test method for resistance of organic coatings to abrasion

GB 4943.1‑2011 – Safety of information technology equipment, Part 1 (scratch and mechanical performance of enclosures)

GB 4706.1‑2014 – Safety of household and similar electrical appliances, Part 1 (scratch resistance and mechanical strength of enclosures)

Parameters

Features

Precision Ball-Ended Needle: Hardened steel needle with 40° apex angle and polished tip ensures consistent scratch formation.

Adjustable Scratch Load: Vertical force can be set precisely to 10 N ±0.5 N or up to 30 N ±0.5 N with optional weights.

PLC + Touch Screen Control: Stable, user-friendly interface for setting speed, spacing, load, and number of cycles.

360° Rotating Worktable: Allows scratches in both longitudinal and transverse directions.

Accurate Spacing Control: Scratch intervals ≥5 mm and distance from sample edges ≥5 mm for reproducible testing.

Versatile Application: Suitable for automotive coatings, single-layer or composite paint systems, and protective surface evaluations.

Accessories

Hardened steel scratch needles (standard R0.25 mm, polished)

Optional weights for increased scratch load (20 N, 30 N)

Rotating sample worktable

Calibration tools and maintenance kit

PLC + touchscreen interface for data management

Test Procedures

Sample Preparation:

Select a representative painted panel or coated sample.

Mount the sample securely on the rotating worktable.

Setup:

Install the ball-ended steel needle in the scratch holder.

Adjust the vertical load to 10 N ±0.5 N (or higher with optional weights).

Set the desired scratch speed, spacing, and number of cycles using the touchscreen.

Testing Procedure:

Perform scratches in a plane perpendicular to the conductor edge at 20 mm/s ±5 mm/s.

Ensure each scratch is spaced at least 5 mm from adjacent scratches and 5 mm from sample edges.

Use the rotating table to perform longitudinal and transverse scratches as required.

Automatic monitoring and data logging are managed via the PLC and touchscreen system.

Maintenance Information

Regularly clean and inspect the steel needle tip to maintain surface integrity.

Verify stepper motor operation and table rotation for smooth and accurate movement.

Calibrate scratch load and spacing periodically for reproducibility.

Check PLC and touchscreen interface for stable operation.

FAQ

1. What is the core advantage of this product?

It enables precise, reproducible evaluation of automotive coating scratch resistance using controlled loads and ball-ended steel needles.

2. Are the test results reliable?

Yes. The combination of PLC control, stepper motor drive, and adjustable loads ensures highly reproducible and quantitative results.

3. Which international or industry standards does it comply with?

ISO 1518. IEC 60950‑1. IEC 60335‑1. BS 3900. ASTM D5178. ASTM D2197. GB 4943.1‑2011. GB 4706.1‑2014.

4. Why is this product important?

It provides reliable assessment of coating durability, supports quality control, and ensures automotive finishes meet safety and performance standards.

5. Which industries or applications is it suitable for?

Automotive coating manufacturers, R&D laboratories, quality control departments, and testing of protective surface coatings for vehicles and industrial products.