Key Features:
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Dual Testing Capabilities: Accurately measures both static and kinetic coefficients of friction.
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Integrated Heated Platen: Enables high-temperature testing from ambient up to 170°C for specialized material analysis.
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Variable Speed Control: Offers flexible testing speeds ranging from 50mm/min to 300mm/min.
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Standard Compliance: Fully adheres to global testing standards including ASTM D1894, ISO 8295, and TAPPI.
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Advanced Data Management: Optional software provides real-time graphing, statistical analysis, and easy data export.
Coefficient of Friction Tester with Variable Speed & Heated Platen is the latest. This instrument ensures a fast, reliable, and accurate method of determining the coefficient of friction. Thus, the Coefficient of Friction Tester with Variable Speed & Heated Platen is most efficient.
Our range of COF Testers is used to determine the static and kinetic friction. For materials like plastic film, sheeting, paper, and other sheeted material coatings. Their small benchtop design makes it easy to use in a laboratory. Or even set up out on the production floor for offline testing.
It comes with variable speed, touch screen operation & in-built heated platen. Thus, this model is most ideal for plastic film testing. The temperature range on this unit is between ambient to 170°C. Therefore, allowing for testing at elevated temperatures. This model also comes with the option of computer software. Thus, allowing a record of data.
Technical Specifications of Coefficient of Friction Tester with Variable Speed & Heated Platen
- Touch Screen Operation
- Force Range: 1-10N (1 x 0.001kgF)
- Friction Function: Static & Kinetic
- Speed: Variable between 50 - 300mm/min
- Sled Size: 63mm x 63mm
- Heated Plane: 150mm x 300mm (option to operate COF testing at ambient or heated temperature)
- Travel Distance: 220mm
- Communication: USB
- Cutting Templates Included: 1 x Sled, 1 x Moving Plane
COF Tester with Variable Speed & Heated Platen Apparatus
The C0055-M3 COF model consists of a horizontal plane surface of plate glass having a width of 150mm and length of 300mm.
A clip is fitted on top of the horizontal plane for means of attaching the test specimen to. The specimen sled consists of a 63.5mm square piece of steel covered by a thin uniform thickness layer of sponge neoprene.
The total weight of the sled is 200 ±5 grams. The sled is directly connected to the load cell via a hook and rigid wire connection. The mechanical power unit controls the movement of the plane at an adjustable surface speed between 50 to 300 ± 30 mm/min.
The temperature range on this unit can be adjusted between ambient to 170°C, allowing for testing at elevated temperatures.
COF Tester Software
The C0055 range also has the option of a computer software package to record data including:
- Dynamic real-time display
- Statistical analysis
- Results averaging
- Screen print out
- Data export to Excel
- Test identification entry
- Peak force value
- Static Point
- Kinetic average
- Adjustable data collection limits
Optional Features
- OP1: COF Data Acquisition Software (not available for rent)
- OP2: 180° Peel Fixture Rod C0055-SP1: Updated COF Software (only if C0055-OP1 has been previously purchased)
- OP3: Cutting Template for Cartonboard
- SP2: IDM Interface Cable
- SP3: Cutting Template for Sled: 63.5mm x 63.5mm
- SP4: Cutting Template for Moving Plane
- SP5: Solid Connecting Rod
- SP6: COF Sled 200g
- SP7: Spare Stainless Steel Plane Surface
COF Test Definitions
- Friction: the resisting force that arises when a surface of one substance slides, or tends to slide, over an adjoining surface of itself or another substance. Between surfaces of solids in contact there may be two kinds of friction:
- the resistance opposing the force required to start to move one surface over another known as static friction,
- the resistance opposing the force to move one surface over another at a variable, fixed, or predetermined speed known as dynamic friction.
- Slip: the lubricity of two surfaces sliding in contact with each other. In effect, it is the exact opposite of friction, in that high coefficient of friction denotes low slip and low coefficient of friction denotes high slip.
- Coefficient of friction: (COF) the ratio of the frictional force resisting movement of the surface being tested to the force applied normal to that surface (the weight of the material above that surface)
- Coefficient of static (or starting) friction: the ratio of the force resisting initial motion of the surfaces, to the normal force.
- Coefficient of kinetic (or sliding) friction: the ratio of the force required to sustain the uniform relative movement of the surfaces, to the normal force.
- Normal force: the force acting perpendicular to the surfaces in contact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between Static and Kinetic Friction?
Static friction (or starting friction) is the peak force required to initiate movement between two surfaces. Kinetic friction (or dynamic friction) is the average force required to maintain that movement at a constant speed. This tester accurately measures both in a single test run.
Why is a heated platen necessary for COF testing?
Many packaging materials, especially plastic films, behave differently at higher temperatures (e.g., during high-speed sealing or in hot climates). The integrated heated platen allows you to simulate these real-world conditions by testing at temperatures up to 170°C.
Which international standards does this instrument comply with?
The tester is designed to meet and exceed global industry standards, including ASTM D1894 (Plastic Film), ISO 8295 (Plastics), TAPPI T816 (Corrugated/Paperboard), and ASTM D3330 (Peel Adhesion).
Can I use this tester for materials other than plastic film?
Yes. While ideal for plastic films and sheeting, it is also widely used for testing paper, corrugated board, coatings, metal foils, rubber, and even pressure-sensitive tapes (using the optional 180° peel fixture).
Does the unit require a computer to operate?
No. The instrument features a standalone touch screen interface for full operation and data display. However, optional software is available if you require advanced statistical analysis, real-time graphing, or digital record-keeping via a USB connection.
How often should the COF Tester be calibrated?
For most quality control environments, an annual calibration is recommended to ensure the load cell and speed controls remain precise. IDM Instruments offers specialized service and calibration programs to help maintain your equipment.