Automatic Cross-Hatch Tester

An electric cross-cut tester, as the name suggests, is a device that uses an electric drive system to precisely control a cutting tool to perform a cross-cut test on a material surface. Compared to traditional manual cross-cut testers, its advantages lie in its high degree of automation and precision. This device incorporates a high-precision servo motor, coupled with a precise transmission mechanism, ensuring uniform force and constant speed in each cutting motion, thereby effectively reducing errors caused by human operation.

Application

Electric cross-cut adhesion testers are widely used in various materials fields such as coatings, inks, plastics, glass, and metallurgy, primarily for evaluating the adhesion between coatings or films and substrates. In the coatings industry, cross-cut adhesion testing provides a direct assessment of coating adhesion strength, making it a key aspect of product quality control. In the automotive industry, cross-cut adhesion testing of vehicle paint directly impacts vehicle durability and aesthetics. Furthermore, in scientific research, this equipment is frequently used in projects such as new material performance evaluation and coating formulation optimization, playing a significant role in advancing materials science.

Standards

Ford BN 108-03: PV 3952:  Ford Laboratory Test Method BN 108-03 - Resistance to Pilling

GME 60401: Cross-hatch Testing of Organic Coatings

GM 14829: Tape Adhesion Test for Paint Finishes

GM N 14688: Scratch and Mar Resistance of Plastics

Product Advantages

Unmatched Precision & Reliability

High-precision stepper motor and rail transmission system minimize operational noise while ensuring uniform movement and long-term durability.

Rail-guided positioning guarantees ±0.01mm accuracy, critical for repeatable cross-cut adhesion tests.

Versatile Customization

Interchangeable Weight System: Adjustable load range (5–50N) accommodates varied testing protocols, with customizable pressurization options.

Modular Fixture Design: Spin-type sample clamping ensures secure fixation without slippage; replaceable fixtures adapt to friction head dimensions for diverse test areas.

Intuitive Operability

" LCD touchscreen supports English/Chinese interfaces, enabling effortless parameter setup (stroke, speed, grid count) and real-time data monitoring.

Pre-programmed test suites align with major international standards, reducing setup complexity.

Industrial-Grade Durability

Robust construction withstands high-frequency laboratory use, maintaining calibration stability over 10.000+ test cycles.

Feature

Advanced Control System:

LCD interface displays test progress, grid spacing (1mm/2mm options), and cutting speed (10–100mm/s adjustable).

Multi-language support enhances global usability.

Precision Engineering:

Horizontal/vertical rail transmission eliminates backlash, ensuring flawless cross-hatch pattern execution.

Quick-release friction heads simplify transitions between test configurations.

Adaptive Testing Capabilities:

Flexible fixtures integrate with imported scratch heads, enabling compliance with automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods standards.

Adjustable scratch spacing (0–2mm) caters to materials with varying surface textures.

Ergonomic Design:

Compact footprint (400x350x300mm) saves lab space while accommodating samples up to 200x150mm.

Tool-free sample mounting reduces setup time by 40% compared to traditional clamps.

Parameters

Accessoriess

The main accessories of an automatic cross-cut testing machine include the following:

Cross-cut knife/100-cross cutter: Used to make cross-cuts on the coating surface, forming a cross-shaped grid to evaluate the coating's adhesion. The knife head is typically available in different sizes (e.g., 1mm, 2mm) and materials (e.g., tungsten steel) to suit different testing needs.

Magnifying glass: Used to observe and evaluate the cut coating surface, typically at 2.5x or higher magnification for clearer viewing of coating peeling.

Adhesive tape: Used to adhere to the coating surface after cutting and then quickly remove it to evaluate the adhesion between the coating and the substrate. The adhesive strength of the tape must meet specific standards (e.g., 10±1N as specified in EN ISO 2409).

Weights/load device: Used to adjust and apply different cutting pressures to meet the requirements of different testing standards. The pressure range may vary from 1N to 50N and is finely adjustable.

Cross-cut guide/grid guide: Used to make precise straight or cross-cuts on the coating surface, ensuring the accuracy of the cutting spacing and angle.

Sample clamps: Used to hold the test sample in place, ensuring that the sample does not move or deform during the cutting process, thus affecting the test results.

Control panel/software: Modern automatic cross-cut testing machines may be equipped with an electronic control panel or dedicated software for setting test parameters (such as cutting speed, pressure, cutting path, etc.), recording test data, and generating test reports.

Power supply and cables: Provide power to the testing machine and ensure stable and reliable electrical connections between components.

Test Procedures

When operating an electric cross-cut tester, first, set all parameters according to the testing standards or customer requirements, such as the cutting mode (cross cutting, grid cutting, etc.), cutting depth, and cutting speed. Next, fix the sample to be tested on the test table, ensuring the sample surface is flat and free of impurities. Before starting the equipment, be sure to check that the cutting tools are securely installed to prevent them from falling off during the cutting process.

During the test, the operator should closely monitor the cutting process. If any abnormal sounds are heard or the cutting effect is unsatisfactory, stop the machine immediately for inspection. After the test, carefully clean the test table and cutting tools to prevent residue from affecting the results of subsequent tests. Regular maintenance of the equipment, such as lubricating transmission components and cleaning sensors, is crucial to ensuring the long-term stable operation of the equipment.