Paratronix PT-02 Paper Thickness Tester
| Brand | Paratronix |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shandong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | PT-02 |
| Compliance | GB/T 451.3 |
Overview
The Paratronix PT-02 Paper Thickness Tester is a precision mechanical gauge engineered for the standardized measurement of thickness in planar fibrous materials—primarily paper, paperboard, and other thin sheet-like substrates used in packaging, printing, and converting industries. It operates on the principle of contact-based mechanical displacement measurement: a calibrated anvil and a flat, spring-loaded measuring foot apply a defined, consistent pressure (as specified in GB/T 451.3) to compress the specimen to its equilibrium thickness under standardized loading conditions. This method ensures high reproducibility across laboratories and production lines where thickness directly influences printability, folding endurance, caliper consistency, and packaging integrity. The instrument is not intended for dynamic or non-contact applications; it delivers static, single-point thickness values traceable to national metrological standards through factory calibration and user-verifiable zeroing.
Key Features
- Zero-reset functionality at any position—enables differential thickness analysis (e.g., basis weight correlation studies or localized caliper variation mapping)
- Dual-mode power control: manual ON/OFF switch with auto-power-off after 2 minutes of inactivity to preserve battery life and prevent drift during unattended use
- Unit toggle between metric (mm, µm) and imperial (mil, inch) display formats—supports cross-functional reporting in global supply chains
- Stainless steel anvil and hardened alloy measuring foot—designed for long-term dimensional stability and resistance to surface wear from repeated contact with abrasive paper surfaces
- Integrated mechanical damping system—minimizes oscillation during foot descent, ensuring stable reading acquisition within 1–2 seconds post-contact
- Compact, benchtop form factor with anti-slip rubber feet—optimized for QC labs, R&D environments, and inline quality stations without requiring external mounting
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The PT-02 accommodates specimens up to 300 mm × 300 mm in planar dimension and thicknesses ranging from 0.01 mm to 1.5 mm—covering standard copy paper (70–100 g/m²), corrugated medium (0.15–0.35 mm), solid bleached sulfate board (SBS, up to 1.2 mm), and laminated label stocks. Specimen flatness and surface uniformity are prerequisites per GB/T 451.3; samples must be conditioned at 23 ± 1 °C and 50 ± 2 % RH for ≥4 hours prior to testing. While the device itself does not carry ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, its design and verification protocol align with the procedural requirements of ISO 534 (Paper and board — Determination of thickness), ASTM D645 (Standard Test Method for Thickness of Paper and Paperboard), and TAPPI T411. All measurements comply with the 100 ± 10 kPa nominal pressure requirement defined in these standards. Calibration certificates are provided with each unit, referencing traceable master gauges certified to CNAS-accredited reference laboratories.
Software & Data Management
The PT-02 is a standalone analog-digital hybrid instrument with no embedded firmware or Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connectivity. Data output is limited to real-time LCD display (4-digit resolution, ±0.001 mm accuracy) and optional RS-232 serial interface (available upon request for integration with LabVantage, LIMS, or custom SCADA systems). No proprietary software is bundled; however, raw ASCII output is compatible with Excel, Python pandas, or MATLAB for statistical process control (SPC) charting—including X̄-R charts, capability indices (Cp/Cpk), and trend analysis across shifts or batches. Audit trails are maintained manually per GLP/GMP guidelines, as the device lacks electronic record-keeping or 21 CFR Part 11 compliance features—making it suitable for ISO 9001-certified environments but requiring supplemental documentation controls in regulated pharmaceutical or medical packaging workflows.
Applications
- Quality assurance of linerboard and fluting medium in corrugated box manufacturing
- Verification of grammage-thickness correlation during paper machine optimization trials
- Incoming inspection of coated paper rolls for offset and digital printing substrates
- Caliper validation for flexible packaging laminates (PET/PE, BOPP/aluminum foil composites)
- R&D evaluation of nanocellulose films and bio-based barrier coatings
- Supplier qualification testing per customer-specific technical data packages (TDPs) referencing ASTM D645 or ISO 534
FAQ
What pressure does the PT-02 apply during measurement?
The measuring foot applies a nominal pressure of 100 kPa (±10 kPa), consistent with GB/T 451.3, ISO 534, and ASTM D645.
Is the instrument supplied with calibration documentation?
Yes—each unit includes a factory calibration certificate traceable to CNAS-accredited reference standards, valid for 12 months under normal operating conditions.
Can the PT-02 measure wet or coated paper samples?
No. Samples must be conditioned per ISO 187 (standard atmosphere) and free of surface moisture or uncured coatings that may deform under load.
Does the device support statistical calculation functions (e.g., mean, SD)?
No. It outputs individual readings only; statistical analysis requires external software or spreadsheet tools.
Is the RS-232 interface standard or optional?
Optional—requires separate order configuration and is not included in the base PT-02 package.
