Drick DRK107D Motorized Paper Thickness Tester for Flat Sheet Specimens

Overview

The Drick DRK107D Motorized Paper Thickness Tester is a precision mechanical instrument engineered for the standardized determination of thickness in flat, non-corrugated paper and paperboard specimens. It operates on the principle of controlled-contact mechanical displacement measurement: a motor-driven anvil applies a defined compressive load to the specimen surface, while a high-accuracy inductive transducer captures dimensional change with sub-micron resolution. This method aligns with fundamental physical metrology requirements for sheet materials—where thickness is not a static geometric property but a function of applied pressure, fiber compressibility, and surface conformity. The DRK107D is explicitly designed for single-sheet, free-standing specimens under standardized loading conditions (100 ± 10 kPa), ensuring traceable results compatible with international quality control workflows in pulp & paper laboratories, packaging R&D centers, and third-party testing facilities.

Key Features

• Motorized actuation system ensures consistent, operator-independent sample compression—eliminating manual force variability inherent in hand-operated gauges.
• High-stability inductive displacement sensor with 0.001 mm dial resolution and certified repeatability of ±2.5 µm (or ±0.5%, whichever is greater) meets stringent metrological requirements for QC reporting.
• Calibrated contact area of 2 ± 0.05 cm² maintains uniform pressure distribution across diverse basis weights—from lightweight tissue (≤30 g/m²) to rigid duplex board (≥400 g/m²).
• Rigid cast-aluminum frame and precision-ground anvils minimize thermal drift and mechanical hysteresis, supporting long-term stability in ambient lab environments (20–25°C, 40–60% RH).
• Compliance-ready mechanical design: no embedded software or data storage; all measurements are analog-indicated and manually recorded—ideal for GLP-regulated environments requiring audit-trail simplicity.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The DRK107D accommodates flat, planar specimens up to 4 mm thick and ≥50 mm × 50 mm in lateral dimension. It is validated for use with uncoated and coated papers, corrugated medium (single-face), paperboard, blotting paper, filter paper, and non-woven cellulose sheets. It excludes laminated, highly elastic, or heat-sensitive substrates where creep or thermal deformation may compromise measurement integrity. The instrument conforms to ISO 534 (determination of single-sheet thickness), ISO 438 (bulk and density calculation from layered thickness), GB/T 451.3 (Chinese national standard for paper thickness), and GB/T 1983 (method for low-density, compressible papers). While not a digital instrument, its mechanical architecture supports full traceability when used within documented SOPs aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 calibration frameworks.

Software & Data Management

The DRK107D is a standalone mechanical gauge with no integrated electronics, firmware, or connectivity interfaces. All readings are displayed via a high-contrast analog dial with 0.001 mm graduation. Data recording is performed manually into laboratory notebooks or LIMS-compatible spreadsheets. This architecture eliminates cybersecurity risks, software validation burdens, and obsolescence concerns associated with embedded microcontrollers. For laboratories operating under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 or EU Annex 11, the absence of electronic records simplifies compliance—provided manual entries follow ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available) and are subject to second-person verification per internal QA protocols.

Applications

• Quality assurance of paper caliper in converting operations (e.g., offset printing stock, label facestock, folding carton board).
• Density and bulk calculation per ISO 438 using multi-layer stack measurements.
• Process validation during paper machine reel-off and coating line commissioning.
• Raw material incoming inspection against supplier specifications (e.g., TAPPI T 411, ISO 534 Annex B).
• Research on fiber furnish effects on compressibility—when paired with variable-pressure fixtures (optional accessory).
• Reference thickness benchmarking prior to tensile, tear, or burst testing per ISO 1924, ISO 1974, and ISO 2758.

FAQ

Is the DRK107D suitable for measuring coated or laminated paper?
Yes—for single-layer coated papers where the coating does not delaminate under 100 kPa pressure. Laminates with adhesive layers exhibiting viscoelastic creep require extended dwell-time protocols not supported by this instrument’s fixed-cycle actuation.
Does it require annual calibration certification?
Yes. Per ISO/IEC 17025 and internal QA policies, mechanical thickness gauges must undergo annual verification against NIST-traceable slip gauges (e.g., 0.1 mm, 1.0 mm, 2.5 mm standards) by an accredited calibration provider.
Can it measure wet paper specimens?
No. Moisture content alters fiber compressibility and introduces measurement hysteresis. Specimens must be conditioned at 23°C ± 1°C and 50% ± 2% RH per ISO 187 prior to testing.
What maintenance is required?
Monthly cleaning of anvil surfaces with isopropyl alcohol; biannual lubrication of lead screw with silicone-free grease; annual torque verification of pressure spring assembly.
Is technical support available outside China?
Yes—Drick provides remote application engineering support in English, including method validation guidance, SOP drafting assistance, and calibration protocol review for international clients.