Drick DRK107 Manual Digital Thickness Tester for Corrugated Board
| Brand | Drick |
|---|---|
| Model | DRK107 |
| Measurement Range | 0–25 mm |
| Contact Area | 10 ± 0.2 cm² |
| Applied Pressure | 20 ± 0.5 kPa |
| Display Resolution | 0.01 mm |
| Repeatability | ±2.5 µm or ±0.5% |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 240 × 160 × 120 mm |
| Weight | ~4.5 kg |
| Compliance | ISO 534, ISO 438, GB/T 451.3, GB/T 1983 |
Overview
The Drick DRK107 Manual Digital Thickness Tester is a precision metrology instrument engineered specifically for the thickness measurement of corrugated board, solid fiberboard, and single- or multi-ply paper-based packaging materials. It operates on the principle of controlled-contact mechanical displacement measurement: a calibrated, gravity-loaded measuring head applies a standardized pressure to the specimen surface, and the resulting vertical deflection—measured via high-resolution digital indicator—is recorded as thickness. This method ensures traceable, repeatable results aligned with internationally recognized gravimetric and geometric standards for paper and board characterization. Unlike automated systems, the DRK107 employs a manually actuated lever mechanism to engage the measuring head, eliminating pneumatic or motorized variables and offering direct operator control over contact initiation and dwell time—critical for minimizing compressibility artifacts in low-density or resilient substrates.
Key Features
- Precision-cast monolithic frame: Fully integrated aluminum alloy housing manufactured via high-pressure die casting, delivering dimensional stability and long-term resistance to torsional or thermal deformation.
- Vacuum-hardened anvil and measuring head: Both upper (movable) and lower (fixed) contact surfaces are vacuum-quenched and ground to achieve surface hardness ≥60 HRC and planarity <2 µm across the full 10 cm² contact area.
- Constant-force loading system: Integrated counterweighted lever arm and precision-machined fulcrum deliver a consistent nominal pressure of 20 ± 0.5 kPa—fully compliant with ISO 534 and ISO 438 requirements for soft and semi-rigid paper products.
- Extended linear guide sleeve: Reinforced stainless-steel guiding sleeve ensures parallel alignment of the measuring head throughout its full 25 mm stroke, reducing tilt-induced measurement bias.
- Modular indicator interface: Laterally preloaded bayonet-style mount enables rapid, tool-free swapping between digital indicators (0.01 mm resolution), dial gauges, or analog micrometer heads—supporting lab-wide calibration traceability workflows.
- Ergonomic leverage ratio: Optimized 4:1 mechanical advantage reduces operator effort during repeated measurements while maintaining tactile feedback for consistent contact onset detection.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The DRK107 is validated for flat, rigid-to-semi-rigid sheet specimens up to 25 mm thick, including corrugated fiberboard (single-, double-, and triple-wall), solid bleached sulfate (SBS), recycled fiberboard, laminated composites, and coated or embossed papers. It excludes non-planar, highly compressible (e.g., tissue, foam-laminates), or thermally unstable samples. The instrument satisfies all mechanical and procedural requirements of ISO 534 (determination of thickness of paper and board), ISO 438 (bulk and apparent density calculation), GB/T 451.3 (Chinese national standard for paper thickness), and GB/T 1983 (method for thickness of bulky paper). Its 10 cm² contact area and 20 kPa pressure profile are explicitly referenced in Annex A of ISO 534 for medium-to-high basis weight boards.
Software & Data Management
As a manual, indicator-based instrument, the DRK107 does not incorporate embedded firmware or proprietary software. However, its digital indicator output (RS-232 or USB TTL serial, depending on selected display module) supports seamless integration with third-party laboratory data acquisition systems—including LIMS platforms compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (via external audit-trail-enabled middleware) and GLP/GMP-aligned electronic notebooks. Raw thickness values can be logged with timestamp, operator ID, and sample ID metadata. Calibration certificates follow ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines, and annual verification against NIST-traceable gauge blocks (10 mm and 20 mm) is recommended.
Applications
- Quality control of incoming corrugated board rolls and cut sheets in packaging manufacturing facilities.
- Process validation of flute compression resistance during corrugator line commissioning and maintenance.
- Determination of bulk (cm³/g) and apparent density (g/cm³) per ISO 438 for material specification compliance.
- Pre- and post-conversion thickness assessment of printed, laminated, or die-cut board structures.
- Research-grade thickness profiling in academic pulp and paper laboratories investigating fiber orientation, calendering effects, or moisture-induced dimensional change.
FAQ
What standards does the DRK107 comply with?
ISO 534, ISO 438, GB/T 451.3, and GB/T 1983.
Can the DRK107 measure wet or damp paperboard?
No—it is designed for conditioned specimens at standard temperature (23 ± 1 °C) and relative humidity (50 ± 2 % RH) per ISO 187.
Is calibration certification included with shipment?
A factory calibration report traceable to national metrology institutes is provided; formal ISO/IEC 17025 calibration requires third-party service.
How often should the contact surfaces be re-verified for planarity?
Annually—or after any impact event—using optical flat interferometry or certified reference flats with ≤0.5 µm flatness tolerance.
Does the DRK107 support statistical process control (SPC) output?
Yes, when paired with compatible digital indicators featuring min/max/avg/std dev functions and serial data export capability.
