Labthink CHY-C2A Desktop Paper and Board Thickness Tester

Overview

The Labthink CHY-C2A Desktop Paper and Board Thickness Tester is a precision mechanical contact thickness gauge engineered for high-reproducibility measurement of planar flexible materials in quality control and R&D laboratories. It operates on the principle of controlled-force mechanical displacement sensing: a calibrated load is applied via a defined contact area to compress the specimen against a fixed anvil; the resulting vertical displacement—measured by a high-resolution linear encoder—is recorded as material thickness. This method conforms strictly to international standards governing thickness metrology for paper, board, plastic films, foils, membranes, and thin composite laminates. Unlike optical or ultrasonic alternatives, the CHY-C2A delivers direct, traceable, and pressure-controlled dimensional data—critical for regulatory compliance, process validation, and specification conformance in packaging, pulp & paper, and converting industries.

Key Features

• Standardized mechanical contact geometry: Dual-contact-area configuration (50 mm² for films, 200 mm² for paper/board) with precisely regulated test pressures (17.5 ± 1 kPa and 50 ± 1 kPa respectively) ensures full alignment with ISO, ASTM, TAPPI, and GB methodologies.
• High-resolution measurement system: 0.1 µm resolution across multiple load ranges (0–2 mm standard; optional 0–6 mm or 0–12 mm extensions) supports both routine QC and high-precision R&D applications.
• Automated measurement cycle: Motor-driven probe lift-and-lower mechanism eliminates operator-induced variability and guarantees consistent dwell time and loading profile.
• Dual operation modes: Manual single-point testing and automatic batch mode (up to 10 measurements per minute, adjustable) accommodate diverse workflow requirements—from incoming inspection to statistical process control.
• Onboard statistical analysis: Real-time calculation and display of mean, min, max, and standard deviation for each test sequence—enabling immediate assessment of material uniformity and lot consistency.
• Traceable calibration architecture: Supplied with NIST-traceable stainless-steel gauge block; user-performed verification ensures ongoing metrological integrity without external recalibration intervals.
• Integrated human-machine interface: Backlit LCD screen with intuitive menu navigation, tactile PVC keypad, and embedded microcontroller enable standalone operation independent of PC connectivity.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CHY-C2A is validated for thickness measurement of homogeneous, non-porous, and moderately compressible sheet materials within specified pressure and contact-area constraints. Certified applications include uncoated and coated papers (e.g., copy, newsprint, linerboard), corrugated medium, solid bleached sulfate (SBS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), aluminum foil, polymer-coated silicon wafers, and battery separator membranes. Its design satisfies mandatory test conditions outlined in ISO 4593 (plastic film), ISO 534 (paper and board), ASTM D374 (electrical insulating materials), TAPPI T411 (paper thickness), and GB/T 451.3 (Chinese national standard for paper). All pressure and contact-area parameters are mechanically fixed—not software-simulated—ensuring audit-ready adherence during GLP, GMP, or ISO/IEC 17025 assessments.

Software & Data Management

The instrument features native RS232 serial communication for bidirectional data exchange with external systems. When paired with optional Lystem™ Laboratory Data Sharing System software, users gain centralized management of test methods, operator permissions, raw data archives, statistical reports (X̄-R charts, Cp/Cpk), and electronic signatures compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements. Audit trails record all parameter modifications, calibration events, and result exports. Export formats include CSV, PDF, and XML for integration into LIMS or ERP platforms. The embedded firmware supports configurable pass/fail thresholds and automated alerting upon deviation from preset tolerances—facilitating real-time SPC deployment.

Applications

• Quality assurance of paper grade consistency across production batches (e.g., grammage correlation, caliper uniformity).
• Validation of coating thickness in functional barrier papers (e.g., PE-laminated food packaging substrates).
• Thickness profiling of multi-layer composites used in pharmaceutical blister packaging and medical device pouches.
• Monitoring compression-set behavior of corrugated board under standardized load conditions (per ISO 3034).
• Supporting ASTM D1777 “Standard Test Method for Thickness of Textile Materials” when configured with textile-compatible fixtures.
• Material qualification for aerospace-grade honeycomb core panels and insulation foams requiring sub-micron repeatability.

FAQ

What standards does the CHY-C2A comply with for paper thickness testing?
It fully implements ISO 534, GB/T 451.3, TAPPI T411, and ASTM D1777—including prescribed contact area, applied pressure, and dwell time parameters.
Can the instrument measure non-planar or embossed substrates?
No—it requires flat, stable surfaces for reliable contact-based measurement; embossed, textured, or highly compressible substrates require alternative metrology (e.g., laser triangulation or air-bearing profilometry).
Is calibration traceability documented per ISO/IEC 17025?
Yes—the supplied gauge block carries a certificate of calibration with uncertainty budget and NIST traceability; full documentation is retained in Lystem™ for audit submission.
Does the system support networked lab environments?
Via Lystem™, it integrates into enterprise-wide data ecosystems using TCP/IP gateways and supports role-based access control, encrypted data transmission, and synchronized timestamping across distributed instruments.
What maintenance is required to maintain measurement accuracy?
Annual verification using the provided gauge block and periodic cleaning of the anvil and probe surface with lint-free isopropyl alcohol; no consumables or scheduled recalibration are mandated under normal operating conditions.