Polyken PT-1000 Probe Tack Tester

Overview

The Polyken PT-1000 Probe Tack Tester is a precision-engineered instrument designed for quantitative measurement of probe tack—the instantaneous adhesive force developed upon brief contact and separation between a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) surface and a standardized flat probe. Based on the fundamental principle of controlled-contact tensile detachment, the system applies a defined normal load via an annular ring weight, maintains a 1-second dwell time under static contact, then retracts the probe at a constant linear speed (24 in/min or 61 cm/min) while continuously monitoring the force profile. The peak force recorded during debonding—expressed in Newtons (N), grams-force (gf), kilograms-force (kgf), or pounds-force (lbf)—serves as the primary tack metric. This methodology directly implements the physical test protocol specified in ASTM D2979, ensuring methodological consistency across laboratories engaged in PSA formulation development, quality control, and regulatory documentation.

Key Features

• Compliance with ASTM D2979 for probe tack measurement, supporting traceable, standardized evaluation of pressure-sensitive adhesives
• 5.0 mm diameter precision-ground stainless steel flat probe with calibrated geometry and surface finish
• Controlled dwell time of exactly 1.0 second between initial contact and initiation of probe retraction
• High-resolution 2 kgf (≈20 N) load cell with full-scale accuracy of ±0.1 %, enabling reliable quantification across low- to high-tack adhesive systems
• Fixed test speed of 24 in/min (61 cm/min), mechanically regulated to ensure repeatability without operator-dependent variability
• Annular ring weight applying a nominal contact pressure of 9.79 ± 0.10 kPa—calibrated to meet ASTM-specified loading conditions
• Dual-voltage power supply (120 V / 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz) for global deployment in ISO-certified labs and manufacturing facilities
• Robust benchtop architecture: 56 cm H × 36 cm W × 46 cm D; net weight 25 kg

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PT-1000 accommodates standard PSA-coated substrates—including tapes, labels, transfer adhesives, and medical-grade films—mounted on rigid backing plates or flat fixtures. Its mechanical design ensures consistent probe alignment and orthogonal separation, minimizing shear-induced artifacts. All operational parameters—including dwell duration, probe speed, contact pressure, and probe geometry—are aligned with ASTM D2979 requirements. The instrument supports GLP-compliant workflows when integrated with EZ-LAB software, providing audit-ready test logs, user authentication, timestamped data capture, and electronic signatures per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 guidelines where enabled. No modifications to sample preparation or test sequence are required to satisfy routine QC release testing or R&D comparative studies.

Software & Data Management

The optional EZ-LAB Data Acquisition System transforms the PT-1000 into a fully digitized testing platform. It captures force-time profiles at 400 Hz resolution, enabling precise identification of peak tack force, bond formation kinetics, and post-peak relaxation behavior. Each test session stores maximum, minimum, and mean values across up to 20 consecutive runs. Data export is supported via RS-232 serial interface to external PCs running Windows-based analysis environments. Units are selectable in real time (N, gf, kgf, lbf), and raw datasets retain full temporal fidelity for post-acquisition curve fitting or statistical process control (SPC) integration. EZ-LAB also enables remote instrument control, automated report generation (PDF/CSV), and cross-platform compatibility with ChemInstruments’ broader portfolio of mechanical testers.

Applications

• Formulation screening of acrylic, rubber, and silicone-based PSAs during R&D
• In-process verification of coating uniformity and cure state in tape manufacturing lines
• Batch-to-batch consistency assessment for medical device adhesives under ISO 10993-5
• Stability studies evaluating tack retention after accelerated aging (e.g., 40°C/75% RH per ASTM D1876)
• Supplier qualification and incoming material inspection per internal SOPs aligned with ASTM standards
• Correlation studies linking probe tack to loop tack (ASTM D6195) and rolling ball tack (ASTM D3121)

FAQ

What adhesive types can be tested with the PT-1000?
The instrument is validated for solvent-, emulsion-, and hot-melt-based pressure-sensitive adhesives applied to paper, film, foil, and nonwoven backings.
Is calibration certification included with purchase?
Yes—each unit ships with a NIST-traceable load cell calibration certificate and ASTM D2979 conformance documentation.
Can the dwell time be adjusted beyond 1 second?
No—the PT-1000 implements a fixed 1.0-second dwell per ASTM D2979; variable dwell functionality is not supported in this model.
Does the system support 21 CFR Part 11 compliance?
When paired with EZ-LAB v3.2 or later and configured with user access controls and electronic audit trails, it meets core technical requirements for Part 11 compliance.
What environmental conditions must be maintained prior to operation?
Prior to power-up, confirm ambient relative humidity is below 80 % and no condensation is present inside the instrument housing—particularly after transport or storage in non-climate-controlled environments.