TKN DR30 Split-Design Surface Roughness Tester with Built-in Thermal Printer
| Brand | TKN |
|---|---|
| Model | DR30 |
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Type | Contact Profilometer |
| Standards Compliance | ISO 4287, ISO 13565, DIN EN ISO 3274, ANSI B46.1, JIS B 0601 |
| Measurement Principle | Stylus-Based Contact Profilometry |
| Data Storage | 100 sets of raw profile data + waveform traces |
| Battery Life | >20 hours continuous operation |
| Interface | USB, optional Bluetooth |
| Display | Dual-language (English/Chinese) LCD with real-time clock |
| Power Management | Auto-sleep and auto-shutdown |
| Protection | Anti-stall motor circuitry and firmware safeguard |
| Connectivity | PC communication + direct thermal printer output |
| Optional Accessories | Small-hole probe, curved-surface probe, deep-groove probe, precision measurement stage, probe protective sleeve, extension rod |
Overview
The TKN DR30 is a high-reliability, split-configuration surface roughness tester engineered for precision contact profilometry in quality control laboratories, machining workshops, and R&D facilities. Unlike integrated handheld units, its modular architecture separates the main control unit from the scanning drive unit—enabling flexible deployment across complex geometries, confined spaces, and large workpieces where rigid instrument positioning is impractical. The system operates on the standardized stylus-based contact principle: a diamond-tipped probe (typically 2 µm radius, 90° included angle) traverses the surface at a controlled speed (0.5–1.0 mm/s), converting vertical displacement into analog voltage signals. These signals are digitized and processed in real time by a dedicated DSP (Digital Signal Processor) chip, ensuring low-latency computation, minimal power consumption, and immunity to electromagnetic interference common in industrial environments. The DR30 adheres strictly to internationally recognized roughness evaluation methodologies defined in ISO 4287 (parameters), ISO 13565 (material ratio curves), DIN EN ISO 3274 (instrument calibration), ANSI B46.1 (U.S. surface texture standards), and JIS B 0601 (Japanese industrial norms), making it suitable for cross-border technical documentation and regulatory submissions.
Key Features
- Modular split design: Independent controller and drive unit enhance accessibility for testing internal bores, curved surfaces, and deep grooves without repositioning the entire system.
- DSP-driven signal processing: Enables real-time filtering (Gaussian, 2CR), parameter calculation, and waveform reconstruction with consistent repeatability (Ra reproducibility ≤ ±3% per ISO 25178-6).
- Thermal printer integration: Onboard printer supports full-parameter reports or user-defined parameter subsets—ideal for shop-floor traceability and first-article inspection records.
- Dual-language UI with real-time clock: Simplifies operator training and ensures timestamped data integrity for GLP-compliant recordkeeping.
- Robust power management: Intelligent auto-sleep after 5 minutes of inactivity and automatic shutdown after 30 minutes; battery runtime exceeds 20 hours under typical measurement cycles.
- Hardware-level motor protection: Dedicated anti-stall circuitry prevents probe damage during accidental overtravel or surface discontinuities—critical for unattended or semi-automated operation.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The DR30 accommodates a wide range of metallic, ceramic, and polymer surfaces—from machined steel shafts and injection-molded plastic housings to ground optical lenses and coated aerospace components. Its standard probe (2 µm tip radius) meets ISO 3274 calibration requirements for cutoff wavelength (λc = 0.25, 0.8, 2.5 mm) and sampling length (ln = 4–5 × λc). Optional probes—including small-hole (Ø3 mm bore), curved-surface (radius compensation enabled), and deep-groove (up to 40 mm depth) variants—extend applicability without compromising metrological traceability. All hardware and firmware comply with CE marking directives (EMC 2014/30/EU, RoHS 2011/65/EU). While not certified to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 out-of-the-box, audit-ready data export (CSV, TXT) and immutable timestamping support validation protocols required under ISO 17025-accredited labs and GMP manufacturing environments.
Software & Data Management
Raw profile data and calculated parameters (Ra, Rz, Rq, Rsk, Rku, Rmr, etc.) are stored internally in non-volatile memory—up to 100 complete measurement sessions including full waveform traces. USB connectivity allows bidirectional transfer to Windows-based PCs using TKN’s proprietary DR-Link software (v3.2+), which provides statistical process control (SPC) charts, trend analysis, comparative overlay of profiles, and customizable report templates compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.8.2. Data files include embedded metadata: operator ID, part number, date/time stamp, probe ID, cutoff settings, and environmental notes. Optional Bluetooth 5.0 module enables wireless logging to mobile devices running Android/iOS field apps—supporting paperless workflows in distributed production lines.
Applications
- Machining process validation: Monitoring tool wear effects on Ra drift in CNC turning, milling, and grinding operations.
- Electroplating & coating QC: Quantifying surface uniformity before and after Ni-P, Cr, or PVD deposition.
- Automotive component inspection: Verifying crankshaft journal finish, brake disc waviness, and fuel injector nozzle orifice geometry.
- Medical device manufacturing: Assessing Ra and Rz on stainless-steel surgical instruments and titanium orthopedic implants per ASTM F86 and ISO 13485 requirements.
- Academic tribology research: Correlating surface topography parameters with friction coefficient and wear volume under controlled loading conditions.
FAQ
What stylus specifications are supported by default?
The DR30 ships with a standard 2 µm radius, 90° included-angle diamond stylus conforming to ISO 3274 Annex A. Other tip radii (5 µm, 12.5 µm) and angles (60°, 120°) are available as calibrated accessories.
Can measurement data be exported in formats compatible with Minitab or JMP?
Yes—DR-Link software exports ASCII-delimited CSV files containing all parameters and raw Z-height arrays, fully importable into statistical analysis platforms without conversion.
Is the thermal printer replaceable or serviceable onsite?
The integrated thermal print head is field-replaceable using TKN part #PR-DR30-T1; replacement kits include alignment jig and calibration certificate.
Does the system support automated multi-point measurement routines?
Not natively—but the USB interface supports SCPI command set, enabling integration with LabVIEW or Python-based automation scripts for sequential location probing.
How is calibration verified between accredited lab intervals?
Users may perform daily verification using NIST-traceable roughness standards (e.g., TKN RS-08 series); deviation alerts trigger when Ra drift exceeds ±5% of certified value.
