Touchscreen coating resistance tester – SAAB537

Touchscreen coating resistance tester – SAAB537

The touchscreen coating resistance tester is used to evaluate the durability of coatings applied to displays, touch panels and components with functional surface treatments. The test makes it possible to check how the coating reacts to controlled rubbing by observing changes in surface performance after abrasion.

This type of inspection is particularly suitable for hydrophobic and omniphobic coatings, used to improve resistance to fingerprints, stains and water on the surface. These treatments make displays easier to clean and help preserve the appearance of the surface during use.

The test principle involves rubbing the coated surface using a steel wire brush. Before and after abrasion, the behaviour of a water droplet on the surface is assessed by measuring the contact angle. This parameter indicates the water repellency of the coating: a higher contact angle corresponds to a greater ability of the surface to repel water.

The test therefore makes it possible to observe how effectively the coating maintains its characteristics after controlled abrasion. A significant reduction in the contact angle after testing indicates that the surface treatment has lost part of its hydrophobic or omniphobic effectiveness.

SAAB537 is suitable for inspections on coatings applied to touchscreen and display surfaces, where resistance to contact wear and easy cleaning are important. The test can be used for the development of functional coatings, validation of treatment cycles and the quality control of surfaces used in the electronics sector.

The device performs the test under controlled conditions by setting the operating parameters and number of cycles required by the applied procedure. This makes it possible to compare different samples, assess the effect of alternative treatments or check the stability of surface performance after abrasion.

Touchscreen coating abrasion testing is useful when the resistance of the treatment to repeated stresses due to everyday use of the device must be assessed. Finger contact, cleaning and localised rubbing can gradually reduce the effectiveness of the surface coating.

The instrument is used for tests in accordance with ASTM D8380, a reference standard for assessing the abrasion resistance of functional touchscreen coatings by monitoring contact-angle variation. The procedure must be carried out according to the coating type, substrate and inspection requirement.

The touchscreen coating resistance tester SAAB537 is therefore a dedicated solution for verifying the durability of hydrophobic and omniphobic coatings on display-type surfaces and assessing the retention of surface properties after controlled rubbing.

Applications

  • Abrasion testing on touchscreen coatings
  • Durability assessment of hydrophobic and omniphobic coatings
  • Inspection of resistance to fingerprints and stains
  • Verification of the cleanability of treated surfaces
  • Assessment of water repellency before and after abrasion
  • Measurement of contact-angle variation
  • Quality-control checks on displays, touch panels and functional surfaces
  • Comparison between different surface treatments
  • Validation of coatings for electronics applications
  • Tests in accordance with ASTM D8380

FAQ – Touchscreen coating resistance tester

What is a touchscreen coating resistance tester used for?
It is used to assess the durability of coatings applied to touchscreen surfaces and checking how surface performance changes after controlled rubbing.

What coatings can be tested with SAAB537?
The instrument is suitable for hydrophobic and omniphobic coatings applied to displays, touch panels and functional surfaces compatible with the test procedure.

What does the abrasion test on a touchscreen coating assess?
It evaluates the ability of the coating to maintain its characteristics after abrasion, particularly resistance to fingerprints, stains, water on the surface and loss of water repellency.

How does the test work?
The coated surface is subjected to rubbing by a steel wire brush. Before and after abrasion, the contact angle of a water droplet is measured to assess changes in surface performance.

What is the contact angle?
It is the angle formed by a water droplet at the point where it comes into contact with the surface. A higher angle indicates greater water repellency of the coating.

Why is the contact angle measured before and after abrasion?
The change in contact angle makes it possible to determine whether the surface treatment has retained its hydrophobic or omniphobic properties after controlled rubbing.

Does the test measure coating thickness?
No. The test does not measure coating thickness; it assesses changes in surface performance after abrasion.

In which sectors is this type of test used?
It is used mainly in the electronics sector, where they manufacture and validate touchscreen displays, panels and functional surfaces that are treated with hydrophobic or omniphobic coatings.

Which standard does SAAB537 refer to?
The instrument is used for tests in accordance with ASTM D8380, a reference method for assessing the abrasion resistance of functional touchscreen coatings.

Why is it important to assess the durability of touchscreen coatings?
Because surface treatments may gradually lose effectiveness due to contact, cleaning and rubbing. The test verifies whether the coating maintains its performance after controlled abrasion.

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