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Water contact angle (WCA) describes the shape a droplet of water forms when placed on a surface. If the water spreads out, the water contact angle is low. If it beads up, the water contact angle is high. This matters because the way a liquid wets a surface strongly affects processes such as adhesive bonding, […]

In many manufacturing environments, cleaning processes are managed conservatively because cleanliness is hard to verify. Cleaning fluids are changed on a fixed schedule. Maintenance is brought forward “just in case”. It feels prudent. But it is rarely measured. Our latest case study with Burnside Hydracyl shows what happened when a manufacturer replaced assumption with quantitative […]

We supply two chemically different types of Dyne Test Inks or Dyne Test Fluids, both covering the full surface energy range from 23 to 72 mN/m. The right choice for you depends on health and safety considerations, material compatibility, and accuracy. Type 1 – ISO Type Dyne Test Inks These inks are formulated to comply […]

Our Relyon Plasma PiezoBrush PZ3 professional set now includes a set of our Dyne Testing Dyne Test Pens as standard. Plasma treatment improves wetting and adhesion by increasing surface energy. The PiezoBrush PZ3 makes this easy to achieve, but the result is not visible to the naked eye. You cannot tell how much wetting has […]

The video shows how the handheld device SITA CleanoSpector is used to quickly and easily check surface cleanliness — highlighting its simple handling and rapid measurement capabilities. If you have already seen it in action, this three minute video is still worth a look because it shows what real operators care about: how quickly the […]

Manufacturers rely on the CleanoSpector because it gives quick, objective readings of surface cleanliness in RFUs (Relative Fluorescence Units). We are seeing increasing incidences of an RFU number being specified as an inspection or acceptance demand on drawings and specifications. It is an important part of quality control. If the CleanoSpector drifts out of tolerance, […]

In 1774, Benjamin Franklin did something quietly brilliant. Standing beside a blustery pond on Clapham Common in London, he poured some oil (reportedly from his cane) onto the water. Within moments, ripples vanished. A choppy surface turned mirror-smooth. It was one of the earliest recorded observations of surface tension. Franklin wasn’t thinking about surface tension […]

As medical device designers and manufacturers, you often depend on the property wetting, which can lie at the heart of your product’s reliability. Wetting determines two critical things: How well your adhesives, inks, or coatings adhere – ensuring structural integrity and compliance How effectively your coatings perform – from hydrophilic lubricity to hydrophobic protection In […]

Our partners Biolin Scientific are running a webinar entitled Optimising Biomedical Device Coatings: The Power of Contact Angle Measurements. Delivered by Dr Susanna Lauren, Biolin’s Marketing Director for the Attension brand, it will explore the critical role of contact angle measurement in the development and performance of medical device coatings. This session will guide you […]

A sessile drop refers to a liquid droplet that’s placed on a solid surface. The term stems from Latin sessilis, meaning “sitting,” emphasising that the drop remains stationary on the substrate. It’s literally attached at its base, offering a stable configuration for optical analysis. The sessile drop method is a technique we very commonly use for […]

Contact angle – What is it and how do you measure it? is a White Paper written by Susanna Laurén of our partners Biolin Scientific. Understanding how liquids interact with surfaces is essential in many of your research projects and industrial processes. Contact angle measurement is one of the most widely used methods for studying […]

 In previous posts we’ve discussed What is a du Noüy ring and What is a Wilhelmy plate.  However, when measuring surface tension or interfacial tension with a force tensiometer, how do you choose which probe is best? When measuring interfacial tension (i.e. between two immiscible liquids such as oil and water) the du Noüy ring […]

Powdertech Surface Science, a leading aluminium powder coating and surface treatment specialist, needed a simple, reliable way to assess surface cleanliness on metal substrates to support their high-performance coating and bonding. They turned to the SITA CleanoSpector, which now plays a key role in their QC process — helping validate cleanliness, reduce contamination risks, and […]

Our partners Biolin Scientific are hosting a webinar about surfactants, led by surfaces expert Susanna Laurén. Taking place on 4 June, you will learn about the different roles of surfactants in industrial processes and products. Susanna will look at how surface tension measurements can help you optimise your product performance and what type of surface […]

Measuring and controlling organic contamination prior to welding is essential for producing defect-free, high-quality welds. The presence of organic contaminants can lead to serious weld defects, including porosity and poor mechanical properties such as cracking. By employing proper testing and cleaning techniques, manufacturers can improve weld integrity, enhance product reliability, and extend the lifespan of […]

A Wilhelmy plate is a thin plate used to measure the surface tension or interfacial tension of a liquid. The plate’s dimensions are usually on the order of a few square centimetres, with a thickness of ~0.1 mm – very thin to minimize buoyancy effects and to ensure high sensitivity. It is made from an […]

Measuring cleanliness is like measuring silence – you can’t. But you can measure noise. In the same way, you can’t measure cleanliness, but you can measure contamination.   There are several ways of measuring or assessing contamination on metal, including contact angle measurement, various forms of spectroscopy (FTIR, XPS) and gravimetric analysis, which for this purpose involves […]

We have added a Technical Bulletin to the website entitled How to clean and store a du Noüy ring. We get asked this question a great deal, so it’s knowledge worth spreading around. Please download and share with your colleagues.

Our latest white paper is from Conor Kelly, who answers the question What’s the difference between surface tension and surface energy? In an application where adhesion is required (printing, bonding, sealing, painting, coating, etc), understanding the surface tension and the surface energy of the components – and, crucially, the difference between them – can be […]

A force tensiometer measures surface tension by determining the force required to detach a probe or ring from the liquid’s surface, that force being directly related to the liquid’s surface tension. Sigma 702 Force Tensiometer has a motorised sample stage, and an ultra-sensitive balance. The integral control screen allows you to simply set parameters and press […]

Since Dyne Testing Ltd was acquired by Intertronics, our interest in – and understanding of – surface science has expanded past surface measurement to adhesion, adhesive performance and surface treatment. We’ve combined all of our aspects on surface treatment, surface measurement, and surface preparation into one place, alongside some relevant products. Have a look at […]

The du Noüy ring is a piece of scientific apparatus used to measure the surface tension of liquids. Named after the French physicist Pierre Lecomte du Noüy, it is a key component in the ring detachment method. It is typically made of platinum or platinum-iridium alloy to ensure cleanliness and avoid contamination, and is usually […]

Today, we’re talking about surface science – specifically about tensiometers – courtesy of Alison. She explains: What tensiometers are able to measure Different types of tensiometers, such as force tensiometer, bubble tensiometer, or optical tensiometer (also known as contact angle meter) Check it out!   You can find out more about specific types of tensiometers […]

We have just published a White Paper, entitled Detection of Organic Contamination on Surfaces by Fluorescence Measurement. Written by colleagues from SITA Messtechnik GmbH, André Lohse and Tilo Zachmann, it is based on abstract to a conference speech at the 12th European Conference for Non-Destructive Testing in Gothenburg, Sweden, June 2018. The article describes how […]

ISO 8502 is an international standard that specifies a method for extracting water-soluble contaminants from steel surfaces prior to the application of paints, coatings or adhesives. This standard is titled Preparation of steel substrates before application of paints and related products — Tests for the assessment of surface cleanliness. Part 6 of the standard outlines […]

The Bresle method is a standardised procedure (in accordance with ISO 8502-6 Extraction of soluble contaminants for analysis — The Bresle method and ISO 8502-9 Field method for the conductometric determination of water-soluble salts) for determining the concentration of soluble salts on metal surfaces prior to a bonding or coating application, such as using adhesives […]

Happy new year, and welcome to our first JoinedUpMinute video of 2025. In this video, Alison gives a quick explanation of Dyne pens and measuring surface tension and energy. She covers: Measurement units for surface tension Surface tension versus surface energy How Dyne pens are used to indicate surface energy Have a look!   JoinedUpMinute […]

Our final JoinedUpMinute for 2024 is a speedy overview of wetting, courtesy of Alison. She explains: What wetting is and why it’s important How wetting relates to surface energy How to improve wetting Check it out!   If you want to dive deeper into how to improve wetting, have a look at our video How […]

For certain processes, maintaining clean metal parts before moving to the next manufacturing stage is crucial, but how can you be certain your surfaces are completely free of contaminants? Dyne Testing, presents the CleanoSpector, an instrument that provides contact-free cleanliness inspection and aids quality assurance of industrial cleaning processes. The CleanoSpector measures organic contamination such […]

The SITA FoamTester has revolutionised fully automated foam testing by using innovative optical measuring methods for foam volume and foam structure analysis. SITA will be running an Online Product Demonstration to introduce the SITA FoamTester, and its beneficial use in research & development and quality control. You can learn about: Automated SITA foam testing Operating […]

Medical device manufacturing has a well deserved reputation for rigorous manufacturing and process control. There is no compromise on quality when people’s lives are at stake. This focus on quality control and assessment certainly applies to medical devices made from metal — for example, implants, replacement joints, endoscopes and cannulas, all of which are inserted […]

A tensiometer is an instrument used to measure the surface tension of liquids. It can also measure other properties, like contact angle. Surface tension comes from the cohesive forces between the molecules of a liquid. At the surface of a liquid, the molecules predominantly experience forces pointing inward, leading to the formation of a ‘skin’ […]

Earlier this year we acquired Dyne Testing Ltd, a supplier of surface measurement products. Here Peter Swanson, (PS) Founder and Executive Chair of Intertronics, sits down with Alison Fox (AF), Brand Manager of Dyne Testing, to discuss trends in the UK’s surface measurement market. PS: Can you give me an overview the surface measurement equipment user base in the […]

Intertronics, a supplier of adhesives, coatings, sealants, and equipment for manufacturing and technology applications, has completed on the purchase of Dyne Testing Ltd. Dyne Testing’s range of measurement equipment for testing surface energy and tension, surface cleanliness, adhesion, and coating thickness, aligns with Intertronics’ existing business, which includes supplying surface treatment technologies that alter the energy […]

Surface cleanliness is an important topic in many industrial areas, it is especially needed in applications such as coating, painting or printing where something is added on top of the other material. If the surface where the coating is applied to is not clean, the adhesion between the coating and the substrate is typically poor.  […]

The MiniTest 7200FH or MiniTest 7400FH  is a professional portable wall thickness gauge for measurements up to 24mm thick. Both gauges provide high-precision measurements and reproducibility with a choice of SIDSP sensors available. Sharp edges, narrow diameters and/or complex geometry are no problem for the MiniTest 7200/7400FH. Ideal for Bottles, Aluminium Cans, Glass and Plastic […]

We are proud to present you the extension to our Theta optical tensiometer family.  The Attension Theta Flow has automation at an all-time high, accuracy not seen before and remarkable simplicity & ease of use. Together these features make it the most user-independent contact angle meter. It is our solution for more demanding high-end needs, both in […]

The Theta Flex Optical Tensiometer recently won the award for Best of the Best Design at the Red Dot Product Design Awards 2020, making it a winner in the world’s most renowned design competition. The instrument used widely in industrial and academia research was ranked the top product in its category of “Industrial Equipment, Machinery […]

What is the best cleaning power worth if the cleaning bath contains oil that re-contaminates the parts?  By simply measuring the contamination level process, reliability can be increased as well as improving cost-effectiveness. An increasing level of contamination caused by grease or oil left by machined parts in cleaning baths will cause a decrease in […]

Introducing the Theta Flex, the New Successor of the Theta Optical Tensiometer. The Theta Flex is the contact angle meter that enables all measurements in one instrument.  With its modular design, it is designed for reliable and repeatable measurements of wettability and adhesion, even in the most demanding industrial and research applications.  The Theta Flex […]

Surface and interfacial tensions are phenomena that effect our everyday lives.  We can find numerous examples where surface tension plays a role.  Take a classic example of a spider walking on a surface of water.  Change that water to ethanol and the poor spider will drown.  Why I hear you ask… because the surface tension […]

Water based cleaning agents have an optimal effect when their components are regularly monitored, carefully dosed and their concentrations are kept stable.  This assures not only stable parts cleanliness but also increases the economic efficiency of cleaning processes. Water based cleaning agents consist of the components builder and surfactant either combined as a full cleaner […]

OneAttension software for the Theta and Theta Lite Optical Tensiometers and the Sigma 700/701 Force Tensiometers combines the most intuitive user interface with a high level of functionality. The all-inclusive software supplied with the instruments enables immediate access to all measurement capabilities with no need to purchase and install separate software modules. It features an intuitive user interface, live […]

The innovative SmarTest intelligent Bluetooth™ sensor is quickly becoming the preferred choice of coating thickness measurement tools for Quality Assurance in the Coatings Industry and is now available in the UK and Ireland from Dyne Testing Ltd. This sleek, hand-held instrument is the size of a thick ballpoint pen and weighs a mere 50g.  Paired with your iOS […]

Dyne Testing is fast becoming the most well recognised and trusted supplier of Dyne test pens and inks in the UK and overseas for countless applications throughout industry. Offering customers a choice of Dyne test solutions, Dyne Testing strive to provide first class, value for money products and services delivered by a great team of […]

Dyne Testing Ltd supply a range of high precision test instruments that will measure the dry film thickness of coatings on a variety of substrates depending on the shape and size of the part. The innovative MiniTest 700 series has set a new standard in precision and flexibility. Ranked amongst the most accurate, reliable and versatile […]

An intelligent digital solution for non-destructive coating thickness measurement which offer you flexibility, repeatability and mobility. These dry film coating thickness gauges offer specially designed sensors (probes) which provide excellent measurement accuracy and are insusceptible to interference.  Even variations in temperature will not affect measurement and readings remain stable to ensure a very good repeatability over […]

The Soluble Salt Meter is an approved ISO8502-9 equivalent to the conventional Bresle patch method for soluble salt determination. The Soluble Salt Meter is a hand-held, automated and repeatable method for determining salt contamination on flat and curved profiles and is used to determine surface cleanliness and help prevent coating failure.  The instrument overcomes many of […]

Dyne Testing Ltd supply high performance F1 and Indy car race engine designer and manufacturer Ilmor Engineering Ltd with the revolutionary ‘CleanoSpector’ surface cleanliness measurement instrument. The NEW CleanoSpector will help Ilmor to further improve their already high quality standards. Ilmor wanted to optimise their cleaning processes and ensure that they have the quality assurance […]

Influence of surface roughness on wettability and how to measure it Many surface modification and coating technologies that are used for optimising wettability and adhesion properties influence both surface chemistry and roughness. Understanding the mechanisms that impact wetting and adhesion by separating these two factors can be key to successful surface development and solving of […]

Dyne Testing has recently been appointed the UK & Ireland distributor for SITA Messtechnik GmbH who manufacture mobile and robust measuring instruments for process and laboratory applications.  The products are aimed at optimising parts cleanliness, reducing costs of chemicals, waste water and minimising the amount of downtime in the production plant. Included in the range is […]

The blades on your cross hatch cutter can get worn if used regularly and will affect the accuracy of your results.  It is wise to periodically check the blade to see if it is worn.  To do this get a small flat piece of polished plate glass and with a match or lighter smoke a portion of the glass.  […]

Dyne Testing has launched a new and extended range of Non-Toxic Surface Energy Tests kits. The new high visibility yellow test inks make it easy to determine the Dyne value of your material. Supplied in a range of standard kits all housed in handy carrying cases; Economy kit – 6 bottles, Standard kit – 9 bottles and […]

We have many customers who use our Dyne Test Fluids to test metal products for surface cleanliness and evaluating the characteristics of their products. The surface energy of metals is much higher than that of most surface contaminants thus, the higher the Dyne level or surface energy (mN/m) also the cleaner the part is. Dyne Testing […]

Three seconds is all it takes to measure the surface energy of your material with our Dyne Test Pens. The low surface energy of polymer based substrates often leads to poor adhesion of inks, glues and coatings.  For optimum adhesion it is often necessary to increase the surface energy of the substrate to just above that […]

A new inspection tool has been developed as an alternative to the Bresle test method for soluble salt determination. The Soluble Salt Meter (SSM) test has a very short cycle time of only 1 minute and duplicates the Bresle process, except that measurements are automated and there are no consumables.   The hand held design provides a self-contained, easily transportable […]

The York Plasma Institute (YPI), based at the University of York has recently purchased the Theta Optical Tensiometer for measuring contact angle on thin film plastic as part of their low temperature plasma research. The YPI has a vision to establish a world-leading interdisciplinary plasma institute for the UK, with an international reputation for fundamental […]

Dyne Testing Extend the Range of Dyne Test Kits to Fulfil Customer’s Quality Needs. Dyne Testing has extended the product choice of Test Kits and now offers a new range of Dyne Test Kits containing up to 12 bottles of Dyne test fluid in one handy carry case.  The extended range has been adopted to offer […]

Why is bonding to plastics and rubber so difficult? The age old problem of obtaining good adhesion of paints, coatings, sealants and glues to traditionally hard to bond to materials like polypropylene has challenged engineers ever since its development and introduction by ICI in the late 1930’s. In this whitepaper, Chris Lines explains a few […]