Hoffman Scratch Tester

Hoffman Scratch Tester

Hoffman Scratch Tester is a BYK-Gardner testing instrument used for comparative evaluation of scratch resistance and adhesion on many types of coatings. This instrument helps users assess coating resistance against scratching, stylus penetration, and adhesion to the substrate, making it useful for quality control, field testing, plant inspection, R&D, and coating performance demonstrations.

In coating testing, scratch resistance and adhesion are important parameters to ensure that the coating layer can withstand mechanical contact during use. Hoffman Scratch Tester uses a four-wheeled carriage, a 0 - 20 scale arm, and a scratch tool with a sharp circular rim mounted at 45° to the test surface. Its pocket-size design makes the instrument easy to use in both laboratory and production environments.

Hoffman Scratch Tester works by applying load through riders on the scale arm, then moving the carriage to create a trailing scratch on the coating surface. The test can be used to determine the force required to cut through the film to the substrate, as well as to evaluate adhesion when the stylus begins its motion on an uncoated portion of the panel. This product is suitable for coated panels, paint films, varnishes, protective coatings, and surface testing applications requiring a simple and repeatable method.