Product Description:
Qualtech Products Industry Drying Time Recorder is a precision Automatic Linear Paint Drying Time Test Instrument to evaluate the various stages of drying and curing when applying surface coatings and films on substrates.
The different stages of drying and curing are easy to detect, but difficult to define in terms of chemical and physical methodology.
In order to evaluate the Drying Stages of paint and coatings professionally and accurately, it is necessary to use a Drying Time Recorder under controlled test conditions.
This advanced Drying Time Recorder determines the various stages of film curing and drying time with high precision and high repeatability to deliver reproducible results and to ensure high efficiency at the touch of a button,.
This professional Automatic Drying Time Recorder is designed and engineered to test and record the Drying Time and Gelation Behavior of paint and coatings.
To complete a Drying Time Test the sample paint or sample coating is applied onto a glass panel with the size of 300 mm × 25 mm (12″ × 1″) using a Cube Applicator. After the application of the sample paint or sample coating hemispherical needles travel simultaneously on six parallel test tracks for a specified time, e.g. 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours. Custom programmed sample test times are available, please specify when ordering.
The large LCD Display and the precision Graduation at the front of the Drying Time Tester offer a user-friendly and professional evaluation of the Drying Time Stages in accordance with the preset drying time:
- Evaporation of the Solvent: Deep pear-shaped impression
- Sol-gel Transition: Continuous track
- Dry Surface: Interrupted track
- Final Drying Stage: The needle no longer penetrates the film
This Linear Drying Time Recorder offers the newest microchip technology combined with a large LCD Display with Backlight, comfortable Softtouch Buttons, a precision Graduation, six Sample Tracks, four preset Test Times, customized Test Times available, high-precision mechanics, user-friendly Application, user-friendly Sample Handling, easy cleaning, ergonomic design, reliable performance, longevity and much more.
This professional Automatic Drying Time Recorder is designed and engineered in accordance with international test standards including:
- ASTM D5895 (Standard Test Methods for Evaluating Drying or Curing During Film Formation of Organic Coatings Using Mechanical Recorders)
- ISO 9117 (Paints and varnishes — Drying tests — Part 4: Test using a mechanical recorder)
- DIN EN 14022 (Structural adhesives - Determination of the pot life (working life) of multicomponent adhesives; German version EN 14022:2010)
Drying Time Recorder QPI‑DTR2800 - ASTM & ISO Application:
The Professional Drying Time Recorder QPI‑DTR2800 is designed to perform standardized drying‑time evaluations of organic coatings according to ASTM D5895 and ISO 9117‑4. These internationally recognized methods define how to measure the transition of a coating film from liquid to fully cured using a mechanical linear recorder. The QPI‑DTR2800 provides controlled traverse speed, stable load application, and multi‑track capability, enabling precise, repeatable drying‑stage determination for R&D laboratories, paint manufacturers, and industrial QC environments.
1. ASTM D5895 Test Method - Drying & Curing During Film Formation
ASTM D5895 describes how to evaluate the distinct drying and curing stages of organic coatings using straight‑line mechanical recorders. The QPI‑DTR2800 follows this method by moving a hemispherical stylus across a freshly applied coating film under controlled conditions.
ASTM‑Defined Drying Stages
ASTM D5895 identifies four critical film‑formation stages:
Set‑to‑Touch Time The coating stops flowing and begins resisting deformation. The stylus leaves a pear‑shaped indentation indicating early solidification.
Tack‑Free Time The film supports the stylus without sticking or tearing. The track becomes narrower and more uniform.
Dry‑Hard Time The stylus no longer cuts or tears the film, leaving only superficial marks. This indicates sufficient curing for handling or packaging.
Dry‑Through Time The stylus leaves no visible track, showing complete solidification and full film integrity.
ASTM Mechanical Recording Principle
The QPI‑DTR2800 replicates the ASTM mechanical recording process:
A hemispherical stylus (1 mm or 2 mm tip) travels across the coating at a fixed speed.
The stylus load is standardized (typically 5 g).
The recorder documents the film’s resistance to deformation over time.
Engineers interpret the stylus trace to determine each drying stage.
Why ASTM D5895 Matters
ASTM D5895 is essential for:
Comparing coating formulations
Evaluating solvent‑borne, waterborne, and high‑solids systems
Documenting drying behavior under controlled environmental conditions
Identifying curing performance beyond the standard 8‑hour workday
The QPI‑DTR2800’s multi‑track system allows simultaneous testing of multiple samples, improving throughput and formulation comparison accuracy.
2. ISO 9117‑4 Test Method — Determination of Drying Behaviour Using a Mechanical Recorder
ISO 9117‑4 is the international counterpart to ASTM D5895 and defines how to measure drying behavior using a linear mechanical recorder. The QPI‑DTR2800 meets ISO requirements for traverse speed, stylus geometry, substrate dimensions, and environmental control.
ISO Drying‑Time Evaluation
ISO 9117‑4 focuses on:
Film formation under standardized environmental conditions
Stylus trace interpretation to determine set‑to‑touch, dry‑hard, and dry‑through times
Reproducible mechanical recording for global comparison of coating systems
ISO emphasizes the importance of:
Controlled substrate preparation
Uniform film thickness
Stable temperature and humidity
Repeatable stylus movement and load application
The QPI‑DTR2800’s precision drive system and stable load mechanism ensure compliance with these requirements.
3. Using the QPI‑DTR2800 for ASTM & ISO Drying‑Time Testing
Step‑by‑Step Technical Workflow
Prepare the substrate Apply a uniform coating film using a standardized applicator (per ASTM D823).
Mount the glass strip Place the coated strip into one of the recorder’s tracks.
Select test duration Choose 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, or custom timing depending on coating type.
Set stylus load & tip size Use the hemispherical stylus specified by ASTM/ISO.
Start the recording cycle The stylus travels across the coating at a constant speed.
Analyze the trace Identify transitions in the stylus track corresponding to ASTM/ISO drying stages.
Document results Record drying times for QC, formulation optimization, or certification.
Engineering Advantages of the QPI‑DTR2800
Multi‑track simultaneous testing
Stable traverse speed for reproducible results
Precision stylus load control
High‑resolution timing accuracy
Ideal for waterborne, solvent‑borne, alkyd, acrylic, and 2K coatings
Fully compliant with ASTM D5895 and ISO 9117‑4
Drying Time Recorder - Features:
- Newest Microchip Technology
- Large LCD Display with Backlight
- Test up to 6 samples simultaneous
- 4 different preset Test Times: 6, 12, 24, 48 hours
- Custom programmed Test Times available, please specify when ordering
- 6 Sample Test Tracks each with a size of 300 mm x 25 mm (12″ x 1″)
- Comfortable Softtouch Buttons
- User-friendly Application
- User-friendly Sample Handling
- Easy Cleaning
- High Accuracy & High Precision
- Ergonomic Design & Reliable Performance
- Engineered in accordance with international test standards including ASTM D5895. ISO 9117-4, DIN EN 14022
Linear Drying Time Recorder – Specifications:
| Model | QPI-DTR2800 | QPI-DTR6800 | QPI-DTR5800TG | QPI-CA1 | QPI-CA2 | QPI-DTR5800GP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newest Microchip Technology | Yes | Yes | Cube Applicator Track Guide | Cube Applicator | Cube Applicator | Glass Track Kit |
| Display | Large Color Touchscreen Display | |||||
| Select 4 Preset Drying Speeds | 6 hours 12 hours 24 hours 48 hours | 1 min - 48 hours continuously adjustable in 1min increments | 38 µm 75 µm | 75 µm 150 µm | ||
| Optional Custom Programmed Drying Speeds | Please specify when ordering | Please specify when ordering | ||||
| Sample Tracks | 4 | 6 | ||||
| Channels | 1 Channel 4 Tracks | 3 Channels 2 Tracks each Total 6 Tracks | ||||
| User-friendly Application | Yes | Yes | ||||
| User-friendly Sample Handling | Yes | Yes | ||||
| Easy Cleaning Technology | Yes | Yes | ||||
| High Accuracy & High Repeatability | Yes | Yes | ||||
| Reliable Performance & Ergonomic Design | Yes | Yes | ||||
| Voltage | 110 Volts 60 Hz 220 Volts 50 Hz | 110 Volts 60 Hz 220 Volts 50 Hz | ||||
| Engineered in accordance with international test standards including ASTM D5895. ISO 9117-4, DIN EN 14022 | ||||||
Automatic Drying Time Recorder – Included items:
- Advanced Drying Time Recorder
- Accessories
- Quality Certificate
- Carefully Calibrated
- Calibration Certificate
- User manual
- Extended Warranty
- Lifetime Support
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