How much application knowledge is required?
The FT125/135 quality systems require very little study or training, since they report a contact angle and the basic surface energy value without any operator intervention once a sample is in place. You can profitably use these instruments to sort surfaces or fluids into “good” or “bad” with respect to a process by correlating other process attributes to contact angle ranges. These systems offer the most reliable contact angle/surface tension measurements available for the factory floor. The FT200 and 4000 systems are, by comparison, complex and make more sensitive and sophisticated measurements. These require an understanding of surface chemistry to fully appreciate. On a positive note, FTA would be delighted to help provide enough surface chemistry information to help you adapt an instrument to your application. We expect that, as you progress through a series of basic experiments, you’ll find a practical use for contact angle data in a fairly short time.
