Mechanical Testing Equipment
RCA Paper Tape Abrasion Tester
RCA Paper Tape Abrasion Tester is designed to evaluate the abrasion resistance of painted, electroplated, screen-printed and coated surfaces. With 55 g, 175 g and 275 g test loads, it provides controlled and repeatable wear testing for mobile phones, electronics, plastics, membrane switches and decorative coatings. The tester uses RCA paper tape and references ASTM F2357 for coating and printed surface abrasion evaluation.
The RCA Paper Tape Abrasion Tester is designed to evaluate the abrasion resistance of painted, electroplated, screen-printed, and other coated surfaces. It uses RCA paper tape as the abrasive medium and applies a controlled load to the specimen through a fixed-diameter roller.
During testing, the paper tape moves continuously across the specimen surface at a controlled speed. A rotary counter records the number of abrasion cycles, allowing the wear resistance of the surface coating, printed marking, or finish to be evaluated and compared.
The tester is commonly used for mobile phone housings, electronic products, plastic parts, membrane switches, decorative coatings, and other products requiring surface wear resistance testing.
Test Principle
The specimen is mounted securely on the test platform, and RCA paper tape is positioned between the test roller and the specimen surface.
A selected test load of 55 g, 175 g, or 275 g is applied to the roller. The motor drives the paper tape continuously across the specimen at a controlled speed, producing repeated rubbing between the paper tape and the tested surface.
The rotary counter records the abrasion cycles. The number of cycles required to reach a specified wear condition can then be used to evaluate the abrasion resistance of the tested surface.
For reliable comparison, the same paper tape, test load, test speed, specimen condition, and evaluation criteria should be maintained for different samples. This test can also be used as part of a broader mechanical testing program for evaluating product durability.
Applications
The RCA Paper Tape Abrasion Tester is suitable for abrasion testing of:
- Painted and coated surfaces
- Electroplated surfaces
- Screen-printed markings
- Plastic product housings
- Mobile phone and electronic device surfaces
- Membrane switch graphics
- Decorative coatings
- Printed surfaces and finishes
For electroplated and coated components, abrasion testing can also be combined with corrosion evaluation using a salt spray chamber when both wear resistance and corrosion resistance are important.
For products exposed to outdoor environments, surface durability may also be evaluated alongside accelerated weathering using a UV aging test chamber.
Test Loads
The tester provides three commonly used test loads:
- 55 g
- 175 g
- 275 g
The appropriate load can be selected according to the material, coating, and applicable test requirements.
Key Features
- Uses RCA paper tape for continuous abrasion testing
- Three selectable test loads: 55 g, 175 g, and 275 g
- Controlled paper tape movement for repeatable testing
- Rotary counter for recording abrasion cycles
- Suitable for painted, plated, printed, and coated surfaces
- Compact mechanical design for laboratory testing
- Suitable for comparative testing and surface quality control
Technical Specifications
Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
Product Name | RCA Paper Tape Abrasion Tester |
Test Load | 55 g / 175 g / 275 g |
Counter | Rotary Counter |
Paper Tape Speed | 2670 mm/min |
Abrasion Length per Cycle | 157 mm |
Rotation Speed | 17 rpm |
Operation | Continuous |
Power Supply | AC 220 V, 50 Hz, 1 Phase |
Dimensions | 800 × 300 × 380 mm (L × W × H) |
Test Method Reference
The tester is designed around the RCA abrasion testing method referenced by ASTM F2357, including the historically used ASTM F2357-04 method for determining the abrasion resistance of inks and coatings using the Norman Tool "RCA" Abrader.
ASTM F2357 describes an abrasion test using a specified force and abrasive medium to evaluate the abrasion resistance of inks and coatings, particularly on membrane switches.
For current testing programs, users should confirm the applicable ASTM edition or replacement standard according to their product specification and testing requirements.
Test Result Evaluation
The abrasion result is generally expressed as the number of abrasion cycles completed before the specified wear condition occurs.
Depending on the test specification, the evaluation may be based on visible coating removal, exposure of an underlying layer, damage to printed markings, or another defined change in surface appearance.
The same test conditions should be maintained when comparing different materials or coatings to ensure that the results are meaningful and repeatable.
Typical Applications
The RCA Paper Tape Abrasion Tester can be used in industries including:
- Consumer electronics
- Mobile phone manufacturing
- Automotive interiors
- Electrical appliances
- Plastic products
- Membrane switches
- Printing
- Surface coating and finishing
It provides a practical method for evaluating and comparing the durability of surface coatings, printed markings, and decorative finishes under repeated rubbing conditions.