Stainless Steel Test Panel
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The following information is intended to help our customers understand the proper use, purpose, and importance of the test panel in collecting accurate test data. Maintenance and use tips are listed below.
It is the customer’s responsibility to inspect, maintain and use these panels according to ASTM D3330-00 test method specifications.
All ChemInstruments test panels listed below, meet the requirements as specified in the Pressure Sensitive Tape Council test methods manual Appendage B Section 2.6 and ASTM D 3330.
Among other aspects these panels are stainless steel, 50 by 125 mm (2 by 5 in) no less than 1.1 mm (0.043 in.) thickness, conforming to Type 302 or 304 of Specification ASTM A666, having a bright annealed finish. The surface roughness height shall be 50 ± 25 nm (2.0 ± 1.0 uin.) arithmetical average deviations from the mean line. Panels showing stains, discoloration, or many scratches are not acceptable.
For the purpose of identification and traceability, ChemInstruments test panels are stenciled with a lot number on the back “non test” side of the panel. The useful life of a test panel is determined by the number of tests, cleaning and maintenance of the panel. The customer is responsible for inspecting and determining the suitability of a test panel prior to use.
Examples of good and bad panels determined by visual evidence.
Test Panel Tips
- New test panels are protected with a plastic film that must be removed upon arrival.
- It is important that the new panel be cleaned after removal of the protective plastic film and stored according to methods described in ASTM D3330 paragraph 10.1.
- New panels have residual machining oils and surfactants remaining from the protective covering. All new panels should be cleaned by wiping in the machine direction with a strong solvent such as Methyl Ethyl Ketone, Toluene, or Acetone and then placed in an oven at 350º F (175º C) for about 1 hour. The initial wash will remove some of the impurities and the baking will cause any additional materials to discolor on the surface. After the panels have cooled, clean them again with .Toluene and Methyl Ethyl Ketone. At this point, a standard cleaning method can be followed. Among these are PSTC Appendage C or ASTM D 3330- 96 Section 7 and Section 11.1. (Solvents should always be used in well-ventilated area or vent hood.)
Note: ASTM D3330 states in paragraph 6.3, “New panels should be cleaned prior to use as described in 11.1, except with ten washes of the final solvent. ” -
It is advisable to mark the “grip” end of each panel when using a tensile tester to do adhesion testing. One should avoid gathering data from a scratched or roughen surface.
Note: ASTM D3330 states in paragraph 6.3, “Panels showing stains, discoloration, or many scratches are not acceptable” - Handle test panels by the edges whenever possible. This will help keep skin oils out of the testing area of the panels.
Note: When cleaning panels, ASTM D3330 states in paragraph 11.1, “Dispense one of the solvents listed in 7.2.1 onto the panel, wiping it to dryness with fresh absorbent cleaning material. Repeat for a total of three washes with this solvent. Final wipe shall be MEK or acetone. The panel shall be allowed to dry at standard conditions for at least 10 min. If cleaned panel is not used within 10 h. it should be recleaned.” - If you stack your panels when not using them, put a soft lint free tissue between the panels to avoid scratching the testing surface. ChemInstruments also manufactures a Test Panel Holder for storing these panels in a vertical position.
- A Certificate of Conformance will be issued for every test panel order
- ChemInstruments warrantees the test panel for 1 year (from date of purchase). This warranty only covers manufacturer’s defect based on specification outlined in PSTC appendage B, Section 2.6 & ASTM D3330.
ChemInstruments, Inc. 510 Commercial Drive Fairfield, OH 45014 Phone: 513.860.1598 Fax: 513.860.1597
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