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 in adhesive testing.

Examples of good and bad panels determined by visual evidence.

Test Panel Tips

1. New test panels are protected with a plastic film that must be removed upon arrival.
2. 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.
3. 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 350° F (175° 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. "
4. 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"
5. Handle test panels by the edges whenever possible. This will help keep skin oils off 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."
6. 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.
7. A Certificate of Conformance will be issued for every test panel order.
8. ChemInstruments warrantees the test panel for 1 year (from date of purchase). This warranty only covers the manufacturer's defect based on specification outlined in PSTC appendage B, Section 2.6 & ASTM D3330.

Test Panels Available

The 304 stainless steel meets the requirements set forth in ASTM A666. The panels comply with PSTC Appendage B 2.6. The 18 gauge panels have the Bright Annealed finish and are cut to size for use in various test methods.

All Stainless steel panels are 0.047" (1.2mm) thick.

Standard sizes include:

• Loop Tack
  • TP-16 (1"x6") (2.5cm x 15cm)
  • TP-13 (1"x3") (2.5cm x 7.5cm)
• Shear
  • TP-23 (2"x3") (5cm x 7.5cm)
• Adhesion
  • TP-25 (2"x5") (5cm x 13cm)
  • TP-26 (2"x6") (5cm x 15cm)
  • TP-28 (2"x8") (5cm x 20cm)
  • TP-39 (3"x9") (7.5cm x 23cm)

• Specialized Panels*
  • Glass: 1/8" (0.3cm) thick
  • Plastics: 1/8" (0.3cm) thick
  • High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
  • Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), 1/4" (0.5cm) thick
  • Co-Polyester (PETG)
  • Polypropylene (PP)
  • Polycarbonate(PC)
  • Polyvinylchloride (PVC)
  • Polystyrene(PS)
  • ABS Plastic
  • Acrylic
  • Aluminum: 1/16" (0.15cm) thick
  • AFERA Stainless Steel Panels

*Specialized Panels do not meet ASTM D 3330 Specs.

Standard panel sizes as well as custom dimensions are available in the above materials.

Test Panel Holders

Wooden holder with 24 angled slots to hold panels between tests.
Dimensions: 12.5" (32cm) long x 3.5" (9cm) wide.

Model number: TPH-100