Cross Cut Rating System, CrossScan 295/XVI

Automatic Cross Hatch Cut Rating System with Evaluation Software

Purpose and Application

The cross-cut test is the oldest test method established worldwide for evaluating
the adhesive strength of coating materials on substrates lying underneath, still has
nothing lost of its popularity and validity and continues to be present across all
industries, and even nearly ubiquitous.

The evaluation of the test results according to valid standards, i.e. their assignment according to the corresponding characteristic values, has been carried out almost 100% visually for decades by comparison with an example table.

Here is an area loss of coating material to be evaluated in the cutting grid, rich in contrast in of an exemplary graduated form.
The ISO 2409 as well as standards with the same reference values for evaluation are to be mentioned here above all.
However, a cross-cut pattern in which there has been material loss is similar to a cross-cut pattern with the same reference values characteristic (!) of no other to 100%, since this refers only to the percentage material loss per area.

A user is also required to be able to make an abstract assignment when making a visual comparison.
And here it becomes potentially uncomfortable for the visual evaluator, because corresponding talents as well as also exercise and experience can be individually very different and any visual definition made of characteristic values by which the user can be influenced accordingly.

Especially in border areas, where the just reached (or maybe not yet completely reached) value can be influenced by the user (characteristic value achieved?) if applicable, decisive on compliance with a required delivery specification, or validity of an expensive complaint, it is conceivable that the users concerned will be psychologically burdened, since of course the protection of one’s own interests can also play a role; a good example for the danger, if necessary.
The threat of user dependency, or at least the probability that it cannot be ruled out across the board.

Execution

CrossScan 295/XVI consists of a handy dome for placing on the crosshatch pattern to be evaluated; equipped with camera, LED lighting and potentiometer for intensity control of lighting (5% – 100%). The evaluation takes place via the included software (PC not included).

Direct or diffused lighting can be selected via the software to optimize the contrast of the surface to be evaluated.
The automatic cross hatch evaluation considers and excludes the width of the scratched channels and determines the percentage (coating) material loss in the defined area of the cross hatch pattern (maximum evaluable image section 20 x 20 mm, visible image section 25 x 25 mm).

The image is taken by choice either via the device button or via PC / software. Based on the percentage loss, the corresponding cross hatch value is automatically assigned according to the standard specification.