Orbit offers a wide range of contact angle measurement systems from KRÜSS, built for precise and automated analysis of wettability, adhesion, and surface behavior. These instruments support static, dynamic, and advancing/receding contact angle methods, and are used in quality control, research, and product development across industries

Home » Contact Angle Measurement Systems

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AYRÍÍS

Getting rid of any user intervention and result interpretation whatsoever, our Ayríís uses groundbreaking technology for perfectly reliable QC checks of wettability. With just one click and in seconds, the 3D Contact Angle of water is measured and auto-validated with a simple passed/failed message using preset quality limits. The highly advanced 3D drop projection technique of Ayríís provides for automatic self-checking of consistency and plausibility of each result. As a mobile, stand-alone instrument with easy-to-exchange rechargeable batteries and prefilled cartridges, Ayríís is prepared to operate 24/7 on your production site.

Stood-Up Drop Method – Contact Angle and Surface Energy Analysis

We offer precise contact angle and surface energy measurements using the Stood-Up Drop method, performed on advanced optical Drop Shape Analyzers from the KRÜSS DSA series (e.g., DSA25, DSA30, DSA100). This method involves placing a liquid droplet on a solid surface and analyzing the droplet’s profile to determine how well the liquid wets the material. This technique is widely used in coatings, polymers, electronics, packaging, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and many other materials science and industrial applications. All testing services include a comprehensive report with high-resolution droplet images, calculated parameters, and interpretation tailored to your material and testing objectives.

Washburn Method

The Washburn method measures the contact angle and surface free energy of porous materials like powders and textiles by observing how a liquid is drawn up into the material via capillary action. A glass tube filled with powder is dipped in a test liquid, and the liquid’s mass uptake over time is recorded. Treating the powder as many tiny capillaries, the relationship between mass squared (m2m^2m2) and time (ttt) is linear and described by the Washburn equation: m2=cσcos⁡θηρ×tm^2 = \frac{c \sigma \cos \theta}{\eta \rho} \times tm2=ηρcσcosθ​×t
  • ccc is a capillary constant related to pore size and packing,
  • θ\thetaθ is the contact angle,
  • σ,η,ρ\sigma, \eta, \rhoσ,η,ρ are the liquid’s surface tension, viscosity, and density.
To find ccc, measure with a fully wetting liquid (contact angle 0∘0^\circ0∘), then use this to calculate θ\thetaθ for other liquids. Notes:
  • Powder packing must be consistent since ccc depends on bulk density.
  • Angles above 90° cannot be measured (no wetting). For these, drop shape analysis is used instead.

Wilhelmy Plate Method – Surface and Interfacial Tension Testing

We offer accurate surface and interfacial tension measurements using the Wilhelmy Plate method, conducted on KRÜSS K20 tensiometers. This method involves the immersion of a thin, typically platinum plate into the liquid, where the force due to wetting is precisely measured. It is a well-established, reliable technique suitable for a wide range of liquids. As part of our service, we provide a comprehensive test report detailing all relevant parameters and observations, tailored to the specific requirements of your application.

MOBILE SURFACE ANALYZER (MSA)

KRÜSS MSA measures surface free energy with two liquids, fully automatically and mobile using our new “One-Click SFE” method. The MSA doses two parallel drops with one click, followed by the direct analysis of the contact angles and the derived results of the surface free energy. All steps are automated and happen within a second. The precise measurement and scientific evaluation are performed with a single button click. Thus, measurement errors due to incorrect operation are virtually ruled out.

Drop Shape Analyzer DSA30M

The Micro configuration of our DSA30 was specially designed to investigate the contact angle on surfaces which require very small drops for analyzing them. The DSA30M solves this task with a picoliter dosing system and powerful microscope optics. The result is a versatile instrument that provides precise contact angle and surface free energy results for samples such as hairs or the screw windings of dental implants. The available dosing units for 20 or 60 picoliter minimum volume dispense microscopically small drops of test liquid onto the sample. The fine positioning of the dosing unit and the sample allows precise placement of the drops. Working with two test liquids also enables the surface free energy to be calculated. This result provides important information for the adhesion, e.g. of fiber coatings. Thanks to the high-quality microscopic lens and powerful illumination, the DSA30M has high image quality that enables reliable measurement results from image analysis. With the help of the instrument’s high-speed camera, even ultra-small, rapidly evaporating drops can be easily analyzed.

Drop Shape Analyzer DSA30R

Drop Shape Analyzer DSA30R perform measurements of Interfacial Rheology and gives the relevant results for optimizing products and processes. The measuring principle of the DSA30R involves evaluating video images of drops or gas bubbles at a dosing needle to measure the surface or interfacial tension (SFI/IFT). The interface size is sinusoidally changed during this process. The SFT/IFT is measured as a function of the surface change and is also sinusoidal in the case of samples containing surfactants. The dosing unit’s extremely precise piezo drive enables exact sine waves in a frequency spectrum of 0.001 to 20 Hz, so the measurements cover a very wide dynamic range. Many innovations around the DSA30R turn formerly complex interfacial rheological analytics into an easy-to-perform method with quick sample changing. The filled glass syringe is inserted in a few simple steps and coupled automatically to the dosing feed. To determine the influence of temperature, or to make investigations of high-viscosity systems easier, the syringe is embedded in a temperature-controlled sleeve for measurements between -10 and 70 °C. The temperature of the surrounding phase can also be controlled. Moreover, the start of certain processes such as the beginning of oscillation can be automatically linked to the target temperature being reached. This ensures reproducible conditions without user intervention. Applications: - ■ Emulsions and foams for food or personal care ■ Flooding mixtures and foam in enhanced oil recovery ■ Demulsifiers ■ Defoamers and antifoamers ■ Surfactant research

DSA25 CONTACT ANGLE METER

The entry level instrument which is an easy-to-use and reliable for measuring contact angle, Surface Free energy and Surface & Interfacial Tension measurement by Pendent drop method. The trend to water-based bonding, coating and printing on plastics has made solving wetting problems an important challange, With the DSA25, KRUSS covers the increasing demand for rapid wetting tests. DSA25 Series configuration
  • DSA25 B: Basic configuration.
  • DSA25 S: Standard configuration.
  • DSA25 EExpert configuration.

DSA 30 DROP SHAPE ANALYSIS SYSTEM

DSA30 is a robust instrument which can be used flexibly for the precise measurement of contact angle and surface free energy. With high-quality components and various automation options, the DSA30 analyses wetting and adhesion on solid surfaces. Fast measurements and simple operation make the instrument a valuable part of your routine quality control. DSA30 Series Configuration:
  • DSA30 B: Basic Configuration.
  • DSA30 S: Standard Configuration.
  • DSA30 E: Expert Configuration.

DSA100 DROP SHAPE ANALYSIS SYSTEM

Drop Shape Analyzer (DSA100) is a high-quality system solution for almost all tasks in the analysis of wetting and adhesion on solid surfaces. From the basic unit for precise measurement of the contact angle to the fully automatic expert instrument for serial measurement of surface free energy, This is the right instrument for your special requirements. DSA100 Series configuration.
  • DSA100 B: Basic configuration.
  • DSA100 S: Standard configuration
  • DSA 100 E: Expert configuration.

DSAHP DROP SHAPE ANALYSIS SYSTEM – HIGH PRESSURE HIGH TEMPERATURE

The Drop Shape Analyzer – DSA100HP is our high-quality solution for the precision measurement of contact angle as well as surface and interfacial tension under pressures up to 1750 bar. In order to carry out the measurement, the DSA100HP’s high-resolution camera records video images of dosed drops through the pressure cell’s viewing windows and these are then evaluated in real time. DSA100 Series configuration.
  • DSA100HP40 : Maximum Pressure – 40 bar (580 psi)
  • DSA100HP690 : Maximum Pressure – 690 bar (10 000 psi) 
  • DSA100HP1750 : Maximum Pressure – 1750 bar (25 000 psi) 

TVA100 TOP VIEW ANALYZER

It is the only instrument in the world to use the top-view reflection method for measuring the contact angle of a liquid on a solid from above. TVA100 determines the contact angle using the radius of curvature of the upper surface of the drop. The innovative measuring method is particularly suitable for measurements in depressions and on concave surfaces where drops cannot be analyzed using the conventional side view. The measuring head is available as a module for the well-proven KRÜSS DSA100, DSA30 and Easy Drop instruments and also as an independent portal system for contact-free measurements on large samples.