Short Description
The Universal Surface Tester 100 (UST 100) by Innowep is a modular measurement system designed for the investigation of mechanical and tribological properties of surfaces and thin films. It is used in research and development to analyze friction, wear, scratching, and indentation processes under controlled and reproducible conditions.
The UST 100 enables measurements with defined normal loads and configurable motion profiles, supporting various test modes such as linear, oscillating, and rotational movements. Depending on the system configuration, parameters including coefficient of friction, penetration depth, wear volume, and coating failure can be recorded with high temporal resolution. A range of interchangeable sample holders and tools allows the testing of different materials, coatings, and geometries.
The system is designed for operation under variable environmental conditions and can be expanded with additional modules, for example for temperature control or testing in liquid or gaseous media. The integrated control and data analysis software supports experiment setup, data acquisition, and evaluation, enabling standardized and reproducible test procedures.
The Universal Surface Tester 100 is suitable for material science, physics, and engineering research where a systematic and comparable characterization of surface properties is required, making it a versatile research infrastructure for both fundamental and applied studies.
Contact Person
Institut für Chemieingenieurwissenschaften
Research Services
Contract Research
The research infrastructure is ‘open for collaboration’. Commercial collaborations are not possible.
Methods & Expertise for Research Infrastructure
In coatings research, the Universal Surface Tester 100 (UST 100) is used for the systematic characterization of mechanical and tribological properties of coating systems. The device enables the investigation of friction, scratch resistance, and wear behavior of paint layers under defined and reproducible loading conditions. This allows conclusions to be drawn regarding surface durability under mechanical stress, such as abrasion, contact, or cleaning processes.
The UST 100 supports comparative testing of different coating formulations, layer structures, and curing conditions. Relevant parameters such as coefficient of friction, penetration depth, coating failure, and wear progression are recorded, enabling a quantitative assessment of surface performance. By adjusting test parameters, application-oriented load scenarios can be simulated, for example for automotive, industrial, or functional coatings.
As a result, the Universal Surface Tester 100 serves as an important tool for formulation optimization, quality control, and decision-making processes in coating and paint technology.
For information on usage conditions, please contact us: chemieingenieurwissenschaften@uibk.ac.at