TQC Sheen Testex Replica Tape, Press O-film

Surface roughness testing with Testex Replica Tape 

This durable replication film can be used for measuring blasted surface profiles, when testing for both smoothness and thickness of coatings. It offers a non-destructive method for determining and assessing the surface finish of coated metals. Each box of replica tape includes 50 stickers, enough to perform 50 tests, and a burnishing tool.  

Roughness, thickness and smoothness testing can tell you a lot about the durability and integrity of a coating. That’s why it’s an essential part of any QA process.  

Test coatings with replication films 

By placing the Testex replica tape on a surface and rubbing over it, the Rt (total roughness) or peak-to-valley height of the profile can be taken and then measured with a film thickness meter. Testex TQC Sheen Replica Tape can be used with a gage to measure the surface roughness (“profile”) of blast-cleaned steel in the roughness range 0.8 to 4.5 mils (or 20 to 115 micrometers). 

How our replication tape works 

1. TQC Sheen Replica tape consists of a layer of compressible foam affixed to an incompressible polyester substrate. 

2. When pressed against a roughened/grit blasted (steel) surface, the foam collapses acquiring an impression of the surface. 

3. Placing the compressed tape between the anvils of the SP1570 micrometric thickness gage, and subtracting the contribution of the incompressible substrate (50 micrometers or 0.002 inches), gives a measure of the surface profile. 

How to use Testex replica film

1. Locate a representative site for measurement and turn the gauge on. 

2. Choose the appropriate parameter (mm/inch -1-) and zero the gauge. 

3. Pull a single piece of adhesive-backed printed paper free of the release paper. The Press-O-Film is the 0.4 inch (1 cm) square white plastic film at the center of the adhesive-backed paper. A circle of paper should remain on the release paper. 

4. Apply film to surface to be measured. The adhesive-backed paper will hold it firmly in place. 

5. Rub burnishing tool over the round cut-out portion of replica tape, using moderate to firm pressure. Use the smoothest surface on the rubbing tool. A firm pressure is desirable, with either circular, or x- and y-direction, rubbing motions. When surface is replicated the replica tape will become darker. Make sure that the entire circular area has uniformly darkened. 

6. Remove replica and place it centered between anvils. Place the anvil, by gently pressuring the lever, on the Press-O-Film. Subtract 2 mills or 0,05 mm or 50 μm) from the gage reading (the thickness of the incompressible substrate). The resulting number is the average peak-to-valley height of the blasted surface (Rave). 

Meeting international testing standards

Knowing that your testing process meeting widely accepted international standards is important. That’s why we’re happy to report that Testex Press-o film can be used for testing compliant with ASTM D 4417, NACE RP0287 and ISO8503-5 Preparation of steel substrates before application of paints and related products, Surface roughness characteristics of blast-cleaned steel substrates.  

Choosing the right replica tape 

Testex Press-O-Film TQC replica tape is available in a variety of thicknesses to facilitate profile measurement in differing ranges. 

The primary range for measurement with replica tape is 1.0 to 4.5 mils (25 to 115 um). Use of Coarse Minus grade (<1.0 mil or <25 um) or X-Coarse Plus grade tape (>4.5 mil or >115 um) should be restricted primarily to checking measurements at the lower and upper ends of the primary range.