Indexable Ball Probe

Product overview

A 1" Indexable Ball Probe is used for the tests, which can be rotated to allow a clean test site without replacing the probe or the requirement to clean and dry the test probe between tests.

The Indexable Ball Probe is a device that is usually available for use on the Nail Polish Adhesion Rig but is available separately for other applications. It is a device suitable for the measurement of e.g. tape adhesion. In this typical application the sample requires that the probe is clean and dry for each test. This may slow down the cleaning time between tests, therefore this device can be indexed after each test by simple manual rotation of the probe thus changing the probe to a ‘new’ probe and acquiring testing efficiency.

This probe serves to increase sample throughput to get data collected in less time by saving the necessary cleaning to the end of multiple tests. 12 rotations of the probe are possible before cleaning is required.

Typical graph

Typical graph comparison of Nail Polish adhesion using the Indexable Ball Probe
Typical graph comparison of Nail Polish adhesion using the Indexable Ball Probe

Technical information

Manufacturing material Aluminium, Stainless Steel, Delrin
Maximum operating temperature 100°C
Maximum applied load (compression) 5kg
Maximum applied load (tension) 3kg

Ideal sample form

Thin or shallow samples.

Benefits and limitations

  • Allows the testing of multiples of samples without the need to clean the probe between tests.

Installation

Full installation instructions are provided within the Education Zone of the latest Exponent/Connect software version and on the technical information sheet accompanying this product.

Chemical compatibility

Stable Micro Systems probes and attachments are commonly made from four materials: anodised aluminium (AA6082 T6), stainless steel (316 T), Delrin (acetyl copolymer) and Perspex (polycarbonate). 

In general use, probes and attachments made from these materials will be suitable for testing food products and inert non-food materials.

The four materials listed above are not universally resistant to all types of chemicals and as such the compatibility of the probe/attachment material with the product (to be tested) must be established to prevent damage to the probes and attachments. If the compatibility of the product with the probe is unknown to the customer then the chemical information about the product (Material Safety Data Sheet or Product Data Sheet) should be submitted to Stable Micro Systems. Stable Micro Systems will then assess the suitability of the probe/attachment material for use with the product and advise accordingly. If this advice is not sought then Stable Micro Systems will not accept liability for probes/attachments damaged by chemical attack from the product being tested.

Cleaning and maintenance

All probes and attachments may be cleaned in warm (or hand hot) water using a mild detergent. A soft brush may be used but abrasive cleaning aids should be avoided. Stable Micro Systems products should not be microwaved or cleaned in a dishwasher.

Screw threads should be lightly lubricated after drying using a light lubricant, e.g. petroleum jelly, mineral oil. This will aid the fitting and unscrewing of the item. Each component of a probe or attachment should be wrapped separately when stored, to avoid scratching or chipping. This will safeguard against any unnecessary damage to the accessory.