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This section provides an overview for surface tension meters as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 15 surface tension meter manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked surface tension meter companies as of December, 2024: 1.Bohle Ltd., 2.Dyne Testing Ltd, 3.SITA Messtechnik GmbH.
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Graduated with a master's degree in mechacanical engineering from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Tokyo.
As a student, he was engaged in research on thermophysical properties and materials, such as thermal interface materials and heat insulating materials.
After that, he mainly engaged in the development of coating equipment and CAE work at a chemical manufacturing company. Currently, he is engaged in research and development related to CFD, molecular dynamics, chemical equilibrium, and gas-liquid equilibrium at a food manufacturing company.
A surface tension meter is a device used to measure the tension (surface tension) that a liquid or solid exerts in an attempt to make its surface as small as possible.
For example, let us assume that a liquid is in a glass. The liquid in the cup is stable because the intermolecular forces between the surrounding molecules attract and cancel each other out, but the liquid on the surface of the cup and the air has a slightly rounded and swollen shape because the intermolecular forces pulling it from the air side are small.
This is surface tension, and the larger the surface tension of the liquid, the larger the expansion. This force is relatively large and is an important physical property in detergents and inkjet printing.
Figure 1. Surface tension
A surface tension meter is used in quality control and research and development of detergents, food, solder, etc. They are important in the investigation of wetting of ink-jet and coating materials and solder, as well as in the fields of coating and microfluidics.
Measuring and properly controlling surface tension can change the foaming process and ease of agitation during manufacturing and use, as well as the presence or absence of coating defects. When selecting a Surface Tension Meter, it is important to consider the accuracy of the evaluation, the measurement time, the type of liquid being handled, and the measurement range.
Figure 2. Types of surface tension meters
Many methods have been developed to measure surface tension, including the "suspension method," which calculates surface tension from droplets, the "plate method," which measures the force pulled by a plate surface, the "ring method," which measures the force pulled by a ring in contact with a liquid surface, and the "capillary method," which measures the height of a liquid rising through a capillary tube.
When measuring, the plate is lifted from the state where it is in contact with the liquid to be measured. The force required to lift the plate is measured, and the surface tension is determined from the contact angle between the plate and the liquid to be measured separately and the dimensions of the plate. Even if the contact angle is not known, if the plate is completely wetted, θ is zero and can be measured.
Since it is also possible to measure a plate while it is standing still, both dynamic and static surface tension can be measured. On the other hand, since the plate must be wetted to a certain extent, it is usually necessary to prepare at least 30 mL of liquid.
As with the plate method, the ring-shaped measuring device is lifted from the state where it is in contact with the liquid to be measured, and the force required to lift it is measured. Unlike the plate method, the force is monitored at any time and the surface tension is measured using the force when the ring and liquid separate.
It is not possible to measure solutions such as surfactant solutions whose surface tension changes over time. The ring method can also measure lamella length. A lamella is a thin bubble film within a bubble. Longer lamella length means that the bubbles do not disappear even when stretched, and the bubbles remain stable.
This method measures surface tension by fixing the liquid to be measured as a droplet and analyzing the shape of the droplet using equations and other methods. The accuracy varies depending on the performance of the camera and the algorithm used.
This method is suitable for measuring the interfacial tension between liquids such as highly viscous liquids, molten polymers, and oil and water, which are difficult to measure with the plate method.
Surface tension is calculated by measuring the height and density of a liquid as it rises up a capillary tube. The capillary phenomenon is utilized.
Gas is poured into a capillary inserted into the sample liquid to generate bubbles. The maximum pressure applied when bubbles are generated (maximum bubble pressure) is measured and the surface tension is calculated.
The time from when a new bubble is generated at the tip until the maximum bubble pressure is reached is called the bubble lifetime, and since the pressure decreases as the surfactant is adsorbed during this time, dynamic surface tension can be measured by testing at various bubble lifetime settings.
Figure 3.Comparison of surface tension meters
Each surface tension meter has its own requirements and strengths and weaknesses. Select the appropriate surface tension meter by checking the physical properties of the liquid you wish to measure and the amount of liquid you can secure.
Static and Dynamic Surface Tension
Surface tension can be classified into static and dynamic surface tension. Dynamic surface tension is generally greater and decreases over time. This is because surfactants with hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups gather at the gas-liquid interface over time and are adsorbed on the surface.
As the hydrophobic groups gather on the surface of water, the surface tension value goes from a high value for water to a value similar to that of hydrophobic oil. The concentration at a certain surface length force after sufficient time is called the critical micelle concentration, and instruments capable of measuring dynamic surface tension can also determine this critical micelle concentration.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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KINO Scientific Instrument Inc. is a manufacturer and supplier of contact angle meter, surface, interfacial tensiometer and Time of flight camera. The company is situated at Boston USA and came to inception in 2005. The company product portfolio includes ADSA-RealDrop based on the ADSA-P is the main algorithm developed by KINO which is used at the force surface tensiometer (STM), optical contact angle meter (CAM) and spinning drop interfacial tensiometer (SDT). The company develops the technology of contact angle meter, surface tensiometer and spinning drop interface tensiometer.
KRUSS Scientific Instruments Inc., Established in 1796, is a supplier of precision measuring systems in the field of surface and interfacial chemistry. The company is named for its development of advanced instruments, including tensiometers, contact angle measurement tools, and foam analysis instruments. KRUSS serves research and development laboratories as well as quality control centers with its product solutions. The company's ethic lies in simplifying complex science through user-friendly instruments that apply proven scientific methods. With a history spanning over two centuries, KRUSS Scientific Instruments, Inc. continues to provide tools that for advancements in surface analysis and interfacial science.
Bohle Ltd., established in 1923 and headquartered in Cheshire, England, is a manufacturer of tools, machinery, and accessories for glass processors. The company operates in eight product divisions, including handling, glass cutting, and surface protection, catering to various customer segments in trade, industry, and retail. Its product range includes cutting wheels, process chemicals, and systems such as the VetroMount balustrade, known for its design excellence with the Red Dot Award. The company offers solutions for sandblasting, drilling, and glass grinding, backed by professional expertise and an emphasis on customer needs.
SKZ Industrial Co., Limited, established in 2006, is a manufacturer and supplier specializing in laboratory, scientific, analytical and thermal analysis instruments located in Shandong, China. The company’s product portfolio includes moisture meters, gas detectors, and testing instruments for materials such as paper, cardboard and textiles. The company offers pre-sales, mid-sales, and after-sales support, and has achieved SGS, CE, and quality certifications. SKZ Industrial serves customers globally including America, Europe, Australia, the Middle East and Asia.
Gester International Co.,Ltd., was established in 1997 and is based in Quanzhou, Fujian, China as manufacturer and supplier of various testing equipments. The company's product portofolio includes Textile Testing Equipment, Footwear Testing Equipment, Leather Testing Equipment, Yarn/Fiber testing equipment, and Toy Testing Equipment, used in industries such as toy, textile, shoe and furniture manufacturing to improve the product quality. Their products are compliant with both domestic and international industry standards such as ISO, ASTM, DIN, EN, and BS. The company also provides aftermarket service for testing equipment products including Installation and Training, Equipment Maintenance, Product Calibration, and Product Certification.
Biolin Scientific is a Swedish manufacturer of surface science instrumentation that was established in 2010 following Biolin AB’s acquisitions of KSV Instruments Ltd. and Q-Sense AB. Based in Gothenburg, the company produces analytical lab equipment such as tensiometers for measuring surface free energy and tension of solids or liquids, as well as quartz crystal microbalances with dissipation monitoring capabilities (QCM-Ds) for measuring the mass or viscoelasticity of thin films. These are used in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, energy, and environmental protection sectors. Aside from its products, Biolin Scientific offers contract research, experimental design, and technical support services for customer projects.
SITA Process Solutions is a business unit of SITA Messtechnik GmbH which was founded in 1996 and located in Saxony, Germany. It is a manufacturer of process measuring and controlling technology. The company manufactures tensiometers (surface tension meters), fluorescence, and contact angle measuring devices. Its products are used for controlling and monitoring cleaning agent concentration, parts cleanliness, and bath contamination. The company serves several industries such as semiconductor, industrial, photovoltaics, and electroplating industries.
Kibron Inc., established in 1994, and located in Helsinki, Finland, is a manufacturer specializing in surface chemistry equipment and screening technology. The company's diverse product line includes tensiometers for surface tension measurement, Langmuir instruments for monolayer studies, and dip coaters for precision film application. It also offers a range of accessories such as glass wedge, trough, and plates, catering to the needs of researchers, scientists, and industries interested in understanding and manipulating surface properties. These tools are instrumental in conducting experiments, developing new materials, and improving various technologies that rely on a deep understanding of surface interactions and behaviors.
Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd. is a manufacturer of scientific instruments for interfacial science, established in 1947 and based in Saitama, Japan. The company provides surface and measuring instruments, including a Contact Angle Meter, Surface Tensiometer, Peel Tester, and Friction Testers. These products received the "Analytical and Scientific Instrument Heritage" certification in the years 2012, 2013, and 2015. Kyowa's instruments are utilized for the analysis of interfacial phenomena in various applications, such as determining surface wettability, measuring surface tension, evaluating adhesion strength, and assessing frictional properties. They are used in research and development as well as quality control processes.
NINGBO HINOTEK INSTRUMENT CO., LTD, established in 2002 and headquartered in Ningbo, China, is a manufacturer and supplier of laboratory equipment. The company’s comprehensive product range encompasses fume hoods, incubators, ovens, centrifuges, and pH meters, serving a diverse clientele across educational institutions, hospitals, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and chemical industries. It offers an array of services including engineering and design, testing and certification, supply chain management, and technical support, aligning with its unwavering emphasis on customer satisfaction. The company also holds ISO 9001:2015 certification, underscoring its passion for maintaining exemplary quality standards.
Nanbei Instrument Limited, started in 2008 in Zhengzhou, China, is a manufacturer and supplier of chemical, laboratory, geological, agricultural and test instruments used in these industries: metallurgical mines, roads and bridges, research institutes, and agriculture. The research products the company makes includes rotary evaporators, atomic absorption spectrophotometers, seed quality analyzers, chemical analysis equipment and laboratory thermostats. It has received the SO 9001:2015 quality management system, CE of Trademark, CE of EU Trademark, Medical Type-2 Reports and EU of CE certifications.
Dyne Testing Ltd. is a manufacturer and supplier of environmentally friendly surface treatment instruments located in Lichfield, Staffordshire. The company’s product line includes automatic adhesion testers, contact angle meters, tensiometers, gloss meters, wall thickness gauges, and porosity test equipment. Its instruments test for surface energy, surface cleanliness, surface tension, adhesion, and coating thickness. The company serves industries such as the manufacturing, educational, and researching industries, and its products find several industrial applications.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | KRÜSS Scientific Instruments, Inc. |
23.8%
|
| 2 | Bohle Ltd. |
12.3%
|
| 3 | Dyne Testing Ltd |
11.5%
|
| 4 | SITA Messtechnik GmbH |
7.7%
|
| 5 | Huazheng Electric Manufacturing Co.,Ltd |
6.9%
|
| 6 | KINO Scientific Instrument Inc. |
6.9%
|
| 7 | SKZ Industrial Co., Limited |
6.2%
|
| 8 | Kibron Inc. |
5.4%
|
| 9 | NANBEI INSTRUMENT LIMITED |
4.6%
|
| 10 | GESTER INTERNATIONAL CO.,LTD. |
3.1%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the surface tension meter page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
China
|
5 | 38.5% |
|
United States of America
|
2 | 15.4% |
|
United Kingdom
|
2 | 15.4% |
|
Sweden
|
1 | 7.7% |
|
Germany
|
1 | 7.7% |
|
Finland
|
1 | 7.7% |
|
Japan
|
1 | 7.7% |
13 products found
13 products
Surfgauge INSTRUMENTS
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■Product overview The capillary rise method is one of the most reliable and simple surface tension measurement methods. Another feature is quick me...
Surfgauge INSTRUMENTS
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■Product overview This is a surface tension meter that uses the Dunouil method (platinum ring method), which is one of the most representative surf...
Surfgauge INSTRUMENTS
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■Product overview This is a "field" oriented surface tension meter that can measure surface tension on-site. ■Product composition ・Standard compo...
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Product composition ■Standard components Main unit, syringe, stainless steel needle, power adapter, instruction manual ■Options/Accessories Fluoro...
Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd.
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Fast Response
■ Proposal of dynamic surface tension measuring instruments at more reasonable prices ･ Life time can be measured while continuously changing (20 ...
Irie Co., Ltd.
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■SURFTENS automatic Automatic contact angle and surface free energy measurement device with electric pump, automatic dripping and electric sample t...
Irie Co., Ltd.
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■SURFTENS WH 300 SURFTENS WH 300 is the leading equipment for professionals in 200mm and 300mm wafer processing in semiconductor technology. SURFTE...
Irie Co., Ltd.
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■SURFTENS Basic Low cost contact angle meter with full functionality for contact angle and SFE (surface free energy) measurement according to DIN s...
Irie Co., Ltd.
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■SURFTENS Universal Reliable contact angle, SFE and surface tension measurement instrument with many options including motorized dispenser, multi-d...
Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd.
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■ The surface tension is automatically measured. Basic automatic surface tension meter ･ In the Wilhelmy method measurement, all of these series o...
Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd.
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■ Reasonable fully automatic surface tension meter with a variety of scalability other than surface tension measurement ･ Starler functions and su...
Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd.
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■ Complete automatic surface tension meter pursuing high accuracy at a practical level to solve various interface phenomena ･ It has a higher -gra...
Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd.
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■ Adopt the maximum foam pressure method, measure dynamic surface tension immediately after interface formation. ･ Life time can be measured while...
