DeFelsko ATA20 PosiTest AT-A Automatic Pull-off Adhesion Tester with 20mm Dollies Kit # ATA20A
Typical Applications: Coatings on Metals
Range 0.7 - 24 MPa / 100 - 3500 psi / 100 - 7550 N
Electronically controlled hydraulic pump applies smooth and continuous pull-off pressure at a user-specified rate
Conforms with ASTM D4541 / D7234, ISO 4624, SSPC-CS 23.00/AWS C2.23/NACE No. 12
The DeFelsko ATA20A PosiTest ATA20 Automatic Pull-off Adhesion Testers AT-A with 20mm Kit measures the force required to pull a specified test area of coating away from a substrate using hydraulic pressure. An electronically controlled hydraulic pump automatically applies smooth and continuous pull-off pressure. The pump greatly reduces user effort and the risk of influencing the pulling process.
The AT-A's built-in rechargeable battery performs over 200 tests per charge. The supplied AC adapter / charger allows you to continue testing with AC power while the battery recharges.
The DeFelsko Positest AT-A features an environmentally sealed enclosure. It is weatherproof, dustproof and shockproof. Meeting or exceeding IP65 rating.
Kit Contents
The DeFelsko ATA20 PosiTest At-A Adhesion Tester 20mm Kit includes everything needed for testing:
- PosiTest AT-A Automatic Pull-Off Adhesion Tester
- Built-in rechargeable NiMH battery with charger
- 20mm stand-off
- 20mm dollies (20)
- 20mm cutting tool
- Abrasive pad, cotton swabs, glue with mixing sticks and palettes
- PosiSoft Software and USB cable
- Certificate of Calibration traceable to NIST
- Sturdy, lightweight carrying case, instruction booklet and shoulder strap
- Two-year warranty
Features
Simple
- Easily select dolly sizes, change measurement units, or store readings with the touch of a button
- Inexpensive, single-use dollies and plates eliminate cleaning for re-use and can be kept as a permanent record
- Each kit comes with everything needed for testing
Durable
- Environmentally sealed enclosure—weatherproof, dustproof and shockproof - meets or exceeds IP65
- Hard-shell carrying case included, with optional upgrade to a heavy-duty Pelican case (Automatic models only)
- Two year warranty
Accurate
- Calibrated and certified to ± 1% accuracy using a NIST traceable load cell
- Certificate of Calibration showing traceability to NIST included
- Self-aligning dolly enables accurate measurements on smooth or uneven surfaces
- Conforms to national and international standards including ASTM C1583/ D4541/D7234, ISO 4624/16276-1, BS EN 12004-2, AS/NZS 1580.408.5, and others
Versatile
- Select from four stand-offs to suit nearly any application
- Internal memory stores maximum pull-off pressure, rate of pull, test duration, and dolly size
- 10 mm, 14 mm, 20 mm, 50 mm, 50 x 50 mm Tile, and 50 mm C1583 dollies maximize capability and measurement resolution across a wide range of bond strengths
Powerful
- Sealed USB port for fast, simple connection to a PC
- Includes PosiSoft suite of software for viewing and reporting data
PosiTest AT-A Automatic
- Electronically controlled hydraulic pump automatically applies smooth and continuous pull-off pressure. Greatly reduces user effort and the risk of influencing the pulling process
- User adjustable pull rate, pull limit and hold time
- Internal memory stores maximum pull-off pressure, rate of pull, test duration, dolly size, pass/fail, nature of fracture and user notes for 100,000 pulls in up to 1,000 batches
- Impact and scratch resistant color touch screen with keypad for operation with or without gloves
- Compatible with PosiSoft Desktop, PosiSoft.net and PosiTector App (Apple iOS and Android)
Key Features
- Electronically controlled hydraulic pump automatically applies smooth and continuous pull-off pressure. Greatly reduces user effort and the risk of influencing the pulling process
- Impact and scratch resistant color touch screen with keypad for operation with or without gloves
- Built-in rechargeable battery performs over 200 tests per charge. Continue testing with AC power while the battery recharges.
- Environmentally sealed enclosure—weatherproof, dustproof and shockproof—meets or exceeds IP65
- Rubberized, shock absorbing grips provide a stable, skid-resistant footing
- Self-aligning aluminum dolly enables accurate measurements on smooth or uneven surfaces
- 10, 14, 20 or 50 mm dollies maximize capability and measurement resolution across a wide range of bond strengths. Maximum pull-off pressure by dolly size
- 10 mm: 14000 psi (96 MPa)
- 14 mm: 7000 psi (50 MPa)
| - 20 mm: 3500 psi (24 MPa)
- 50 mm: 560 psi (3.8 MPa)
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- User selectable measurement units: psi (pounds per square inch), MPa (Megapascal), Nmm2 (Newtons per millimeter square) or Newton (force)
- User adjustable pull rate, pull limit and hold time
- Rotating display for horizontal and vertical use
- Calibrated and certified to ± 1% accuracy using a NIST traceable load cell
* Optional 20mm/50mm/50 mm C1583/50 mm Tile Conversion Kits allow each model to be used with alternative dolly sizes. Custom 10 and 14 mm dollies are available for special applications (compatible with 20 mm stand off).
Conforms to international standards including ASTM C1583/D4541/D7234/D7522, ISO 4624/16276-1, EN 1542/12004-2, AS/NZS 1580.408.5 and others
Memory and Reporting Features
- Internal memory stores maximum pull-off pressure, rate of pull, test duration and dolly size for 100,000 pulls in up to 1,000 batches
- Record the results as pass/fail and the nature of fracture - cohesive, adhesive and glue failures
- Wirelessly connect to your smart device using our free PosiTector App (Apple iOS and Android)
- WiFi technology wirelessly communicates with PosiSoft.net, downloads software updates and allows access to stored measurement data using standard web browsers (see WiFi Features for full details)
- PosiSoft USB Drive—stored readings and graphs can be accessed via USB using universal PC/Mac web browsers or file explorers. No software required
- Compatible with PosiSoft Desktop, PosiSoft.net and PosiTector App (Apple iOS and Android) software solutions
PosiTector App
- Add images and notes using the camera or keyboard
- Create customized, professional PDF reports
- Share, backup, synchronize and report measurement data
- Auto-pairing Bluetooth (BLE) connection
- See the Help File to learn about how it works
Touch Screen Display
Use the touch screen to interact with menu options. Swipe horizontally to navigate between views or vertically to move between batch readings. Alternatively, the keypad can be used for navigation and selection.
User adjustable dolly size, pull rate, pull limit and hold time.
Batch summary provides an at-a-glance review of test results.
View test parameters and reading results. Reading is recorded as pass or fail based on set test parameters. The pass/fail results can be revised.
Notes can be added for each reading.
Include a note for a batch (group) of readings.
Record the nature of failure - cohesive, adhesive and glue failures.
Recording the Nature of the Fracture
Upon completion of a pull-off test, the dolly and coated surface should be examined. In addition to pull-off force, many National and International standards such as ASTM D4541 and ISO 4624 require the nature of the fracture to be recorded.
- Cohesive fracture: fracture occurs within a coating layer (same coating on dolly face and coated surface).
- Adhesive fracture: fracture occurs at the interface between layers (coating on dolly face differs from surface).
- Glue failure: visible separation of the glue from itself, the coating or dolly (no coating visible on the dolly face).
The cohesive and adhesive fracture visual analysis can be recorded using the PosiTest AT-A's keypad or touch screen display. Alternatively, the information can be reported using the PosiTector App.
Fractures are visually estimated and recorded as a percent of each. The two layer example below illustrates a cohesive fracture within coating layer 1 and layer 2 (visually estimated at 50% each). Recorded results are included in reports.
The PosiTest AT-A can record fracture information for up to five layers. For full details and examples see Visual Analysis and Recording of Test Results.
PosiSoft Suite of Software
Accessories
DeFelsko Conversion Kit AT20KIT for PosiTest Adhesion Testers
Order Code: AT20KIT- Interchangeable stand-off allows a PosiTest ATM20 or ATA20 to pull 10, 14 and 20 mm dollies
- Ideal for high bond strength finishes such as coatings on metal
- Includes 20 mm stand-off, 20 mm hole saw and 20 mm aluminum test dollies (20)
DeFelsko Conversion Kit AT50KIT for PosiTest Adhesion Testers
Order Code: AT50KIT- Interchangeable stand-off allows a PosiTest ATM20 or ATA20 to pull 50 mm dollies
- Ideal for lower bond strength finishes such as coatingson wood, concrete and plastic
- Larger surface area of dolly provides improved low range precision and repeatability
- Includes 50 mm stand-off, 50 mm hole saw and 50 mm aluminum test dollies (12)
DeFelsko Conversion Kit AT50CKIT for PosiTest Adhesion Testers
Order Code: AT50CKIT- Ideal for measuring the tensile strength of concrete surfaces and concrete repairs and overlay materials
- Conforms to ASTM C1583
- Includes 50 mm C1583 steel dollies (4), 50 mm diamond grit cutting tool with arbor and 50 mm C1583 stand-off
NOTE: Drill required (not included)
DeFelsko Conversion Kit AT50TKIT for PosiTest Adhesion Testers
Order Code: AT50TKIT - Interchangeable standoff allows a PosiTest ATM50 or ATA50 to pull 10, 14 and 20 mm dollies
- Ideal for high bond strength finishes such as coatings on metal
- Includes 20 mm stand-off, 20 mm hole saw and 20 mm aluminum test dollies (20)
Drilling Template for 50 mm Dollies
Order Code: TMPLTAS- Drilling template and drill bits to isolate test area, ideal for thicker coatings on concrete
- Includes (10) drill bits 5/32" (4 mm)
Glue Kit
Order Code: ATADHESIVEKIT- ResinLab EP11HT 2-Part Epoxy
- Additional glue, mixing sticks, palettes and cotton swabs
Pelican Case for PosiTest AT Pull-Off Adhesion Testers
Order Code: CASEATAB-P- Heavy-duty, waterproof Pelican cases complete with a custom foam insert to securely hold your PosiTest instrument
Related Products
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F.A.Q.
Do your instruments require any formal training for use? Do you offer ‘demo’ models?
No. Our instruments are designed for simple operation, feature easy-to-use menus, both full and quick instruction manuals, and helpful videos. In lieu of demonstration models, we provide unlimited technical support via telephone and/or email, and a limited 30-day money back guarantee.
Is the DeFelsko PosiTest AT calibrated at the factory?
The DeFelsko PosiTest AT arrives fully calibrated and ready to measure. A Long-Form Certificate of Calibration traceable to NIST or PTB is included, which documents actual readings taken by your instrument at our calibration laboratory on standards traceable to a national metrology institute. Beware of ‘Certificates’ or ‘Certificates of Conformance’ offered by competitors. These typically do not include actual instrument readings, and are often insufficient to meet common quality requirements.
Is the DeFelsko PosiTest AT portable, and suitable for use in the field?
Absolutely. With an environmentally-sealed, metal enclosure, heavy-duty hydraulic pump and a high grade industrial pressure sensor, both the Manual and Automatic DeFelsko PosiTest AT are built to last. Weatherproof, dustproof and shockproof, they can be used indoors, outdoors and in all types of weather (meets or exceeds IP 65). For added utility and convenience, DeFelsko PosiTest AT-A Automatic models also include a handy shoulder strap and rubberized grips.
Does the DeFelsko PosiTest AT include steel loading fixtures (dollies)?
The DeFelsko PosiTest AT is supplied with self-aligning dollies that are precision-manufactured from strong and lightweight aluminum alloy (6061-T6). As a lower-cost alternative to steel loading fixtures, factory aluminum dollies are a single-use/consumable item and ideal for keeping as a permanent visual record of testing.
Do you have a recommended adhesive for my particular application?
The ResinLab EP11HT epoxy adhesive supplied with the DeFelsko PosiTest AT is simple to use and suitable for testing a wide range of coating types. In some instances, specialized coatings will require a more specialized adhesive.
Is the DeFelsko PosiTest AT-A more accurate than the DeFelsko PosiTest AT-M?
The certified accuracy of both DeFelsko PosiTest AT models is identical. However, the fully automatic design of the DeFelsko PosiTest AT-A provides improved measurement consistency by eliminating the potential for operator influence from the test process.
What is the difference between the 20mm and the 50mm loading fixtures?
The 50 mm dolly is commonly recommended for use with concrete, wood and composite substrates, and measures coatings with expected adhesion values between 50 psi and 560 psi (50 - 500 psi for AT-M models). The 20 mm dolly is recommended for testing coatings applied to metals or with expected adhesion values greater than 500 psi.
Can I use the DeFelsko PosiTest AT-A on curved surfaces?
Yes. Feedback from our customers is that the DeFelsko PosiTest AT gages are suitable for testing most internal or external pipe applications greater than 200 mm in diameter. In such cases, the maximum glue gap between the surface of the 20 mm dolly and the coating is 0.5 mm. For smaller pipe diameters, depending on the expected pull-off strength of the coating, it may be possible to use a 10 mm or 14 mm dolly. External diameters can be decreased to as low as 50 mm and 100 mm, for the 10 mm and 14 mm dollies, respectively. Manufacturers do do not provide or support the use of curved dollies for adhesion testing. In addition to affecting the surface area used in calculating pull-off strengths and the direction of the force lines (creating unwanted shear forces), most adhesion testing standards specifically call for the use of flat dollies.
How many measurements can I take with the DeFelsko PosiTest AT-A on a single battery charge?
The rechargeable battery pack (user replaceable) in the DeFelsko PosiTest AT-A can perform over 200 tests on a single charge. Use the included AC adaptor to continue testing as the battery recharges.
What is the lowest adhesion strength that the DeFelsko PosiTest AT-A can measure?
When utilized with a 50mm dolly, the DeFelsko PosiTest AT is in a priming state until reaching a priming pressure of 50 psi. It is only after the priming pressure is reached that the instrument begins calculating and displaying the pull rate. While it is possible to obtain readings below this priming pressure with the AT-M model, the AT-A automatic does not allow the operator to build priming pressure very slowly and is therefore not suitable for use below the priming pressure of 50 psi. Note that all reported adhesion values (including those obtained below the priming pressure) are subject to the DeFelsko PosiTest AT gage’s full-scale accuracy of ± 1% (± 30 psi, AT-M; ± 35 psi, AT-A).
Is there a faster curing adhesive than the epoxy supplied with the DeFelsko PosiTest AT?
The versatile epoxy adhesive supplied with the DeFelsko PosiTest AT reaches full cure within 24 – 48 hours. Operators who require faster cure times should evaluate other adhesives for their compatibility with both the coating being tested and our aluminum test dolly. Cyanoacrylate (‘super glue’) type adhesives are often sufficient for lower pull-off strengths.
Can I use the DeFelsko PosiTest AT on flexible or brittle substrates?
The DeFelsko PosiTest AT is designed for use with rigid, structural substrates. A flexible substrate can adversely impact test accuracy and repeatability. Furthermore, use of the DeFelsko PosiTest AT for measuring the adhesion of coatings applied to a brittle substrate typically results in the destruction of the substrate material, making it challenging to quantify the coating-substrate bond strength.
