Cryptometer

Introduction

A cryptometer is an instrument used to measure the hiding power and the opacity of the paints and the coatings, which is the ability of the coating to cover the surface underneath, and it is used in the paint, the coating, and the many other industries for the quality control and the product development. The cryptometer measures the hiding power by the application of the coating on a test chart with the black and the white areas, and the observation of the contrast between the areas through the film, and the hiding power is determined by the thickness at which the contrast disappears, and it may also measure the contrast ratio, which is the ratio of the reflectance over the black and the white backgrounds; the cryptometer consists of a test chart, an applicator for the coating, an illumination system, and a viewing and a measuring system, and it provides the hiding power values, with features such as the controlled application and the measurement; the cryptometer is used for the measurement of the hiding power of the paints and the coatings, for the measurement of the opacity of the films, for the quality control, for the comparison of the formulations, for the assessment of the pigmentation, and for many other applications, and it is available in various configurations; the cryptometer is an essential instrument for the testing of the paints and the coatings. Cryptometers are used in the paint and the coating industry, in the ink industry, in the laboratories, in the research, and for many other applications. With their hiding power measurement, cryptometers are essential for the coating quality control.

Pfund Cryptometer LPFC-T2010

Pfund Cryptometer features a white part reflectance of 80±2, ensuring a consistent and bright background for accurate measurement of hiding power in coatings. It includes a minimal samp...

Send Inquiry View more

Standards

ISO 6504-1:2019-Paints and varnishes-Determination of hiding power-White and light-coloured paints

Complies with the above standards, but is not limited to them.

Features

1. Cryptometer for measuring hiding power and opacity of paints, coatings and pigment dispersions.

2. Instrument to determine the minimum film thickness required to obscure a black-and-white contrasting substrate.

3. Suitable for paint, coating, pigment, ink, plastic, construction and quality control laboratories.

4. Includes contrast plate, viewing system, applicator, scale and operation manual.

5. Supports hiding power measurement for architectural paints, industrial coatings, primers and pigment systems.

FAQ

Q1: What testing scenarios is this cryptometer mainly applied to?

A: The cryptometer is used in paint and coating manufacturing, pigment and colorant production, ink manufacturing, plastics, construction materials, research, and quality control laboratories to measure the hiding power (opacity/covering power) of paints, coatings, and pigment dispersions by determining the minimum wet or dry film thickness required to completely obscure a contrasting black-and-white substrate. It supports architectural paint testing (interior/exterior latex, alkyd, enamel - hiding power determines coverage and number of coats needed), industrial coatings (epoxy, polyurethane, automotive, marine - hiding affects appearance and protection), pigment evaluation (titanium dioxide (TiO2) efficiency, carbon black, colored pigments - hiding power is a key pigment performance metric), ink testing (printing inks, white ink opacity), and quality control (raw material inspection, in-process testing, finished product specification, batch consistency, cost optimization of pigment loading).

Q2: What standards does the cryptometer comply with?

A: The cryptometer follows relevant ISO, ASTM, DIN and GB/T standards including ISO 6504 (paints and varnishes - determination of hiding power), ASTM D344 (hiding power by cryptometer method), ASTM D2805 (hiding power by reflectometry), DIN 53161 (hiding power of pigments), and GB/T standards for paint hiding power. Calibration uses certified reference paints or standard black/white reflectance plates. For regulated industries, follow ISO 9001/GMP quality management and maintain calibration records.

Q3: What is the warranty period for the whole cryptometer and key components?

A: The whole cryptometer is covered by a 12-month warranty. The contrast plate, viewing optics, applicator, and housing are covered, while applicator, calibration standards, and cleaning supplies are consumables/accessories. Damage from scratching the contrast plate, dropping, staining, or unauthorized repair is excluded. Extended warranty may be available. With proper care, cryptometers last many years; the contrast plate and applicator are wear items.

Q4: Is this device difficult to operate? Is professional training required?

A: Operation requires trained laboratory personnel familiar with paint testing. We provide operation manuals and training. Proper instrument preparation (inspect contrast plate for cleanliness and scratches, clean optics, use standard lighting (D65 daylight)), sample preparation (homogenize paint, bring to 23 +/- 2 degrees C, avoid bubbles), sample application (apply wedge film across black/white boundary with consistent applicator technique), observation (find hiding point where boundary disappears, read thickness from scale), post-test (clean plate immediately before paint dries), maintenance (regular cleaning, plate inspection, calibration every 6-12 months), and safety (PPE for solvent-based paints, fume hood use) are important for accurate measurement.

Q5: What is the typical lead-time for order delivery?

A: Standard models require 7-30 working days. In-stock units can ship within 3-7 working days. Custom configurations or large built-to-order systems may require additional time, and we confirm the exact schedule before order confirmation.

Q6: Is regular calibration required? What is the recommended calibration cycle?

A: Calibration verification recommended every 6-12 months using certified reference paint of known hiding power or standard black/white reflectance plates. If plate is scratched, stained, or dropped, recalibrate or replace immediately. Routine inspection before each use. For ISO 17025/GMP labs, follow applicable schedules and maintain records. Cryptometers are stable, but contrast plate degradation (scratches, staining) affects accuracy - regular inspection is key.

Q7: Are supporting consumables universal?

A: Applicators (drawdown bars, doctor blades), certified reference paints, cleaning supplies, replacement contrast plates, and lens cloth are available from paint/lab supply companies, though applicators and replacement plates may be cryptometer-specific. Long-term consumable cost is minimal.

Q8: Can I customize parameters or supporting accessories?

A: Customization includes cryptometer type (visual Pfund, direct-reading, reflectometric/automated), plate size/contrast, applicator type, optics (magnification, standard light source, digital camera), accessories (reference paints, replacement plates, light booth, cleaning kit, calibration certificate), and certifications. Additional accessories can be ordered separately.

Q9: Does the purchase include on-site installation and commissioning service?

A: Standard delivery includes cryptometer, contrast plate, applicator, viewing scope, calibration certificate (sometimes), storage case, and manual. On-site installation is not required for traditional visual models (no power needed). On-site training can be arranged at additional cost. Remote guidance is provided.

Q10: What types of samples are compatible with this equipment?

A: The cryptometer measures hiding power of liquid coatings including architectural paints (latex, alkyd, enamel, primers), industrial coatings (epoxy, polyurethane, automotive, marine), pigments and dispersions (TiO2 slurries, carbon black, colored pigment concentrates, masterbatches), inks (printing inks, white inks), and other coatings (wood stains, varnishes, construction coatings). NOT compatible with dry powders, very fast-drying coatings, high-viscosity pastes, non-liquid coatings, and transparent/clear coatings (hiding near zero - measure haze instead).