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Introduction

Introduction

The portable, hand-operated 

PosiTest Pull-Off Adhesion Tester

measures the force

required to pull a specified test diameter of coating away from its substrate using
hydraulic pressure. The pressure is displayed on a digital LCD and represents the
coating's strength of adhesion to the substrate.

In accordance with ASTM D4541, D7234, ISO 4624 and others, the 

PosiTest

evaluates the adhesion (pull-off strength) of a coating by determining the greatest
tensile pull-off force that it can bear before detaching. Breaking points,
demonstrated by fractured surfaces, occur along the weakest plane within the
system consisting of the dolly, adhesive, coating layers and substrate

.

Basic steps for testing coating adhesion with a PosiTest Adhesion Tester: 

1. Dolly & Coating Preparation

The dolly and the coating are cleaned and abraded. (see pg. 4)

2. Adhesive & Dolly Application

The adhesive is prepared and applied to the dolly. The dolly is then adhered to
the coated surface and the adhesive is allowed to cure.  (see pg.4)

3. Test Area Separation - Optional step

The test area of the coating is separated from the area surrounding the dolly by
cutting or drilling.  (see pg. 5)

4. Pull-off Test  

a) PosiTest AT     (manual)

(see pg. 6)

b) PosiTest AT-A  (automatic)   (see pg. 8)

5. Analysis of Test Results

The dolly and the coating are examined and evaluated to determine the nature
of the coating failure.  (see pg. 10)

6. Store Pull-Off Test Results - Optional step

The PosiTest’s internal memory stores maximum pull pressure, pull rate, test
duration and dolly size for up to 200 pulls.  (see pg. 10)

Page 3

Throughout this manual, the     symbol indicates more information about

the particular topic or feature is available on our website.

Go to:  www.defelsko.com/manuals       

NOTE:

Summary of Contents for PosiTest AT

Page 1: ...PosiTest Pull Off Adhesion Tester INSTRUCTION MANUAL v 3 0 Simple Durable Accurate PosiTest AT manual PosiTest AT A automatic ...

Page 2: ...Dolly Coating Preparation The dolly and the coating are cleaned and abraded see pg 4 2 Adhesive Dolly Application The adhesive is prepared and applied to the dolly The dolly is then adhered to the coated surface and the adhesive is allowed to cure see pg 4 3 Test Area Separation Optional step The test area of the coating is separated from the area surrounding the dolly by cutting or drilling see p...

Page 3: ...f degreaser or adhesive to a sample area and observing effects Step 2 Adhesive Dolly Application Step 2 Adhesive Dolly Application Adhesive Selection The adhesive included in the PosiTest Adhesion Tester kit has been selected due to its versatility This adhesive has minimal impact on a variety of coatings and has a tensile strength exceeding the maximum performance capabilities of the pressure sys...

Page 4: ...s from the cutting process Cutting may induce coating surface flaws such as microcracking that may alter test results For coatings with strong lateral bonding it is recommended to cut completely through the coating down to the substrate The decision of when to cut around a dolly is dependent on the standard specification or contractual agreement to which the test is to comply The primary purpose f...

Page 5: ...4a Pull Off Test PosiTest AT Manual Pump Handle LCD USB port Actuator Handle Quick Coupling Actuator Assembly Battery Compartment Hose The PosiTest AT powers up and displays dashes when the button is pressed To preserve battery life the instrument powers down after 5 minutes of no activity 2 Push the actuator handle completely down into the actuator assembly Place the actuator assembly over the do...

Page 6: ...mm 100 psi 0 7 MPa 50 mm 50 psi 0 4 MPa For optimum results prior to exceeding the priming pressure return the pump handle to its full upright position and then complete a single stroke at the desired pull rate until the actuator separates the dolly from the coating 6 Open the pressure relief valve and remove the dolly from the actuator assembly 7 Readings may be stored into memory by pressing the...

Page 7: ...holes in the actuator assembly and lifting the quick coupling Release the quick coupling when the dolly head is completely engaged 2 Press the button to power up the instrument if necessary The instrument will power down after 5 minutes of no activity or by holding the button for 2 seconds 3 Check settings Step 4b Pull Off Test Step 4b Pull Off Test PosiTest AT A Automatic LCD USB port Actuator Ha...

Page 8: ...ompleted and the actuator has been fully retracted Press to stop the pull test at any time Instrument is unresponsive or will not power down In the unlikely event that the PosiTest becomes unresponsive or will not power down press and hold the button then press the button The instrument will power down Stage 1 Initiation the display shows a blinking 0 Stage 2 Priming the pump applies initial press...

Page 9: ...PosiSoft software Test results are not erased from memory after downloading Press AT manual or AT A automatic to exit viewing mode To remove all stored test results from memory press and hold the or button then press the button The icon will disappear from the display All settings and test results in memory are retained during power down Test results can be considered 100 valid when the coating is...

Page 10: ...NiMH batteries are charged using the included AC power supply charger Ensure batteries are charged prior to use The symbol will blink while the instrument is recharging and disappear when fully charged The charging process will take 2 3 hours depending on remaining battery power Alternatively the AC power supply can be used to power the instrument The USB port will not charge or power the PosiTest...

Page 11: ...erical errors Returning for Service Returning for Service There are no user serviceable components Any service must be performed by DeFelsko Corporation If you need to return the Instrument for service describe the problem fully and include reading results if any Be sure to include contact information including your company name company contact telephone number and fax number or email address www ...

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