Professional drying condition tester NIP-SST1800 - Advantages:

The NIP-SST1800 Dryness Test Device This is a precise laboratory instrument for determining the curing state of coatings, paints, and printing inks. It enables a reproducible assessment of when a coating film is sufficiently cured to withstand mechanical stress or contact without material transfer.

As well as ASTM as well as ISO define procedures for evaluating drying behavior. The NIP-SST1800 is designed to reliably support these procedures with stable mechanics, controlled force application, and a clear testing environment.

1. ASTM test methods for assessing the degree of drying

ASTM methods for drying assessment are based on controlled mechanical stress of a coating film. Although different ASTM standards define different details, the basic principle follows a common technical approach:

ASTM basic principle

• The coating film is applied using a defined application method.

• The sample is conditioned under defined climatic conditions.

• A standardized contact or pressure element (weight, pad, test piece) is applied to the surface.

• The film's reception is evaluated:

  • Material transfer

  • Indentation or deformation

  • Surface defect

  • Elastic recovery

• The film is considered „fully dry“ when the defined stress no longer causes any visible disturbance or transmission.

How the NIP-SST1800 ASTM method supports

• High-precision vertical force application for repeatable results.

• Vibration-free base plate for a stable testing environment.

• Defined contact geometry prevents edge or point loads.

• Precise time control for ASTM-compliant testing intervals.

• Clean, reproducible peeling motion for a clear assessment of film behavior.

The NIP-SST1800 offers the mechanical precision required for ASTM-oriented drying tests – ideal for R&D laboratories and industrial quality control.

2. ISO 9117-1 – Determination of the degree of drying using gauze

ISO 9117-1 is an internationally recognized method for determining the State of drying organic coatings. In contrast to tools with wire mesh or mesh elements, this method uses exclusively gauze (cotton fabric).

ISO 9117-1 Basic Principle

• The coating is applied using a defined application method.

• After a set waiting period, a gauze placed on the surface.

• A standardized weight is placed on the gauze for a defined period of time.

• After removing the gauze, the following is checked:

  • Adhesion or bonding

  • Material transfer

  • Surface defect

• The film is considered „completely dry“ when the gauze can be cleanly lifted off without sticking or leaving any marks.

Why ISO 9117-1 does not use mesh elements

• Gauze offers a uniform, soft contact surface.

• It simulates realistic handling conditions.

• Mesh would create localized pressure peaks and is not part of the ISO method.

How the NIP-SST1800 supports ISO-9117-1

• Calibrated weights for standard-compliant pressure loads.

• Perfectly level test platform for consistent contact.

• Gentle vertical movement prevents shear forces.

• Optimized release mechanism for a clear assessment of gluing or transfer.

• Precise time control for ISO-compliant test times.

The NIP-SST1800 enables fully ISO-compliant execution of the drying test and delivers reproducible results for laboratories with international quality requirements.

3. Engineering advantages of the NIP-SST1800

Robust laboratory design

A stable column, vibration-free base plate and corrosion-resistant materials ensure long-term precision.

Optimized contact mechanism

The vertical force is applied without lateral drift – crucial for reproducible results.

Easy to use

• Quick insertion of the test cards

• Easy handling of the weights

• Clear field of vision for evaluation

• Easy cleaning and gauze replacement

Conclusion

The Professional drying condition tester NIP-SST1800 It offers engineers a precise, reproducible, and standards-compliant solution for determining the drying state of coatings. Both the ASTM methods as well as the ISO‑9117‑1 gauze method are reliably supported by the stable mechanics and controlled force application of the device.