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ramé-hart Newsletter

                   

Aug 2023
 

Applications for Surface Energy

Surface energy plays a crucial role in various fields and finds practical applications in several real-world scenarios. Researchers and industries leverage the understanding and manipulation of surface energy for numerous purposes.

Here are some examples of how surface energy is utilized in different domains:

• Adhesive Technologies: Surface energy is a key consideration in the development of adhesives. Understanding the surface energy of different materials allows researchers to formulate adhesives that exhibit proper wetting and adhesion properties. By matching the surface energy of the adhesive with that of the substrate, optimal bonding can be achieved. This is essential in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and construction, where adhesives are widely used for joining different components.

• Coating and Paint Industries: Surface energy influences the wetting behavior and adhesion of coatings and paints. By adjusting the surface energy of the substrate or the coating material, manufacturers can enhance the coating's ability to spread uniformly, adhere effectively, and resist delamination or peeling. Surface energy considerations are vital in applications ranging from protective coatings for infrastructure to decorative finishes on consumer products.

• Microfluidics and Lab-on-a-Chip Devices: Surface energy plays a critical role in microfluidic systems, where precise control and manipulation of small volumes of fluids are required. By designing surfaces with specific surface energies, researchers can control the flow behavior, minimize liquid adhesion, and facilitate the movement of fluids within microchannels. These systems find applications in medical diagnostics, DNA analysis, chemical synthesis, and drug delivery.

• Textiles and Fabrics: Surface energy influences the wettability and stain resistance of textiles. By modifying the surface energy of fabrics, manufacturers can create hydrophobic or hydrophilic properties, leading to water-repellent outerwear or moisture-wicking sportswear, respectively. Additionally, surface energy considerations are relevant in dyeing processes, where proper wetting and penetration of dyes onto the fabric surface are crucial for achieving uniform and vibrant coloration.

• Biomedical and Implantable Devices: Surface energy is a critical factor in biomedical applications, particularly in controlling the interaction between materials and biological systems. By modifying the surface energy of implants, such as artificial joints or dental implants, researchers can enhance biocompatibility, reduce bacterial adhesion, and promote tissue integration. Surface energy engineering is also crucial in the design of lab-on-a-chip devices for medical diagnostics and biosensing.

• Membrane Technologies: Surface energy plays a role in membrane separation processes, such as reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration. By adjusting the surface energy of membranes, researchers can control the wetting behavior, permeability, and fouling resistance, thereby improving the efficiency and lifespan of these filtration systems. Membrane technologies find applications in water purification, desalination, and separation processes in various industries.

These examples highlight the practical significance of surface energy in diverse fields, demonstrating its impact on materials design, product development, and process optimization. By understanding and harnessing surface energy, researchers and industries can enhance performance, functionality, and efficiency across a wide range of applications.
 

Imaging Upgrade Kits
We understand that purchasing a ramé-hart instrument is a significant investment. However, as with many modern devices, over time, the system may become outdated. Components such as the camera, software, and PC can become obsolete, particularly considering that Microsoft has discontinued support for versions of Windows before Windows 10. This lack of support hinders security and other essential updates.

Additionally, some of the legacy cameras we sold in the past, for example those featuring a FireWire interface or an analog connection requiring a frame grabber, may become challenging or impossible to support on new versions of Windows. Since Windows 10, Microsoft no longer supports FireWire and there are no current drivers for the frame grabbers. These issues pose compatibility issues.

We recognize the importance of staying up-to-date with technology and software advancements. As a result, we have introduced a range of Imaging Upgrade Kits to address these concerns. Each kit comprises a new state-of-the-art SuperSpeed USB3.0 camera, offering speeds 10 to 20 times faster than those of legacy cameras.


ramé-hart Model 250 after Imaging Upgrade Kit is Installed

Moreover, the upgrade kits include an update to the current version of DROPimage in the edition of DROPimage that was shipped with your original instrument. If your existing system has DROPimage Standard, we will provide an upgrade to our new DROPimage Pro software. This upgraded software version boasts new tools for measuring surface tension and interfacial tension, enhancing the capabilities of your instrument.

By opting for a ramé-hart imaging upgrade kit, you can effectively rejuvenate your setup and extend its reliable service life by another decade or more. Should you have an older ramé-hart instrument showing signs of aging, we encourage you to reach out to us today with your instrument model number and serial number. Our team will be delighted to provide you with a quote for upgrading your tool with the appropriate Imaging Upgrade Kit.

At ramé-hart, we are committed to ensuring our customers have access to cutting-edge technology and continuous support to maximize the value of their investments. Don't hesitate to contact us; we look forward to assisting you in upgrading your ramé-hart instrument to meet the demands of the future.
 

Regards,

Carl Clegg
Director of Sales
Phone 973-448-0305
www.ramehart.com
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