Lotar LLC provides surface energy testing solutions, including metal cleanliness, plastic surface, printing, and adhesion testing, along with test inks and test pens throughout North America and Mexico.
Lotar LLC specializes in products for surface tension testing, including QUICKTEST 38®S pens, RAPIDTEST 38® pens, PINK testing pens and inks, GREEN organic testing pens and inks, and BLUE testing pens and inks. These products evaluate wettability, surface energy, metal cleanliness, and the effectiveness of surface treatments applied to plastics and metals.
Why is surface tension testing important?
Surface tension testing determines if a surface is appropriate for printing, painting, gluing, coating, or other processes that require adhesion. Surfaces with higher energy typically achieve better adhesion of inks, adhesives, and coatings.
What is the QUICKTEST 38®S Pen and RAPIDTEST 38® pens used for?
These pens deliver a fast and permanent indication of whether a surface has reached approximately 38 dynes/cm of surface tension, which is a typical target for properly treated polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) materials. They are designed for routine production testing applications.
What is the difference between PINK, GREEN organic, and BLUE testing inks and pens?
BLUE inks utilize formamide-based testing solutions and are suitable for surface tension measurements across a broad range of values. PINK and GREEN organic test inks and pens were formulated as non-poisonous alternatives and are especially valued in workplaces that prioritize safer testing methods.
Which industries use Lotar LLC's products?
Lotar products are frequently used in the plastics, printing, coating, adhesive, packaging, textile, and metal-processing industries where surface energy and cleanliness impact product quality and adhesion performance.
What surface energy level is recommended for printing on PE and PP plastics?
Untreated polyethylene and polypropylene typically exhibit surface tensions around 30 dynes/cm. For effective printing and adhesion, treated surfaces should generally reach approximately 38 to 41 dynes/cm.
Can these products be used on metal surfaces?
Yes. Lotar testing inks applied with specific clean swabs can evaluate metal surface cleanliness and confirm whether cleaning processes have adequately prepared the surface for further processing, coating, or bonding.
How do I know if a surface passes the test?
The test ink or pen is applied to the surface in a continuous stroke. If the line stays intact for the designated observation period (typically 2 seconds for all inks and pens except PINK 28 to 44 dyne levels, which require 4 seconds), the surface energy meets or exceeds the test value.
How should testing pens and inks be stored?
Testing inks include components that evaporate over time. Pens should be capped promptly after use and bottles must be tightly sealed to preserve accuracy and extend shelf life.
How long has Lotar LLC been in business?
Lotar LLC has served the surface testing market for nearly 40 years, contributing to the development of specialized products for measuring surface tension and cleanliness across a diverse range of industries and applications.
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