> PRODUCTS > OCA – Optical contact angle measuring and contour analysis systems > OCA – Optical contact angle measuring and contour analysis systems
The optical contact angle measuring and contour analysis systems of the OCA series are high precision optical measuring devices for the measurement of interfacial parameters and phenomena. In the following you will learn about the possibilities that the optical analysis of drop contours offers and about our OCA models with their extensive range of accessories and intuitive software control.
The optical contact angle measuring and contour analysis systems of the OCA series combine high resolution optics, exact liquid dosing and precise sample positioning into powerful and reliable measuring systems.
The modular approach to all hardware components allows for a multitude of configurations, ranging from manually operated basic devices to fully automated high-performance measuring systems. All OCA models are based on a common design philosophy and are built with a sturdy aluminium metal frame. Moreover, they all feature a LED lighting with manually and software-controlled intensity. Due to an automatic temperature drift compensation a stable and homogeneous illumination of the sample is guaranteed at all times.
For a compact overview of the OCA models download the product brochure or use our convenient online comparison of the different models.
The OCA 15EC is the entry level measuring device for professional contact angle measurements and drop shape analysis.
The sample table of the OCA 15EC can slide freely in X- and Y-direction and is locked into position with its switchable magnetic base. In Z-direction the sample table is adjustable using precision mechanics with a hand wheel.
The fast 6-fold zoom lens with manual focus and adjustable observation angle in combination with the USB camera ensures pin-sharp drop images and facilitates the effortless analysis with the SCA software.
With a single direct dosing system SD-DM or a double direct dosing system DD-DM liquids can be positioned and dosed with one or two electronic syringe modules ESr-N, respectively.
Direct tubeless dosing of the syringe content and the ability to use cost-saving disposable syringes and needles allow for short preparation times and minimal cleaning efforts.
For a fast and convenient access to the surface and interfacial measurements two pre-configured packages are available. These include all necessary components to get started immediately.
The OCA 15EC Package 1 consists of the base unit, a single direct dosing system SD-DM, one electronic syringe unit ESr-N and the software module SCA 20.
The OCA 15EC Package 2 consists of the base unit, a double direct dosing system DD-DM, two electronic syringe units ESr-N and the software module SCA 20.
Main features
Software
The SCA Software is available in various independently usable modules. The available software modules for the OCA 15EC are:
Accessories
Due to the modular product design the OCA 15EC can be combined with a multitude of options of the versatile OCA accessories range.
OCA 15LJ
The OCA 15LJ is a special variant of the OCA 15EC that is designed to support the DataPhysics Instruments Liquid Jet systems like the Double Liquid Jet system DLJ. With the high-performance camera with USB 3.0 interface and its higher resolution multiple drops fit into the frame and can be analysed simultaneously.
The additional connecting sockets for accessories/extensions on the side of the illumination housing enable a mounting of up to four syringe modules. Hence, multiple drops can be simultaneously dosed and analysed for a surface energy determination in one-click.
Main features
sample table horizontally movable (magnetic slide system) and adjustable vertically with precision mechanics
high performance 6-times zoom lens
integrated continuous fine focus, and adjustable observation angle
video measuring system with high-performance camera using USB 3.0 interface
LED-lighting with manual and software controlled intensity including automatic temperature drift compensation
Software
The SCA Software is available in various independently usable modules. The available software modules for the OCA 15LJ are:
Accessories
Due to the modular product design the OCA 15LJ can be combined with a multitude of options of the versatile OCA accessories range.
OCA 25
The OCA 25 is the all-purpose measuring device for contact angle measurements and drop shape analysis.
The sample table of the OCA 25 is adjustable along all three directions in space via precision axes with hand wheels. Hence, a fast and exact manual positioning of the sample is always guaranteed, even when using high-performance temperature chambers like the electrical temperature control unit TEC 700.
Analysis of even the fastest processes is possible recording up to 2450 frames/s using the 6-fold zoom lens and the high-performance camera with USB 3.0 interface. Hence, contact angles on adsorbing surfaces like tissues or powders can be measured reliably.
For dosing liquids the manual single and double direct dosing systems SD-DM and DD-DM can be used as well as the electronic multiple direct dosing systems DDE/x. The latter are able to electronically position one to four electronic syringe modules ESr-N.
Furthermore, a nanolitre dosing system can be used to generate extra small liquid drops. Even these are no challenge for the OCA 25 due to its high resolution optics.
Main features
sample table adjustable in all three axis with precision mechanics
high performance 6-times zoom lens
integrated continuous fine focus, and adjustable observation angle
video measuring system with high-performance camera using USB 3.0 interface
LED-lighting with manual and software controlled intensity including automatic temperature drift compensation
Software
The SCA Software is available in various independently usable modules. The available software modules for the OCA 25 are:
Software
The SCA Software is available in various independently usable modules. The available software modules for the OCA 25 are:
Accessories
Due to the modular product design the OCA 25can be combined with a multitude of options of the versatile OCA accessories range.
OCA 25 special models
The universal device platform opens the way to special models of the OCA 25, which satisfy even highest customer expectations and cope with the most challenging measuring environments.
OCA 25-HTV 1800
The high temperature measuring system OCA 25-HTV 1800 is capable of measuring contact angles at high temperatures of up to 1800 °C and under vacuum down to 10-5 mbar or under inert gas atmosphere, respectively.
Main features
high temperature furnace up to 1800 °C
vacuum tight flanges with connectors to an optional turbomolecular pump (flanges require a water counter cooling)
inlets and gas supply system for Ar and N2
high power supply and control electronics
high performance 6-times zoom lens with zoom extender
integrated continuous fine focus, and adjustable observation angle
video measuring system with high-performance camera using USB 3.0 interface
LED-lighting with manual and software controlled intensity including automatic temperature drift compensation
Accessories
The application range and ease of use of the OCA 25-HTV 1800 can be further increased with optional accessories:
dosing system for measurements at room temperature
trolley cart for easy transport of the whole system
turbomolecular pump for low pressures down to 10-5 mbar
OCA 25-PMC 750
The OCA 25-PMC 750 with its high pressure measuring chamber provides the opportunity to measure interfacial tensions and contact angles at pressures of up to 750 bar and under high temperature conditions of up to 200 °C.
Main features
high pressure chamber with optical sapphire glass
high pressure unit for generation and control of bulk liquid pressure and drop liquid pressure
temperature controller for control of chamber temperature
removable magnetic positioning system for solid samples
a set of needles with different diameters for various interfacial tension ranges
high performance 6-times zoom lens
integrated continuous fine focus, and adjustable observation angle
video measuring system with high-performance camera using USB 3.0 interface
LED-lighting with manual and software controlled intensity including automatic temperature drift compensation
OCA 50
The OCA 50 is the fully automatic measuring device for the time-saving analysis of the wettability of solid surfaces and the determination of the surface energy of solids.
The sample table of the OCA 50 can be positioned along all three directions in space via electronic high-performance axes, with both extraordinary speed and highest precision.
Combined with an electronic multiple direct dosing system DDE/x and up to four electronic syringe modules ESr-N the determination of surface parameters can be automated completely.
The automation of measurements succeeds easier than ever before thanks to the intuitive automation dialogue of the SCA software and its visual drop positioning system. Hence it is possible to determine, for example, the surface energy with four test liquids at different position of even large samples without any manual user intervention. This facilitates a complete and automated sample mapping.
In order to map silicon wafers, electronic turn tables with vacuum fixation are available. They allow to access any position for contact angle measurements, even on 12″ wafers.
In any case, the 6-fold zoom lens and the high-performance camera with USB 3.0 interface ensure optimal images of the deposited drops.
For a fast and intuitive device control, even during complex measurements, the TP 50 control panel with touch screen and precision control wheel is included with every OCA 50.
Main features
sample table adjustable in all three directions in space with electronic high-performance axes
high performance 6-times zoom lens
integrated continuous fine focus, and adjustable observation angle
video measuring system with high-performance camera using USB 3.0 interface
LED-lighting with manual and software controlled intensity including automatic temperature drift compensation
included TP 50 control panel with touch screen and precision control wheel
Software
The SCA Software is available in various independently usable modules. The available software modules for the OCA 50 are:
SCA 20 — contact angle
SCA 21 — surface energy
SCA 22 — surface and interfacial tension
SCA 23 — liquid bridge analysis
SCA 26 — oscillation / relaxation
SCA 27 — topview contact angle
Learn more about the SCA modules.
Accessories
Due to the modular product design the OCA 50 can be combined with a multitude of options of the versatile OCA accessories range. Learn more about the available accessories.
OCA 200
The OCA 200 is the contact angle measuring and drop contour analysis system for microscopic and macroscopic structures.
The software-controlled, electrically driven optic alignment enables the OCA 200 to adjust the observation angle and to focus automatically.
With the trendsetting 10-fold zoom lens and the reliable auto focus system by DataPhysics Instruments, the OCA 200 is equipped to handle any kind of sample size from a macroscopic silicon wafer to the microscopic mesh structure of a coronary stent.
In combination with the high-performance camera with USB 3.0 interface even smallest drops of highly volatile liquids can be monitored.
The electrically driven sample table makes it possible to position micro-structured samples with highest precision and exceptional speed for fast automated measuring procedures.
With an electronic multiple direct dosing system DDE/x and up to four electronic syringe modules ESr-N liquids can be deposited on a macroscopic sample and its surface parameters can be determined automatically.
For the analysis of micro-structured samples the nanolitre dosing system is available which can generate down to 10 nanolitre small droplets. These droplets are small enough to fit, for example, between the screw threads of a dental implant whose surface is to be analysed.
Even smaller structures can be analysed using the picolitre dosing system PDDS which can dose down to 30 picolitre small droplets. These allow contact angle measurement, for example, on the individual wires of the mesh structure of a coronary stent or on single fibres.
Main features
sample table adjustable in all three directions in space with electronic high-performance axes
trendsetting 10-fold zoom lens
software-controlled, electrically driven optic alignment for autofocus and adjustment of the observation angle
video measuring system with high-performance camera using USB 3.0 interface
LED-lighting with manual and software controlled intensity including automatic temperature drift compensation
included TP 50 control panel with touch screen and precision control wheel
Software
The SCA Software is available in various independently usable modules. The available software modules for the OCA 200 are:
SCA 20 — contact angle
SCA 21 — surface energy
SCA 22 — surface and interfacial tension
SCA 23 — liquid bridge analysis
SCA 26 — oscillation / relaxation
SCA 27 — topview contact angle
Learn more about the SCA modules.
Accessories
Due to the modular product design the OCA 200 can be combined with a multitude of options of the versatile OCA accessories range. With its extended zoom range and high resolution optics the OCA 200 is the device of choice when utilising smallest droplets like with the picolitre dosing system PDDS.
Learn more about the available accessories.
