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Elcometer 1720 Abrasion and Washability Tester
Versatile testing for washability, scrubbing and abrasion resistance
The Elcometer 1720 Abrasion and Washability Tester is a robust laboratory instrument designed to evaluate the washability, brushability and abrasion resistance of a wide range of materials. It provides controlled, repeatable reciprocating testing that helps manufacturers and laboratories assess how coatings and materials will withstand rubbing, washing, scrubbing and wear during service.
The Elcometer 1720 can be used for both wet and dry abrasion testing on flat or curved samples. Typical materials include paints, lacquers, inks, coatings, leather, wood, plastics, printed materials and fabrics. A broad selection of interchangeable tools allows the tester to be configured for different applications and international test methods.
Adjustable test conditions for repeatable results
Operators can adjust the stroke length from 10 to 300 mm (0.4 to 11.8 in) and select a carriage speed from 10 to 65 cycles per minute. For testing to ISO 11998, the instrument can be set directly to the specified 37 cycles per minute.
A programmable cycle counter allows the required test duration to be set from 1 to 32,760 cycles. Once the selected number of cycles has been completed, the test stops automatically, helping maintain consistent test conditions between samples.
Test multiple samples and characteristics simultaneously
The Elcometer 1720 can test up to four different characteristics simultaneously, reducing the time required for comparative or multi-sample testing. Individual specimen areas are separated to facilitate controlled testing, including combinations of wet and dry abrasion tests.
Samples up to approximately 13 mm (0.51 in) thick can be accommodated, and suitable interchangeable tools are available for both flat and curved specimens.
Rapid-change interchangeable testing tools
A rapid tool-change system makes it easy to configure the Elcometer 1720 for different test methods. Depending on the required standard and application, available tools include brushes, sponges, abrasive pads, linear abrasion tools and tools for curved specimens.
Washability and scrub resistance
Sponge and abrasive-pad tools can reproduce repeated washing or scrubbing actions on coatings and other surfaces. Different tool configurations are available for methods including ASTM D3450, ASTM D4213, ASTM D4828 and ISO 11998.
Brush and dry abrasion testing
Wild boar and nylon brush tools are available for controlled brush abrasion tests. These tools can be used to assess materials that are routinely subjected to brushing, rubbing or similar mechanical wear.
Linear abrasion and colour-fastness testing
Linear abrasion tools expand the tester beyond conventional paint washability testing. Suitable configurations can be used for colour-fastness and rubbing tests on fabrics and other materials, including applications covered by ASTM F1319 and ISO 105-X12.
Curved samples
An adjustable curved-sample tool allows abrasion resistance to be assessed on non-flat components. Its height-adjustable elbow joint and interchangeable masses make it useful for testing coatings and inks on curved surfaces.
Abrasion Tester or Abrasion & Washability Tester
The Elcometer 1720 is available in two configurations. The K1720M204 Abrasion Tester is designed for abrasion testing, while the K1720M304 Abrasion & Washability Tester incorporates an internal liquid delivery system for wet washability and scrubbing tests.
The washability version includes a liquid dosing bottle, delivery pipe and drain pipes, providing controlled delivery and collection of test liquids during wet testing.
Stable construction for consistent testing
The Elcometer 1720 is manufactured from anodised aluminium to provide a durable and stable test platform. Its rigid construction helps maintain consistent movement throughout a test, supporting repeatable results even when operating at higher carriage speeds.
An easy-to-navigate multilingual digital display simplifies test setup, while straightforward sample placement and rapid tool changes help reduce preparation time between tests.
Key Features
- Tests washability, brushability, scrubbing and abrasion resistance
- Suitable for wet and dry abrasion testing
- Tests paints, lacquers, inks, coatings, leather, wood, plastics, printed materials, fabrics and more
- Adjustable stroke length from 10 to 300 mm (0.4 to 11.8 in)
- Adjustable carriage speed from 10 to 65 cycles per minute
- Dedicated 37 cycles/minute setting for ISO 11998 testing
- Programmable counter from 1 to 32,760 cycles
- Can test up to four different characteristics simultaneously
- Suitable for flat and curved samples
- Rapid-change interchangeable testing tools
- Internal liquid pump on the Abrasion & Washability model
- Durable anodised aluminium construction
- Multilingual digital display
- Designed for repeatable laboratory and quality-control testing
- Compatible with a wide range of ASTM, ISO, EN, DIN and other test methods
Specifications
| Product | Elcometer 1720 Abrasion and Washability Tester |
|---|---|
| Abrasion Tester Part Number | K1720M204 |
| Abrasion & Washability Tester Part Number | K1720M304 |
| Stroke Length | 10 – 300 mm (0.4 – 11.8 in), adjustable |
| Carriage Speed | 10 – 65 cycles per minute |
| ISO 11998 Speed | 37 cycles per minute |
| Cycle Counter | 1 – 32,760 cycles |
| Testing | Wet and dry abrasion; flat and curved samples depending on tool selected |
| Simultaneous Testing | Up to 4 different characteristics |
| Dimensions | 550 × 460 × 320 mm (21.7 × 18.1 × 12.6 in) |
| Weight | 33 kg (73 lb) |
| Construction | Anodised aluminium |
| Display | Multilingual digital display |
Standard Packing List
- Elcometer 1720 tester
- 250 µm (10 mil) metal strip for ASTM D2486 testing
- Sample drip tray
- 2 glass sheets
- 2 specimen holding frames
- Set of 3 tools for instrument setup
- UK, European and US mains leads
- Operating instructions
The K1720M304 Abrasion & Washability Tester additionally includes a liquid dosing bottle, liquid delivery pipe and two liquid drain pipes. Application-specific abrasion and washability tools are supplied separately.
Compatible Test Standards
Depending on the selected tool and test configuration, the Elcometer 1720 can be used in accordance with numerous international methods, including:
- ASTM D2486
- ASTM D3450
- ASTM D4213
- ASTM D4488
- ASTM D4828
- ASTM F1319
- ISO 11998
- ISO 105-X12
- EN 13523-11
- ECCA T11
- JIS K 5600-5-11
- AS/NZS 1580.459.1
Additional DIN, EN, ASTM, MIL, Federal and manufacturer-specific methods are supported with appropriate tools and test configurations.
Q&A
What is the difference between abrasion resistance and washability?
Abrasion resistance describes a material’s ability to withstand damage caused by another material rubbing against its surface. Washability describes its ability to withstand repeated wet or dry cleaning or scrubbing. The Elcometer 1720 can be configured to evaluate both characteristics.
Are the abrasion tools included with the Elcometer 1720?
Application-specific brushes, sponges, abrasive pads and other test tools are generally selected separately. This allows the tester to be configured with the correct tool, loading and abrasive medium for the required test method.
Can wet and dry tests be carried out on the same instrument?
Yes. The Elcometer 1720 supports both wet and dry abrasion testing. For routine wet washability testing, the K1720M304 model is the preferred configuration because it incorporates the liquid delivery system.
Can the Elcometer 1720 test materials other than paint?
Yes. In addition to paints and coatings, the tester can evaluate materials including lacquers, inks, leather, wood, plastics, printed materials and fabrics. The appropriate test tool should be selected for the material and applicable standard.
Can curved components be tested?
Yes. An optional height-adjustable curved-sample tool is available for abrasion testing on curved components. It is particularly useful for evaluating coatings and inks on surfaces that cannot be tested as conventional flat specimens.
How are abrasion test results evaluated?
Evaluation depends on the applicable test method. Samples may be visually examined for wear or coating damage, while changes in properties such as coating thickness, gloss or sample weight can also provide quantitative comparative results.
Which model should I choose for ISO 11998 washability testing?
The Elcometer 1720 Abrasion & Washability Tester is the appropriate configuration for wet washability testing. The instrument includes a dedicated setting for the ISO 11998 test speed of 37 cycles per minute, while the appropriate ISO test tool and consumables should be selected separately.
Elcometer 1720 Abrasion and Washability Tester
Versatile testing for washability, scrubbing and abrasion resistance
The Elcometer 1720 Abrasion and Washability Tester is a robust laboratory instrument designed to evaluate the washability, brushability and abrasion resistance of a wide range of materials. It provides controlled, repeatable reciprocating testing that helps manufacturers and laboratories assess how coatings and materials will withstand rubbing, washing, scrubbing and wear during service.
The Elcometer 1720 can be used for both wet and dry abrasion testing on flat or curved samples. Typical materials include paints, lacquers, inks, coatings, leather, wood, plastics, printed materials and fabrics. A broad selection of interchangeable tools allows the tester to be configured for different applications and international test methods.
Adjustable test conditions for repeatable results
Operators can adjust the stroke length from 10 to 300 mm (0.4 to 11.8 in) and select a carriage speed from 10 to 65 cycles per minute. For testing to ISO 11998, the instrument can be set directly to the specified 37 cycles per minute.
A programmable cycle counter allows the required test duration to be set from 1 to 32,760 cycles. Once the selected number of cycles has been completed, the test stops automatically, helping maintain consistent test conditions between samples.
Test multiple samples and characteristics simultaneously
The Elcometer 1720 can test up to four different characteristics simultaneously, reducing the time required for comparative or multi-sample testing. Individual specimen areas are separated to facilitate controlled testing, including combinations of wet and dry abrasion tests.
Samples up to approximately 13 mm (0.51 in) thick can be accommodated, and suitable interchangeable tools are available for both flat and curved specimens.
Rapid-change interchangeable testing tools
A rapid tool-change system makes it easy to configure the Elcometer 1720 for different test methods. Depending on the required standard and application, available tools include brushes, sponges, abrasive pads, linear abrasion tools and tools for curved specimens.
Washability and scrub resistance
Sponge and abrasive-pad tools can reproduce repeated washing or scrubbing actions on coatings and other surfaces. Different tool configurations are available for methods including ASTM D3450, ASTM D4213, ASTM D4828 and ISO 11998.
Brush and dry abrasion testing
Wild boar and nylon brush tools are available for controlled brush abrasion tests. These tools can be used to assess materials that are routinely subjected to brushing, rubbing or similar mechanical wear.
Linear abrasion and colour-fastness testing
Linear abrasion tools expand the tester beyond conventional paint washability testing. Suitable configurations can be used for colour-fastness and rubbing tests on fabrics and other materials, including applications covered by ASTM F1319 and ISO 105-X12.
Curved samples
An adjustable curved-sample tool allows abrasion resistance to be assessed on non-flat components. Its height-adjustable elbow joint and interchangeable masses make it useful for testing coatings and inks on curved surfaces.
Abrasion Tester or Abrasion & Washability Tester
The Elcometer 1720 is available in two configurations. The K1720M204 Abrasion Tester is designed for abrasion testing, while the K1720M304 Abrasion & Washability Tester incorporates an internal liquid delivery system for wet washability and scrubbing tests.
The washability version includes a liquid dosing bottle, delivery pipe and drain pipes, providing controlled delivery and collection of test liquids during wet testing.
Stable construction for consistent testing
The Elcometer 1720 is manufactured from anodised aluminium to provide a durable and stable test platform. Its rigid construction helps maintain consistent movement throughout a test, supporting repeatable results even when operating at higher carriage speeds.
An easy-to-navigate multilingual digital display simplifies test setup, while straightforward sample placement and rapid tool changes help reduce preparation time between tests.
Key Features
- Tests washability, brushability, scrubbing and abrasion resistance
- Suitable for wet and dry abrasion testing
- Tests paints, lacquers, inks, coatings, leather, wood, plastics, printed materials, fabrics and more
- Adjustable stroke length from 10 to 300 mm (0.4 to 11.8 in)
- Adjustable carriage speed from 10 to 65 cycles per minute
- Dedicated 37 cycles/minute setting for ISO 11998 testing
- Programmable counter from 1 to 32,760 cycles
- Can test up to four different characteristics simultaneously
- Suitable for flat and curved samples
- Rapid-change interchangeable testing tools
- Internal liquid pump on the Abrasion & Washability model
- Durable anodised aluminium construction
- Multilingual digital display
- Designed for repeatable laboratory and quality-control testing
- Compatible with a wide range of ASTM, ISO, EN, DIN and other test methods
Specifications
| Product | Elcometer 1720 Abrasion and Washability Tester |
|---|---|
| Abrasion Tester Part Number | K1720M204 |
| Abrasion & Washability Tester Part Number | K1720M304 |
| Stroke Length | 10 – 300 mm (0.4 – 11.8 in), adjustable |
| Carriage Speed | 10 – 65 cycles per minute |
| ISO 11998 Speed | 37 cycles per minute |
| Cycle Counter | 1 – 32,760 cycles |
| Testing | Wet and dry abrasion; flat and curved samples depending on tool selected |
| Simultaneous Testing | Up to 4 different characteristics |
| Dimensions | 550 × 460 × 320 mm (21.7 × 18.1 × 12.6 in) |
| Weight | 33 kg (73 lb) |
| Construction | Anodised aluminium |
| Display | Multilingual digital display |
Standard Packing List
- Elcometer 1720 tester
- 250 µm (10 mil) metal strip for ASTM D2486 testing
- Sample drip tray
- 2 glass sheets
- 2 specimen holding frames
- Set of 3 tools for instrument setup
- UK, European and US mains leads
- Operating instructions
The K1720M304 Abrasion & Washability Tester additionally includes a liquid dosing bottle, liquid delivery pipe and two liquid drain pipes. Application-specific abrasion and washability tools are supplied separately.
Compatible Test Standards
Depending on the selected tool and test configuration, the Elcometer 1720 can be used in accordance with numerous international methods, including:
- ASTM D2486
- ASTM D3450
- ASTM D4213
- ASTM D4488
- ASTM D4828
- ASTM F1319
- ISO 11998
- ISO 105-X12
- EN 13523-11
- ECCA T11
- JIS K 5600-5-11
- AS/NZS 1580.459.1
Additional DIN, EN, ASTM, MIL, Federal and manufacturer-specific methods are supported with appropriate tools and test configurations.
Q&A
What is the difference between abrasion resistance and washability?
Abrasion resistance describes a material’s ability to withstand damage caused by another material rubbing against its surface. Washability describes its ability to withstand repeated wet or dry cleaning or scrubbing. The Elcometer 1720 can be configured to evaluate both characteristics.
Are the abrasion tools included with the Elcometer 1720?
Application-specific brushes, sponges, abrasive pads and other test tools are generally selected separately. This allows the tester to be configured with the correct tool, loading and abrasive medium for the required test method.
Can wet and dry tests be carried out on the same instrument?
Yes. The Elcometer 1720 supports both wet and dry abrasion testing. For routine wet washability testing, the K1720M304 model is the preferred configuration because it incorporates the liquid delivery system.
Can the Elcometer 1720 test materials other than paint?
Yes. In addition to paints and coatings, the tester can evaluate materials including lacquers, inks, leather, wood, plastics, printed materials and fabrics. The appropriate test tool should be selected for the material and applicable standard.
Can curved components be tested?
Yes. An optional height-adjustable curved-sample tool is available for abrasion testing on curved components. It is particularly useful for evaluating coatings and inks on surfaces that cannot be tested as conventional flat specimens.
How are abrasion test results evaluated?
Evaluation depends on the applicable test method. Samples may be visually examined for wear or coating damage, while changes in properties such as coating thickness, gloss or sample weight can also provide quantitative comparative results.
Which model should I choose for ISO 11998 washability testing?
The Elcometer 1720 Abrasion & Washability Tester is the appropriate configuration for wet washability testing. The instrument includes a dedicated setting for the ISO 11998 test speed of 37 cycles per minute, while the appropriate ISO test tool and consumables should be selected separately.
