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Need Spiral Contractometer

(2000)

Greetings,

We are developing a high speed near zero stress nickel electroforming bath. As such our method of measuring the stress in the bath does not translate easily into Pounds per square foot, however a Brenner-Senderhof Spiral Contractometer does.

My question is Where can I get a contractometer?

I thank you in advance for any help I receive.

Anthony J. Covey
electroformer - Corona, California

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(2000)

A spiral contractometer is a slow test. The same plating solution at the same temp with the same coil, stripped and prepped can easily give data that is 1-2000 different. Two people testing a split sample on different equipment will rarely get the same answer. I bought mine from Kammaras, year ago. King Corp, Larry sells one also.

Quality Control Instruments in Oak Ridge, TN sells a modified one based on a Boeing patent. While I have never used one, but from having my hands on one, This looks like it would be considerable easier to load, calibrate and operate. If I were to do it again, it is the way that I would go.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida

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(2000)

To James Watts-

I, too, want one of the easier to handle contractometers. I tried to contact Quality Control Instruments in Oak Ridge, TN and the operator told "no such place". Do you have a number?

Jeanne Kitazaki
United Airlines - San Francisco, California

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(2000)

The units in question are now offered by QCI's successor, Industrial Instruments Inc. in Newport News, Virginia.

Ted Mooney, P.E. finishing.com Brick, New Jersey

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April 3, 2009

Hi all,

Very informative thread indeed.

We are looking for contractometers, but it seems QCI, or Industrial Instruments are not contactable at the moment.

May I know if there are other companies selling helical type contractometers?

Thank you!

Jerry Lin
- Kembangan, SGP, Singapore

  ^- Privately contact this inquirer -^

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March 11, 2011

Hi, Jerry. Although ASTM B-636 [link is to spec at TechStreet] is based on the spiral contractometer, and we wish it were otherwise, my understanding is that spiral contractometers are totally unavailable anymore unless you find a used one.

However, there are some alternatives, including: "StressTabs", a serrated Hell Cell panel lacquered on one side so that you can judge the stress at different current densities from the warpage of the various prongs; and the dual bent strip deposit stress analyzer. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E. finishing.com Brick, New Jersey