A unique replica technique and a snap gauge enable accurate, blast-cleaned surface profile measurements. Testex Replica Tape makes surface replicas easy to obtain and produces average maximum peak-to-valley readings that ensure optimum blasting effectiveness.

Replicas can be retained for future needs.

The Replica Tape Gauge is used to measure the Testex Replica Tape replica and determine the average maximum peak-to-valley height of the blasted profile.

Principle:

The replica film in the Testex Replica Tape consists of a layer of crushable plastic microfilm coated onto a polyester substrate of a highly uniform thickness 50µm (2mil). When compressed against a hard surface, the Microfoam collapses to about 25% of its original thickness.

During compression, the foam acquires an impression of the surface against which it is burnished. The highest peaks on the test surface displace the fully compressed foam and come to rest against the polyester substrate. The deepest valleys on the test surface create the highest peaks on the replica.

This method measures an average maximum peak-to-valley profile. The anvils of the Replica Tape Gauge flatten the replica profile slightly so that the reading equates to an average maximum value.

Quick Links - Click To Jump To Section:

• Features & Benefits
• Specification
• Instructions

Features & Benefits

• Replica Tape Gauge is used to measure the Testex Replica Tape replica and determine the average maximum peak-to-valley height of the blast profile
• Supplied in an industrial Carrying Case Burnishing Tool
• Spare Testex Replica Tape is available - supplied in rolls of 50 impressions - see drop-down menu
• Compliant to ISO 8503-5, ASTM D4417 and NACE SP0287
• Replica Tape Gauge Calibration and Testex Replica Tape Conformance Certificates also available as optional extras from the drop-down menu

Specification

Replica Tape Gauge accuracy: 

• ±1%FSD

Temperature: 

• Produces accurate replicas on surface temperatures of -10 to +65°C

Storage: 

• Do not expose the Testex Replica Tape to any extremes of temperature or daylight

Shelf Life:

• The replica foam has no expiry date
• The only degeneration is the adhesive on the tape
• We would recommend that the tape is used within a 12-month period from date of purchase

Instructions

Taking Replicas:

• Locate a representative area of the surface for measurement and select the appropriate grade of Testex Replica Tape based on your target profile (Coarse or X Coarse)
• For 20 to 64μm (0.8 to 2.5mil) profiles use the Coarse grade
• For 38 to 115μm (1.5 to 4.5mil) profiles use the X Coarse grade

Method:

• Remove a single piece of Replica Tape from its release paper
• The replica material is the square, white plastic film in the centre
• A bulls eye circle of paper should remain behind on the release paper (this is not used in the measurement)
• Apply the Replica Tape to the blast-cleaned surface and rub the Burnishing Tool over the replica film in the centre of the tape, using firm pressure
• The circular cut-out will become darker as the surface is replicated
• Make sure that the entire circular area has darkened uniformly

Measurements:

• Prepare the Replica Tape Gauge by cleaning the anvils and adjusting the dial to read zero on the red scale, the red scale is the thickness of the polyester substrate
• The red scale automatically subtracts the thickness of the polyester substrate from all subsequent readings
• Remove the Replica Tape from the surface and place the replica between the anvils of the Replica Tape Gauge, making sure that it is centred properly
• Release the Gauge anvil gently onto the replica and measure the profile
• The gauge reading is the average maximum peak-to valley height of the blast-cleaned surface
• If a measurement with either Coarse or X Coarse grade is between 38 to 64μm (1.5 to 2.5mil) take a second reading with the other grade of tape and average the reading
• A graphic illustrating the ranges over which averaging should and should not be applied appears on each piece of tape

Care:

• Always ensure rust paper is placed between the anvils when the Replica Tape Gauge is not in use