Outstanding user-friendliness: easy cleaning and quick cartridge change

The small droplet size makes cleaning the sample particularly easy, as the droplets evaporate from the surface. This is a particular advantage if the measurement is part of the quality control of components, which are subsequently used further. The FlexDrop dosing system is equipped with interchangeable cartridges for the test liquids. Users can change the cartridges in a few simple steps; cleaning is not necessary. The use of individual cartridges for different liquids also eliminates the risk of cross-contamination.

Successful collaboration between droptical and DataPhysics Instruments

With FlexDrop, droptical and DataPhysics Instruments have realised the first joint product ready for series production. During development, the focus was on ensuring that the dosed drop volumes can be generated reproducibly. This enables users to achieve extremely precise dosing, especially for particularly small droplets, says Matthias Leininger, co-founder of droptical, and continues: In collaboration with DataPhysics Instruments, we were able to develop the prototype of our droplet generator into a market-ready product. Dr Sebastian Schaubach, Managing Director of DataPhysics Instruments, adds: We are delighted that, together with droptical, we have achieved this breakthrough in the development of dosing systems for contact angle measurements. We believe that we can offer our customers a tangible advantage over other systems with the FlexDrop dosing system. This concerns both the reduction of sample cleaning processes after the measurement and the 1-click measurement of the surface energy. FlexDrop allows extremely accurate measurements on the smallest surface areas with reproducible drop volumes in the picolitre and nanolitre range. The superior technology makes FlexDrop a valuable tool for laboratories, research institutes and development departments.

About droptical GmbH

droptical GmbH is a start-up from Nuremberg that specialises in the development of drop generators (dispensers) and camera technology (drop watcher) for optical dosing monitoring. The company's products are unique by their high degree of miniaturisation and ease of integration and handling. Particularly noteworthy in the product portfolio are the NanoStrobeX drop watcher, which enables continuous jetting monitoring of dispensing processes for the first time and carries out 3D drop measurement in real time, and the ClickJet miniature jet dispenser for high-precision dosing of low-viscosity liquids in the smallest of spaces.

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3 July 2023

Press release: DataPhysics Instruments Opens Technical Office in France

DataPhysics Instruments, a leading company in the field of surface and interface analysis, opens a technical office in Metz, France. Véronique Schloupt will represent the company in the French market in the future.

Filderstadt, 3 July 2023. DataPhysics Instruments, manufacturer of high-precision laboratory instruments for the characterisation of interfaces and surfaces, has expanded its presence in France. Nils Langer, Managing Director of DataPhysics Instruments, says: With the opening of a technical office in Metz, DataPhysics Instruments can now serve its French-speaking customers even better. France offers great potential as it is home to companies from many industries, such as automotive, electronics, aerospace and medical technology. Langer says: With its technical office in Metz, DataPhysics Instruments wants to expand its customer relationships in France and open up new business opportunities.

Long-standing Expert as Point of Contact

DataPhysics Instruments was able to recruit Véronique Schloupt, a proven expert in surface analysis, to head the technical office in Metz. Alongside her colleagues from the Service and Application departments, she is available to French-speaking customers as contact person on site. Schloupt studied engineering at the renowned Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers (CNAM), specialising in physical methods of chemical analyses. For more than 20 years, she has worked for companies that manufacture and distribute laboratory measuring equipment.

Application Laboratory in France

The new location in Metz has a fully equipped application laboratory. Langer says: The modular system and the intuitive handling of our devices and their software can best be experienced in practice. That's why we invite interested scientists to our application laboratory to get to know our devices and their measurement methods. Of course, initial measurements on your own samples are also possible.

Direct customer support from the manufacturer

A direct support of French-speaking customers is another reason for opening the office in France. A fast response time and comprehensive technical support can thus be ensured. Langer says: Our partners in France can rely on DataPhysics Instruments to provide not only high-quality equipment, but also professional support for a wide range of use cases.

With the opening of the technical office in Metz, DataPhysics Instruments is continuing its success story, which has been ongoing for over 25 years, and reaffirms its commitment to French-speaking markets.

6 June 2023

News: Company magazine Beyond the Surface published

Filderstadt, 6 June 2023. DataPhysics Instruments has published the first issue of its company magazine Beyond the Surface to mark its 25th anniversary.

The year 2022 was a very special one for DataPhysics Instruments, as the company celebrated its 25th anniversary. The company can look back on a series of product innovations, which helped its customers to analyse surfaces for over a quarter of a century.

To give an insight into its success story, DataPhysics Instruments has published the first issue of its company magazine Beyond the Surface. In the future, the magazine will appear at regular intervals and inform readers about product developments, application examples, and news.

In this first issue, we have collected many interesting articles, such as:

• Milestones of our Company's Success Story
• Validated by the IPF Dresden: The ZPA 20 Zeta Potential Analyzer
• Use Case: Developing Innovative Tablets Using 3D Printing
• How Surface Studies Enhance Battery Technology

Read the company magazine online as a PDF or contact us if you prefer a free printed copy.

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30 May 2023

Press review: Quantifying the Long-Term Stability of Drinks published in drinkworld Technology + Marketing

Drinks are often mixtures of different ingredients and are therefore liable to separation processes. It is important to quantify these separation processes to optimise drink formulations. The MultiScan MS 20 dispersion stability analysis system, developed by DataPhysics Instruments, can reliably and efficiently analyse drink dispersions regarding their destabilisation mechanisms and ageing characteristics. The following use case evaluates four whey-based drinks and compares their overall stability.

Many drinks, such as fruit juice and protein shakes, are complex multicomponent mixtures. A homogeneous composition with good flavor, texture, and nutritional values is desired. However, separation processes in these mixtures can strongly influence their taste and mouthfeel. Assuring long-term homogeneity and thus a long shelf life for such products requires thorough formulation optimisation.

Traditionally, separation processes were observed with the naked eye in a so called ‘shelf-life-test’. This procedure is highly subjective and time-consuming, hindering an efficient formulation optimisation. However, understanding the stability of drink dispersions in detail is important for research and development departments in the drinks industry. […]

This article was published in the trade magazine drinkworld Technology + Marketing, 27, 1, pages 6-9. © Dr. Harnisch Verlag.

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17 April 2023

Press release: Temperature Range for the MS 20 MultiScan Dispersion Stability Analysis System Extended

Filderstadt, 17 April 2023. The MultiScan MS 20 dispersion stability analysis system from the measuring device manufacturer DataPhysics Instruments can now also analyse dispersions at sub-zero temperatures down to -10 °C. The extended temperature range enables users to carry out measurements under real environmental and storage conditions. This enhancement is particularly interesting for product developments in the fields of pharmaceuticals, food, lubricants, and paints.

Many products consist of complex multi-component mixtures. Often, long-term homogeneity and durability of such mixtures is of high priority in product development, as separation processes have a negative impact on product quality. Traditionally, separation processes are observed with the naked eye in a so-called shelf-life test. However, this procedure is subjective and often several weeks of testing are necessary for each optimisation round.

Measurements at Sub-Zero Temperatures Possible for the First Time

To solve this problem, the German laboratory instrument manufacturer DataPhysics Instruments offers the MultiScan MS 20 dispersion stability analysis system for an automatic stability and ageing analysis of liquid dispersions. The device was specially developed for the characterisation of suspensions and emulsions and enables a time- and position-resolved analysis of separation processes. With the MultiScan MS 20, such processes can be quantified more precisely and evaluated in more detail than with a conventional shelf-life test. The MultiScan MS 20 consists of a base unit, to which up to six sample chambers can be connected.

Up to now, measurements at constant temperatures and temperature profiles between 4 °C and 80 °C were possible with the MultiScan MS 20. Now, DataPhysics Instruments has succeeded in lowering the minimum temperature for measurements to -10 °C. To measure at sub-zero temperatures, the tower-shaped sample chambers of the MultiScan MS 20 are encased with an insulation sleeve. To prevent humidity from condensing on the samples, the sample chambers are flooded with dry inert gas during the measurement. The sleeves can be ordered in the desired quantity when purchasing a new device. Existing devices can be retrofitted for measurements at low temperatures.

Replicate Real Storage Conditions of Many Industries

Temperature is one of the factors that influence separation processes in dispersions. Therefore, when investigating new or improved mixtures, it is essential to examine them under real storage conditions. Dr Sebastian Schaubach, Chief Innovation Officer at DataPhysics Instruments, says: We are particularly pleased to be the first manufacturer in this field to succeed in carrying out measurements at sub-zero temperatures.

The enhancement of the MultiScan MS 20 makes it possible to examine dispersions under real storage conditions even for products that must be stored refrigerated. The European Medicines Agency, for example, requires in its 2007 guidelines on the "Declaration of Storage Conditions" that medicinal products are tested for stability and then labelled accordingly. Here, storage in the refrigerator is based on a temperature of approximately 5 °C, in the freezer below 0 °C. The extended temperature range is not only interesting for the pharmaceutical industry, but also in the food sector. Here, products are often stored refrigerated during production, transport, and in the home of the customer. The typical temperature of a refrigerator is often cited at 4 °C or lower. These conditions can now easily be replicated with the MultiScan MS 20.

Similarly, the MultiScan MS 20 can be used for outdoor products. This includes lubricants as well as paints and agricultural products. The experts in our in-house laboratory combine an in-depth understanding of our measurement methods with a broad knowledge of specific applications in many industries, explains Schaubach. And he continues: We are also happy to accompany customers on new, exciting measurement tasks at sub-zero temperatures.

Measuring Principle of the MultiScan MS 20 Briefly Explained

The MultiScan MS 20 analyses separation processes by measuring light intensities in a time- and position-resolved manner. The experimental setup is as follows: A sample is filled into a glass vial, which is then placed into a sample chamber. Two light sources and a light detector move up and down along the sample simultaneously. During the measurement, the entire height of the sample is scanned. The software analyses the light intensities that pass through or are backscattered by the sample. The intensities of transmission (i.e. the light that passes through the sample) and backscattering (i.e. the light that is reflected from the sample) depend directly on the number, size and type of dispersed droplets or particles.

Particles can settle on the bottom of the sample container, so more particles interact with the light in this layer. Particles can also cream and collect at the top of the liquid, so that more particles interact with the light in the upper layer. The sample then shows decreasing transmission intensities in the respective region of dispersion, while the backscattering intensities increase. In addition, particles can aggregate and droplets agglomerate, which can be observed as global changes in transmission and backscattering intensities.

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3 April 2023

News: Zeta Potential Analyzer ZPA 20 wins Best of Industry Award

Filderstadt, 3 April 2023. The innovative Zeta Potential Analyzer ZPA 20 has won the Best of Industry Award in the category Laboratory & Analytical Technology.

The Zeta Potential Analyzer ZPA 20 enables the precise characterisation of the charge situation as well as the determination of the isoelectric point of solid surfaces, particles, and fibre bundles. Investigations of the zeta potential are of interest in a variety of applications, such as the analysis of glass fibre bundles, wafers, fuel cell membranes, fouling processes of filters, or bacterial growth on food packaging. This year, the device, developed by the laboratory instruments manufacturer DataPhysics Instruments GmbH, has been awarded the Best of Industry Award in the category Laboratory & Analytical Technology. The Best of Industry Award has been presented by the Vogel Communications Group since 2016. The group includes renowned trade media such as Laborpraxis, Process, DeviceMed and Maschinenmarkt. Nils Langer, Managing Director of DataPhysics Instruments, says: It is a special honour for us that our ZPA 20 has been chosen by the readers for the Best of Industry Award. This confirms our principle of developing exactly the instruments that our customers need.

A particularly unique feature of the ZPA 20 is its patented measuring method, which makes it possible to obtain fast results with high accuracy. Dr Sebastian Schaubach, Chief Innovation Officer at DataPhysics Instruments, explains: The Zeta Potential Analyzer ZPA 20 is currently the only measuring device on the market that works with a bidirectional and oscillating measurement of the streaming potential or streaming current.

In this process, the electrolyte solution is not only pumped in one direction, but alternately in opposite directions over or through the sample. In addition, the flow rate of the electrolyte fluid changes in repeated cycles, resulting in pressure changes. This produces results with excellent statistical quality in a short time.

The patented measuring method not only saves time, it also helps to reduce sources of error. The oscillating measurement generates both positive and negative pressure differences and thus positive and negative values of the streaming potential or streaming current. This can prevent polarisation of the device electrodes. In addition, the bidirectional flow can make asymmetries of the sample surface visible, such as inhomogeneous fibre or powder packing or insufficiently fixed samples.

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15 December 2022

Press review: Quantifying the Long-Term Stability of Food Formulations published in food Marketing & Technology

Foodstuffs are often mixtures of different ingredients and are therefore liable to separate. It is important to quantify these separation processes to optimise food product formulations. The MultiScan MS 20 dispersion stability analysis system, developed by DataPhysics Instruments, can reliably and efficiently analyse food dispersions regarding their destabilisation and aging. The following use case evaluates five milk substitutes and compares the occurring destabilisation mechanisms.

Many food products, such as milk products and mayonnaise, are complex multicomponent mixtures. In their production, a homogeneous composition with good flavour, texture, and nutritional value is desired. Separation processes in these mixtures can strongly influence their taste and mouthfeel. Assuring longterm homogeneity and thus a long shelf life for such products requires thorough optimisation during the formulation of the mixtures.

The type and concentration of the formulation’s ingredients, its processing temperature, рН, and viscosity are crucial parameters determining its separation behaviour. Therefore, understanding the stability of food dispersions is important for research and development departments in the food industry. […]

This article was published in the trade magazine food Marketing & Technology, 5/22, pages 6-9. © Dr. Harnisch Verlag.

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22 November 2022

Press release: Milestones of the Swabian measuring instrument manufacturer DataPhysics Instruments

Filderstadt, 22 November 2022. Since August 1997, DataPhysics Instruments has been developing, manufacturing, and distributing laboratory measuring devices for the characterisation of interfaces and surfaces. From the beginning, the focus has been on the development of innovative and modular measuring instruments as well as user-friendly software. This product philosophy will remain at the core of the company.

The laboratory measuring device manufacturer DataPhysics Instruments turns 25. Nils Langer, managing director, says: This birthday is an important milestone for DataPhysics Instruments, especially after the challenges posed by the Coronavirus pandemic. Over the past 25 years, we have expanded our product portfolio steadily. In our anniversary year 2022, we have customers in over 80 countries and 45 employees. We are very well established in the worldwide market for measuring devices that characterise interfaces and surfaces. Now, it is our task to continue the company's successful path.

Modular design as founding principle

DataPhysics Instruments was founded in August 1997 by Dr Ulrich Busch, Thorsten Holz, and Horst Rau. From the beginning, the company's laboratory measuring devices were modular in design. This enabled customers to configure their measuring devices according to their specific use cases. They were also able to analyse their data immediately after the measurement using the device’s software. At the time, such a modular configuration was unheard of. To this day, the company has remained true to their commitment for a modular design.

With their measuring systems for the investigation of interfaces and surfaces, the three company founders had the finger on the pulse: in the 1990s, materials research made big strides. Examples include composites based on carbon fibres, but also other multicomponent materials for use in the construction and automotive industry, medical technology, as well as in electrical engineering. With the focus on new materials, the properties of their surfaces became crucial. The buzzword at the time was functionalised surfaces, i.e., surfaces optimised for their intended use with the help of surface structuring or various pre-treatments.

The product portfolio grows

The company's first product was the OCA 20 optical contact angle meter together with the SCA analysis software, which were both developed in-house. Together, they could conduct contour measurements of pendant and sessile drops. In addition, the software could automatically evaluate the obtained data to calculate contact angle, surface tension, and surface energy. Founder and Managing Director Horst Rau recounts: The first year and a half we concentrated on product development in order to be able to present our first, market-ready contact angle meter. At the Analytica trade fair in 1998, DataPhysics Instruments successfully presented its contact angle meter for the first time. Over the years, the company continued to expand its OCA series, so that suitable solutions for many applications are now available, from an entry-level to an expert model.

Just in time for the turn of the millennium, DataPhysics Instruments expanded its product portfolio with the force-based tensiometers of the DCAT series and a newly developed software for the series. Through the years, the DCAT series has grown to contain different models, as well.

In 2002, a third device joined the product portfolio: the SVT 20 spinning drop tensiometer, which can measure ultra-low interfacial tensions. Ten years later, DataPhysics Instruments launched the humidity generators of the HGC series. They can be used to set and control the relative humidity within small and medium-sized measurement chambers. Since 2015, the MultiScan MS 20 stability analysis system has also been part of the product portfolio. It is used for the optical stability and ageing analysis of disperse multiphase mixtures.

Shaping the future together

Dr Sebastian Schaubach, Managing Director and responsible for innovation management, has a clear vision for the future: We see ourselves as a partner who wants to refine the scientific analysis of interfaces and surfaces continually. In the future, our developments will therefore be conducted in even closer cooperation with our customers, because it is important to us that our devices can reliably solve our customers’ challenges.

But it is not only the product portfolio that has grown steadily over the years. In its anniversary year, 45 employees work at DataPhysics Instruments. Further employees are being sought for the development, manufacturing, and sales department. In addition, the premises at the headquarters in Filderstadt near Stuttgart have steadily expanded. Recently, the in-house Application Centre, with laboratory and training spaces, grew and was newly equipped. Dr Schaubach explains: There, we offer test measurements for prospective buyers and contract measurements with all our devices. In addition, we conduct training courses for device operators.

The company has always remained true to its location – and yet is at home all over the world. An international network of sales partners ensures that customers all over the world can receive advice locally and in their preferred language. To be better represented in some target markets, DataPhysics Instruments founded its own companies in several countries: DataPhysics Instruments India was founded in 2020. In addition, the US subsidiary DataPhysics Instruments USA has existed since 2018.

Over the past 25 years, DataPhysics Instruments has developed an ever-expanding range of instruments for the analysis of interfaces and surfaces. At the same time, the company has grown in terms of personnel and space. For years, it has maintained a close relationship not only with sales partners around the world, but also with its customers in research and product development. These relationships have helped to develop market-driven products and to optimise the existing portfolio according to customer requirements. DataPhysics Instruments looks forward to expanding and deepening these relationships in the future.

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28 October 2022

Press release: Zeta Potential Analyzer validated by Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research e.V. Dresden

Filderstadt, 28 October 2022. The Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research in Dresden has successfully validated the measurement results of DataPhysics Instruments’ ZPA 20 zeta potential analyzer. The long-standing cooperation between the measuring instrument manufacturer and the institute has ensured that the measuring system meets the highest quality requirements. The bidirectional, oscillating measurement method used by the ZPA 20 zeta potential analyzer is patented and allows high-quality data sets in shortest measurement times.

The zeta potential is a measurable quantity that characterises the charge situation at a solid surface in solution. It is measured at the boundary between the ion layer firmly adsorbed on the solid surface and the solution. Dr. Astrid Drechsler, a scientist at the Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research Dresden e.V. (IPF), and an expert in the characterisation of polymer interfaces, explains why the zeta potential is an important parameter, When a solid surface is submerged in an aqueous solution, it becomes electrically charged due to dissociable surface groups and adsorption of ions and molecules. The zeta potential provides information about these chemical functionalities and charge formation processes. Thus, it can be used to, for example, predict interactions such as adhesion between different surfaces. Zeta potential measurements are important in a broad range of applications, such as the investigation of fuel cell membranes, fouling processes of filter membranes, bacterial growth on food packaging, and washing of textiles.

Depending on the size and shape of the samples, the zeta potential can be determined using different measurement techniques. For small particles in the nanometre to low micrometre range, electrophoretic methods are often used. For larger samples in the millimetre and centimetre range, the analysis of the streaming potential or the streaming current has proven to be advantageous. The new ZPA 20 zeta potential analyzer from DataPhysics Instruments uses a patented method based on the streaming potential and streaming current analysis. It is therefore particularly suitable for the investigation of samples in the macroscopic range. The device can be equipped with the MC-ZPA/S, a measuring cell for solid materials such as plates, membranes, or foils, and the MC-ZPA/PF, a measuring cell for fibres, powders and granulates. Customers who are unsure whether the ZPA 20 zeta potential analyzer is the right device for them can not only rely on the in-depth knowledge of the DataPhysics Instruments’ sales team, but also request trial measurements with their samples. Dr. Sebastian Schaubach, Chief Innovation Officer at DataPhysics Instruments, says, Our laboratory offers contract measurements for all possible applications, with the ZPA 20 as well as all other devices of our portfolio.

Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research Validates Results

The ZPA 20 zeta potential analyzer had to meet the highest quality standards from the beginning. Thus, the manufacturer DataPhysics Instruments cooperated with a partner of worldwide renown: the Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research Dresden e.V. (IPF). As an IPF scientist, Dr. Astrid Drechsler has been dealing with the physical chemistry of polymer surfaces, which includes zeta potential measurements.

Since 2017, Drechsler and her team have accompanied the development of the ZPA 20 zeta potential analyzer through several project phases. In the first phase, we validated data measured with the prototype of the zeta potential analyzer, says Drechsler. A second project phase enabled further improvements of not only the device but also its measuring cells. The focus was simplifying the handling of the measuring cells and achieving reproducible sample preparation, explains Anja Caspari, a chemical laboratory technician at the IPF.

Patented Measuring Method Enables Accurate and Rapid Results

The streaming potential analysis for investigating the zeta potential works as follows: An electrolyte solution is pumped through a measuring cell containing the sample material. Specifically, it is pumped between two flat solid samples or through the gaps in fibre or powder packages. The flow of the electrolyte solution separates ions near the surface and carries them with it. This results in a difference in potential between the electrodes situated at both sides of the sample. Electrodes measure these differences, depending on the experiment, as streaming current, or streaming potential. These values, together with the pressure difference in front of and behind the measuring cell, allow the calculation of the zeta potential.

The ZPA 20 zeta potential analyzer uses a patented measuring method to achieve rapid results with high accuracy. Schaubach explains, The ZPA 20 zeta potential analyzer is the only measuring device on the market today measuring the streaming potential or streaming current in a bidirectional and oscillating fashion. The electrolyte solution is pumped over or through the sample not only in one direction but alternately in opposite directions. Additionally, the flow rate of the electrolyte liquid changes within every repeated cycle, resulting in pressure changes. The device records up to 100 pressure values together with the corresponding streaming potential or streaming current in one second. Thus, results with excellent statistical quality are generated within a short time frame. The software can easily process large amounts of data and evaluate them automatically.

The patented measuring method of the ZPA 20 Zeta Potential Analyzer does not only save time during the measurements, but also helps to reduce common sources of error. The oscillating measurement creates both positive and negative pressure differences, and consequently positive and negative values of the streaming potential or current. This may prevent the polarisation of the device electrodes.

Additionally, the bidirectional flow can reveal asymmetries of the sample surface, such as, for example, inhomogeneous fibre or powder packages as well as insufficiently fixed flat samples. Therefore, with the oscillating, bidirectional flow of the electrolyte, error sources can be identified and measurement errors prevented.

Modular And Open Design Approach

During the development of the ZPA 20 zeta potential analyzer, special care was taken to ensure that all surfaces were easy to clean to avoid cross-contamination. This aspect is especially important for obtaining unbiased time- and pH-dependent zeta potential measurements.

Additionally, the ZPA 20 zeta potential analyzer can be expanded with optional modules. For example, with the LDU 25 liquid dosing system, the electrolyte composition can be changed automatically. This allows to determine the isoelectric point or adsorption of surfactants quickly and accurately.

The cooperation with the IPF helped us to tailor the ZPA 20 zeta potential analyzer to the needs of our customers right from the start and to design it with the highest scientific standards in mind, says Schaubach, We are especially proud that the patented measurement method renders zeta potential measurements quicker, easier and more reliable than ever before.

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13 October 2022

Use Case: Wettability Studies for 3D-Printed Tablets

The pharmaceutical industry steps into the future: DFE Pharma, a company developing excipient blends for the formulation of pharmaceutical drugs, is researching 3D printing as a innovative way to produce tablets. The technology is especially interesting whenever small batches of tablets are needed, as for example in clinical trials or for individualised medicine. When developing excipient-API-powders for 3D printing, the powder wettability and flow are crucial factors. To gain insights into the wetting behaviour of powders, DFE Pharma is using an optical contact angle measuring and contour analysis system of the OCA-series, developed by DataPhysics Instruments.

The following use case was printed in the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Packing Sourcer, August 2022, pages 40-41. © Samedan Ltd.

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20 May 2022

Press release: Measuring-device-software dpiMAX now available

Filderstadt, 20 May 2022. The German measuring device manufacturer DataPhysics Instruments has developed a new, innovative software for the contact angle meters of its OCA-series: dpiMAX. The software dpiMAX guides the operator, step by step, through the entire workflow and can therefore be operated intuitively. In addition, dpiMAX impresses with a well-organised user interface, which facilitates focused work. Furthermore, several smart functions make measuring especially easy and convenient.

The software of professional measuring devices is not always easy to operate. Various parameters must be set accurately to obtain valid and reliable measurement results. However, to do so, operators are often confronted with too many settings and choices. But this does not have to be the case: versatile and highly precise measuring devices can indeed be operated easily and intuitively. The measuring instrument manufacturer DataPhysics Instruments from Germany proves this with its latest product release: the dpiMAX software for the contact angle meters of the OCA-series.

Daniel Scholz, product manager for the dpiMAX software at DataPhysics Instruments, explains: The continued development of our previous device software had been leading, over time, to an expert software with many options to choose from. However, this large selection of options also made the software more complicated. Based on this knowledge, our new software dpiMAX focuses primarily on easy and straightforward usability. In addition, numerous technical innovations have been implemented, so that we can now offer our customers a comfortable state-of-the-art software solution.

Focussing on the needs of the operators already in early development stages, the dpiMAX software was designed using an agile approach. The proficient software development team at DataPhysics Instruments was able to build on its decades of expertise with measuring device software as well as on state-of-the-art development tools. Scholz says: Our guiding development principle was to ensure simple and intuitive usability, which enables anyone to perform measurements quickly and conveniently. According to feedback from our pilot customers, we have achieved our goal.

dpiMAX accompanies its operators through the entire workflow

True to the name-giving motto of dpiMAX – Measure quickly, Analyse easily & Xplore intuitively – the software accompanies its operators step by step from the device settings, through the measurement and evaluation, to the creation of reports and the presentation of the measurement results. Thus, beginners are guided comfortably through the entire process. Of course, adjusting additional settings individually is still possible for experienced operators, when facing complex measurements. This applies, for example, to advanced camera settings, which can be utilised to optimise difficult image situations. In sum, an intuitive operation is ensured for every operator, regardless of their level of experience.

Well-organised user interface facilitates focussed work

dpiMAX supports focussed work by displaying only relevant information on the well-organised user interface. During a measurement, for example, the user interface shows the drop image, the results table, and a customised control panel, which contains only the parameters and control elements required for the selected measurement method. Results are always seen at a glance. For example, the contact angle is displayed directly at the three-phase point in the drop image. The analysis of the surface energy additionally contains an easy-to-read colour code: the colour directly indicates how robust the obtained result is. Hence, thanks to the clear display, operators can easily stay focused on the essentials.

Additional smart functions make measuring easy and convenient

The innovative dpiMAX software not only performs basic tasks, such as controlling the measuring device and executing analysis algorithms. It supports its operators far beyond that, among other things with additional smart functions, which make measuring particularly easy and convenient.

This way, the drop shape evaluation is done in no time: dpiMAX immediately evaluates the surface tension of a hanging drop, or the contact angle of a sessile drop, and directly displays the result in the live camera view. In addition, videos can be recorded and evaluated subsequently. But even if the operator forgets to start recording, the measurement is not lost thanks to the special Instant-Replay-function. dpiMAX always saves the last seconds of the camera image so that it is easy to rewind to a specific image situation.

The dpiMAX software also allows to carry out predefined processes as simple one-click measurements, which is particularly convenient when the operator has to conduct repetitive measurements. In addition, dpiMAX reminds the operator with smart hints to input necessary information on material specifications and suggests suitable dispensing needles when measuring the interfacial tension.

Adaptability to individual preferences

dpiMAX not only offers a host of useful functions, which make measuring and evaluating straightforward and even fun. dpiMAX is also available in several languages, making it easy to use for operators all over the world. Furthermore, operators can set substances as their personal favourites and add substance names commonly used in their laboratory. It is even possible to adapt the user interface of the dpiMAX software to different screen sizes, thanks to an integrated zoom function.

dpiMAX is compatible with all current contact angle meters of the OCA series from DataPhysics Instruments and is available as of now. The software is modular in design, so that the methods and analyses required by each operator can be put together individually. Hence, the application experts at DataPhysics Instruments will be happy to offer customised packages. In addition, existing customers with OCA-devices can currently buy an upgrade to dpiMAX at favourable conditions.

The new dpiMAX software from DataPhysics Instruments supports in a unique manner the realisation of high sample throughputs, the investigation of surface properties of new materials and the development of innovative products. This makes dpiMAX a valuable asset for research laboratories as well as quality and development departments all over the world.

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