F10-HC

The Filmetrics F10-HC is a single-point film thickness measurement instrument based on the Filmetrics F20 platform. The F10-HC is specifically designed for measuring the thickness of hardcoats on flat and curved surfaces. The instrument uses analysis of spectral reflectance data to provide film thickness measurement results quickly. The F10-HC is used by automotive hardcoat companies around the world.^[1][2][3]

The advanced simulation algorithms in the F10-HC software are specifically designed to measure single-layer and multi-layer films encountered in hardcoat applications, such as primer/hardcoat stacks. The software includes a template mode that allows users to import sample images and define measurement points directly on the images. The system also features a hands-free measurement mode that supports hundreds of film types without frequent baseline recalibration. The light source (tungsten halogen lamp) has a rated lifetime of 40,000 hours. The F10-HC can output thickness and refractive index (n) and extinction coefficient (k) values for each layer simultaneously.^[2][3][4]

The Filmetrics F10-HC is designed for measuring the thickness of single-layer and multi-layer hardcoat systems on polycarbonate and other substrates. Primary applications include automotive headlight manufacturing, where it measures hardcoat and anti-fog coatings on polycarbonate lampshades. The instrument is also used for aerospace transparent parts, such as aircraft portholes with hard coatings and UV resistant coatings, and for plastic surface treatment measurement of primer/hardcoat multi-layer systems. Additional applications include measurement of coating thickness for acoustic diaphragms and other curved surfaces. The F10-HC can measure on flat, curved, cylindrical, and concave surfaces, and works with both transparent and opaque substrates.^[3][4]