The Elcometer 5300/2 Ball Type Drying Time Recorder is a linear drying time recorder that determines paint drying time by linear recording, testing up to 10 positions simultaneously, five each side of the centre column. This product has been discontinued. Drying time governs production scheduling and recoat windows; recording how a film passes through its drying stages over a known period gives formulators an objective measure of how a coating cures under set conditions.

Ten rods with hemispherical tips, fitted to a carriage, are brought into contact with the fresh films at one end of the test piece and moved lengthwise along it. The drying time is calculated from the distance travelled, read against a graduated rule along the edge, with the distance corresponding to the various drying stages observed on the trace. Coatings are applied beforehand on glass strips 25mm wide and 700mm long, and the Elcometer 3505 Cube Film Applicators allow up to five coatings to be applied simultaneously on a glass plate. The recorder stops automatically at the end of travel.

The tool diameter is 4.76mm and the recorder offers six speeds between 12mm and 600mm per hour. The load on each ball is 11g, with additional weights able to raise it to 21g. The unit measures 860 x 420 x 170mm and weighs 18kg, with a certificate of calibration available showing readings and traceability for fixed calibration equipment. Used in paint and coatings laboratories, it is supplied by BAMR, South Africa's authorised Elcometer distributor.