The Elcometer 3025 Scratch Tester (part number K0003025M001) is a portable motorised instrument for testing the resistance of materials to scratching, shearing, gouging, marring, scraping and engraving. Scratch and shear resistance determines how a surface, such as a laminate or coated panel, will hold up to wear and handling in service, so a repeatable bench test gives an objective basis for accepting or rejecting a material.

A conical diamond tip tool is placed on the sample and, with the turntable rotating at a constant 5rpm, traces the surface to leave a mark whose extent, in relation to the load used, indicates the hardness of the coating or material. The load is adjustable from 0 to 1000g, and the constant rotation speed is what gives the test its repeatability and reproducibility. The height of the scale beam is set by the user to match the sample, and the Elcometer 3025 Scratch Tester handles samples up to 12.7mm thick by 101mm square or round.

The Elcometer 3025 Scratch Tester measures 445 by 190 by 150mm and weighs 6.8kg. An optional sample cutter prepares precise circular specimens, with optional pads for the Elcometer 3025 Scratch Tester for cutting thicknesses of 0.03mm, 4.74mm and 6.35mm. The Elcometer 3025 Scratch Tester can be used in accordance with EN 438-2 and ISO 4586-2, the standards covering scratch and surface resistance of high pressure decorative laminates.

Used in coatings and materials laboratories and quality control, the Elcometer 3025 Scratch Tester is supplied in South Africa by BAMR, the country's authorised distributor.