August 2010

This month we are pleased to announce the launch of our newly redesigned and updated Model 190. For several years the Model 190 has been a top seller and represents our most economical contact angle measuring workhorse. There are three significant improvements to this product.

First, the camera has changed. The new Model 190 (p/n 190-F2) uses our new F2 Series camera and replaces our p/n 190-F1 based on the F1 Series Camera. We began making FireWire-powered instruments back in 2005 with our F0 Series. (The F0 Series camera is now discontinued.) In 2006 we launched our F1 Series which soon became the default camera on all ramé-hart systems. Now, in 2010, we are pleased to launch our new F2 Series camera with the new and improved 190-F2. The F2 Series camera operates at 60 frames per second and ideally suited for all types of static and dynamic contact angle measurements. In addition, the F2 Series is supported on both 32 and 64-bit versions of Windows 7 and is backward compatible with Windows Vista and Windows XP. We also have drivers for all (3) editions of DROPimage although the 190-F2 will ship with our DROPimage CA software. The F2 also features a powerful software-based control center for adjusting Contrast and Exposure in order to maximize image quality. The 190-F2 is now available for sale. For a limited time, the 190-F1 will also remain available. There are no changes to our other products which continue to use the F1 Series camera.

ramé-hart Model 190 (p/n 190-F2)

Second, the new Model 190 now features an LED (Light-Emitting Diode) SMD (Surface-Mounted Device). Recent generations of our instrument have employed a capable halogen light source with light delivery via a fiber bundle. This system has worked well and we continue to use it on all other systems. The new F2 camera has a highly sensitive software-controlled exposure setting which allows us to provide static backlighting via a cool super white low-power LED SMD while maintaining high image quality and excellent measuring precision. The new LED illuminator provides sufficient brightness but does not heat up the sample. Moreover, the LED SMD is rated for 40,000 hours which is bad for our replacement parts business; it might be 10-20 years before we start selling replacement lamps.

Batch of ramé-hart Model 190s (p/n 190-F2) in Production

Third, due to new component prices and the elimination of the costly fiber bundle and light source power supply, we are able to pass those savings on our customers without sacrificing quality or functionality. The 190-F2 is priced below the 190-F1 and is the highest quality and most cost-effective entry-level contact angle goniometer on the market today. Furthermore, no entry-level system has a wider array of modular accessories and upgrades available. These include our Environmental Fixture for performing liquid/liquid and captive bubble studies, Manual Tilting Base for measuring advancing and receding contact angle, Wafer Support (up to 4" diameter), Film Clamps, and several software upgrades to add surface tension and support for the methods-based experiment design tool. As your needs become more demanding, your initial instrument acquisition investment is preserved through upgrading rather than costly instrument replacement.

To learn more about the new Model 190 and to download a PDF brochure, visit this page on our website: http://www.ramehart.com/190.htm. If you are interested in a quotation, please contact us.