How is Fingerprint and Wear Resistance Measured on Kitchen Appliances?

Abrasion marks on surfaces – caused by the human hand – are the main reason for perception of poor quality of a product. In today’s kitchens, sleek appliances are prized for their modern look, but maintaining a pristine appearance can be challenging due to fingerprints, smudges, and wear from cleaning.

Advanced wear testing provides crucial insights into the fingerprint and wear resistance of kitchen appliances. This advanced technology is used to assess and improve the durability of kitchen appliance surfaces by simulating chemical and mechanical stress under real conditions, according to international standards.

  • What is fingerprint resistance?
  • How do fingerprint resistance finishes work?
  • How are fingerprint resistant coatings tested?
  • How are different surfaces compared?
  • What are the benefits of advanced fingerprint and wear testing?

What is fingerprint resistance?

Decorative surfaces such as stainless steel, which is widely used for today’s kitchen appliances, can be difficult to clean. Kitchen appliance surfaces are subject to frequent contact with greasy or oily hands as well as spills of sticky beverages and foods.

Consumers wanted surfaces that would maintain a clean and polished appearance with reduced time spent cleaning. In response, manufacturers started applying fingerprint-resistant finishes that are made to shed oils and greases that are inherent to fingerprints and sticky spills. These finishes not only minimize smudges and marks but add an extra layer of protection against corrosion and rust.

READ MORE about tribology and the science of wear or hand abrasion.

How do fingerprint resistance finishes work?

An anti-fingerprint finish is a specialized surface treatment applied to stainless steel and other metal surfaces to reduce the visibility of fingerprints, smudges, and other marks. It is a very thin clear coat that allows the shine of the metal to show through while creating a barrier to fingerprints and smudges. The coating provides surface planarization, makes the metal surface harder, and reduces its surface tension, which makes it difficult for fingerprints, sweat, and grease to stick to it.

By reducing surface roughness and adhesion of the oil and contaminants to the surface, fingerprints and other smudges can be easily removed with environmentally-friendly cleaners.

How are fingerprint resistant coatings tested?

Fingerprint resistance is vital for kitchen appliances where frequent contact with greasy or oily hands can mar their appearance. Effective testing helps manufacturers understand how well their products can maintain a clean and attractive loo over time.

As an example, the TRIBOTOUCH hand abrasion simulator mimics the impact of the hand (finger) on a surface. The impact leads to a local mechanical crushing followed by a friction movement. The visco-elastic material properties of the human hand, in combination with the rough, structured surface of the skin, cause high abrasion potential. In addition, perspiration or grease create an aggressive chemical environment, which when combined with the friction movement, can cause overly high stress that mars or wears the surface.

TRIBOTOUCH simulates human contact by using a controlled probe that applies specific pressures, speeds, and motions to the appliance’s surface. This replication of real-world contact helps test the surface’s resistance to fingerprints and wear in a precise and repeatable manner.  Oils help replicate the human touch and can also be used to test how well the fingerprints can be removed by cleaning.

READ MORE about TRIBOTOUCH hand abrasion testing.

How are different surfaces compared?

In the example above, two samples of black matte surfaces are tested, one without fingerprint resistant coating and one with it. The anti-fingerprint test was performed with the TRIBOTOUCH Hand Abrasion Tester, which is simulating the human touch by using a dynamic linear motor with motion control. The system can be used to measure the resistance to fingerprints on kitchen appliances by reproducibly replicating the touch of a finger using wool and olive oil on the TRIBOTOUCH.  The probe is then touched to the surface a set number of times and the surface is inspected to see if there is transfer of the oil, i.e., the “fingerprint”.

This anti-fingerprint test provides a tool to compare the performance of different surfaces with regard to fingerprint marks.

What are the benefits of advanced fingerprint and wear testing?

The TRIBOTOUCH system offers a precise and controlled environment for testing fingerprint resistance. Here’s how it works:

  1. Simulation of Contact: The TRIBOTOUCH system replicates human contact by using a probe to apply controlled pressure, speed, and motion on an appliance surface. This simulates the conditions under which fingerprints and smudges typically occur.
  1. Measurement and Analysis: Changes in texture, gloss, and surface integrity become visible as the probe interacts with the surface. This helps quantify the surface’s resistance to fingerprints and wear.
  1. Data Interpretation: The fingerprint resistance test provides insights into how well the surface resists visible fingerprints and maintains its appearance. It also evaluates the material’s ease of cleaning and resilience to oils and grease.
  1. Precision and Repeatability: TRIBOTOUCH delivers accurate and repeatable results, ensuring consistent and reliable testing outcomes. Repeatable tests help manufacturers develop surfaces that are resistant to fingerprints and easier to clean.
  1. Enhanced Consumer Satisfaction: Improved fingerprint resistance enhances the appearance and functionality of appliances, leading to greater customer satisfaction.

Advanced fingerprint resistance testing, with systems like the TRIBOTOUCH, provides manufacturers with essential data to enhance the durability and appearance of kitchen appliances. By simulating real-world contact and measuring surface performance, these tests help ensure that appliances not only look great but also stand up to everyday use, benefiting both manufacturers and consumers.

If you are interested in seeing how the test can help you, contact tim@microphotonics.com .

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