A Grindometer is a precision gauge used to determine particle size and fineness of grind in dispersed materials. It contains a groove which changes gradually in depth, allowing the material to be drawn across the gauge and assessed against a graduated scale. The Elcometer 2050 is a single-channel High Precision Grindometer designed for materials including paints, pigments, inks, coatings and chocolates.

A high precision gauge can be useful when smaller graduations are required to assess changes in particle size or dispersion. The Elcometer 2050 is available with graduations as fine as 1µm on the 0–25µm model, with additional models available for larger particle size ranges.

The measurement range should cover the expected particle size of the material while providing suitable graduation for the measurement. The Elcometer 2050 is available in 0–25µm, 0–50µm, 0–100µm and 0–250µm versions, with graduations ranging from 1µm to 12.5µm depending on the model.

Accuracy depends on the gauge being used. The Elcometer 2050 High Precision Grindometer has a stated accuracy of ±3µm (0.12mil) or ±5% of the measurement, whichever is greater. Different versions are available with graduations from 1µm to 12.5µm.

Yes, provided the gauge has a suitable measurement range and graduation for the material being tested. The Elcometer 2050/1, for example, has a range of 0–25µm with 1µm graduations, making it the finest graduated model within the Elcometer 2050 range.

A single-channel gauge has one precision-ground measurement groove, while a two-channel gauge has two. The Elcometer 2050 is a single-channel High Precision Grindometer, whereas the Elcometer 2020 range uses two graduated channels.

ASTM D1210 is a standard test method for determining the fineness of dispersion of pigment-vehicle systems using a Hegman-type gauge. The Elcometer 2050 is listed for use with ASTM D1210 and ISO 1524, along with other recognised standards.