The Quarto-Varicon sensor is a thin, flexible dielectric sensor designed for cost-sensitive use with presses, molds, bulk materials or laminates. Patterned on a polyimide substrate, the Quarto-Varicon sensor can be supplied without leads, or with custom-length Teflon-insulated leads attached.

  The Quarto-Varicon sensor head is 1.0” (2.54 cm) long, 0.375” wide (0.95 cm) and only 0.004” (100 um) thick. The tin-plated electrodes have 0.004” (100 um) widths and spaces. The Quarto-Varicon sensor can measure the dielectric/conductive properties of materials within approximately 0.004” (100 um) of the electrode surface.

  The Quarto-Varicon sensor is suitable for high pressure applications and is ideal for measuring the dielectric properties and cure state of epoxies, bulk molding compound (BMC), sheet molding compound (SMC), silicones, thermosets, urethanes, RIM and composite materials. When used without leads, the sensor will tolerate temperatures up to 375 °C. When supplied with leads, the sensor will operate up to 200 °C.

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions:

• Length, sensor head : 1.0” (2.54 cm)
• Width, sensor head : 0.375” (0.95 cm)
• Thickness, sensor head : 0.004” (100 um)
• Width, electrode : 0.004” (100 um)
• Spacing, electrode : 0.004” (100 mm)

Composition:

• Substrate, sensor head : Polyimide
• Electrodes : Copper with tin flash
• Lead insulation : Teflon

Operational: Temperature, maximum :

• 375 °C (700 °F) without leads :
• 200 °C (392 °F) with supplied leads

Sensor Parameters:

• A/D ratio : 40 cm
• Base capacitance : ~12 pF*

* Actual value may vary

Temperature sensor : None

TEST MEASUREMENT (Typical results—actual results may vary)

Table 1. Typical Quarto-Varicon 1 kHz test results in air @ 20° C with LT-451 Dielectric Cure Monitor