AST Products, Inc. VCA Optima

The VCA Optima utilizes a precision camera and advanced PC technology to capture static or dynamic images of the droplet and determine tangent lines for the basis of contact angle measurement. A manual or automatic syringe provides easy dispensing of test liquid. Computerized operation eliminates human error in line drawing and captures dynamic images for time sensitive analysis. Data and images are stored in the computer for later analysis or easy transfer to other software applications. (Excerpt from the AST Products VCA Optima page)



This used Optima droplet surface inspection and tilt base are in good cosmetic condition; the base shows several signs of use, including deep scrapes in the body. New Life Scientific technicians have evaluated this instrument for functionality by powering it on. Unfortunately, the PC and Optima software required to control the camera and data analysis is not available. The Optima software also controls the motorized tilt base which is ideal for testing different contact angles that the standard x-y-x stage could not produce. New Life Scientific reached out to AST technical support and received an upgrade and software quote of  approximately 5350.00 USD; this quote requires the instrument be shipped to AST and includes a software upgrade, a video capture board, and the image analysis work station (PC). This quote is only valid for ninety-days, from its original production, and the customer will need to contact the manufacturer for an updated service quote. The consumable syringe is not included with this purchase; the 1000 microliter syringe and needle tips are available from a number of retailers such as Fisher Scientific, Sigma-Aldrich, and Thermo. For more information please see the links and contact New Life Scientific for details about the ninety-day warranty offered for this product.