DROPOMETER
The Smartphone-based Drop Shape Analyzer. Lab-grade accuracy without the lab-grade price.
Measure contact angle, surface and interfacial tension, surface free energy and sliding angle with a smartphone camera. Validated against a KRÜSS DSA100E in two peer reviewed papers, and works fully offline. From US$4,990.
Full Product Demo
Dr. Alidad together with his student will demonstrate the entire process from unboxing to assembly and all four measurements
PEER‑REVIEWED VALIDATION. BENCHMARKED VS KRÜSS DSA100E. PORTABLE + OFFLINE.
Lab grade accuracy
Validated against a KRÜSS DSA100E in peer review and cited in 59 Client Citations. Whether it’s a polymer tube or a nanoparticle film, you can trust your data with every drop.
Independent Expert Review
Prof. Steven Abbott
Surface science consultant & author
Producing an OK prototype was one thing. The real challenge was to create a package that delivered reliable values, using standard, challenging test cases to compare results to those from well-known high-price devices.
REMOVE HUMAN ERROR. GAIN SPEED.
Consistent analysis, operator to operator
Automatic edge and baseline detection, trained on 20,000+ droplets, gives consistent analysis across 85%+ of use cases. No more subjective clicking. No more manual image processing. Just clean results.
READY FOR THE FIELD
Compact. Mobile. No tools needed.
5-STEP SETUP
Set up in about 2 minutes
Four Core Metrics. One Device.
Multi-measurement platform
One platform, no extra rigs. All in one place. Droplet Flagship supports:
Sessile Drop (Contact Angle)
Models Young-Laplace, Polynomial
Drop types: Advancing, Receding, Static.
Pendant Drop (Surface Tension)
Drop types Static Dynamic Pendant
Oberflächenenergie
Tilt Stage (Sliding Angle)
Drop types Tilting Sessile
Seamless Workflow Integration
We adapt to your workflow — not the other way around.
Fabric stage
Fabric stage
Concrete QC mount
Cloud & API Integration
Quality components.
Hamilton®
Trusted in precision dispensing.
Godox®
Consistent lighting for optical accuracy.
Aircraft Grade Aluminium Parts
For rugged reliability.
Modular Upgrade Path
Built to grow with you.
Base System
0% automation
+ Auto-Dropper
Fully Automated
after auto-dropper
+ Tilt stage
Full Utility
and Automation with Tilt Stage
You’re Not Just Buying an Instrument. You’re Backed for Life.
From global delivery to scientific advice—we’ve got you covered.
We accept purchase orders. Quotes are valid for 3 months, payment terms are net 30 with a discount for paying upfront, and we ship to every country. Every unit carries a 5 year hardware warranty.
Global Delivery
Ships in 15 business days via UPS.
Lifetime Scientific Support
Access to real experts, not just a help desk.
Instant ROI Snapshot
Calculate your savings in real time.
Result
Dropometer workflow time is modeled at 1.1 minutes per test. Monthly savings = tests x minutes saved per test / 60 x labor rate.
Experience it in 3D.
Dropometer – Technical Specification
This version integrates user-provided details and public specifications for listed third‑party components.
Hardware & Optics
Camera & Imaging System
| Model (optional add-on, US$295) | Google Pixel 7a (main rear camera used) |
| Sensor size | 1/1.31" |
| Resolution (stills) | 50 MP |
| Lens focal length / Aperture | 26 mm wide (35mm equiv.), f/1.9 |
| Focus method / stabilization | Dual Pixel PDAF, Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) |
| Zoom | Digital; optical handled via sample-to-camera geometry |
| Phone included or BYO | Base kit uses your own iPhone (iOS 15 or later); pre-configured Google Pixel available for US$295 |
| Supported BYO models | iPhone models running iOS 15 or later only (No iPhone below iOS 15; no non-Pixel Android phones) |
Illumination
LED Lighting System
| Type / Model | Godox Litemons LED6R RGB LED Video Light (ASIN: B08VJ8GX5G) |
| CCT range | 3200–6500 K |
| CRI | 95 (typical) |
| Modes / Effects | HSI RGB (36,000 colors) and 13 FX effects |
| Mounting | 3 cold-shoe sockets; magnetic attraction support |
| Brightness control | Adjustable brightness with onboard controls |
Stage & Mechanics
Sample Stage
| Stage dimensions | 170 mm × 60 mm |
| Travel range (X/Y/Z) | X = 50 mm, Y = 140 mm, Z = 10 mm |
| Leveling / tilt resolution | Manuell |
| Needle micromanipulator travel | 5 mm |
| Focus mechanism | Manual fine-focus adjustment |
Tilt Stage (Sliding Angle)
| Angular range | 0°–60° |
| Resolution (°/step) | 0.002° |
| Speed | User determined |
| Repeatability | Automatic version can be programmed for repeatability |
| Leveling accuracy | 0.01° |
| Steuerung | Manuell und automatisch |
Auto-Dropper / Dosing
Syringe System
| Automatic syringe (PN) | Hamilton 5495-30 (1700 series, #1750 PTFE Luer Lock) |
| Manual syringe (PN) | Hamilton 81242 (1700 series, 500 µL Model 1750 LT, Threaded Plunger) |
| Minimum droplet volume (auto) | 0.05 µL |
| Manual dropper volume | 1 rotation = 5.29 µL |
| Dispense resolution / accuracy | 0.01 µL |
| Step size | 0.00019 mm |
| Syringe compatibility | Hamilton only |
Dimensions & Weight
Physical Specifications
| Footprint (H × W × L) | 30 × 15 × 45 cm |
| Gewicht | 1 kg base |
Power & Safety
Power Requirements
| Input voltage | 5 V (battery-only operation supported) |
| Typical power draw | ≈ 7–10 W (measurement, phone not charging) |
| Peak power draw | ≈ 20–24 W (measurement while phone is fast-charging) |
| Akkulaufzeit | Up to 6–8 hours (depending on usage and load) |
Certifications
Godox LED6R: CE, FCC, RoHS, UKCA
Pixel 7a: CE (RED), FCC, RoHS; UL ECOLOGO Gold (environmental ecolabel, not a UL safety mark)
Software, Workflow & Data
Software Platform
| Platforms | Android and iOS apps |
| Offline vs. cloud | All measurement processing (including automatic edge detection) is fully offline. Internet is required only to share/export data to cloud (Drive/Dropbox/OneDrive/Box/etc.) |
| Licensing | Lifetime license; unlimited users; license tied to phone. Optional subscription is just a payment alternative with no features behind a paywall |
| Schnittstellen | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, cellular (via phone) |
| Security / users | Unlimited user accounts on the device; data stored locally unless user opts to share |
File Formats & Export
| Images | TIFF |
| Batch export options | CSV |
| Metadata schema | Custom (calibration, fit parameters) |
| API / custom integrations | Available on request for qualified workflows |
Algorithms & Models
Measurement Methods
| Contact angle (sessile) | Young–Laplace and polynomial (advancing, receding and static) |
| Surface Free Energy | Equation of State, Fowkes, van Oss-Chaudhury-Good (acid-base) (sessile static) |
| Tilted (tilting sessile) | Polynom |
| Während | Young–Laplace (pendant static and dynamic) |
Automation & Calibration
Contact angle (sessile): Fully automated baseline detection and drop fitting (Young–Laplace/polynomial)
Surface tension (pendant): User provides an initial needle–drop contact point; the Young–Laplace solver then auto-converges using the drop contour
Calibration Procedures
Calibration Details
| Provided standards | Built-in bubble level on sessile stage |
| Recommended frequency | N/A (software calibration embedded for Young–Laplace method) |
| Software-guided routines | Yes (for Young–Laplace) |
Data Integrity & Traceability
Security Features
| User accounts / roles | Unlimited users; local accounts |
| Audit trails / e-signatures | Not supported |
Performance & Compliance
Accuracy & Repeatability
| Angle repeatability / accuracy | 0.01° resolution; 0.35° accuracy (sessile & tilted) |
| Tension repeatability / accuracy | 0.01 mN/m resolution; 0.03 mN/m accuracy |
Measurement Ranges
| Contact angle (sessile) | 10°–175° |
| Contact angle (tilted/sliding) | 10°–175° |
| Surface / Free Energy | Up to 100 mN/m |
| Pendant (surface/interfacial tension) | Up to 75 mN/m |
Standards Conformance
Fully compliant: ASTM D7334; ASTM D7490-13; ASTM D5946 / ISO 15989; ISO 19403-2 (Paints and Varnishes); EN ISO 19403-3; EN ISO 19403-6; FDA 510(k) Guidance: Determining CMC by Surface Tension (Contact Lens Care Products—Appendix B); IEC TS 62073:2016 Method A; TAPPI T 458.
Partially compliant: ASTM C813-20; ASTM D8597-24; ASTM G205-23; ISO 19403-7:2024; IEC TR 62039:2021.
Note: Methodological alignment, not regulatory approval of the instrument.
Operating Environment
10°–45°C Automatic version, -5°–45°C Manual version; without condensation
Environmental Control Options
Temperature / Humidity Control
Available as upgrade
Materials & Accessories
Base Kit Contents (US$4,990)
Complete manual instrument for contact angle, surface tension, and surface energy measurement; lifetime software license; one Hamilton syringe (manual); assorted needles
Add-On Pricing
| Manual tilt stage + software | $695 |
| Precision Dropper (auto dropper) | $1,495 |
| Motorized tilt stage | $1,500 |
| Fabric holder | $695 |
| Hamilton PSD-4 dropper | $2,495 |
| Pre-configured Google Pixel phone | $295 |
| Droplet AI measurement automation | $750 |
| Cuvette holder | $250 |
Consumables & Spares
Variety of needles included free; one Hamilton syringe included for manual and (if purchased) auto version
Commercials & Support
Warranty & Support
| Warranty terms | 5 year manufacturer hardware warranty (excludes consumables: syringes, needles, batteries). Phone warranty via phone manufacturer |
| Ongoing software support | Free device-lifetime software updates (5 years) |
| Service & calibration | No periodic service required; software calibration included; built-in bubble level |
Ordering & Delivery
| Lead time & shipping | Ships within 15 business days |
| Return policy / trial / demo | 30-day easy return |
Ready to get started?
Contact our team to discuss your specific requirements and book a 15 minute consult.
Frequently asked questions
What is included in the base Dropometer kit?
The instrument hardware with its sample stage, one Hamilton dosing syringe, assorted needles, and lifetime licenses for the contact angle, surface tension and surface energy software. You use your own iPhone (iOS 15 or later), or add a pre-configured Google Pixel for US$295.
Which phones are supported?
The Dropometer works with your own iPhone on iOS 15 or later. A pre-configured Google Pixel is available as a US$295 add-on.
Does it need an internet connection to use the Dropometer?
No. All measurement and analysis run on the phone, fully offline, including automatic edge and baseline detection. Internet is only needed if you choose to sync or export data.
How accurate is it, and what standards does it meet?
Published sessile contact angle accuracy is 0.35 degrees with 0.01 degree resolution, benchmarked against a KRÜSS DSA100E. The Dropometer is fully compliant with ASTM D7334, ASTM D7490-13, ASTM D5946 / ISO 15989 and ISO 19403-2, -3 and -6, among others. The full list is on our Industry Standards page.
What add-ons are available, and what do they cost?
The base kit is US$4,990. Add-ons: Precision Dropper for automated dosing US$1,495, Hamilton PSD-4 dropper US$2,495, manual tilt stage US$695, motorized tilt stage for sliding and advancing/receding angles US$1,500, fabric holder US$695, cuvette holder US$250, automation software US$750 and a pre-configured Google Pixel US$295. UPS shipping is US$150 within Canada, US$250 to the United States and US$350 to the rest of the world. The quote builder totals your configuration.
Do you accept purchase orders, and what are the payment terms?
Yes, we accept purchase orders. Quotes are valid for 3 months, standard payment terms are net 30, and paying upfront earns a discount. We ship to every country, normally within 15 business days via UPS.
What is the warranty and return policy?
The Dropometer is designed for a 5 year lifetime, and the manufacturer hardware warranty covers all 5 years, along with free software updates. Consumables such as syringes and needles are excluded. You also get a 30-day return window.
Learn the measurements: Contact angle measurement, Surface tension measurement, Surface energy measurement. Find your problem: Use cases. Guides for your industry: Zentrum für Oberflächenforschung.
Comparing instruments? Dropometer vs KRÜSS MSA, vs KRÜSS K20, vs Kibron EZ-Pi Plus, vs du Noüy ring, or all buying guides.