FAMAS Analysis Software

FAMAS (Interface Measurement & Analysis System) is Kyowa's proprietary software platform, engineered to automate data acquisition and deliver highly accurate, reproducible results for surface and interfacial science. By combining advanced image processing with industry-standard evaluation algorithms, FAMAS eliminates operator bias and streamlines complex measurement workflows.

Key Capabilities & Core Analysis Methods

FAMAS supports a versatile range of analysis methods suited for diverse droplet behavior and material surfaces. For a deep dive into the scientific theory behind each technique, please explore our dedicated Interface Science Subsites.

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Sessile Drop Method

To precisely analyze wetting behavior across flat, textured, or curved substrates, FAMAS features an array of five specialized evaluation algorithms. This flexibility allows operators to seamlessly match the analysis to specific droplet volumes, surface restrictions, and accuracy standards:

Standard & Baseline Fitting

• ✔ Half-Angle (Height-Width) Method

The classic, reliable choice for standard, symmetrical droplets. FAMAS calculates the contact angle instantaneously from only the droplet's apex height and baseline diameter, making it ideal for rapid quality-control screening.

• ✔ Tangent Method

Engineered for uneven sample surfaces or slightly disturbed droplet profiles. By analyzing three independent endpoints near the three-phase boundary, FAMAS accurately determines the true tangent curve, even on challenging substrates.

Advanced Geometric Fitting

• ✔ Circle Fitting

Optimized for micro-droplets and extreme ultra-low contact angles (typically under 20º). The software fits a perfect, theoretical partial-circle curve across the entire silhouette, preventing edge pixel noise from skewing your data.

• ✔ Ellipse Fitting

Designed for higher contact angles and larger droplet volumes (20-120º). FAMAS maps a partial ellipse to the silhouette to automatically compensate for minor gravitational deformation or vertical flattening of the liquid dome.

Physical Thermodynamic Fitting

• ✔ Young-Laplace Fitting Method

Rather than relying on simple geometry, FAMAS fits a comprehensive theoretical curve derived from the Young-Laplace equation. This physically accounts for gravity, liquid density, and hydrostatic pressure, making it the ultimate tool for large droplet volumes, heavily distorted shapes, and asymmetrical profiles (120-180º).

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Three-State Method

Contact angle measurements typically measure the wettability of a solid by a liquid in a gaseous phase. The three-state method, however, measures the contact angle of a liquid or an air bubble in a surrounding bulk liquid phase, with two possible setups:

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Dynamic Contact Angles

Software-controlled assessment of dynamic wetting behavior and contact angle hysteresis is essential. Although static contact angles provide a baseline, measuring advancing and receding contact angles is vital for understanding real-world surface interactions, including factors such as cleanliness, roughness, coating durability, and the effectiveness of hydrophobic or oleophobic properties.

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Surface Free Energy (SFE) Analysis

Go beyond simple contact angle values to quantify the fundamental thermodynamic properties of your solid surfaces. By measuring contact angles with two or more reference liquids of known polar and dispersive components, FAMAS instantly calculates total Surface Free Energy. The software comes pre-loaded with an industry-leading selection of advanced theoretical models to match any material class:

Standard 2-Component Models (Dispersive & Polar)

• ✔ Owens-Wendt-Rable-Kaelble (OWRK) Method

The most widely recognized industrial standard for calculating solid SFE by mathematically separating surface energy into distinct polar and dispersive interactions.

• ✔ Wu Harmonic Mean Method

Utilizes harmonic means rather than geometric equations, providing significantly higher accuracy when analyzing low-energy surfaces, treated polymers, and organic coatings.

• ✔ Geometric Mean (Fowkes) Method

The foundational thermodynamic model assumes SFE is a direct sum of independent polar and dispersive components across the solid-liquid interface.

Advanced Multi-Component Models (Dispersive, Polar & Hydrogen-bonding)

• ✔ Kitazaki-Hata Method (Extended Fowkes)

Expands analysis into a 3-component matrix by breaking total energy down into dispersive, polar, and specific hydrogen-bonding forces.

• ✔ van Oss-Chaudhury-Good (Acid-Base) Theory

An advanced approach isolating the polar Lewis acid-base (electron donor-acceptor) parameters. Crucial for deep chemical surface characterization and complex wetting behaviors.

Adhesion & Empirical Diagnostics

• ✔ Young-Dupré Equation (Work of Adhesion)

Combines thermodynamic principles to precisely quantify the physical work of adhesion, allowing users to evaluate bonding strength and adhesive failure points.

• ✔ Zisman Plot

An empirical graphical tool used to determine the critical surface tension of a solid — the precise threshold required for a liquid to achieve total, complete wetting.

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Pendant Drop Method

The pendant drop method determines liquid-gas surface tension and liquid-liquid interfacial tension with absolute precision. FAMAS uses an advanced numerical fitting algorithm based on the Young-Laplace equation to evaluate the exact profile of a suspended droplet. By precisely balancing gravitational deformation against surface forces, the software delivers highly reliable calculations based on phase densities.

Pixel Calibration & Traceability Standards

Ensure long-term data integrity and absolute traceability. FAMAS features an integrated calibration suite utilizing physical glass standards to verify optical precision and maintain strict measurement accuracy over time.

The droplet calibration standard for the standard field-of-view is a vital, basic accessory included with all Kyowa instrument models. Manufactured from high-precision soda-lime glass, it features one full reference circle for dimensional pixel calibration, alongside three precise droplet silhouettes fixed at 5º, 60º, and 108º for routine verification of measurement accuracy.

With this integrated calibration suite, users can effortlessly perform routine maintenance and validation in-house, ensuring the software's geometric analysis remains perfectly reliable and accurate over long-term operations.

Available Options & Certification:
To accommodate varying optical setups, specialized standards for wide-view camera configurations and dedicated pendant-drop calibration standards are available. For regulated environments and strict quality management, official certificates of accuracy for the full-circle and droplet silhouettes can also be provided upon request.

The FAMAS calibration interface provides instant feedback during validation procedures. Figure 1 illustrates the calibration window displaying the 3 mm reference circle for standard view mode, while Figure 2 shows an active accuracy check of the 60º silhouette using the standard height-width analysis algorithm.

Advanced Features for High Reliability & Accuracy

To secure truly objective data, laboratory automation must go beyond simple calculations. FAMAS integrates intelligent hardware synchronization with real-time image analysis — handling everything from automated dispense verification and instant deposition recognition to sharp-contrast edge detection and precise baseline mapping. By eliminating human error at every stage of the optical testing lifecycle, it guarantees highly reproducible, inspection-ready results.

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Focusing Aid & Droplet Volume Monitoring

Achieve flawless optical alignment and absolute precision in liquid handling. FAMAS provides real-time quantitative feedback to eliminate operator subjectivity during setup and automated dispensing.

• ✔ Focusing Aid

Flawless measurements depend on sharp edge contrast. The built-in focus level indicator displays a real-time bar chart and two distinct numerical values: the peak (highest achieved) and current focus levels on the live monitor. This quantitative feedback enables operators to achieve optimal sharpness quickly and consistently, without relying on personal visual judgment.

• ✔ Droplet Volume Monitoring

Droplet volume consistency is critical for reproducible contact angle data. FAMAS continuously computes the droplet's actual volume and displays it live on the image screen. When integrated with a Kyowa automatic dispenser, the software dynamically bridges the hardware gap — controlling and adjusting the physical dispense cycle to guarantee that the exact preset volume is delivered every time.

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Automatic Recognition of Droplet Deposition

Manual triggering can lead to lost data during the crucial first milliseconds of contact. FAMAS features an intelligent automatic recognition engine that instantly detects the exact moment a droplet touches the solid surface. It automatically initiates image capture and data analysis, capturing rapid initial wetting phenomena with zero human error.

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Advanced Image Processing Suite

Real-world samples rarely present ideal conditions. FAMAS incorporates powerful digital image optimization tools that allow operators to isolate droplet profiles on challenging surfaces, retrospectively refine measurements, and visually map complex dynamic wetting characteristics with absolute confidence.

• ✔ Convex & Curved Surface Baseline Correction

Standard analysis platforms assume a perfectly flat substrate, which skews data when measuring specialized components. FAMAS includes a specialized geometric correction algorithm that accurately maps and shifts the baseline for curved, concave, or convex surfaces — such as lenses, optical tubes, and syringes — preventing artificial distortion of the contact angle.

• ✔ Robust Edge Isolation & Contrast Optimization

Flawless mathematical fitting relies entirely on clear optical boundaries. FAMAS utilizes high-resolution grey-scale threshold adjustments and digital filtering algorithms to cleanly isolate droplet profiles from low-contrast, reflective, or textured backgrounds, ensuring highly stable baseline calculations and shape-fitting metrics.

• ✔ High-Speed Sequential Image Capture & Video Conversion

To capture rapid absorption, fast-spreading liquids, or highly volatile solvents, FAMAS records high-speed discrete images sequentially frame by frame. This ensures uncompressed pixel data for every single data point. Post-measurement, researchers can review these frames individually, re-analyze specific millisecond intervals, and retrospectively adjust baseline parameters. Additionally, the built-in image converter can compile these sequential frames into seamless video files for presentations and reports.

Workflow Efficiency & Data Export

Streamline your laboratory operations from data collection to final reporting. FAMAS features a robust suite of integrated statistical tools, flexible data sheets, and an export function designed to accelerate quality control decisions, maintain cross-shift consistency, and simplify data management.

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Built-in T-test Comparison

Speed up data validation and quality control processes without needing to export data to external software. FAMAS includes a built-in Welch's t-test tool for contact angle measurements via the standard sessile drop method and for interfacial tension measurements using the standard pendant drop method. Perfect for comparing sample groups with unequal variances, it allows quick statistical comparison between two data sets (e.g., surfaces before and after plasma treatment) and immediately assesses whether a surface modification significantly affected wetting behavior.

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Advanced Data Management Sheet

Raw measurement values, along with automated calculations for the average and standard deviation of each data row, are populated live into spreadsheet-like data matrices featuring a clear 45x10 (Row x Column) cell grid.

• ✔ Comprehensive Parameter Collection

Beyond standard contact angle results, FAMAS simultaneously captures and indexes critical companion metrics for every test sequence, including droplet volume, apex height, baseline width, and base diameter.

• ✔ Dynamic Charts

When operating in time-dependent modes, the software instantly generates clear tracking charts that plot changes in contact angle or sessile drop volume over time to evaluate evaporation or absorption rates.

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Reporting & Laboratory Administration

FAMAS provides essential software management utilities to simplify corporate documentation and maintain standard operating procedures across your facility.

• ✔ Quick Word Report & Data Copying

Export standard measurement overviews efficiently. For sessile drop measurements, FAMAS automatically generates a text-based Word report file containing crucial metadata, custom operator comments, and an automated data table featuring sequential contact angles alongside vital statistics (averages and standard deviations). For all other advanced measurement methods, results can be quickly copied and pasted directly into your internal documentation.

• ✔ Seamless Excel & CSV Integration

Export complete data profiles effortlessly. Raw files and calculated data sheets transition smoothly into standard `.csv` or `.xlsx` formats, making it easy to perform customized deep-dive statistical research or interface with corporate LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) networks.

• ✔ Multi-User Management, Custom Recipes & Free Data-Viewer

Maintain perfect continuity regardless of operator experience. FAMAS allows laboratory managers to configure and lock custom software layouts and testing parameters as reusable "measurement recipes," guaranteeing identical conditions across shifts. Additionally, the license-free "Data-Viewer-Mode" can be deployed on an unlimited number of separate computers, allowing scientists and students to review, verify, and re-analyze existing datasets anywhere without extra seat costs.