Products
- Other Physical Measuring Instruments, Physical Measuring Instruments, Testing Instrument & Equipment
Air Permeability Tester KES-F8 – KATO TECH CO.LTD.
Other Physical Measuring Instruments, Physical Measuring Instruments, Testing Instrument & EquipmentAir Permeability Tester KES-F8 – KATO TECH CO.LTD.
The KES-F8 Air Permeability Tester is designed to quickly and accurately measure the breathability and permeability of a wide range of samples, from those with high permeability, such as stockings, to those with low permeability, such as synthetic leather.
Samples can be mounted in just a few seconds using the handle, and measuring is also incredibly simple.
SKU: n/a - Other Physical Measuring Instruments, Physical Measuring Instruments, Testing Instrument & Equipment
Compression Tester KES-FB3-A – KATO TECH CO.LTD.
Other Physical Measuring Instruments, Physical Measuring Instruments, Testing Instrument & EquipmentCompression Tester KES-FB3-A – KATO TECH CO.LTD.
Compression characteristic data is useful for determining fullness and softness, smoothness, anti-drape stiffness.
The KES-FB3-A Compression Tester analyzes hand movements-particularly, pushing with a finger-performed by artisans and professionals when judging a fabric’s texture. This device performs this movement mechanically, making it possible to obtain objective numerical data.
Obtainable data includes compression rigidity, compression energy, and recoverability for such targets as general fabric, cloth, paper, and non-woven fabric.SKU: n/a - Other Physical Measuring Instruments, Physical Measuring Instruments, Testing Instrument & Equipment
Compression Tester KES-G5 – KATO TECH CO.LTD.
Other Physical Measuring Instruments, Physical Measuring Instruments, Testing Instrument & EquipmentCompression Tester KES-G5 – KATO TECH CO.LTD.
The KES-G5 Compression Tester analyzes hand movements-particularly, movements by finger-performed by artisans and professionals when judging a fabric’s texture.
Obtainable data includes compression rigidity, compression energy, and recoverability.
The machine can be applied to a wide variety of fields and purposes, including determining the softness of disposable diapers and the hardness of mousse.SKU: n/a - Other Physical Measuring Instruments, Physical Measuring Instruments, Testing Instrument & Equipment
Friction Tester KES-SE – KATO TECH CO.LTD.
Other Physical Measuring Instruments, Physical Measuring Instruments, Testing Instrument & EquipmentFriction Tester KES-SE – KATO TECH CO.LTD.
The KES-SE Friction Tester analyzes hand movements-particularly, strokes-performed by artisans and professionals when judging a fabric’s texture.
The device performs this movement mechanically, making it possible to obtain objective numerical data while offering more enhanced versatility over the KES-FB4-A Surface Tester.
Obtainable data includes average frictional coefficient, and fluctuation of average frictional coefficient. From these characteristic values, the KES-SE evaluates and quantifies smoothness, slipperiness, and roughness felt when actually touching the target in order to provide objective data.SKU: n/a - Other Physical Measuring Instruments, Physical Measuring Instruments, Testing Instrument & Equipment
Puncture Strength Tester NDG5 – KATO TECH CO.LTD.
Other Physical Measuring Instruments, Physical Measuring Instruments, Testing Instrument & EquipmentPuncture Strength Tester NDG5 – KATO TECH CO.LTD.
This testing machine measures the piercing strength required for a needle to penetrate a sample.
It is to measure rupture strength by applying force at a right angle, used for testing physical properties of battery separators.
The NDG5 can be used to evaluate the strength of film inside lithium-ion batteries (separators) and to measure the strength required to pierce packaging materials such as food packaging films.SKU: n/a - Other Physical Measuring Instruments, Physical Measuring Instruments, Testing Instrument & Equipment
Pure Bending Tester KES-FB2-A – KATO TECH CO.LTD.
Other Physical Measuring Instruments, Physical Measuring Instruments, Testing Instrument & EquipmentPure Bending Tester KES-FB2-A – KATO TECH CO.LTD.
The KES-FB2-A Pure Bending Tester analyzes hand movements-referred to as “bending”-performed by artisans and professionals when judging a fabric’s texture.
Obtainable data includes bending rigidity and recoverability for such targets as general fabric, cloth, paper, non-woven fabric, and film.
Bending characteristic data is useful for determining stiffness and fullness, softness, anti-drape stiffness.SKU: n/a - Other Physical Measuring Instruments, Physical Measuring Instruments, Testing Instrument & Equipment
Roughness/Friction Tester KES-SESRU – KATO TECH CO.LTD.
Other Physical Measuring Instruments, Physical Measuring Instruments, Testing Instrument & EquipmentRoughness/Friction Tester KES-SESRU – KATO TECH CO.LTD.
The KES-SESRU Roughness/Friction Tester analyzes hand movements-particularly, strokes-performed by artisans and professionals when judging a fabric’s texture.
In addition to average frictional coefficient and fluctuation of average frictional coefficient, surface roughness data is obtained. The device is also suitable for light texture conditions and hair measurement.
SKU: n/a - Other Physical Measuring Instruments, Physical Measuring Instruments, Testing Instrument & Equipment
Surface Tester KES-FB4-A – KATO TECH CO.LTD.
Other Physical Measuring Instruments, Physical Measuring Instruments, Testing Instrument & EquipmentSurface Tester KES-FB4-A – KATO TECH CO.LTD.
The KES-FB4-A Surface Tester analyzes finger movements-particularly, strokes-performed by artisans and professionals when judging a fabric’s texture.
Obtainable data includes frictional coefficients, fluctuations of frictional coefficients, and surface roughness for such targets as general fabric, cloth, paper, non-woven fabric, and film. Surface friction and roughness characteristic data is useful for determining fullness and softness, smoothness, crispness.
SKU: n/a - Other Physical Measuring Instruments, Physical Measuring Instruments, Testing Instrument & Equipment
Tensile and Shear Tester KES-FB1-A/AW – KATO TECH CO.LTD.
Other Physical Measuring Instruments, Physical Measuring Instruments, Testing Instrument & EquipmentTensile and Shear Tester KES-FB1-A/AW – KATO TECH CO.LTD.
The KES-FB1-A Tensile and Shear Tester analyzes hand movements-referred to as “tensile” and “shear”-performed by artisans and professionals when judging a fabric’s texture.
This device performs these movements mechanically, making it possible to obtain objective numerical data.
Obtainable data includes tensile/shear rigidity, tensile energy, elongation rates, and recoverability for such targets as cloth, paper, non-woven fabric, and film.
Tensile and shear characteristic data is useful for determining stiffness and anti-drape stiffness. These properties often influence form stability and the tendency for wrinkles.SKU: n/a - Other Physical Measuring Instruments, Physical Measuring Instruments, Testing Instrument & Equipment
Tensile rupture tester KES-TSSH – KATO TECH CO.LTD.
Other Physical Measuring Instruments, Physical Measuring Instruments, Testing Instrument & EquipmentTensile rupture tester KES-TSSH – KATO TECH CO.LTD.
A testing machine that can measure tensile, stress-relaxation, andrupture characteristics of hair, etc.
Each characteristic can be measured with up to 10 hairs.
It can be applied for various purposes such as the testing of the tensile strength of heat damaged hair or the hair elongation rate before and after shampooing.SKU: n/a - Testing Equipment, Testing Instrument & Equipment
Thermo Labo KES-F7 – KATO TECH CO.LTD.
Measure cold and warm sensations by “qmax” value.
The KES-F7 Thermo Labo can be used to evaluate such products as bedding material meant to offer a feeling of coldness in summer, and underwear material meant to offer contact warmth in winter.
SKU: n/a - Testing Equipment, Testing Instrument & Equipment
Warm/Cool Feeling Measurement Tester KES-QM – KATO TECH CO.LTD.
Testing Equipment, Testing Instrument & EquipmentWarm/Cool Feeling Measurement Tester KES-QM – KATO TECH CO.LTD.
Automatic measurement of “Qmax”, which is a significant parameter of “cool” and “warm” sensations when human skin touches an object.
The sensation of coldness or warmth when skin touches an object is referred to as the “coldness and warmth feeling.” The feeling of coldness or warmth will vary depending on the amount of heat transferred from the skin to the object. This device measures that feeling automatically by evaluating the “qmax” value (peak heat flux).
SKU: n/a
Company Profile
From Creating the Global Standard in Tactile Sensation with Texture Testing Machines to Custom Machine Design.
Since proposing the concept of texture measurement in 1968, Kato Tech has been responding to global needs, primarily in the textile industry.
We have now grown into an electronic measuring instrument manufacturer with connections in approximately 50 countries, serving various industries including automotive, papermaking, and cosmetics.
In addition, to contribute to diverse research, development, and societal progress, we are committed to producing custom-made large industrial machinery that materializes our customers’ specific requirements.
Enhancing Product Quality with High-Precision Testers: From Tactile Comfort Evaluation to Custom Machine Designs, Passing Down the Art of Expert Craftsmanship!
Kato Tech was established in Kyoto in 1961. We are celebrating our 62nd year in business.
We specialize in manufacturing and selling testing machines that quantitatively measure the “tactile comfort” when touching objects. In 1964, our collaboration with Dr. Kawabata from Kyoto University led to the successful development of technology known as “KES” (Kawabata Evaluation System).
The KES technology correlates with sensory evaluation by seasoned experts and converts measured data into objective numerical values. This remarkable technology has gained global recognition.
We measure and evaluate “texture, tactile sensation, and comfort” in various industries, including textiles, cosmetics, food products, batteries, automobile interior materials, and instrument panels.
We are committed to measuring and enhancing the “tactile comfort” of diverse products and making the artisans’ expertise available to everyone.
Business Outline
1. Electronic measuring instruments
2. Polymer material-related instruments
3. Various kinds of manufacturing instruments
4. Large Special Industrial Machinery
From texture testers creating “global standards for texture” to custom-made machinery design
Since we proposed the concept of Texture Measurement, Kato Tech has been meeting
the customer demands mainly in the textile industry.
Over the past two decades, we have grown as an electronic measuring instruments
manufacturer and have connections with over 50 countries in various industries, such as
automobile, paper and cosmetics, etc.
Additionally, we are working on the production of custom-made large industrial machinery to satisfy our customers’ demands and contribute to their various R&D and social development activities.
What is Texture Measurement That Quantifies Texture?
“Texture” has long been referred to as the material texture and tactile sensation – what people feel when they touch an object. However, it is only a subjective evaluation.
“KES” is technology for quantifying subjective evaluations by using measurement data, which is obtained by reproducing artisans’ hand movements and sensitivity when they distinguish the texture.
This technology was jointly developed with Dr. Kawabata of Kyoto University and it has been playing an important role in quality development.
SAMPLING SERVICE
We provide free sampling services “for a comprehensive understanding of our products,” “confirmation of obtainable measured data,” and “preparation of the necessary data for internal approval documents.” Please don’t hesitate to contact us.
What is Texture Measurement?
Texture measurement is a technique that transforms subjective tactile sensations into objective data.
The sense of touch people experience when handling materials, traditionally referred to as “texture”, has historically been judged subjectively by craftsmen and experts.
Texture measurement replicates actions like stroking, stretching, bending, and pressing on sophisticated testing equipment, converting ambiguous physical properties assessments into shared, objective numerical data.
This technology not only pursues comfort but also helps in preserving and passing down skilled artisans’ techniques to future generations.
Texture Measurement and KES (KAWABATA EVALUATION SYSTEM)
Developed in 1970 by Dr. Kiyoshi Kawabata and Dr. Masako Niwa, KES successfully transformed subjective tactile judgments into objective data.
Short for “KAWABATA EVALUATION SYSTEM,” KES is now commonly used in industries ranging from textiles to cosmetics, food, papermaking, and automobiles, serving as a global standard for texture evaluation.
Applications of KES
Initially focused on textile measurement, KES’s versatile texture measurement technology has been applied across diverse industries.
It’s used to evaluate the texture of food, the ergonomics of containers, the feel of cosmetics, the comfort of interiors, and even the touch of coatings, affecting various sectors including environmental and welfare industries. Centered around human experiences, the scope of KES is continually expanding into the future.
Learn about the industries where texture measurement is in demand from case studies.
Fiber
Tactile evaluation of dried laundry
Quantitative evaluation of the dry touch of laundry.
Verified with two types of towels: sunny-dried and room-dried towels.
Measured qmax values and confirmed correlation between wet and dry touch.
Evaluation of contact cold/warmth of cold mattress pad
Evaluated the “coolness” of a cold mattress pad.
Skin sensation of “warmth” or “coldness” when the skin touches the fabric, or contact cold/warmth sensation, was measured.
Evaluation of heat retention of functional innerwear
Compared the warmth of multiple pieces of functional innerwear.
Evaluated the warmth retention of fabrics.
Resin
Texture evaluation of automobile interior materials (instrument panels)
KES-SE Friction Tester
KES-SESRU Roughness/Friction Tester
KES-F7 Thermo Labo
NT-01 Surface Friction Tester
Used to evaluate the texture of instrument panels.
Measured softness and smoothness to the touch, and coolness and warmth to the touch.
Evaluation of contact cold/warmth of bathroom floors
Evaluated the contact cold/warmth sensation when the feet touch the bathroom floor.
Measured the Qmax value, an index that evaluates the “cold” or “warm” sensation felt when the skin touches the floor.
Quality evaluation of medical wires
Used to compare differences in medical wire quality that cannot be determined by touch.
Evaluated for slipperiness, unevenness, and smoothness.
Non-woven Fabric
Quality control of disposable diapers
KES-G5 Compression Tester
KES-SE Friction Tester
KES-F8 Air Permeability Tester
KDMD-200 Baby Dummy Dolls
Used for quality control of design.
Measurements of diaper softness, surface smoothness, and hardness when twisted.
Dummy dolls are also used to test urine leakage and diffusion by having a sample actually attached to the doll.
Evaluation of the feel of the mask
KES-SE Friction Tester
KES-SESRU Roughness/Friction Tester
Verified the mask’s feel against the skin.
Measured the coefficient of friction and evaluated fluffiness and flexibility.
Tissue texture and breathability evaluation
KES-SE Friction Tester
KES-SESRU Roughness/Friction Tester
KES-F8 Air Permeability Tester
Evaluates the tissue’s smoothness to the touch and air permeability.
Measured smoothness and roughness to the touch and breathability.
Hair
Evaluates the level of heat damage to the hair
Measured tensile strength of hair damaged by heat at G1SH. The damage level is evaluated.
At the time of measurement, hair diameter was measured and cross-sectional area was calculated using SK2000, and hair was grouped so that the average cross-sectional area was equal.
Measurements were performed under the same hair conditions.
Evaluation of bending properties before and after shampoo use
KES-FB2-SH Single Fiber Bending Tester
Evaluation of hair firmness after shampoo and conditioner use
KES-SESRU Roughness/Friction Tester
Compared the feel of several shampoos and conditioners after use and after drying.
Verified which products left the hair with good finger movement.
Measured the average coefficient of friction of a hair bundle and evaluated the smoothness and firmness of the hair surface.
Leather
Seat comfort evaluation of automobile seats
Used to objectively evaluate the seating comfort of car seats.
Compression characteristics are measured and “softness” and “elasticity” are evaluated.
Seat comfort evaluation of automobile seats
Used to compare genuine leather, synthetic leather, and PVC leather with a sample thickness of 1 mm or greater.
Bending hardness and recovery are measured and leather suppleness is evaluated.
Seat comfort evaluation of automobile seats
Evaluates the operability of the steering wheel.
Measured finger force when gripping the steering wheel and movement during operation.
Other
Paper texture evaluation (softness, roughness)
KES-SE Friction Tester
KES-SESRU Roughness/Friction Tester
Used to evaluate paper texture.
Measure the hardness of the paper when bent and the roughness when touched.
Evaluation of flooring texture and durability
KES-F7 Thermo Labo
KK01 Scratch Tester
KK02 Scratch Tester
KK03 Scratch Tester
Evaluated the feel and durability of flooring.
Verified slipperiness, warm/cold sensation, and scratchiness.
Evaluation of coolness after cosmetic application
Evaluated the characteristics of heat after cosmetic application.
Analyzed the correlation with sensory evaluation for coolness.
Major Clients of Electronic Measuring Instruments
(in alphabetical order)
・Asahi Kasei Corp.
・Canon Inc.
・FUJIFILM Corporation
・KANEKA CORPORATION
・KOBAYASHI PHERMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.
・LiveDo Corporation
・Mitsubishi Paper Mills Limited
・Nitto Denko Corporation
・Panasonic Corporation
・SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY, LIMITED
・TEIJIN LIMITED
・The Procter & Gamble Company
・Toyota Motor Corporation
・Unicharm Corporation
・ASICS Corporation
・Daio Paper Corporation
・Honda R&D Co.,Ltd.
・Kao Corporation
・Lion Corporation
・MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION
・Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
・Oji Nepia Co., Ltd.
・Shiseido Company, Limited
・Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
・Terumo Corporation
・Toray Industries, Inc.
・Ube Industries, Ltd.
・Wacoal Corp.
(in alphabetical order)
・Canada
・Czech Republic
・France
・Hong Kong
・Italy
・Netherlands
・Portugal
・Spain
・Thailand
・United States
・Brazil
・China
・Finland
・Germany
・India
・Korea
・New Zealand
・Slovenia
・Taiwan
・United Kingdom
・Venezuela
Industry-industry, industry-government-university collaboration experience
-joint development-
About US
Manufacture of electronic measuring instruments
Texture measurement technology KES provides measurement equipment to evaluate samples
2. Polymer material-related instruments
3. Various kinds of manufacturing instruments
4. Large Special Industrial Machinery