Model LE-300C/LH-300C/LZ-300C Coating Thickness Tester Operating Manual
Contents The Model LE-300C / LH-300C / LZ-300C Coating Thickness Testers 2 LE-300C / LZ-300C l Description 3 ll Specifications 5 lll Principles of Operation 6 lv LCD Display & Parts List 7 V Explanation of Keyboard Keys 9 Vl Operating the LE-300C / LZ-300C 11 (1) Instrument Set-up 11 (2) Calibration 13 (3) Calibration Procedures 15 (4) Making Measurements 21 (5) CONT & LIMIT SET Modes 22 Vll Operating Cautions 24 LH-300C / LZ-300C l Description 25 ll Specifications 27 lll Principles of Operation 28
The Model LE-300C / LH-300C / LZ-300C Coating Thickness Testers Model LE-300C : Electromagnetic measurement uses. Model LH-300C : Eddy current measurement uses. Model LZ-300C : Dual type, both Electromagnetic & Eddy current measurement uses. Special Characteristics 1 Calibration Memory Function. The unit s built-in computer maintains calibrations adjustments in non-volatile memory even when the unit s power is turned off. This makes is possible to begin measurements immediately without the need for bothersome adjustments when making measurements of the same type of sample a second time or more. 2 Auto Power Off Function. In order to conserve battery power, the testers features an Auto Power Off function which automatically switches the unit s power off when no measurements or key operations are performed for a period of 15 minutes. Applications Electromagnetic Measurement Mode : Measures the thickness of non-magnetic coatings on magnetic surfaces. LE-300C / LZ-300C Paint Zinc Enamel Plastic Chrome Lining Coatings Lacquer Tin Misc. Measured Resin Copper Rubber Aluminum Substrate Iron Steel Eddy Current Measurement Mode : Measures the thickness of insulating coatings on non-magnetic metal substrates. LH-300C / LZ-300C Paint Rubber Coatings Plastic Anode Oxidization Coatings Measured Lacquer (Allumite) Resin Resist Substrate Aluminum, copper, brass, stainless steel (non-magnetic), etc. - 2 -
LE-300C / LZ-300C l Description The LE-300C / LZ-300C is a pocket-size coating thickness tester which can be used to measure the thickness of nonmagnetic materials on magnetic material substrates. The measurement probe has a single contact point and applies constant pressure on any measurement; therefore, any individual using the tester will get reproducible results. Characteristics 1. Calibration The LE-300C / LZ-300C is a self-calibrating instrument that incorporates an internal microcomputer. The user may calibrate the instrument himself by using samples of know thickness. The microcomputer stores the calibration constants in non-volatile memory. Even if the tester is turned off, measurements can be resumed without recalibration when power is turned on again as long as the material being measured remains the same. Even removing the batteries will not cause the calibration to be lost. 2. Long Battery Life Design Sixty hours of continuous use (approximately 216,000 measurements) is possible due to the unique design of the instrument s circuitry. 3. Alarm Function The maximum and minimum acceptable coating thicknesses can be set by the user (upper limit and lower limit). An alarm will sound if the thickness of the coating measured is out of range. 4. The units displayed can be changed using key operations. The units can be switched from µm to mils, or vice versa. (However, the display units cannot be changed during measurements.) - 3 -
Applications Coatings which can be measured : Paint, plastic, lacquer, resin, rubber, oxide coating, zinc, chrome, tin, copper, aluminum, enamel and other non-magnetic materials. Substrate materials (or bare material without coating) : lron, steel NOTE : To measure non-conducting coatings on non-ferrous metals, the KETT LH-300C / LZ-300C eddy current high-frequency coating thickness testers should be used. - 4 -
ll Specifications Measurement method : magnetic induction Measurement materials : non-magnetic coatings on magnetic substrates Measuremant range : 0 ~ 1500µm (0 ~ 60 mils) Resolution : 1µm Accuracy : ±3% plus 1µm Probe : single contact point, constant pressure Display type : LCD digital display Batteries : 1.5V alkaline battery x 4 approximately 60 hours of continuous operation Battery life span : 216,000 individual measurements External dimensions : 75 x140 x 30mm Weight : 0.5kg net Accessories (included) : set of standard calibration foils, calibration base, carrying case, operation manual. - 5 -
lll Principle of Operation When the magnetic coil within the probe is brought within close proximity of an iron or steel body, the inductance (of the coil within the probe) will vary depending upon the distance from the tip of the probe to the steel body. This relationship holds even if the distance between the probe and the steel body is caused by the presence of a non-ferrous coating or lining over the base material. The thickness of the coating causes the amount of inductance to reflect the distance between the probe tip and the underlying substrate. This thickness can be directly calibrated in µm. The instrument s internal microcomputer will store the calibration, convert the amount of induction measured, and display the results directly in µm on the LCD display. Iron core Coil D i Power Magnetic substrate Fig. 1 Change in current Coating thickness (distance from magnetic substrate) - 6 -
lv LCD Display & Parts List Foil Calibrations Battery Check Readings Measurment Mode Calibration Procedure ( P. 15) Upper Limit Lower Limit Unit of Measurement ( P. 12) Limit Mode Fig. 2-7 -
Parts List Fe substrate Calibration foils (6 pcs) Probe adaptor Carrying case Batteries ( AA x 4) Operation Manual - 8 -
V Explanation of Keyboard Keys Key Function Power 1. Number keys 2. Dual-function keys CLEAR key Used to clear incorrectly input numeric values. ENTER key Used to enter the numeric values shown on the display. FUNCTION This key is pressed before the dual-function keys are used (except for use for numeric input). - 9 -
Dual-function Keys : Function mode Numeric key SUB CAL Dual-function Key SUBSTRATE CALIBRATION key Substrate 0 calibration Function FOIL CAL CONT LIMIT SET FOIL CALIBRATION key For making foil calibrations CONTINUOUS key 1. Hold measurement (for auto result entry) 2. Continuous measurement (requires ENT for result entry) (Each press of this key switches the mode.) LIMIT SET key For presetting the upper and lower limits. - 10 -
Vl Operating the LE-300C / LZ-300C (1) Instrument Set-up 1. Insert the batteries (1.5Vx 4) into the main unit case. Fig. 3 2. Connecting the probe to the main unit a. Place the male plug on the end of the probe cable into the female socket on the top of the main unit. Turn the male plug while applying slight pressure towards the body of the LE-300C / LZ-300C until the connector slides easily all the way into the socket. (NOTE: The metal band on the plug will turn without the wire itself turning; the wire MUST turn with the plug until the correct matching of key guides is obtained. this is most easily done by turning the black plastic portion of the assembly at the end of the cable, not the silver metal band.) There should be a distinct click as the connector seats and the cable should not pull out of the socket. - 11 - Fig. 4
b. To remove the probe, pull the metal sleeve on the outside of the connector away from the body of the unit. The sleeve will move away from the socket: firmly pull the probe off. DO NOT pull on the wire. Fig. 5 3.Changing the display units The units in which measurement results are displayed on the main unit can be switched between either µm or mils. However, the units can only be switched before measurements are made, and cannot be changed during or after a measurement. a. When the ON key is pressed while the ENT key is held down when the power is turned on, the units displayed will switch from µm to mils. (If the initial setting is mils however, the display units will switch from mils to µm. b. To switch back to the original setting, turn the power off once and then perform the above procedure again. - 12 -
(2) Calibration Because the LE-300C / LZ-300C is a relative measurement instrument, it must be calibrated against a bare substrate and samples of know thickness before being used to make actual measurements. Once calibrated, however, the calibration constants are stored in the instrument s microcomputer memory. Turning the unit off will not cause the loss of the calibration. As long as the material being measured does not change after the initial calibration, the unit may be used by merely turning it on. When calibrating, the following should be taken into consideration: 1. Calibration must be done on a bare substrate material of the same type, shape and thickness as an actual production sample. 2. When using bare iron material, make sure that it is not plated or painted. 3. Although there are several calibration methods, using the zero point, i.e. the bare substrate, and three additional calibration points will achieve the best measurement results. Range Zero point, three calibreation points 0 ~ 100µm zero point 10µm 40µm 100µm 100 ~ 400µm zero point 40µm 100µm 400µm 400 ~ 1500µm zero point 400µm 750µm 1500µm - 13 -
4. Using the probe The probe is designed so that its tip always applies the same amount of pressure to the sample surface. Set the probe on the desired measurement spot, perpendicular to the surface, and press down on the outside metal sleeve on the probe assembly as in Fig. 6. The downward movement of the sleeve causes the measurement to be made. For each successive measurement, first move the probe at least 10mm away from the measurement surface, then once again set it perpendicular to the surface to be measured and press down on the outside sleeve. (Fig. 6) Repeat as often as necessary. Fig. 6-14 -
(3) Calibration Procedures: 1) Substrate Calibration Step Key stroke Display Explanation 1 Press the FUNC key. 2 Press the SUB CAL key. 3 1 0 Place the probe on a non-coated substrate and press the ENT key. Repeat 10 times. At the 10th key stroke, the LCD displays LF. 4 With the probe held in the air, press the ENT key. - 15 -
2) Foil Calibration Example: 40µm, 100µm and 400µm foils Step Key stroke Display Explanation 5 Press the FUNC key. 6 Press the FOIL CAL key. Bare substrate 1 2 Take measurements of the bare substrate by placing the probe, lifting the probe and replacing the probe 5 times. Each measurement will cause a beeping sound. 7 5 NOTE : Depending on the type of material being measured, the display may indicate values other than 0.0. Pressing the ENT key in the next step will forcibly set the S.NO. (Sample Number) 0 reading to zero. - 16 -
Step Key stroke Display Explanation 8 With the probe held in the air, press the ENT key. The display will show ---. 9 Press 0. 0 When the ENT key is pressed, 0 is deleted. 2. 40µm foil sample! 1 2 5 Place the 40µm foil on the bare substrate and take five readings. Each reading will cause a beeping sound. NOTE : Depending on the type of material, the display may indicate values other than 40. Pressing the ENT key in the next step however will forcibly set the Sample Number (S.NO.) 1 reading to 40. - 17 -
Step Key stroke Display Explanation @ With the probe held in the air, press the ENT key. The display will show ---. # Enter the foil thickness value 40.0. $ Press the ENT key. 3. 100µm foil sample % 1 2 5 Place the 100µm foil on the bare substrate and take five readings. NOTE : Depending on the type of material, the display may indicate values other than 100. Pressing the ENT key in the next step however will forcibly set the Sample Number (S.NO.) 2 reading to 100. - 18 -
Step Key stroke Display Explanation ^ With the probe held in the air, press the ENT key. The display will show ---. & Enter the foil thickness value 100. * Press the ENT key. 4. 400µm foil sample Place the 400µm foil on the bare substrate and take five readings. ( NOTE : Depending on the type of material, the display may indicate values other than 400. Pressing the ENT key in the next step however will forcibly set the Sample Number (S.NO.) 3 reading to 400. - 19 -
Step Key stroke Display Explanation ) With the probe held in the air, press the ENT key. The display will show ---. - Enter the foil thickness value. 400. = Press the ENT key. - 20 -
(4) Making Measurements 1. Install probe 2. Turn power on 3. Measuring 1. Set the probe on the desired spot, perpendicular to the surface, and quickly press down on the outside metal sleeve on the probe assembly as shown below: 2. For each successive measurement, move the probe at least 10mm away from the surface, then once again set it perpendicular to the surface and press down on the outside sleeve. 3. Repeat as often as necessary. - 21 -
(5) CONT & LIMIT SET Modes 1. CONT (Continuous) Mode In normal operation, the measured value is held in the display after the measurement is taken until the next sample is measured or the instrument is turned off. However, if an object with a complex shape is measured or if you wish to obtain continuous readings while moving the probe, the hold feature may be turned off. To do so, press the FUNC key and then the CONT key. YOU can switch back and forth between the Continuous and Hold modes by pressing these keys. Key stroke Display The mode can be switched by repeatedly pressing the CONT key. - 22 -
2. LIMIT SET Mode After the measurement limits have been set, a series of beeps will indicate out-of-range readings while measurements are being made. A reading within the set limits will be accompanied by a single beep. A reading above or below the limits will cause 3 beeps to sound and an arrow will appear in the display indicating measurement above the upper limit (up arrow) or measurement below the lower limit (down arrow). Key stroke Display The following procedure is used to clear the LIMIT SET mode: - 23 -
Vll Operating Cautions (1) The LE-300C should be used for ferrous-base materials, e.g. iron. (2) Measuring the thickness of paper or film: The thickness of paper or film can be obtained using the LE-300C by placing the material over a bare, noncoated or unpainted iron substrate. (3) Probe: When placing the probe on the measurement surface, do not slam it or slide it on the surface. These actions may damage the probe tip and may cause inaccurate measurements. Also never pull or twist the wire on the probe cord. Wipe dirt off of the tip with a soft cloth using benzine or alcohol. (4)Calibration foils: The calibration foils are important in the calibration procedure. Care should be taken in handling them. If the foils are broken, bent or damaged, replacements are available from your dealer. Each set of calibration foils supplied with the unit are individually measured; thus, various values of foils are found. This in no way affects the calibration of the unit. (5) Accuracy Check: In order to ensure tester accuracy, it is recommended that you check your tester using calibration foils of different thicknesses. (6) When to Change the Batteries: When the batteries are low, BAT will be displayed in the upper right-hand corner of the display. The batteries should be changed immediately. However, the calibrations will not be lost even if the batteries go completely dead, or during the process of changing the batteries, as they are stored in a special nonvolatile memory. (Note: Only use 1.5V alkaline batteries.) - 24 -
LH-300C / LZ-300C Although for the most part the LH-300C / LZ-300C operates in the same way as the LE-300C, the following points should be noted. l Description The LH-300C / LZ-300C is a pocket-size, coating thickness tester which can measure the thicknesses of non-conducting coatings on non-ferrous material substrates. The measurement probe has a single contact point and applies exactly the same pressure on any measurement; therefore, any individual using the tester will get reproducible results. Characteristics 1. Calibration The LH-300C /LZ-300C is a self-calibrating instrument that employs an internal microcomputer. By using samples of know thickness, the user may calibrate the instrument himself. The microcomputer stores the calibration constants in non-volatile memory. Even if the tester is turned off, measurements can be resumed without recalibration when the power is turned on again as long as the material being measured remains the same. Even removing the batteries will not cause the calibration to be lost. 2. Long Battery Life Design Sixty hours of continuous use (approximately 216,000 measurements) is possible due to the instrument s unique circuit design. 3. Alarm Function The maximum and minimum acceptable coating thicknesses can be set by the user (as upper and lower limits). An alarm will sound when the thickness of the coating measured is out of range. - 25 -
Application Coatings which can be measured : Paint, plastic, lacquer, resin, rubber, oxide coatings and positive anode coatings Substrate materials (or bare material without coating) : Aluminum, copper, brass, stainless steel NOTE : To measure non-magnetic coatings on ferrous materials, the LE-300C / LZ-300C electromagnetic coating thickness tester should be used. - 26 -
ll Specifications Measurement method : eddy current Measurement materials : non-conducting coating on non-ferrous substrate Measurement range : 0 ~ 800µm (0 ~ 31.5 mils) Resolution : 1µm Accuracy : ±3% Probe : single contact point, constant pressure Display type : LCD digital display Batteries : 1.5V alkaline battery x 4 Battery life span : 60 hours of continuous operations, approximately 216,000 individual measurements External dimensions : 75 x 140 x 30mm Weight : 0.5kg net Accessories (included) : set of standard calibration foils, uncoated/coated calibration base, carrying case, operation manual - 27 -
lll Principle of Operation The probe incorporates an inductive coil through which a high frequency current is run. When the probe is brought within close proximity of a conductive metal body, an eddy current will be induced into the coil within the probe. The amount of eddy current varies depending upon the distance from the tip of the probe to the metal surface. This relationship holds if the distance between the probe and the metal body is caused by the presence of a non-conductive coating or lining over the base material. The thickness of the coating causes the amount of the eddy current to reflect the distance between the probe tip and the body. This thickness can be directly calculated in µm. The microcomputer within the instrument will store the calibration, convert the eddy current variance measured, and display the results directly in µm on the LCD display. D Coil i Power Non-conductive coating Non-ferrous metal substrate Change in current Coating thickness Fig. 7-28 -
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