Bms Bulut Makina MX-3 Quick start guide
Operation
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Introduction ...............................................................................................................3
Operation...................................................................................................................3
The Keypad................................................................................................................3
The Display................................................................................................................4
The Tranducer............................................................................................................5
Making Measurements.................................................................................................6
Condition And Preparation Of Surfaces .........................................................................6
Probe Zero.................................................................................................................6
Calibration..................................................................................................................7
Calibration To A Known Thickness................................................................................7
Calibration To A Known Velocity...................................................................................8
Two Point Calibration..................................................................................................8
Scan Mode .................................................................................................................8
Transducer Selection..................................................................................................9
Initial Signal Strength..................................................................................................9
Absorption And Scattering ...........................................................................................9
Geometry Of The Transducer.......................................................................................9
Temperature Of The Material.......................................................................................9
Technical Data.........................................................................................................10
Application Notes.....................................................................................................10
Measuring Pipe And Tubing
.....................................................................................10
Measuring Hot Surfaces
..........................................................................................10
Measuring Laminated Materials
...............................................................................11
Battery Exchange......................................................................................................11
Sound Velocity Table.................................................................................................12
For Different Materials
............................................................................................12
Introduction
MX-3 is a precision Ultrasonic Micrometer. Based on the same operating principles as
SONAR the MX-3 is capable of measuring the thickness of various materials with accuracy
as high as ±0.01 mm.
The principle advantage of ultrasonic measurement over traditional methods is that ultra-
sonic measurements can be performed with access to only one side of the
material being measured.
This manual is presented in three sections.
•The first section covers operation of the MX-3 and explains the keypad controls and
display.
•The second section provides guidelines in selecting a transducer for a specific ap
plication.
•The last section provides application notes and a table of sound velocity values for
various materials.
Operation
MX-3 interacts with the operator through the membrane keypad and the LCD display. The
functions of the various keys on the keypad are detailed below, followed by an explanation
of the display and its various symbols.
The Keypad
PRB
0
CAL
IN
MM
ON
OFF
This key is used to turn the MX-3 on and off. When the tool is turned ON, it will
first perform a brief display test by illuminating all of the segments in the display. After one
second, the tool will display the internal software version number. After displaying the
version number, the display will show „0.00“, indicating the tool is ready for use.
he tool has a special memory that retains all of its settings even when the power is off. The
tool also features an auto-powerdown mode designed to conserve battery life. If the tool is
idle for 5 minutes, it will turn itself off.
The PRB-0 key is used to „zero“ the MX-3 in much the same way that a mechani-
cal micrometer is zeroed. If the tool is not zeroed correctly, all of the measurements that
the tool makes may be in error by some fixed value (see page 9).
PRB
0
Operation
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The CAL key is used to enter and exit the calibration mode. This mode is used to
adjust the sound-velocity value that the MX-3 will use when calculating thickness. The tool
will either calculate the sound-velocity from a sample of the material being measured, or
allow a known velocity value to be entered directly (see page 9 – 10).
The IN/MM key is used to switch back and forth between inches and mm. This
key may be used at any time.
This key has two functions:
CAL
SCAN
IN
MM
1. When the MX-3 is in calibration mode, this key is used to increase numeric
values on the display. An auto-repeat function is built in, so that when the key is held
down, numeric values will increment at an increasing rate.
2. When the MX-3 is not in calibration mode, this key switches the SCAN meas-
urement mode on and off (see page 11).
SCAN
This key has two functions:
1. When the MX-3 is in calibration mode, this key is used to decrease numeric val-
ues on the display. An auto-repeat function is built in, so that when the key is held down,
numeric values will decrement at an increasing rate.
2. When the MX-3 is not in calibration mode, this key switches the display back-
light between three available settings:
•OFF will be displayed when the backlight is switched off.
•AUTO will be displayed when the backlight is set to automatic mode and
•ON will be displayed when the backlight is set to stay on. In the AUTO setting the
backlight will illuminate when MX-3 is actually making a measurement.
The Display
The numeric portion of the display consists of 4 complete digits preceded by a
leading “1“, and is used to display numeric values, as well as occasional simple words, to
indicate the status of various settings.
When the MX-3 is displaying thickness measurements, the display will hold the value
measured, until a new measurement is made.
Additionally, when the battery voltage is low, the entire display will begin to flash. When
this occurs, the batteries should be replaced.
These eight vertical bars form the Stability Indicator. When the MX-3 is idle, only the left-
most bar and the underline will be on.
Operation
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When the tool is making measurements, six or seven of the bars should be on. If fewer
than five bars are on, the MX-3 is having difficulty achieving a stable measurement, and
the thickness value displayed will most likely be erroneous.
When the MM symbol is on, the MX-3 is displaying a thickness value in millimeters.
When the IN symbol is on, the MX-3 is displaying a thickness in inches. The maximum
thickness that can be displayed is 1999.9 mm or 19.999 inches.
When the Msymbol is on, in conjunction with the /s symbol, the MX-3 is displaying a
sound-velocity value in “meter-per-second“.
When the IN symbol is on, in conjunction with the /µs symbol, MX-3 is displaying a sound-
velocity in “inches per-microsecond“.
The Tranducer
The transducer transmits and receives the ultrasonic sound waves which the MX-3 uses to
calculate the thickness of the material being measured. The transducer connects to the
MX-3 via the attached cable, and two coaxial connectors. The orientation of the dual coax-
ial connectors is not critical: either plug may be fitted to either socket in the MX-3.
The transducer must be used correctly in order for the MX-3 to produce accurate, reliable
measurements.
Below is a short description of the transducer, followed by instructions for its use:
This is a bottom view of a typical transducer. The two semicircles of the wearface are visi-
ble, as is the barrier separating them. One of the semicircles is responsible for conducting
ultrasonic sound into the material being measured, and the other semi-circle is responsible
for conducting the echoed sound back into the transducer.
When the transducer is placed against the material being measured, it is the area
directly beneath the center of the wearface that is being measured.
This is a top view of a typical transducer. Press against the top with the thumb or
index finger to hold the transducer in place. Moderate pressure is sufficient, as it is only
necessary to keep the transducer stationary, and the wearface seated flat against the sur-
face of the material being measured.
Operation
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Operation
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Making Measurements
In order for the transducer to do its job, there must be no air gaps between the wearface
and the surface of the material being measured. This is accomplished with the use of a
„coupling“ fluid, commonly called „couplant“. This fluid serves to „couple“ or transmit the
ultrasonic sound waves from the transducer into the material and back again.
Before attempting to make a measurement, a small amount of couplant should be applied
to the surface of the material being measured. Typically, a single droplet of couplant is suf-
ficient.
After applying couplant, press the transducer (wearface down) firmly against the area to be
measured. The Stability Indicator should have six or seven bars darkened, and a number
should appear in the display.
If the MX-3 has been properly „zeroed“ (see page 8) and set to the correct sound
velocity (see page 9 – 10), the number in the display will indicate the actual thickness of
the material directly beneath the transducer.
If the Stability Indicator has fewer than five bars darkened, or the numbers on the display
seem erratic, first check to make sure that there is an adequate film of couplant beneath
the transducer, and that the transducer is seated flat against the material. If the condition
persists, it may be necessary to select a different transducer (size or frequency) for the
material being measured (see page 11).
While the transducer is in contact with the material being measured, the MX-3 will perform
four measurements every second, updating its display as it does so. When the transducer
is removed from the surface, the display will hold the last measurement made.
Condition And Preparation Of Surfaces
In any ultrasonic measurement scenario, the shape and roughness of the test surface are
of paramount importance. Rough, uneven surfaces may limit the penetration of ultrasound
through the material and result in unstable, and therefore unreliable, measurements.
The surface being measured should be clean and free of any small particulate matter, rust
or scale. The presence of such obstructions will prevent the transducer from seating pro-
perly against the surface. Often, a wire brush or scraper will be helpful in cleaning sur-
faces. In more extreme cases, rotary sanders or grinding wheels may be used, though ca-
re must be taken to prevent surface gouging, which will inhibit proper transducer coupling.
,Extremely rough surfaces, such as the pebble-like finish of some cast irons, will prove
most difficult to measure. These kinds of surfaces act on the sound beam like frosted glass
on light: the beam becomes diffused and scattered in all directions.
In addition to posing obstacles to measurement, rough surfaces contribute to excessive
wear of the transducer, particularly in situations where the transducer is „scrubbed“ along
the surface. Transducers should be inspected on a regular basis, for signs of uneven wear
of the wearface. If the wearface is worn on one side more than another, the sound beam
penetrating the test material may no longer be perpen-dicular to the material surface. In
this case, it will be difficult to exactly locate tiny irregularities in the material being meas-
ured, as the focus of the soundbeam no longer lies directly beneath the transducer.
Probe Zero
Setting the Zero Point of the MX-3 is important for the same reason that setting the zero
on a mechanical micrometer is important. If the tool is not „zeroed“ correctly, all of the
measurements the tool makes will be in error by some fixed number. When the MX-3 is
„zeroed“, this fixed error value is measured and automatically corrected for in all subse-
quent measurements.
The MX-3 may be „zeroed“ by performing the following prodecure:
1. Make sure the MX-3 is on.
2. Plug the transducer into the MX-3. Make sure that the connectors are fully enga-
ged. Check that the wearface of the transducer is clean and free of any debris.
3. The metal probe-disc is on the top end of the MX-3. Apply a single droplet of ul-
trasonic couplant to the face of this disc.
4. Press the transducer against the probe-disc, making sure that the transducer sits
flat against the surface of the probe-disc. The display should show some thickness value,
and the Stability Indicator should have nearly all its bars illuminated.
5. While the transducer is firmly coupled to the probe-disc, press the PRB-0 key on
the keypad. The MX-3 will display „Prb0“ while it is calculating its zero point.
6. Remove the transducer from the probe-disc.
At this point the MX-3 has successfully calculated it’s internal error factor and will compen-
sate for this value in any subsequent measurements. When performing a „probe-zero“, the
MX-3 will always use the sound-velocity value of the built-in probe-disc, even if some other
velocity value has been entered for making actual measurements.
Though the MX-3 will remember the last „probe-zero“ performed, it is generally a good
idea to perform a „probe-zero“ whenever the tool is turned on, as well as any time a differ-
ent transducer is used. This will ensure that the instrument is always correctly zeroed.
Calibration
In order for the MX-3 to make accurate measurements, it must be set to the correct sound-
velocity for the material being measured. Different types of material have different inherent
sound-velocities. For example, the velocity of sound through steel is about 5.920 m/sec,
versus that of aluminium, which is about 6.300 m/sec. If the tool is not set to the correct
sound-velocity, all of the measurements the tool makes will be erroneous by some fixed
percentage.
The one point calibration is the simplest and most commonly used calibration procedure –
optimizing linearity over large ranges.
The two point calibration allows for greater accuracy over small ranges by calculating the
probe zero and velocity.
The MX-3 provides three simple methods for setting sound-velocity:
Calibration To A Known Thickness
This procedure requires a sample piece of the specific material to be measured, the exact
thickness of which is known, e.g. from having been measured by some other means.
1. Make sure the MX-3 is on.
2. Perform a Probe-Zero (see page 8).
3. Apply couplant to the sample piece.
4. Press the transducer against the sample piece, making sure that the transducer
sits flat against the surface of the sample. The display should show some (probably incor-
rect) thickness value, and the Stability Indicator should have nearly all its bars on.
5. Having achieved a stable reading, remove the transducer. If the displayed thick-
ness changes from the value shown while the transducer was coupled, repeat step 4.
6. Press the CAL key. The MM symbol should begin flashing.
7. Use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to adjust the displayed thickness up
or down, until it matches the thickness of the sample piece.
8. Press the CAL key again. The M/s symbol should begin flashing. The MX-3 is
now dis playing the sound-velocity value it has calculated based on the thickness value
that was entered in step 7.
9. Press the CAL key once more to exit the calibration mode.
The MX-3 is now ready to perform measurements.
Operation
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Calibration To A Known Velocity
This procedure requires that the operator knows the sound-velocity of the material to be
measured. A table of common materials and their sound-velocities is attached.
1.Make sure the MX-3 is on.
2.Press the CAL key to enter calibration mode. If the MM symbol is flashing, press
the CAL key again, so that the M/s symbol is flashing.
3.Use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to adjust the displayed velocity up or
down, until it matches the sound-velocity of the material to be measured.
4.Press the CAL key once more to exit the calibration mode.
The MX-3 is now ready to perform measurements.
NOTE
At any time during the calibration procedure (MM or M/s) pressing the PRB-0 key will re-
store the tool to the factory default sound-velocity for steel (5.920 m/sec).
To achieve the most accurate measurements possible, it is generally advisable to
always calibrate the MX-3 to a sample piece of known thickness. Material composition
(and thus, its sound-velocity) sometimes varies from lot to lot and from manufacturer to
manufacturer. Calibration to a sample of known thickness will ensure that the tool is set as
closely as possible to the sound-velocity of the material to be measured.
Two Point Calibration
This procedure requires that the operator has two known thickness points on the test piece
that are representative of the range to be measured.
1. Make sure the MX-3 is on.
2. Perform a Probe Zero (see page 8).
3. Apply couplant to the sample piece.
4. Press the transducer against the sample piece, at the first/second calibration
point, making sure that the transducer sits flat against the surface of the sample. The dis-
play should show some (probably incorrect) thickness value, and the Stability Indicator
should have nearly all its bars on.
5. Having achieved a stable reading, remove the transducer. If the displayed
thickness changes from the value shown while the transducer was coupled, repeat step 4.
6. Press the CAL key. The MM symbol should begin flashing.
7. Use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to adjust the displayed thickness
up and down, until it matches the thickness of the sample piece.
8. Press the PRB-0 key. The display will flash „1OF2“.
9.Repeat steps 3.–7. on the second calibration point. The MX-3 will now display the
sound-velocity value it has calculated based on the thickness values that were entered in
step 7.
The MX-3 is now ready to perform measurements.
Scan Mode
While the MX-3 excels at making single point measurements, it is sometimes
desirable to examine a larger region, searching for the thinnest point. MX-3 includes a fea-
ture, called SCAN Mode, which allows it to do just that.
In normal operation, the MX-3 performs and displays four measurements every
second, which is quite adequate for single measurements. In SCAN Mode, however, the
tool performs sixteen measurements every second, but does not display them.
While the transducer is in contact with the material being measured, the MX-3 is keeping
track of the lowest measurement it finds. The transducer may be „scrubbed“ across a sur-
face, and any brief interruption in the signal will be ignored. When the transducer loses
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contact with the surface for more than a second, the MX-3 will display the smallest meas-
urement it found.
When the MX-3 is not in calibration mode, press the UP arrow key to turn SCAN Mode
on and off. A brief message will appear in the display confirming the operation.
While scanning, the display will show a moving series of dashes instead of a thickness
value. When the transducer is removed from the material being scanned, the MX-3 will (af-
ter brief pause) display the smallest measurement it found.
Transducer Selection
The MX-3 is inherently capable of performing measurements on a wide range of
materials, from various metals to glass and plastics. Different types of material, however,
will require the use of different transducers. Choosing the correct transducer for a job is
critical to being able to easily perform accurate and reliable measurements. The following
paragraphs highlight the important properties of transducers, which should be considered
when selecting a transducer for a specific job.
Generally speaking, the best transducer for a job is one that sends sufficient ultrasonic en-
ergy into the material being measured such that a strong, stable echo is received by the
MX-3. Several factors affect the strength of ultrasound as it travels. These are outlined be-
low:
Initial Signal Strength
The stronger a signal is to begin with, the stronger its return echo will be. Initial signal
strength is largely a factor of the size of the ultrasound emitter in the transducer. A large
emitting area will send more energy into the material being measured than a small emitting
area. Thus, a so-called 12.7 mm ∅transducer will emit a stronger signal than a 6.35 mm
∅transducer
Absorption And Scattering
As ultrasound travels through any material, it is partly absorbed. If the material through
which it travels has any grain structure, the sound waves will also experience scattering.
Both of these effects reduce the strength of the waves, and thus, the MX-3‘s ability to de-
tect the returning echo.
Higher frequency ultrasound is absorbed and scattered more than ultra-sound of a lower
frequency. While it may seem that using a lower frequency transducer might be better in
every distance, low frequencies are less directional than high frequencies.
Thus, a higher frequency transducer would be a better choice for detecting the exact loca-
tion of small pits or flaws in the material being measured.
Geometry Of The Transducer
The physical constraints of the measuring environment sometimes determine a transdu-
cer’s suitability for a given job. Some transducers may simply be too large to be used in
tightly confined areas. Also, the surface area available for contacting with the transducer
may be limited, requiring the use of a transducer with a small wearface. Measuring on a
curved surface, such as an engine cylinder wall, may require the use of a transducer with
a matching curved wearface.
Temperature Of The Material
When it is necessary to measure on surfaces that are exceedingly hot, high temperature
transducers must be used. These transducers are built using special materials and techni-
ques that allow them to withstand high temperatures without damage.
Additionally, care must be taken when performing a „Probe Zero“ or „Calibration to a
Known Thickness“ with a high temperature transducer.
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Selection of the proper transducer is often a matter of tradeoffs between various character-
istics. It may be necessary to experiment with a variety of transducers in order to find one
that works well for a given job.
Technical Data
Measuring Range 0.65 – 500 mm
depending on material and transducer
Resolution 0.01 mm
Velocity Range 1.250 - 10.000 m/sec
Power Supply 2 x 1.5 V Mignon batteries
Display 4.5 digit liquid crystal display, backlit
Temperature Range -20° to +50° C
Transducer
Standard Transducer 5 MHz
(T-102-2000)
Special Transducers 1 – 10 MHz
frequency range and high temperature
on request
Size 63.5x114.3x31.5 mm
Weight 295 g
Warranty MX-3 : 5 years
Transducer : 3 months
Application Notes
Measuring Pipe And Tubing
When measuring a piece of pipe to determine the thickness of the pipe wall, orientation of
the transducers is important. If the diameter of the pipe is larger than approx. 100 mm,
measurement should be made with the transducer oriented so that the gap in the wearface
is perpendicular (at right angle) to the long axis of the pipe.
For smaller pipe diameters, two measurements should be performed, one with the wearfa-
ce gap perpendicular, another with the gap parallel to the long axis of the pipe. The smal-
ler of the two displayed values should then be taken as the thickness at that point.
Perpendicular Parallel
Measuring Hot Surfaces
The velocity of sound through a substance is dependant upon its temperature. As materi-
als heat up, the velocity of sound through them decreases.
In most application with surface temperatures less than about 100°C no special
procedures must be observed.
At temperatures above 100°C the change in sound velocity of the material being measured
starts to have a noticeable effect upon ultrasonic measurement. At such elevated tempera-
tures, it is recommended that the user perform a calibration procedure on a sample piece
of known thickness (see page 9), which is at or near the temperature of the material to be
Operation
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Operation
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measured. This will allow the MX-3 to correctly calculate the velocity of sound through the
hot material.
When performing measurements on hot surfaces, it may also be necessary to use a spe-
cially constructed high-temperature transducer.
These transducers are built using materials which can withstand high temperatures. Even
so, it is recommended that the probe be left in contact with the surface for as short time as
needed to acquire a stable measurement. While the transducer is in contact with a hot sur-
face, it will begin to heat up itself, and through thermal expansion and other effects, may
begin to adversely affect the accuracy of measurement.
Measuring Laminated Materials
Laminated materials are unique in that their density (and therefore sound-velocity) may va-
ry considerably from one piece to another. Some laminated materials may even exhibit no-
ticeable changes in sound-velocity across a single surface.
The only way to reliably measure such materials is by performing a calibration procedure
on a sample piece of known thickness. Ideally, this sample material should be a part of the
same piece being measured, or at least from the same lamination batch. By calibrating to
each test piece individually, the effects of variation of sound-velocity will be minimized.
An additional important consideration when measuring laminates, is that any included air
gaps or pockets will cause an early reflection of the ultrasound beam. This effect will be
noticed as a sudden decrease in thickness in an otherwise regular surface. While this may
impede accurate measurement of total material thickness, it does provide the user with
positive indication of air gaps in the laminate.
Battery Exchange
To exchange the batteries, loosen both square screws on the bottom of the device.
Observe polarity ! (explained on the rear side)
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Sound Velocity Table
For Different Materials
Material m/sec Material m/sec
Aluminium 6.350 Phenolic 1.400
Brass 4.394 Platinum 3.962
Cadmium 2.769 Plexiglas 2.692
Cast Iron 4.572 Polyethylene 1.900
Copper 4.700 Polystyrene 2.337
Glass 5.700 - 6.800 Porcelain 5.842
Gold 3.251 Rubber 1.900 - 2.300
Lead 2.159 Silver 3.607
Magnesium 5.791 Steel 5.918 - 6096
Manganese 4.700 Teflon 1.422
Molybdenum 6.300 Tin 3.300
Monel 5.400 Titanium 6.096
Nickel 5.639 Tungsten 5.334
Nylon 2.591 Zinc 4.216
The information is supplied for the convenience of the user and the manufacturer assumes
no responsibility for inaccuracies.
The actual velocity of the above material is dependent upon the exact composition, tem-
perature and processing of each material.
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