Elcometer 2080 User manual

English
Elcometer 2080
Meier Gauge
Operating Instructions

English
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is a registered trademark of Elcometer Instruments Ltd.
All other trademarks acknowledged.
© Copyright Elcometer Instruments Ltd. 2006.
All rights reserved. No part of this Document may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored (in a
retrieval system or otherwise) or translated into any language, in any form or by any means (electronic,
mechanical, magnetic, optical, manual or otherwise) without the prior written permission of
Elcometer Instruments Ltd.
Doc.No. TMA-0364 Issue 01
Text with Cover No: 19808

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CONTENTS
Section Page
1 About your gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2 Using your gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5 Technical specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
6 Spare parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
7 Related equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

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Thank you for your recent purchase of this Elcometer 2080 Meier Gauge. Welcome to Elcometer.
Elcometer are world leaders in the design, manufacture and supply of inspection equipment for coatings
and concrete. Our products cover all aspects of coating inspection, from development through application
to post application inspection.
The Elcometer 2080 is a world beating product. With the purchase of this gauge you now have access to
the worldwide service and support network of Elcometer. For more information visit our website at
www.elcometer.com
1 ABOUT YOUR GAUGE
The Elcometer 2080 Meier Gauge is a precision gauge used to determine drying time, shrinkage, formation
of fissures and porosity of a coating as a function of wet film thickness.
The gauge is typically used with water-based paints and coatings or material applied in thick layers.
A scraper is used to pull the material along a sloping groove machined into the top surface of the gauge.
The material is left to dry and its physical characteristics are monitored during and after drying. Wet film
thickness is read directly from a scale engraved into the top surface of the gauge.
1.1 WHAT THE BOX CONTAINS
• Elcometer 2080 Meier Gauge
• Scraper
• Carry case
• Operating instructions

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The Elcometer 2080 Meier Gauge is packed in a cardboard and foam package. Please ensure that this
packaging is disposed of in an environmentally sensitive manner. Consult your local Environmental
Authority for further guidance.
To maximise the benefits of your new Elcometer 2080 Meier Gauge please take some time to read
these Operating Instructions. Do not hesitate to contact Elcometer or your Elcometer supplier if you
have any questions.
2 USING YOUR GAUGE
When using the gauge, take care not to damage the top surface of the gauge or the edges of the
scraper.
Before you start using the gauge, ensure the surface of the gauge and the edge of the scraper are clean
and free from damage.
2.1 PROCEDURE
1. Place the gauge on a flat, horizontal and non-slip surface, with the zero mark on the scale closest to
the user.
2. Place a suitable amount of the material in the deep end of the groove.

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3. Place the scraper on the surface of the gauge behind the material. Use both hands to hold the scraper.
4. Pull the scraper along the length of the gauge at a constant speed. Stop at a point beyond the zero
depth.
5. Leave the sample to dry; monitor the physical characteristics of the material during and after the drying
process.
Drying time: To determine drying time as a function of film thickness, simply press a fingernail into the paint
film and look for evidence of permanent indentation left by the fingernail.
Shrinkage: Examine the behaviour of the material during and after drying to determine shrinkage
characteristics as a function of film thickness.
Fissures and porosity: Check for fissures, craters and pores on the surface of the material to determine
the maximum thickness of wet film which can be applied in one operation.

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2.2 AFTER USE
Clean your gauge.
After cleaning, ensure that all materials are removed and that the instrument is dry.
3 STORAGE
When the gauge is not being used it must be protected from rust.
Rust can appear on the gauge when it is only used occasionally and when it has been handled by users
with sweaty hands.
To protect against rust, always dry the gauge after use and apply a thin layer of oil to the surface of the
gauge and scraper before storage. Elcometer recommends the use of an oil which does not harden during
drying such as Castrol Rustilo DW 378.
Use the case provided to store the instrument when it is not being used.
Do not use very aggressive solvents or
wire brushes, metal scrapers, metal files or
other metallic tools for cleaning.
Clean the gauge using a suitable solvent
only.

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4 MAINTENANCE
Your gauge is designed to give many years reliable service under normal operating and storage conditions.
Regular calibration checks over the life of the gauge are a requirement of quality management procedures
e.g. ISO 9000 and other standards. For checks and certification contact Elcometer or your local supplier.
Details of Elcometer offices around the world are given on the outside cover of these Operating Instructions.
Alternatively visit the Elcometer website, www.elcometer.com
4.1 GAUGE INSPECTION
Check regularly whether the gauge is worn. To check for wear, place the edge of the scraper into the groove
and check flatness of the groove in all directions (longitudinally and transversely).
If wear is detected, contact Elcometer or your local supplier.
4.2 SCRAPER INSPECTION
Check the scraper for signs of wear or damage periodically.
Place the edge of the scraper on a reference plane (the smooth, level face of the gauge
is a good alternative).
Shine a bright light towards the back of the scraper. Rock the scraper backwards and
forwards and inspect the contact edge for any light coming through between the scraper
and gauge.
If light is visible, the scraper is not suitable for use and should be replaced - see “Spare
parts” on page 7.

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5 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Groove length: 200 mm (7.87")
Groove width: 60 mm (2.36")
Groove depth 2080/1: 0 mm to 1 mm
2080/1: 0 mils to 40 mils
2080/2: 0 mm to 2 mm
2080/2: 0 mils to 80 mils
2080/3: 0 mm to 3 mm
Material: Hardened stainless
steel
6 SPARE PARTS
The Elcometer 2080 is complete with all the items required to get started, however over the life of the gauge
replacements may be required.
The following replacement items are available from your local supplier or direct from Elcometer:
Replacement scraper:KT002070N001

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7 RELATED EQUIPMENT
In addition to the Elcometer 2080 Meier Gauge, Elcometer produces a wide range of other equipment for
measuring the physical characteristics of surface coatings.
Users of the Elcometer 2080 may also benefit from the following Elcometer products:
• Elcometer 2000 Muller Laboratory Grinder
• Elcometer Fineness of Grind Gauges
• Elcometer Viscosity Cups and Rotational Viscometers
For further information contact Elcometer, your local supplier, or visit our website at www.elcometer.com