Elcometer 550 User manual

Elcometer 550
Non-Contact Uncured Powder Gauge
Operating Instructions
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This instrument meets the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive.
This instrument is Class A, Group 1 ISM equipment according to CISPR 11.
Group 1 ISM product: A product in which there is intentionally generated and/or used conductively coupled
radio-frequency energy which is necessary for the internal functioning of the equipment itself.
Class A product is suitable for use in all establishments other than domestic and those directly connected to
a low voltage power supply network which supplies buildings used for domestic purposes.
is a registered trademark of Elcometer Limited.
All other trademarks acknowledged.
© Copyright Elcometer Limited 2010-2012.
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 Limited.
A copy of this Instruction Manual is available for download on our Website via www.elcometer.com
Doc.No. TMA-0479 Issue 04
Text with Cover No: 22299
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CONTENTS
Section Page
11 About this instrument. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2 Getting started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4 Gauge information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
6 Technical specification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
7 Related equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
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Thank you for your purchase of this Elcometer 550 Non-Contact Uncured Powder 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.
With the purchase of this product 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 THIS INSTRUMENT
The Elcometer 550 is designed to allow the user to determine the dry film thickness of powder before it has
been put in the oven to cure. This not only allows the user to control the dry film thickness of their product
but also to minimise the wastage of expensive powder. Using an ultrasonic method the gauge does not
require that the surface be disturbed to take a measurement, ensuring an ideal finish.
Measurements are taken by holding the gauge at the correct distance and angle from the powder coated
part. The large colour display on the gauge body as well as another smaller LED display on the sensor gun
help guide the user into the correct position.
To maximise the benefits of your new Elcometer 550 Non-Contact Uncured Powder 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.
1.1 FEATURES
• Non-contact measurement
• Accurately predicts cured thickness of coating powders
• Ability to optimise reading accuracy with multiple calibration adjustments
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1.2 WHAT THE BOX CONTAINS
• Elcometer 550 Non-Contact Uncured Powder Gauge
• Sensor gun
• Shoulder harness
• USB - PC transfer cable
• Universal charger & cable
• Zero/reference block
•Carrycase
•Testcertificate
• Operating instructions
The Elcometer 550 Non-Contact Uncured Powder Gauge is shipped in a cardboard package. Please
ensure that this packaging is disposed of in an environmentally sensitive manner. Consult your local
Environmental Authority for further guidance.
2 GETTING STARTED
2.1 CHARGING THE BATTERY
Your gauge features an internal rechargeable battery. The charger input is located on the bottom of the
gauge beneath the protective cover. (See image on page op pagina 5.)
Before using your gauge for the first time be sure to charge the battery for 3 hours. Subsequent charging
should take no more than 1.5 hours and provide up to 7 hours use of the gauge.
Note: Batteries must be disposed of carefully to avoid environmental contamination. Please consult your
local Environmental Authority for information on disposal in your region.
Do not dispose of any batteries in fire.
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2.2 SWITCHING ON/OFF
To switch on, press and hold the button for three seconds. The gauge will make a sound confirming
that it has switched on and the main menu will be displayed. The gauge may also be switched on by using
the "Go" button on the sensor gun in the same way.
To switch off, press and hold the button for 3 seconds. The gauge will make a sound confirming that
it has switched off.
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2.3 GAUGE OVERVIEW
Rechargeable
USB Connection Socket
Recharging point
Gauge Reset button
Sensor Gun
Connection
Protective Cover
& Shoulder Harness
point
Colour Display
Navigation Buttons
Protective Cover
& Shoulder Harness
point
Sensor Gun
Keypad & Display
Shoulder Harness
Sensor Gun
Battery Cover
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2.4 NAVIGATION BUTTONS
Left and right navigation (main menu) and up and down (sub menus)
Up and down navigation (main menu) and setting adjustment (sub menus)
Power on, menu enter/select/start/stop measuring button
Power off, return to previous menu/escape
(Sensor gun) Power on, start/stop measurement button
2.5 TAKING A MEASUREMENT
2.5.1 Zeroing the gauge
Each Elcometer 550 Non-Contact Uncured Powder Gauge is individually calibrated at the factory. To
ensure the highest level of measurement accuracy the Elcometer 550 should be zeroed by the user, before
use, to take into consideration the varying environmental conditions.
To zero the gauge:
• Take the circular zero reference block from the case and check that the inside is clean and free from
dust
• Position the sensor gun vertically so that the top of the measurement head is pointing vertically
upwards and place the zero reference block over the top
Note: The zero reference block fits loosely on to the sensor gun and will fall off if not held vertically.
Go
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• Holding the sensor by the handle, not the sensor barrel,
switch the gauge on and select from the main menu
• The gauge will start taking measurements and once
complete ‘OK’ should be displayed
• The gauge is now ready for measurements. Place the
zero reference block back in the case making sure that the
internal surfaces are facing down to keep it free from dust
and powder contamination
Note: In the unlikely event of a zeroing failure an error code will be displayed. Check the zero reference
block for contamination or damage and retry. In the case of multiple failures please contact your nearest
Elcometer representative.
Zero
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2.5.2 Positioning the Sensor Gun to take a reading
The Elcometer 550 is a non-contact powder thickness gauge which uses a focused ultrasonic measurement
method. In order for the gauge to collect the data required to calculate a reading, the sensor gun has to be
at the correct distance away from, and perpendicular to, the powder coated surface.
To achieve the correct positioning the Elcometer 550 Non-Contact Uncured Powder Gauge provides the
user with both visual and acoustic cues on the sensor gun and on the instrument’s colour display. Once the
gauge is in the correct position the gauge starts to automatically collect data. The diagrams below illustrate
how to use the visual indicators on the gauge and gun to achieve the correct measurement position.
Too close to
surface
Correct
distance from
surface
Too far away
from surface
Signal strength
(All lights displayed
when perpendicular)
Gauge switch on/
start taking
measurements
Signal strength bar (yellow)
Wide Bar = perpendicular
Narrow Bar = not perpendicular
Too close
to surface
Too far
from
surface
Correct
distance to
target
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2.5.3 Taking a reading
Once the gauge has been zeroed, start by placing the gun in roughly the correct position. Highlight
"measure" on the main screen and then press either the menu button on the gauge or the go button on the
handle. The measurement screen will then be displayed.
The instrument requires several echoes in order to return a
result. Echoes are only recorded when the signal is strong
enough and the sensor gun is the correct distance from the
substrate. The number of echoes taken is displayed. For a
measurement to be calculated at least 5 echos are required.
For increased accuracy more echoes may be taken.
When the desired number of echoes has been received,
pressing the Go button on the sensor gun or the Menu button
on the gauge, prompts the gauge to calculate the coating
thickness.
2.5.4 Error Codes
1 The thickness measured was above the high limit
4 The thickness measured was below the low limit
10 Echoes varying (can occur if probe moved and measured several different thicknesses)
20 Too few echoes received for calculation
255 No echoes found
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2.6 GAUGE MENU SETTINGS
2.6.1 Start taking measurements. See 2.5 "Taking a measurement".
2.6.2 Zeros the gauge. See 2.5.1 "Zeroing the gauge".
2.6.3
2.6.4
2.6.5 Displays the remaining battery life and information.
2.6.6 Gauge
The user can set up various parameters within the gauge including:
Backlight
This option determines the brightness setting between high, medium and low. Lowering the
brightness setting will prolong the life of the battery.
Measure
Zero
A
bout
@
G
auge in
f
ormation screen, including gauge and sensor gun serial numbers and so
f
tware
version numbers.
History
This screen displays the previous 10 readings and their average, together with the date and
time of last zero. Press to delete all readings and history.
Battery
Set up
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Timeout
This feature allows the user to preset an automatic switch off when not in use of between 1-
10 minutes.
Sound
The speaker can be switched on or off. If switched off both the menu selection confirmation
and the acoustic positioning guidance sound will be disabled.
Units
User selectable between microns (µm) or mils.
2.6.7 Limits
The user can set high and low predicted cured thickness limit boundaries for their quality
control process. If a measurement is taken which falls outside these limit boundaries then the
gauge displays a warning error message.
In addition to setting limits the Elcometer 550 Non-Contact Uncured Powder Gauge features
powder shrinkage compensation. This adjustment is known as the percentage distortion
setting and allows users to ensure that the predicted coating thickness value is equivalent to
the actual coating thickness post cure.
To calculate the percentage distortion value:
• Measure a powder coated test panel using Elcometer 550 Non-Contact Uncured Powder
Gauge and record the gauge’s predicted coating thickness value. Cure the test panel in
the powder oven for the appropriate time and temperature for the powder coating
Set up
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• Measure the dry film thickness of the panel using a suitable coating thickness gauge
such as the Elcometer 456
• Calculate the shrinkage as a percentage and adjust the distortion percentage
accordingly
3 TROUBLESHOOTING
The device does not start when pressing the button
•press button for 5 seconds and press to turn the device on
The device does not start or turns off while measuring, and the battery is low
• recharge the battery
The device fails to respond
• press button for 5 seconds until the device turns off, press to turn the device on
The device still fails to respond
• press reset button with a paperclip. Position of reset described in "2.3 Gauge Overview" page 5.
Distance display is not in the green area while measuring:
• hold sensor perpendicular to the surface
• distance to the surface is not correct (18 mm)
Distance display is not in the green area while zeroing:
• Sensor may be out of alignment. Contact your local Elcometer representative for advice
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4 GAUGE INFORMATION
The Elcometer 550 Non-Contact Uncured Powder Gauge provides the user with information specific to their
gauge such as serial numbers, softwareversion and similar data in the About menu. Additionally,the energy
menu informs the user of the current battery state. If the measured battery voltage is displayed as less than
6.5V then it is necessary to recharge the battery.
5 MAINTENANCE
The Elcometer 550 Non-Contact Uncured Powder Gauge is designed to give many years reliable service
under normal operating and storage conditions.
The gauge does not contain any user-replaceable components. In the unlikely event of a fault, your gauge
should be returned to your local Elcometer supplier or directly to Elcometer. The warranty will be invalidated
if the instrument has been opened. Contact details can be found on the outside cover of these instructions,
or on the Elcometer website, www.elcometer.com
6 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Measurement Range: 30µm to 110µm (1.18mils to 4.4mils) predicted cured thickness
Resolution: 1µm (0.04mils)
Accuracy: ±5µm (±0.25mils) or 5% of the coating thickness, whichever is the greater
Power Supply: 7.2V Ni-Mh rechargeable battery, (100-240V; 50-60Hz)
Charger: 100-240V 50-60Hz fast charger
Display: 3.5” (90mm) QVGA colour LCD
Case Dimensions: 115mm x 185mm x 35mm (4.6" x 7.4" x 1.4")
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Weight: 0.9 kg (1.9lb)
Operating Temperature: 10°C to 35°C (50 to 95°F). Battery life may be shorter at low temperatures
Humidity: <85% at all times
6.1 DATA STORAGE
The Elcometer 550 Non-Contact Uncured Powder Gauge automatically saves the previous 10 readings
which can be accessed via the History Screen from the main menu.
7 RELATED EQUIPMENT
In addition to the Elcometer 550 Non-Contact Uncured Powder Gauge, Elcometer produces a wide range
of other coating testing equipment.
Users of the Elcometer 550 Non-Contact Uncured Powder Gauge may also benefit from the following
Elcometer products:
• Elcometer 456 Dry Film Thickness Gauge
• Elcometer 214L Infrared Digital Thermometer
• Elcometer 215 Oven Data Logger
• Elcometer 406L Statistical Mini Glossmeter
• Elcometer 1510 Conical Mandrel Bend Tester
• Elcometer 1615 Variable Impact Tester
For further information 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
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Elcometer 550
Jauge de mesure d’épaisseur
de poudre sans contact
Mode d’emploi
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Cet équipement est conforme à la Directive de Compatibilité Electromagnétique.
Ce produit est un équipement de Classe A, Groupe 1 ISM conformément au CISPR 11.
Produit ISM de Groupe 1 : produit dans lequel on génère et/ou utilise intentionnellement l’énergie radio-
électrique nécessaire au fonctionnement interne de l’équipement lui-même.
Les produits de Classe A peuvent être utilisés dans tous les établissements autres que domestiques et ceux
directement reliés à un réseau basse tension qui alimente des bâtiments à usage domestique.
est une marque déposée d’Elcometer Limited.
Toutes les autres marques déposées sont reconnues.
© Copyright Elcometer Limited 2010-2012.
Tous droit réservés. Aucune partie de ce document ne peut être reproduite, transmise, transcrite, stockée
(dans un système documentaire ou autre) ou traduite dans quelque langue que ce soit, sous quelque forme
que ce soit, ou par n’importe quel moyen (électronique, mécanique, magnétique, optique, manuel ou autre)
sans la permission écrite préalable d’Elcometer Limited.
Une copie de ce manuel peut être téléchargée sur notre site Internet via www.elcometer.com
Doc.No. TMA-0479-01 Édition 04
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SOMMAIRE
Chapître Page
1 A propos de cet instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2 Premières démarches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
3 Dépannage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
4 Information jauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
5 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
6 Caractéristiques techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
7 Équipements complémentaires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
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Merci d’avoir choisi cette Jauge de mesure d’épaisseur de poudre sans contact Elcometer 550. Bienvenue
chez Elcometer.
Elcometer est le leader mondial en conception, fabrication et fourniture d’équipements d’inspection des
revêtements et du béton. Notre gamme couvre tous les aspects de l’inspection des revêtements, du
développement à l’application et à la phase post-application.
En achetant cet équipement, vous bénéficiez du service et du réseau mondial d’assistance Elcometer. Pour
en savoir plus, visitez notre site Internet sur www.elcometer.com.
1 A PROPOS DE CET INSTRUMENT
L’Elcometer 550 permet à l’utilisateur de déterminer l’épaisseur de film secd’une poudreavant sonpassage
dans le four de cuisson. Outre le bénéfice de contrôler l’épaisseur de film, cet instrument permet également
de réduire le gaspillage de poudres onéreuses. Grâce à la méthode de mesure par ultrasons, il n’est pas
nécessaire d’être en contact direct avec la surface pour prendre une mesure, ce qui garantit une finition
idéale.
Pour prendre les mesures, il suffit de maintenir la jauge à une distance et un angle corrects de la pièce
revêtue de poudre. Le large écran couleur situé sur le boitier de la jauge, ainsi que les LED lumineuses sur
le pistolet, aident l’utilisateur à trouver la position adaptée.
Afin d’optimiser l’utilisation de votre nouvelle Jauge de mesure d’épaisseur de poudre sans contact
Elcometer 550, merci de consacrer quelques instants à la lecture du présent manuel. N’hésitez pas à
contacter Elcometer ou votre fournisseur Elcometer pour toute question.
1.1 CARACTÉRISTIQUES
• Mesure sans contact
• Indique à l’avance et avec précision l’épaisseur des poudres cuites
• Possibilité d’améliorer la précision des mesures grâce aux multiples réglages de calibration
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