Elcometer 6014 User manual

English
Elcometer 6014
Shade and Opacity Meter
Operating Instructions

English
R
The Elcometer 6014 Shade and Opacity Meter has been tested in accordance with EU regulations
governing Electro-magnetic compliance and it meets the required directives.
Note: Readings may be affected if the unit is operated within a radio frequency electromagnetic strength of
greater than 3 V/m.
is a registered trademark of Elcometer Instruments Ltd.
Novo-Soft is a trademark of Rhopoint Instruments Ltd.
All other trademarks acknowledged.
© Copyright Elcometer Instruments Ltd. 2006-2007.
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.
A copy of this Instruction Manual is available for download on our Website via www.elcometer.com/downloads.
Doc.No. TMA-0390 Issue 02
Text with Cover No: 19750

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CONTENTS
Section Page
1 About your gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2 Getting started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3 Taking a reading - Shade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4 Taking a reading - Opacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
5 Deleting data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
6 Viewing measurement statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
7 Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
8 Set-up options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
9 Novo-Soft™ software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
10 Storage and transit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
11 Menu structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
12 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
13 Statistics terminology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
14 Technical specification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
15 Spares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
16 Related equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

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Thank you for your purchase of this Elcometer 6014 Shade and Opacity Meter. 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.
Your Elcometer 6014 Shade and Opacity Meter is a world beating product. 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 YOUR GAUGE
The Elcometer 6014 Shade and Opacity Meter can be used to assess either the shade of a surface (a
simple indication of colour based on lightness/darkness) or calculate the opacity of a coating, plastic film or
paper sample.
Measuring using 45°/0° geometry, your Elcometer 6014 Shade and Opacity Meter excludes the surface
specular reflectance (gloss) component and looks only at the colour or shade.
S
HADE MODE : The measured value can be used to grade surfaces from black (0% reflectance) to brilliant
white (100% reflectance). Coloured surfaces can also be measured; the value will indicate the luminous
intensity of the colour (lightness/darkness).
O
PACITY MODE : The sample must be drawn down on or measured over a substrate with black and white
portions. The instrument uses these measurements to automatically calculate the hiding power or opacity
of the sample; 0% (transparent) to 100% (totally opaque).
The gauge can perform statistical analysis of readings stored in internal memory.

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The Elcometer 6014 contains a light source, a light detector and a system of lenses. A converging beam of
light illuminates the specimen at a set angle of incidence. The light detector is set at the same angle of
incidence and measures a small aperture area of light reflected from the specimen. Shade and opacity
readings are calculated by the gauge and displayed as a percentage.
The gauge is calibrated using certified calibration tiles (one black, one white).
The Elcometer 6014 is supported by Novo-Soft™ software. A data cable connects the gauge to a PC via a
USB port.
1.1 GAUGE FEATURES
• Shade mode: assess the shade of any flat surface from black (0%
reflectance) to brilliant white (100% reflectance).
• Opacity mode: calculates the opacity (hiding power) of any sample
measured over a black and white substrate or test plate.
• 0.1% resolution
• Move-and-read feature for checking large surfaces quickly
• Statistical analysis gives an instant indication of batch quality
• Download, analyse and store readings in Novo-Soft
• Calibrate to any gloss standard
• Automatic or manual calibration
• Automatic standard check during calibration
• Extended-life light source; over 10 years under normal operating
conditions
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6014 Shade & Opacity Meter

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1.2 STANDARDS
Your Elcometer 6014 Shade and Opacity Meter can be used in accordance with the following National and
International Standards:
ISO 2814 ISO 6504 BS 3900-D4 ASTM E1347
ASTM D4214 ASTM D2805 ASTM E97
1.3 WHAT THE BOX CONTAINS
• Elcometer 6014 Shade and Opacity Meter
• 5 x LR03 (AAA) alkaline batteries
• Posi-Drive screwdriver
• Certified calibration tiles with protective box, cleaning cloth and calibration certificate for tiles
• CD-ROM containing Novo-Soft™ software package
• Data cable (USB)
• Carrying case
• Operating instructions
The 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.
The display is covered with a protective film on dispatch from the factory. This film may be removed and
discarded before first use.
To maximise the benefits of your new Elcometer 6014 please take some time to read these
Operating Instructions. Do not hesitate to contact Elcometer or your Elcometer supplier if you have
any questions.

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2 GETTING STARTED
2.1 FITTING BATTERIES
The Elcometer 406L uses dry cell batteries only. Sealed alkaline batteries are recommended.
5 x LR03 (AAA) alkaline batteries are supplied in the kit.
To fit or replace the batteries:
1. Locate the two screws which retain the battery compartment cover at
the rear of the gauge.
2. Use the screwdriver supplied to remove the screws and then lift off the
battery compartment cover.
3. Place the batteries in the battery holders ensuring correct polarity.
4. Replace the battery compartment cover and tighten the retaining
screws.
Note: Remove the batteries from the gauge if it is to remain unused for a
long period of time. This will prevent damage to the gauge in the event of
malfunction of the batteries.
Note: Alkaline 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 .
After the gauge has switched
on, the display will show the
date of last certification.
The gauge will then display the
measurement screen and will
be ready to take
measurements.
It is not possible to switch off the Elcometer 6014 manually. The unit will automatically switch off XX seconds
after the last key press, where XX is user-defined between 30 and 120 seconds (see “Changing settings
using Novo-Soft™” on page 29).
2.3 CHANGING DISPLAY LANGUAGE
The Elcometer 6014 can display menus in the following languages; English, French, Spanish, German,
Italian and Dutch.
Display language can only be changed by the Novo-Soft™ package included with the Elcometer 6014.
1. Install and run Novo-Soft™ package (see “Novo-Soft™ software” on page 25).
2. Connect Elcometer 6014 to PC and switch gauge on (see “Interfacing to your PC” on page 25).
3. Select required display language (see “Changing settings using Novo-Soft™” on page 29).
ANGLE Value No.
45/0 0.0 0
WHITE Value No.
45/0 0 0
Shade mode Opacity mode
or
BLACK Value No.
45/0 0 0

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2.4 THE CONTROLS
The Elcometer 6014 is a menu-operated gauge and it has three control keys:
READ/SELECT
This button has three functions:
Power: Press to switch the gauge on.
Read: In measurement mode, press to take a new measurement.
Select: When navigating the set-up menus, press to select an item or confirm a previous
selection.
SCROLL UP/DOWN
Press to navigate the set-up and operation menus.
In the calibration set-up menu, press to change the calibration values.
CANCEL
In Opacity mode, press to switch between black and white measurements. Once measurements
are completed, press and hold for three seconds to calculate opacity.
During calibration, press to cancel the calibration process and revert to the previously stored
calibration constants.

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3 TAKING A READING - SHADE
1. Switch on the gauge.
2. Check that the gauge is set to shade mode - see “Setting
measurement mode (Shade/Opacity)” on page 23.
3. Check calibration - see “Checking the calibration value ” on page 19.
4. Position the gauge
a
on the surface to be measured.
5. Press and release the READ/SELECT key.
The gauge will now start to take a reading (>> is displayed).
Once the measurement has been taken the value shown in the
display is the measurement value for the surface within the aperture.
This value is stored in the memory and the number of stored
readings will increase by one.
6. Each press and release of the READ/SELECT key takes a further measurement. Each time a
measurement is taken the number of readings stored increases by one. If an erroneous reading is
taken it can be deleted - see “Deleting data” on page 12.
a. When the gauge is placed on the surface to be measured the aperture is hidden, but its position can be determined
from the intersection of the arrows marked on the front and side of the case.
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6014 Shade & Opacity Meter
ANGLE Value No.
45/0 99.7 1

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The Elcometer 6014 has a special feature which allows large surfaces to
be checked quickly - ‘Move and Read’.
1. While taking measurements, press and hold the READ/SELECT
key.
The gauge will start to take a measurement.
2. Continue to hold the READ/SELECT key and slide the gauge
carefully to the next area to be measured.
The display updates in real time to show the measurement value
under the aperture.
3. When the READ/SELECT key is released the last reading will be
displayed. This will be the value stored in the memory.
Note: Sliding the gauge across a product may cause damage to the surface unless care is taken.
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6014 Shade & Opacity Meter

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4 TAKING A READING - OPACITY
To measure the opacity of a coating it must be drawn down on a Leneta opacity chart (or similar) at the
required film weight and allowed to dry fully.
To measure the opacity of plastic film, paper, textile or any other semi-opaque material, place the sample
to be measured over a black and white test bed.
1. Switch on the gauge.
2. Check that the gauge is set to opacity mode - see “Setting
measurement mode (Shade/Opacity)” on page 23.
3. When the gauge is in opacity mode, the text on the top left hand side
of the display indicates the part of the sample to be measured. In this
example, 'WHITE' is indicated.
4. Position the gauge on the white part of the surface to be measured.
5. Press and release the READ/SELECT key.
The gauge will now start to take a reading (>> is displayed).
Once the measurement has been taken the value shown in the
display is the measurement value for the surface within the aperture.
6. Repeat step 5 up to five times, as necessary to take a maximum of 6
measurements over the white substrate.
The gauge should now be switched so that the sample can be measured over the black substrate.
WHITE Value No.
45/0 0 0
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6014 Shade & Opacity Meter
WHITE Value No.
45/0 99.7 1

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7. To switch to black, press and release the CANCEL key.
The display will now show:
8. Take up to six measurements over the black substrate (use the same
procedure as when measuring over white).
If necessary, it is possible to switch between black and white
measurements at any time (by pressing the CANCEL button to change) and make up to six
measurements on each part of the sample.
When all the black and white measurements have been made, the calculation of opacity can be
initiated by combining the measurements.
9. To combine the measurements, press and hold the CANCEL key for
three seconds. The display will now show:
10. Press the READ key to confirm opacity calculation.
The gauge will now calculate the opacity and the result will be shown
on the display.
BLACK Value No.
45/0 0 0
Black/White-Batch
45/0 69.7 4
ARE YOU SURE ?
Press Read Key
Batch H.Power
3 94.5%

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5 DELETING DATA
1. Press the SCROLL UP/
DOWN key until either of
the following messages is
displayed (message
depends upon operating
mode - opacity or shade):
2. Press the READ/SELECT key.
The display will show:
3. Press the READ/SELECT key to confirm.
The last
b
reading will be
deleted and the gauge will
prompt for further
deletions:
4. If necessary, continue to delete further readings by pressing the READ/SELECT key.
5. When you have finished deleting, press the CANCEL key to return to the measurement screen.
b. To delete ALL readings (clear the entire memory of the gauge), at step 2, press and hold the READ/SELECT key for
four seconds and then confirm deletion. Stored data can also be cleared from the gauge using the Delete Data func-
tion in Novo-Soft™ when the gauge is connected to the PC. See “Novo-Soft™ software” on page 25.
Delete Sample
45/0 97.6 4
Delete Sample
WHITE 90.6 3
Shade mode Opacity mode
or
ARE YOU SURE ?
Press Read Key
Delete Sample
45/0 94.2 3
Delete Sample
WHITE 91.2 2
or

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6 VIEWING MEASUREMENT STATISTICS
Your gauge calculates a statistical
c
analysis of readings as they are taken.
To view the statistics:
1. Switch on the gauge and wait until the gauge is ready to take measurements.
2. Press the SCROLL UP/
DOWN key until the
statistics are shown on the
display:
The gauge displays the minimum (MIN) and maximum (MAX) values for the stored data.
3. Press the READ/SELECT key to switch the display to show the other
statistical values for the data. These are the mean (MEAN), the
Coefficient of Variation (CV) and the Standard Deviation (SD).
4. To return to measurement mode after viewing statistics, press the
SCROLL/DOWN key once.
In Shade mode, the statistics are calculated for all reflectance measurements stored in the memory.
In Opacity mode, the statistics are calculated for all batched opacity values, therefore no statistics will be
seen until the opacity has been calculated for at least one set of readings (see “Taking a reading - Opacity”
on page 10).
c. An explanation of the statistical analysis is given in “Statistics terminology” on page 32.
STATS MIN MAX
45/0 87.5 97.6
STATS MIN MAX
H.POW 95.5 97.6
Shade mode Opacity mode
or
MEAN CV SD
89.2 0.12 0.87

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7 CALIBRATION
7.1 CERTIFIED CALIBRATION TILE
Before taking readings it is necessary to
adjust the calibration of the gauge using the
certified calibration tiles.
The calibration tiles are supplied certified in
a clean and defect-free condition. A visual
inspection for smears or damage is
recommended before each subsequent
calibration as dirty or defective tiles may
lead to inaccurate measurements. If
necessary the tiles can be cleaned using
warm soapy water and dried with a soft lint-
free cloth.
The calibration tiles are mounted in matt
foam in a protective case. The tiles are
certified with traceability to the BAM
standards.
Black (zero)
calibration
tile
White
calibration tile

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7.2 CALIBRATION MODE - AUTOMATIC / MANUAL
The Elcometer 6014 has two calibration adjustment modes; Automatic and Manual.
• Automatic calibration (default mode, set at factory) - sets the gauge to the value of the calibration tile
pre-programmed in the memory of the unit.
• Manual calibration - allows the reading value displayed on the screen to be adjusted up or down to the
value given on the calibration tile label.
To switch between the two calibration modes, connect the gauge to a PC, run Novo-Soft™ software and
choose the appropriate setting in >Setup>Software preferences (see “Changing settings using Novo-
Soft™” on page 29).
7.3 CALIBRATING IN AUTOMATIC MODE
The automatic calibration procedure is as follows:
1. Visually inspect the calibration tiles for smears or defects before you start.
2. Switch on the gauge and wait until the gauge is ready to take
measurements.
3. Use the SCROLL UP/DOWN button to select:
4. Press the READ/SELECT key. The display will show:
CALIBRATE ANGLE
Press Read Key
Calibrate
Sample Black Ref

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5. Place the gauge carefully on the black calibration tile.
6. Press the READ/SELECT key.
After a short delay during which a ‘Please Wait’ message appears,
the display will show:
7. Place the gauge carefully on the white calibration tile.
8. Press the READ/SELECT key.
After a short delay during which a ‘Please Wait’ message appears,
the display will show:
The gauge will then return to the measurement mode and is ready
for use.
Note: In the Automatic Calibration Mode the Elcometer 6014 has an
automatic standard tile check routine. If the calibration tile is dirty or
damaged and the value does not conform to that stored in the memory the
display will show the following warning messages:
The white tile must be checked for permanent marks and deep scratches.
If these are seen on the tile the CANCEL key should be pressed - the
calibration value will not be stored.
Calibrate
Sample White Ref
45/0 Angle
Completed
Possible Error
Check Calib Tile
Accept New
Calibration?

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The tile must then be carefully cleaned and inspected (see “Maintaining
your calibration tiles” on page 31). The calibration procedure must then
be repeated.
A new calibration tile will be required if permanent marks are present.
7.4 CALIBRATING IN MANUAL MODE
The manual calibration procedure is as follows:
1. Visually inspect the calibration tiles for smears or defects before you start.
2. Switch on the gauge and wait until the gauge is ready to take
measurements.
3. Use the SCROLL UP/DOWN button to select:
4. Press the READ/SELECT key. The display will show:
5. Press the READ/SELECT key. The display will show:
ARE YOU SURE ?
Press Read Key
CALIBRATE ANGLE
Press Read Key
ARE YOU SURE?
Press Read Key
Calibrate
Sample Zero Ref

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6. Place the gauge carefully on the black calibration tile.
7. Press the READ/SELECT key.
After a short delay during which a ‘Please Wait’ message appears,
the display will show:
8. Place the gauge carefully on the white calibration tile.
9. Press the READ/SELECT key.
After a short delay during which a ‘Please Wait’ message appears,
the display will show:
The number shown (99.7 in this example) represents the value
measured for the tile. If the value does not match the certified value
of the calibration tile, use the SCROLL UP/DOWN key to adjust the
reading until it matches the value.
10. Press the READ/SELECT key to store the value and the gauge will
display:
The gauge will then return to the measurement mode and is ready
for use.
Calibrate
Sample High Ref
ANGLE CALIBRATE
45/0 99.7
45/0 Angle
Completed