Elcometer Elcomotor 312 User manual

English
Elcometer 312 Elcomotor™
Coating Thickness Gauge
Operating Instructions
www.elcomotor.com
Elcomotor™ is a division of
Elcometer Incorporated, Michigan, USA
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Equipment described in these instructions is covered by the following Patents:
FNF UK Patent No: GB2306009B and FNF US Patent No: 5886522
The Elcometer 312 Elcomotor™ Coating Thickness Gauge has been tested in accordance with EU
regulations governing electro-magnetic compliance and meets the required directives.
Note: Gauge readings may be affected if the unit is operated within a radio frequency electromagnetic
strength of greater than 3 V/m.
and are registered trademarks of Elcometer Limited.
All other trademarks acknowledged.
© Copyright Elcometer Limited. 2009.
All rights reserved. Nopart 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/
downloads. Doc No. TMA-0261 Issue 05
Text with Cover No. 16862
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CONTENTS
Section Page
1 About your gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2 Getting started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3 Taking a measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4 Calibration adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
5 Storage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
6 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
7 Technical specification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
8 Spares and accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
9 Related equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
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Thank you for your purchase of this Elcometer 312 Elcomotor™ Coating Thickness 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 312 Elcomotor™ Coating Thickness Gauge 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 websites:
www.elcometer.com
www.elcomotor.com
1 ABOUT YOUR GAUGE
The Elcometer 312 Elcomotor™ Coating Thickness Gauge is a handheld coating thickness gauge for
checking dry film thickness of paint coatings on automotive bodywork.
The gauge is available either with a built-in integral probe or with a separate probe. Two types of probe are
available:
• Elcometer 312F for measurement on steel bodies
• Elcometer 312FNF for measurement on steel and aluminium bodies
The gauge can be switched to display metric (µm) or imperial (mils) units of measurement.
Your gauge was calibrated at the factory, however you can adjust the calibration using the foil set supplied
with the gauge.
The Elcometer 312 Elcomotor™ is powered by internal dry cell batteries.
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1.1 GAUGE FEATURES
• Easy to use, Instant readings
• User adjustable calibration
• Ferrous (F) and dual ferrous/non-ferrous (FNF) versions
available
• Bigfoot™ for stable and repeatable readings
• Separate probe version for readings where space is restricted
• Switchable between metric/imperial units
1.2 WHAT THE BOX CONTAINS
• Elcometer 312F Elcomotor™ Coating Thickness Gauge or
Elcometer 312FNF Elcomotor™ Coating Thickness Gauge
• 2 x LR03 (AAA) alkaline batteries
• Set of 3 foils
• Carrying case
• Operating instructions
The Elcometer 312 Elcomotor™ Coating Thickness 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 312 Elcomotor™ Coating Thickness 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.
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Elcometer
312 with
Integral
Probe
Elcometer 312 with
Separate Probe
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2 GETTING STARTED
2.1 FITTING BATTERIES
The Elcometer 311 may be used with dry cell batteries or rechargeable batteries.
2 x LR03 (AAA) alkaline batteries are supplied with the gauge.
To fit or replace batteries:
1. Locate battery compartment cover at rear of gauge.
2. Lift off battery compartment cover.
3. Place batteries in the battery clips ensuring correct polarity.
4. Replace battery compartment cover.
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.
2.2 LOW BATTERY VOLTAGE
When the battery voltage is low the battery symbol illuminates on
the display. The gauge will still function but new batteries are
recommended.
When the battery symbol flashes the batteries must be replaced.
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2.3 SWITCHING THE GAUGE ON/OFF
To switch on, press .
Gauges with an integral probe will switch on automatically by placing the probe against a hard surface.
To switch off, press and hold until OFF is displayed.
The gauge will switch off automatically after one minute of inactivity.
2.4 CHANGING UNITS
To change the units of measurement displayed on the screen (µm or mils):
1. Press to switch the gauge on.
2. Press .
The symbol on the display will start to flash.
3. Press .
The units will change.
To change units again, repeat steps 2 and 3.
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3 TAKING A MEASUREMENT
Before starting to take measurements it is good practice to check the performance of the gauge using the
calibration adjustment procedure - see “Calibration adjustment” on page 7.
1. Hold the gauge with the probe pressed
firmly
a
against the surface you are
measuring.
2. Read the coating thickness shown on the
display.
The screen displays:
• the coating thickness
• the measurement units (µm or mils)
• on FNF gauges only, the substrate type -
F (ferrous) or NF (non ferrous)
a. The reading may be inaccurate if the probe is not held flat against the surface.
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Integral
probe
Separate
probe
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4 CALIBRATION ADJUSTMENT
Calibration adjustment is the process of setting the gauge to known values of thickness.
Although your gauge was calibrated at the factory, periodic calibration by the user is a requirement of quality
management procedures such as ISO 9000 and other standards.
Note: FNF gauges must be calibrated in both the ferrous mode and in the non-ferrous mode to ensure
accuracy of reading.
4.1 EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
To ensure accurate calibration you will need access to an uncoated sample of the automotive body to be
measured and the foil set supplied with your gauge.
If you do not have access to an uncoated sample, ferrous (steel) and non-ferrous (aluminium) substrates
(checkpieces) are available as accessories from Elcometer. See “Spares and accessories” on page 11 for
ordering details.
The measured foil set supplied with your gauge consists of the following nominal thickness values:
• 125 µm (5 mil)
• 250 µm (10 mil)
• 1000 µm (20 mil)
When adjusting the calibration, choose a foil or combination of foils to give a thickness value above the
thickness to be measured. For instance, for measurements up to 100 µm (4 mil), choose the 125 µm (5 mil)
foil. For measurements up to 1000 µm (40 mil), use the 1000 µm (40 mil) foil.
Note: Ensure that the foils are clean and that there is no dirt or dust between the foils, as this will cause
errors.
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4.2 TO CALIBRATE YOUR GAUGE
STEP 1 - SET ZERO ON THE UNCOATED SUBSTRATE
1. Take a reading on the uncoated substrate.
2. Press and hold for 5 seconds.
The display will show 0 µm or 0.0 mils.
STEP 2 - SET TO A MEASURED FOIL VALUE
1. Place the chosen foil on an uncoated sample of the metal substrate.
2. Take a reading.
3. Adjust the reading value in the display by pressing and holding either or for 5 seconds.
The display will count up or down in 1 µm (0.1 mils) steps increasing in resolution to 10 µm (1 mils)
steps, as the button is held. Release and re-press the key to slow the change as the correct value is
approached.
4. When the correct value is displayed, press to enter the value.
STEP 3 - CHECK THE CALIBRATION
Measure either an intermediate foil value or the foil chosen for the adjustment to check the validity of the
calibration procedure. If the gauge does not give the correct reading, repeat the calibration procedure.
If, after repeating the calibration, the gauge still does not measure correctly, consult your local Elcometer
supplier or contact Elcometer directly.
USA/Canada: [e-mail]
or Worldwide: [e-mail]
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5 STORAGE
This gauge incorporates a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). If the display is heated above 50°C (120°F)
it may be damaged. This can happen if the gauge is left in a car parked in strong sunlight.
Always store the gauge in its carrying pouch when it is not being used.
6 MAINTENANCE
You own one of the finest handheld coating thickness gauges in the world. If looked after, it will last a
lifetime.
The gauge does not contain any user-serviceable components. In the unlikely event of a fault, the gauge
should be returned to your local Elcometer supplier or directly to Elcometer. The warranty will be invalidated
if the instrument has been opened.
Details of Elcometer offices around the world are given on the outside cover of these Operating Instructions.
Alternatively visit the Elcomotor website, www.elcomotor.com
PROBES
The probe will wear with repeated use. Probe life depends on the number of measurements taken and the
manner in which readings are taken. To extend probe life, always set the probe down so that it is
perpendicular to the panel surface. Never drag the probe along the surface, as doing so will drastically
reduce the life of the probe.
Replacement of the probe must be carried out by Elcometer.
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7 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Scale range: 0 µm to 1000 µm (0 mils to 40 mils)
Resolution: 1 µm (0.1 mils)
Accuracy: ±3% or ±3 µm (0.1 mil), whichever is the greater
Minimum substrate thickness: 300 µm (12 mils)
Measurement speed: >30 readings per minute
Display: Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 3½ Digits
Character height: 10 mm (0.4")
Operating temperature: 0°C to 50°C (32°F to 120°F)
Dimensions: 56mm x 24mm x 125mm (2.2" x 0.95" x 4.9")
Weight: 115 g (4 oz) (including dry batteries)
Type: Internal batteries
Battery type: 2 x LR03 (AAA), alkaline
b
dry batteries or rechargeable
c
equivalents
Battery life: 20
d
hours continuous (alkaline dry batteries)
b. Alkaline batteries must be disposed of carefully to avoid environmental contamination. Please consult your local envi-
ronmental authority for information on disposal in your region.
Do not dispose of any batteries in fire.
c. Rechargeable batteries can be used if they are charged outside the gauge.
d. Battery life is reduced to approximately 25% of the dry battery life when using rechargeable batteries. Follow the
instructions provided by the battery manufacturer when charging and disposing of rechargeable batteries.
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8 SPARES AND ACCESSORIES
The following spare parts and optional accessories are available from your local Elcometer supplier or direct
from Elcometer.
Checkpiece F, steel: T99916925
Checkpiece NF, aluminium: T99916901
Foil set (3 foils): T9904199-21
Foil, 125 µm: T9904172-
Foil, 250 µm: T9904174-
Foil, 1000 µm: T9904191-
Nylon carry case (integral): T9999516-
Nylon carry case (separate): T99918019
Splash proof cover (set of 5): T99913537
9 RELATED EQUIPMENT
Elcometer produces a wide range of coating thickness gauges and associated paint inspection equipment.
Users of the Elcometer 312 Elcomotor™ may also benefit from the following Elcometer products:
• Elcometer 456 Coating Thickness Gauge
• Elcometer 406L Statistical Mini Glossmeter
For further information contact Elcometer, your Elcometer supplier or visit the Elcomotor™ website,
www.elcomotor.com
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