Elcometer Novo-Gloss 401 User manual

English
Elcometer 401
Novo-Gloss™ Glossmeter
Operating Instructions
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English
R
The Elcometer 401 Novo-Gloss™ Glossmeter 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.
is a registered trademark of
Elcometer Instruments Ltd.
NOVO-GLOSS is a trademark of Rhopoint Instruments Ltd.
© Copyright Elcometer Instruments Ltd. 2005.
All other trademarks acknowledged.
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.
TMA 0252 Issue 02
Text with Cover No: 16708
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CONTENTS
Section Page
1 About your gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.1 Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.2 What this package contains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2 Getting started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.1 The controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.2 Charging the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3 Taking a reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4 Calibration adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4.1 The calibration tile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4.2 To calibrate your gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5 Gloss measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
5.1 General measurement tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
5.2 Gloss measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
6 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
6.1 Calibration tile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
6.2 Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
6.3 Changing the lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
7 Storage and transit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
8 Spares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
9 Technical specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
10 Related equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
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hank you for your purchase of this Elcometer 401 Novo-Gloss™
Glossmeter. 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 401 Novo-Gloss™ Glossmeter 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 401 Novo-Gloss™ Glossmeter is a hand held gauge
for measuring the gloss on flat surfaces from matt to mirror finishes.
The Glossmeter is available in three versions; single angle, dual
angle and triple angle. These instructions apply to all three versions.
Gloss is measured by directing a light beam at an angle to the test
surface and monitoring the light reflected at the same angle. Different
surfaces will have different levels of gloss and require different
reflective angles.
The user can calibrate the Elcometer 401 using a certified calibration
tile supplied with the gauge.
1.1 Standards
Your Elcometer 401 Novo-Gloss™ Glossmeter can be used in
accordance with the following National and International Standards:
ISO 2813 ISO 7668
BS 3900-D5 BS 6161-12
AS 1580-602.2 ECCA T2
ASTM D 523, C 584, D 1455, D 2457
DIN 67530
T
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1.2 What this package contains
• Elcometer 401 Novo-Gloss™ Glossmeter
• Spare lamp assemblies, x 2
• Battery charger
• Certified calibration tile
• Protective box for tile
• Cleaning cloth for tile
• Calibration certificate for tile
• 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.
Note: Before you use your Elcometer 401 for the first time, you must
charge the battery for a minimum of 16 hours.
To maximise the benefits of your new Elcometer 401 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 The controls
Figure 1. Elcometer 401 Controls and Features
2.2 Charging the battery
Plugging the charger into the socket marked DC on the side of the
gauge allows the battery to be charged. The battery will be fully
charged in approximately 16 hours from full discharge.
Ensure that the “LO BAT” symbol is showing on the display before
recharging; this will maximise the life of the battery.
Display
Calibration
thumb wheel
Battery
charger
socket
Press-to-
read
button(s)
Measurement
aperture
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3 TAKING A READING
1. Inspect the underside of the gauge to be sure it is clean and free
of scratches. Inspect the lenses and the channels leading to
them and remove any dust that may accumulate in use, storage
or transit.
2. Place the gauge on the test surface ensuring that the aperture is
positioned on the area you want to measure; use the arrows on
the sides of the gauge to aid positioning.
3. If a multiple angle gauge is being used, decide which angle to
use.
4. Press the button marked with the angle of choice for at least 2
seconds and allow the value on the display to settle.
The display holds the last reading for 15 seconds after the
button is released. The gauge then switches off to conserve
battery power. The last reading is lost when the gauge switches
off.
4 CALIBRATION ADJUSTMENT
Before taking readings, adjust the calibration of the Glossmeter using
the certified calibration tile. The calibration must always be set for the
angle at which you will be measuring.
4.1 The calibration tile
The calibration tile consists of a black glass tile mounted in matt foam
in a protective case (Figure 2). The tile is certified with traceability to
the BAM standards.
The calibration tile is 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.
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Regular cleaning of the surface of the tile using the cloth provided is
recommended. If necessary the tile can be cleaned using warm
soapy water and dried with a soft lint-free cloth.
Figure 2. Certified calibration tile
4.2 To calibrate your gauge
1. Place the aperture of the gauge on the gloss standard supplied
with the gauge.
2. Press and hold down the button for the chosen angle.
3. Wait until the reading stabilises and then adjust the calibration
thumb wheel until the reading on the display matches the value
on the calibration tile corresponding to the chosen angle. Note
that for dual and triple angle standards the value for the standard
will differ from angle to angle.
Your gauge is now calibrated for that angle. Calibration should be
checked and adjusted throughout the day.
Remember to recalibrate if you start measuring at a different angle.
Foam Lid -
Zero Gloss
Value
Calibration Tile -
High Gloss
Value
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5 GLOSS MEASUREMENT
5.1 General measurement tips
It is important that the test area is free of dust, dirt, fingerprints, etc.,
as these will affect the gloss.
Glossmeters integrate all the light going to the receptor so if there is
poor covering of the aperture and ambient light is able to get in, this
is also detected and gives anomalous high readings. When
measuring translucent materials, such as plastic or glass, transmitted
ambient light must be excluded by either working in a dark room or by
shielding with opaque cloth.
The optics in the Glossmeter are focused to the plane of the gauge,
so the test surface must be in contact with the base to obtain accurate
readings. This applies also to silver-backed mirrors, where the gauge
will be separated from the primary reflecting surface by the thickness
of the glass.
When measuring textured materials such as leather, gloss readings
may be lower than expected after a visual examination. This is
because the measurement is an integral of the highlighted areas and
the apparently dark ‘valleys’. For similar reasons, gloss on very
uneven surfaces will be unreliable.
Care must also be taken when testing curved surfaces. The 85º and
75º measurement angles are totally unsuited to this purpose and
should only be used on flat surfaces. The 60º, 45º, 45º/0º and 20º
measurement angles get progressively better at this task but will still
only give reliable readings on curved surfaces of >125 mm (5")
radius. Best results are obtained on cylinders when measuring
parallel to the axis. For accurate gloss measurements on curved
surfaces with a radius as low as 12 mm (½") a special gauge, the
Elcometer 400 NOVO-CURVE, is available - see “Related
equipment” on page 14.
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5.2 Gloss measurement
Gloss is measured by integrating the total amount of light reflected in
the specular direction (i.e. the equal and opposite direction angle to
the incident light) from a test area on the sample surface. The
dimensions of this area are determined by the angle, which is, for
example, an ellipse measuring 10 mm x 20 mm (0.4" x 0.8") in the
case of a 60º Glossmeter.
Gloss is also a directional phenomenon, and materials such as
fabrics, wood and brush finished metals, may appear more glossy
when measuring along the fibres or grain than across.
6 MAINTENANCE
The Elcometer 401 Novo-Gloss™ Glossmeter is designed to give
many years reliable service under normal operating and storage
conditions.
Regular calibration checks over the life of the Glossmeter and the
certified calibration tile are a requirement of quality management
procedures, e.g. ISO 9000, and other similar standards.
With the exception of lamp replacement, the gauge does not contain
any user-serviceable components. In the unlikely event of a fault, the
Elcometer 401 should be returned to your local Elcometer supplier or
direct to Elcometer. Contact details can be found on the outside cover
of these instructions and at www.elcometer.com
6.1 Calibration tile
Calibration standards (Gloss Tiles) should be kept scrupulously clean
and should be stored safely when not in use. The surface should
never be touched with fingers or wiped with a solvent impregnated
cloth.
Cleaning should be carried out using the dry cloth provided or using
dry, compressed air. If necessary the tile may be wiped with a cloth
moistened with warm soapy water and dried with a lint-free cloth.
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Any marks on the surface, such as scratches, grease, dust or finger
marks, will invalidate the calibration value assigned to the standard.
It is important that the calibration tile has an up-to-date certificate and
the normal renewal period is 12 months. However, it should be noted
that if successive calibration certificates give the same value for the
tile, extension of the renewal period to 24 months is permitted. The
tile must be calibrated at all angles when it is to be used with dual or
triple angle gauges.
Calibration tiles can be re-calibrated by returning the tile to
Elcometer, your local Elcometer supplier or to a recognised gloss
calibration facility such as BAM (Germany) or NRC (Canada).
6.2 Gauge
The Elcometer 401 should always be checked to ensure that the
metal base is clean. Care must be taken to ensure that the base
remains free of any damage. The optical cavities and lenses must
also be free of dust or any other contamination.
6.3 Changing the lamp
The gauge is supplied with two replacement lamp assemblies. To
change the lamp, follow the instructions given below for the
appropriate model.
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Single Angle Glossmeter
Remove the gauge case by unscrewing the four fixing screws found
at the back of the gauge. Withdraw the gauge from the case. Unscrew
the two lamp clamping ring screws, disconnect the inline connector
and remove the old lamp.
Fit the new lamp in the orientation shown in Figure 3. The arrows
indicate the filament direction. Replace the clamping ring and
connect the new lamp.
Referring to Figure 4, centralise the calibration thumb wheel
potentiometer (A). Take a reading on a high gloss standard and
adjust calibration potentiometer (B) so that the display reads the
value on the standard.
Check the zero gloss adjustment by placing the gauge on the black
foam and adjust potentiometer (C) accordingly.
Figure 3
Figure 4
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Dual Angle Glossmeter
Note: If changing more than one lamp, mark the inline connectors to
ensure correct connection.
Remove the gauge case by unscrewing the four fixing screws found
at the back of the gauge. Withdraw the gauge from the case. Unscrew
the two lamp clamping ring screws holding the faulty lamp.
Disconnect the inline connector and remove the old lamp.
Fit the new lamp in the orientation shown in Figure 5. The arrows
indicate the filament direction. Replace the clamping ring and
connect the new lamp.
Referring to Figure 6, centralise the calibration thumb wheel
potentiometer (A). Take a reading on a high gloss standard using the
appropriate angle selection and adjust the appropriate calibration
potentiometer (C for 20°, D for 60°) until the correct value of the
standard is displayed.
Check the zero gloss adjustment by placing the gauge on the black
foam and adjust potentiometer (B) accordingly.
Figure 5
Figure 6
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Triple Angle Glossmeter
Note: If changing more than one lamp, mark the inline connectors to
ensure correct connection.
Remove the gauge case by unscrewing the four fixing screws found
at the back of the gauge case. Withdraw the gauge from the case.
Unscrew the two lamp clamping ring screws holding the faulty lamp.
Disconnect the inline connector and remove the old lamp.
Fit the new lamp in the orientation shown in Figure 7. The arrows
indicate the filament direction. Replace the clamping ring and
connect the new lamp.
Referring to Figure 8, centralise the calibration thumb wheel
potentiometer (A). Take a reading on a high gloss standard using the
appropriate angle selection and adjust the appropriate calibration
potentiometer (E for 20°, B for 60°, C for 75/85°) until the correct
value of the standard is displayed.
Check the zero gloss adjustment by placing the gauge on the black
foam and adjust potentiometer (D) accordingly.
Figure 7
Figure 8
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7 STORAGE AND TRANSIT
This gauge incorporates a Liquid Crystal Display. 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 case when it is not being used and
during transit.
8 SPARES
The Elcometer 401 Novo-Gloss™ Glossmeter is complete with all the
items required to get started and take measurements, however over
the life of the gauge replacements may be required. The following
replacement items are available from Elcometer or your local
supplier.
Description Sales Part No.
20° Gloss Standard with Certificate: T40016350
60° Gloss Standard with Certificate: T40016351
85° Gloss Standard with Certificate: T40016352
20/60° Gloss Standard with Certificate: T40016353
20/60/85° Gloss Standard with Certificate: T40016354
UK Charger Unit, 230V BS Plug: T40016344
Euro Charger Unit, 230V Euro Plug: T40016345
USA Charger Unit, 110V US Plug: T40016346
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9 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Versions: Single Angle 20º or 60º or 85º
Dual Angle 20º and 60º
Triple Angle 20º, 60º and 75º or 20º, 60º and 85º
Dimensions: Single Angle 150mm x 50mm x 110mm (6" x 2" x 4.5")
Dual Angle 150mm x 50mm x 110mm (6" x 2" x 4.5")
Triple Angle 180mm x 50mm x 110mm (7" x 2" x 4.5")
Weight: Single Angle 0.9 kg (1.98lb)
Dual Angle 1.1 kg (2.42lb)
Triple Angle 1.2 kg (2.64lb)
Measurement Range: 0 GU to 199 GU
Accuracy: ± 1.0 GU
Repeatability (24 Hours): 1.0 GU
Battery: Internal rechargeable NiCad
Automatic switch off delay: 15 seconds
Lamp life: 200 hours, nominal
10 RELATED EQUIPMENT
In addition to the Elcometer 401 Novo-Gloss™ Glossmeter,
Elcometer produces a wide range of other equipment for measuring
the appearance of surface coatings. Users of the Elcometer 401 may
also benefit from the following Elcometer products:
• Elcometer 400 Novo-Curve™ Glossmeter for curved surfaces
• Elcometer Haze, Shade and Opacity Meters
• Elcometer RAL Colour Charts
• Elcometer Spectrophotometers (portable and benchtop)
• Elcometer Colour Analysis Software
For further information contact Elcometer, your local Elcometer
supplier, or visit www.elcometer.com
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