Elcometer PG70 User manual

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Model PG70
Model PG70DL
Precision Gauge
Operating Instructions

en
This product meets the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive.
The product is Class A, Group 1 ISM equipment according to CISPR 11. Group 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.
Note: In the close presence of some radio transmitters, erroneous readings may be given. If this occurs tests
should be repeated at another location.
These operating instructions are available for download on our website www.elcometerndt.com.
The following trademark is a registered trademark of Elcometer Limited, Edge Lane, Manchester, M43 6BU.
United Kingdom:
Material Safety Data Sheet for the ultrasonic couplant supplied with the PG70DL & PG70 and available as an
accessory, is available to download via our website:
Elcometer NDT Ultrasonic Couplant Material Safety Data Sheet :
www.elcometerndt.com/images/MSDS/elcometer_ultrasonic_couplant.pdf
All other trademarks acknowledged. © Elcometer Limited. 2011-2012. 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. Doc.No. TMA-0499 Issue 02
Text with Cover No: 23226

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Contents
1 About your gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2 The keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3 Getting started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4 The display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
5 Setting up Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
6 Measurement modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
7 Taking readings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
8 Measurement - Recording your readings (PG70DL only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
9 Transferring readings to a computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
10 Storage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
11 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
12 Technical specification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
13 Spares & Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
14 Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
15 Transducers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
16 Condition and preparation of surfaces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
17 Application notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
18 Sound velocities of common materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

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Thank you for purchasing this Model PG70/PG70DL Precision Gauge. Welcome to Elcometer.
Elcometer are world leaders in the design, manufacture and supply of coatings inspection equipment. Our
products cover all aspects of coating inspection, from development through application to post application
inspection.
The Model PG70/PG70DL Precision Gauge are world beating products. With the purchase of this gauge
younow have access to the worldwide service and support network of Elcometer NDT. For more information
visit our website at www.elcometerndt.com.
1 ABOUT YOUR GAUGE
The Model PG70/PG70DL Precision Gauge are hand-held gauges for fast and accurate measurement of
the thickness of thin materials.
Your gauge is capable of measuring the thickness of various materials with great precision. The principal
advantage of ultrasonic measurement over traditional methods is that ultrasonic measurements can be
performed with access to only one side of the material being measured.
Your gauge is also capable of measuring the thickness of plastics.
There are two versions of the gauge:
• The Model PG70 is the basic model.
• The Model PG70DL model includes all the features of the Model PG70 model plus a data-logging
(memory) facility which allows readings to be stored in batches before being downloaded to a
computer.
This manual describes the operation of both models - Model PG70 and PG70DL.

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1.1 STANDARDS
Your gauge can be used in accordance with the following Standards and test methods; ASTM E 797 and
EN 15317.
1.2 WHAT THIS BOX CONTAINS
Model PG70 or PG70DL Gauge, Bottle of couplant, Battery (2 x), Carrying case, Test certificate, Operating
instructions, CD with data transfer and data collection software (DL version only), RS232 cable and USB to
Serial converter.
Note : The box does not include a transducer; these must be ordered separately. To order a transducer,
contact Elcometer NDT or your local Elcometer NDT supplier.
To maximise the benefits of your new Elcometer NDT Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge, please take
some time to read these Operating Instructions. Do not hesitate to contact Elcometer NDT or your
Elcometer NDT supplier if you have any questions
1.3 FEATURES OF THE GAUGE
ECHO-TO-ECHO MODE: Allows measurement of coated materials without having to remove the coating.
INTERFACE-TO-ECHO MODE: The gauge switches to this mode automatically when measuring thicker
materials and plastic.
PLAS MODE: For measuring the thickness of plastics.
SCAN MODE: Identifies the minimum thickness over a large area while moving the transducer over the
surface. While the transducer is in contact with the material being measured the smallest value is held in
memory and displayed when scanning is complete.

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ALARM: Allows the user to set a target so that an audible and visual alarm operates when taking
measurements. If the measurement falls below a pre-set nominal (target) value a red LED will light and the
beeper sounds. A green LED will light to indicate an acceptable thickness.
DATA OUTPUT: Allows the user to send data direct to a printer or PC.
DATA-LOGGING (PG70DL VERSION ONLY): Memory capacity of up to 1000 readings. Readings are stored in
up to 10 batches each containing up to 100 readings. Batches may be transferred to a PC using supplied
software.
1.4 PACKAGING
Your gauge is packed in a cardboard and foam package. Please ensure that this packaging is disposed of
in an environmentally sensitive manner. Please consult your Local Environmental Authority for further
guidance.
Elcometer 207
Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge
R
DIFF
SEND
ALRM
CAL
SC
A
N
IN
MM
ON
OFF
SCAN
DIFF
SENDCAL
A
LRM
IN
MM
PRECISION GAUGE
Elcometer 207
Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge
R
DIFF
SEND
ALRM
CAL
SC
A
N
IN
MM
ON
OFF
PRECISION GAUGE
CLR
MEM
SEND
MODE
CAL
IN
MM
PG70 PG70DL

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2 THE KEYPAD
MODEL PG70
Key Functions For more
information see Mode
Press to switch the gauge on or off.
When switching off, the gauge retains all of its settings.
If the gauge is idle for 5 minutes, it will switch itself off.
PG70
PG70DL
Press to adjust the features and settings of the gauge (alarm, scan, mode,
units, backlight, and beeper). PG70DL
Press to switch SCAN mode on or off. page 15. PG70
Press to adjust calibration. page 12. PG70
PG70DL
Press to change units (metric/imperial) PG70
PG70DL
a) Increases values on the display (press and hold to change values quickly). PG70
b) Switches between measurement modes (echo-echo, interface-echo or
auto). PG70
c) Scrolls up through menu system PG70DL
MODE
IN
MM
IN
MM

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a) Decreases values on the display (press and hold to change values quickly). PG70
b) Switches the display backlight between three settings; on, off and auto. page 19. PG70
c) Press and hold during gauge switch on to toggle LOC mode on/off page 20. PG70
d Scrolls down through menu system PG70
PG70DL
a) Press and hold during gauge switch on to toggle the audible beeper on or
off. PG70
b) Press to toggle the alarm on or off, and to adjust the nominal thickness
value. page 17. PG70
Press to toggle the DIFFERENTIAL mode on or off, and to adjust the nominal
thickness value. page 16. PG70
PG70DL
Press to switch data logging (memory) on/off.
Measurement -
Recording your
readings - see
page 22.
PG70DL
Press when data logger is switched on to clear the contents of an entire batch,
or an individual memory location.
The CLR key is also used to send an obstruct message (ObSt) to an individual
memory location. The ObSt symbol would indicate that the user was unable to
take a reading at a particular location.
Measurement -
Recording your
readings - see
page 22.
PG70DL
Key Functions For more
information see Mode
MEM
CLR

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a) Press to send the displayed thickness measurement to an external storage
device via the RS232 port. page 26. PG70
b) Press to select functions in the menu and save readings PG70
c) Press to send the displayed thickness measurement to an internal memory
location or an external storage device via the RS232 port. page 26. PG70DL
c) Press to select data logging functions.
Measurement -
Recording your
readings - see
page 22.
PG70DL
Key Functions For more
information see Mode

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3 GETTING STARTED
3.1 FITTING BATTERIES
Your gauge may be used with dry cell batteries or rechargeable batteries.
2 x LR6 (AA) alkaline batteries are supplied in the kit.
When the battery voltage is low the entire display will start to flash. When
this occurs the batteries should be replaced.
To fit or replace batteries:
1. Unscrew battery compartment cover.
2. Referring to battery polarity instructions on rear of gauge, insert
batteries into gauge ensuring correct polarity.
3. Replace battery compartment cover.
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.
3.2 CHOOSING THE TRANSDUCER
Information can be found on the Elcometer NDT Knowledge Centre on www.elcometerndt.com.
Elcometer 207
Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge
R
DIFF
SEND
ALRM
CAL
SC
A
N
IN
MM
ON
OFF
SCAN
DIFF
SENDCAL
A
LRM
IN
MM
PRECISION GAUGE
Battery
compartment
cover
Model PG70

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3.3 FITTING THE TRANSDUCER
The transducer transmits and receives ultrasonic sound waves that the gauge uses
to calculate the thickness of the material being measured.
The transducer connects to the gauge via the attached cable, and single coaxial
connectors.
Transducers are supplied with two replaceable delay lines, 6.35 mm (1/4") and
12.7 mm (1/2"). The 12.7 mm (1/2") is suitable for most applications and measures
steel up to 25 mm. Generally, it should be used to measure thicker materials. It will
also dampen the signal of noisy materials, providing better accuracy.
The 6.35 mm (1/4") delay line provides more signal strength and may allow you to
measure tough-to-penetrate materials.
To change the delay line, unscrew the end of the transducer and apply couplant to
the connecting end of the delay line before screwing together.
3.4 SWITCHING ON/OFF
To switch on or off, press ON/OFF .
The gauge will switch off automatically after 5 minutes of inactivity.

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4 THE DISPLAY
Stability indicator
Refer to page 21 and page 33 for information on how to achieve a stable measurement.
One bar - no readings are being taken
Less than 5 bars - reading is unstable and may be inaccurate
More than 5 bars - reading is stable
INMM/ s µ
Stability indicator (see below) Units (IN, MM, IN/µs, MM/s)
Thickness value/Menu items

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4.1 FRONT PANEL LIGHTS
Green light illuminates when:
• The alarm mode is active, and
• the measured thickness is greater than the alarm value.
Red light illuminates when:
• The alarm mode is active, and
• the measured thickness is less than the alarm value.

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5 SETTING UP GAUGE
As a delay line transducer should be used with these gauges, zeroing of the gauges is not necessary.
5.1 CALIBRATION
In order for the gauge to make accurate measurements, it must be set to the correct sound-velocity for the
material being measured.
Different types of material have different sound-velocities. For example, the velocity of sound through steel
is 5918 m/s (about 0.233 in/µs) and the velocity of sound through aluminium is 6350 m/s (about 0.248 in/µs).
Setting the calibration is crucial for the gauge to function and the procedure should be carried out after every
probe zero and when the material type is changed.
There are two methods of calibrating your gauge:
KNOWN THICKNESS CALIBRATION: This is the simplest and most commonly used calibration procedure.
KNOWN VELOCITY CALIBRATION: The sound-velocity of the material being measured is entered directly into
the gauge.
Note: Known thickness calibration must be performed on material with the paint or coating removed. Failure
to remove the paint or coating prior to calibration will result in a multi-material velocity calculation that may
be different from the actual material velocity intended to be measured.
5.1.1 Known thickness calibration
This procedure requires a sample piece of the material to be measured, the exact thickness of which is
known, having been measured by some other means e.g with a caliper or micrometer.
1. Apply couplant to the sample piece.

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2. Press the transducer against the sample piece, making sure that the transducer is flat against the
surface of the sample. The display should show some (probably incorrect) thickness value, and nearly
all the bars of the stability indicator should be illuminated.
3. Press CAL. The MM (or IN) symbol should begin flashing. You may remove the transducer at this point
if you wish.
4. Use UP and DOWN to adjust the displayed thickness, until it matches the known thickness of the
sample piece.
5. Press CAL. The M/s (or IN/µs) symbols should begin flashing. The gauge is now displaying the sound-
velocity value it has calculated.
6. Press CAL to exit the calibration mode.
The gauge is now ready to perform measurements.
5.1.2 Known velocity calibration
This procedure requires that the operator knows the sound-velocity of the material to be measured. A table
of common materials and their sound-velocities can be found in page 34.
1. Press ON/OFF to switch on the gauge.
2. Press CAL to enter calibration mode then press CAL again, so that the M/s (or IN/µs) symbols are
flashing.
3. Use UP and DOWN to adjust to the desired value, until it matches the sound-velocity of the material to
be measured.
4. Press CAL to exit the calibration mode.
The gauge is now ready to perform measurements.

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Note: At any time during the gauge calibration procedure (IN, MM, IN/µs, or M/s flashing in the display),
pressing the SCAN (PG70) or CLR (PG70DL) will restore the gauge to the factory default sound-velocity for
steel, 5918 m/s (0.233 in/µs).
Material composition (and thus, its sound-velocity) sometimes varies from batch to batch and from
manufacturer to manufacturer. Calibration to a sample of known thickness will ensure that the gauge is set
as closely as possible to the sound-velocity of the material to be measured.
6 MEASUREMENT MODES
The gauge has three measurement modes; echo-echo, interface-echo and automatic.
ECHO-ECHO: The gauge has the ability to read thin metals from 0.15 mm to 10.14 mm (0.006" to 0.399").
The echo-echo mode also allows the user to measure the thickness of metals that have been previously
coated or painted on the surface. This enables the user to determine the thickness of the metal without
having to remove the paint.
INTERFACE-ECHO: The gauge has the ability to read thicker metals from 1.65 mm to 25.4 mm (0.065" to 1.0"),
plastics and other difficult materials.
AUTOMATIC: In Automatic, the gauge will automatically switch between modes according to the different
materials being measured.
PLAS: Plas mode can be used to measure thin plastics using a special graphite tip - see “Spares &
Accessories” on page 30.
The automatic (Auto) mode will generally be the mode of choice for the majority of common applications
with the following exceptions:
• The gauge should be set to echo-echo mode when through-coating measurements are required.
• The gauge should be set to interface-echo when plastics above 1.52 mm (0.060") are being
measured.

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6.1.1 To select measurement mode
6.2 SCAN MODE
Scan mode is used to search a large region for the thinnest point.
Scan mode doubles the reading rate to 8 per second. As the transducer is scrubbed across the surface the
gauge searches for the lowest thickness value. When the transducer is removed, the gauge displays the
lowest thickness that was detected.
To switch scan mode on/off:
1. Press UP to switch between GAtE I-E, GAtE
E-E, GAtE Auto or GAtE PLAS.
2. Repeat until correct mode is displayed.
1. Select MODE/GAtE.
2. Press SEND to switch between GAtE I-E,
GAtE E-E, GAtE Auto or GAtE PLAS.
3. Press MODE to return to the measurement
screen.
1. Press SCAn to toggle SCAn OFF or SCAn
On.
2. The gauge will display SCAn OFF or SCAn
On.
1. Select MODE/SCAn
2. Press SEND to toggle scan mode on or off.
3. Press MODE to return to the measurement
screen.
Model PG70 Model PG70DL
Model PG70 Model PG70DL

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6.3 DIFFERENTIAL MODE
Your gauge includes Differential Mode which allows it to display the positive or negative difference from
an entered nominal value.
To switch differential mode on/off and enter the value:
1. Press the dIFF.
2. The gauge will display dIFF OFF or DIFF
followed by a thickness value.
3. When toggled on, use UP and DOWN to scroll
to the desired nominal thickness value.
4. Press the SEND to select the nominal value
entered.
1. Press MODE/dIFF
2. The gauge will display dIFF OFF or dIFF ON
followed by a thickness value.
3. Press SEND to toggle dIFF ON or OFF.
4. When toggled on use UP and DOWN to adjust
to the desired thickness value.
5. Press SEND to set value.
6. Press MODE to return to the measurement
screen.
Model PG70 Model PG70DL

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6.4 ALARM
The Alarm feature of your gauge allows you to set an audible and visual alarm when taking measurements.
If the alarm is switched on, the green light on the front panel of the gauge is illuminated. If the measurement
falls below the value set by the user, a red light shows on the front panel of the gauge and the beeper is
sounded (if it is switched on).
Use of the red light and beeper improves the speed and efficiency of the inspection process by eliminating
constant viewing of the reading displayed.
To switch beeper on/off
1. While the gauge is off, press and hold down
ALRM.
2. Switch on the gauge.
3. Release ALRM.
The gauge will display bEEP OFF or bEEP
On.
4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 to toggle between bEEP
ON and bEEP OFF.
1. Select MODE/bEEP.
2. Press SEND to toggle the status of the beeper
on/off.
3. Press MODE to return to measurement screen
Model PG70 Model PG70DL

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To set alarm value and switch alarm on
To switch alarm off
Repeat the steps above, but select ALAr OFF.
1. Press ALRM to toggle the status of the alarm.
When toggled on the gauge displays ALAr
followed by a thickness value.
2. Use UP and DOWN to adjust Lo alarm
thickness value.
3. Press SEND when correct value is displayed.
The Hi value will now be displayed.
4. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to adjust and set the Hi
alarm thickness value.
1. Select MENU/ALAr.
2. Press SEND to toggle the alarm on/off.
3. When toggled on use UP and DOWN to adjust
the Lo alarm.
4. Press SEND and adjust the Hi alarm.
5. Press SEND to confirm.
6. Press MODE to return to the measurement
screen.
Model PG70 Model PG70DL