sauter TF 1250-0.1FN User manual

Sauter GmbH
Ziegelei 1
D-72336 Balingen
E-Mail: [e-mail]
Tel: +49-[0]7433- 9933-199
Fax: +49-[0]7433-9933-149
Internet: www.sauter.eu
Instruction Manual
Digital Coating Thickness Gauge
SAUTER TF, TG
Version 1.3
01/2018
GB Model TF 1250-0.1FN
Model TG 1250-0.1FN
TF_TG-BA-e-1813
PROFESSIONAL MEASURING

2 TF_TG-BA-e-1813
GB
SAUTER TF, TG
Version 1.3 01/2018
Instruction Manual
Digital Coating Thickness Gauge
Thank you for buying a SAUTER digital Coating Thickness Gauge. We hope you are
pleased with your high quality Thickness Gauge with its big functional range.
If you have any queries, wishes or helpful suggestions, do not hesitate to call our
service number.
Models available:
- TF 1250-0.1 FN
- TG 1250-0.1 FN
Summarize:
1Features.......................................................................................................... 3
2Specifications ................................................................................................ 4
3Front panel description................................................................................. 5
4Measurement procedure............................................................................... 6
5Statistics......................................................................................................... 6
6How to store and recall readings.................................................................. 7
7How to delete readings.................................................................................. 7
8Transfer of readings to a PC......................................................................... 7
9Calibration...................................................................................................... 8
10 Battery replacement ...................................................................................... 8
11 Adjustment foils............................................................................................. 8
12 Correct handling at Coating Thickness Measurement with external
sensors...................................................................................................................... 9
13 Trouble shooting............................................................................................ 9
14 Restore factory settings................................................................................ 9
15 Annotations.................................................................................................. 10

TF_TG-BA-e-1813 3
This coating thickness gauge is small in size, light in weight and easy to carry. Al-
though it is complex and advanced, it is convenient to operate. Its ruggedness will
allow many years of use if all the instructions are followed carefully.
Please keep this instruction manual always within reach!
Annotation: It is strongly recommended to adjust the new instrument before
the first use, as described in paragraph 9. By doing this, you will achieve a
much better measurement result right from the start.
1 Features
» This instrument meets the standards of both, ISO 2178 and ISO 2361, and DIN as
well as ASTM und BS. It is suitable for the laboratory and for use in `harsh field con-
ditions`.
» The F-mode measures the coating thickness of nonmagnetic materials, e.g. paint,
plastic, porcelain enamel, copper, zinc, aluminium, chrome, lacquer layers etc.
These layers should be located on magnetic metals e.g. steel, iron, nickel etc. It is
often used to measure the thickness of galvanizing layer, lacquer layer, porcelain
enamel layer, phosphate layer, copper tile, aluminium tile, some alloy tile, paper etc.
» In N-mode, the coating thickness of non-magnetic coatings is measured which are
located on non-magnetic metals. It is used to measure anodizing, varnish, paint,
enamel, plastic coatings, powder etc. These layers are located on non- magnetic
metals e.g. aluminium, brass, non magnetic stainless steel etc.
» Automatically base material recognition
» Manual or automatical “auto power off” to conserve batteries.
» Two measurement modes: - single and continuous
» Metric/ imperial unit conversion
» Wide measuring range and high resolution
» Digital backlight display enables exact reading with no guessing or errors
» Can store up to 99 measurements
» Statistic function available
» Can communicate with PC for statistics and printing per RS 232. Cable and soft-
ware are available as optional accessory (ATC-01).

4 TF_TG-BA-e-1813
2 Specifications
Display: 4 digits, 10mm LCD, with backlight
Range: 0 up to 1250 µm/ 0 up to 50 mil (Standard) (another range may be specified)
Resolution: 0.1µm (0 up to 99.9µm)
1µm (above 100µm)
Accuracy:
- Standard: 3% of the measured value or min. ± 2.5 µm
This is valid within a tolerance range of ± 100 μm around the typically measured
range, if a two-point calibration was performed within this tolerance range.
- Off-Set Accur Mode: 1% of the measured value or min. ± 1.0 µm
this is valid within ± 50 μm around the Off-Set Accur point.
PC connection: by RS-232C interface
Power supply: 2 x 1.5V AAA (UM-4) batteries
Operating conditions:Temperatures 0 up to 50°C
Humidity < 95 %
Dimensions: 126 x 65 x 35 mm (5.0 x 2.6 x 1.6 Inch)
Weight: ca.81g (without batteries)
Scope of delivery: - Carrying case
- Operation manual
- TF 1250-0.1FN : Inbuilt sensor F as well as inbuilt sensor N
(base material is recognized automatically)
- TG 1250-0.1FN: External sensor FN extern
(base material is recognized automatically)
- 1 Set calibration foils, is delivered in standard at each model
- Base plate (iron)
- Base plate (aluminium)
Optional accessories: - Software and cable for RS-232C: ATC-01
- RS-232 to USB adapter: AFH 12
- Calibration foils (replacement order): ATB-US07
- External sensor FN (for TG 1250-0.1FN): ATG 01

TF_TG-BA-e-1813 5
3 Front panel description
here: Model TF, with inbuilt sensor
3-1 Sensors inbuilt at model TF ( F and N) or at model TG with external sensor FN
3-2 Display
3-3 Power-key/Zero- key
3-4 Plus- key (arrow button up)
3-5 Minus- key ( arrow button down)
3-6 Reading key (READ- key)
3-7 Delete key (DEL-key)
3-8 Socket for RS-232 interface
3-9 Battery cover
3-10 Wrist ring
3-11 Battery indicator
3-12 Symbol for ongoing measurement
3-13 Last reading/browsing value
3-14 Indication for single measurement mode
3-15 Max. value indicator
3-16 Min. value indicator
3-17 Browsing state
3-18 Measuring state
3-19 Unit
3-20 Average indicator
3-21 Base material indicator
3-22 Counter for stored measurement values
3-23 Counter for statistics

6 TF_TG-BA-e-1813
4 Measurement procedure
4.1 The power key 3-3 has to be pressed to switch on the instrument. `0` appears on
the display 3-2.
Both instruments, TF and TG, will recognize the mode of the last measurement itself
by the symbol appearing in the display `Fe` (= F) for ferrous metals or `NFe` (= N) for
non-ferrous metals. The instrument changes into the automatic measurement mode,
which also is able to recognize and assign also the zeroing plate or any other base
material.
4.2 The sensor 3-1 has to be placed onto a coating layer to be measured. The read-
ing on the display is the thickness of the coating layer. This can be corrected by
pressing the Plus- key 3-4 or the Minus- key 3-5. For doing this, the sensor should be
kept away from the measured object or the base plate for at least 5 cm.
4.3 To perform the next measurement, the sensor 3-1 has to be lifted for more than
1cm, “0” will be displayed and step b) has to be repeated. The instrument memorizes
the continuous measured value automatically with statistic measurement times.
Meanwhile, the Max, Min and average value will be displayed.
4.4 To avoid any appearing incorrect measurement values, we recommend adjusting
the instrument before starting with the measurements, as described in chapter 9.
4.5 To change the measurement unit from „µm“ to “mil” or vice verse, the Power-key
3-3 has to be pressed and not released until “UNIT” is shown on the display. Then
the same key 3-3 (this time Zero-key) has to be pressed.
4.6 To change the measuring mode from `single` to `continuous` or vice verse, the
Power-key / Zero –key 3-3 has to be pressed and not released until `SC` appears on
the display. Then the Zero- key 3-3 (the same one) has to be pressed.
The symbol “STATS” represents the continuous mode and `S` represents the single
mode.
5 Statistics
This instrument calculates and displays a statistical analysis of readings while the
measurements are taken.
The statistics available are:
•Last value
•Average value, marked by AVE
•Highest reading marked by Max
•Lowest reading marked by Min
•Number of measurements taken

TF_TG-BA-e-1813 7
To clear the statistical data before starting a new set of data, the Zero-key 3-3 just
has to be pressed and released. In measurement mode, which is marked by SV, the
last value can be deleted by pressing the DEL-key. Statistics is re-calculated and
displayed again.
6 How to store and recall readings
6.1 The measurements taken are automatically saved in the memory of the instru-
ment. The memorized data can be shown and browsed by pressing and releasing the
READ-key to enter into the browsing state, which is marked by “READ” on the dis-
play.
6.2 In browsing state, all the readings memorized can be recalled on the display by
pressing the Plus-key 3-4 or the Minus-key 3-5.
6.3 To delete only one memorized value in the memory; the reading to be deleted
just has to be located on the display by the Plus-key or the Minus-key. Then the DEL-
key has to be pressed and released. If “Err0” appears on the display, it means that
there is no reading to delete any more.
6.4 The Zero-key 3-3 has to be pressed to quit the measurement state.
7 How to delete readings
7.1 To delete a reading on the display, the DEL-key has to be pressed, no matter
whether you are located in the measurement state marked “SV” or in browsing state
marked “RD”. Browsing state can be entered by pressing the READ-key and meas-
urement state is entered by pressing the Zero-key.
7.2 To delete all measurements taken (readings) in the memory, the DEL-key has to
be pressed in measurement state marked by “SV” on the display for about 4 seconds
until the number of readings memorized becomes 0.
8 Transfer of readings to a PC
8.1 ATC-01 software has to be installed on the PC. During the installing process the
“continue”-button always has to be clicked.
8.2 The instrument has to be connected to the PC using the optional cable.
8.3 The Coating Thickness Gauge has to be switched on to ensure that the reading
screen is displayed.
8.4 The software has to be started and the instructions included with the software
Demo. EXE. have to be followed.

8 TF_TG-BA-e-1813
9 Calibration
9.1 Zero adjustment
Zero adjustment for `Fe` and `NFe` should be carried out separately. The iron base
plate has to be used if `Fe` is being displayed. The base plate of aluminium has to be
used if `NFe` is shown on the display. The sensor 3-1 has to be placed carefully onto
the base plate. Zero-key 3-3 has to be pressed and “0” will be displayed, without lift-
ing the sensor before.
Attention: The calibration is invalid if the sensor is not directly placed onto the
base plate or another uncoated material.
9.2 An appropriate calibration foil has to be selected according to the measurement
range.
9.3 The selected standard foil has to be placed onto the base plate or the uncoated
standard material.
Annotation: Please place the sensor at least with 3mm distance from the border of
the base plate.
9.4 The sensor 3-1 has to be pressed carefully onto the calibration foil and then lifted.
The reading on the display is the value measured.
This can be corrected by pressing the Plus- key 3-4 or the Minus- key 3-5 while the
sensor is removed from the base plate or the measured object.
9.5 Step 9.4 has to be repeated until the desired accuracy is achieved.
10 Battery replacement
10.1 If the battery symbol ``+/-`` appears on the display, batteries should be replaced.
10.2 The battery cover 3-9 has to be removed and batteries have to be taken off.
10.3 The batteries (2x1.5V AAA/UM-4) are to be installed correctly into the case, tak-
ing care of polarity.
10.4 If the instrument is not to be used for an extended period of time, batteries have
to be extracted.
11 Adjustment foils
This instrument has included in delivery a set of adjustment foils with different foils
and thicknesses, whereupon the measurement range of 20 up to 2000µm will always

TF_TG-BA-e-1813 9
be covered. These adjustment foils are also available as an optional accessory, arti-
cle number ATB-US07.
12 Correct handling at Coating Thickness Measurement with exter-
nal sensors
The sensor has to be touched at the lower pole segment and it has to be pressed
slightly onto the test object.
The black chequered pole segment is movably seated on a spring. By means of the
spring, the sensor tip presses onto the test object with a defined force. This way,
measurement errors can be avoided.
It is recommended to perform several test measurements before the first use of the
instrument. In this way, further measurement errors can be avoided.
13 Trouble shooting
13.1 The instrument should always be calibrated on the uncoated base material to be
measured instead of the base plate included in the delivery. Like this, accuracy is
more precise from the beginning.
13.2 Sensors will eventually wear off. Life of the sensor will depend on the number of
measurements taken and how abrasive the coating is. Replacement of a sensor
should only be performed by qualified staff.
14 Restore factory settings
14.1 In the following cases it is recommended to restore factory settings:
- The instrument does not measure any more.
- Measurement accuracy is degraded caused by the abraded sensor or affected by
environmental conditions.
- After the replacement of a new sensor.
14.2 Procedure:
To restore factory settings includes both, setting of “Fe” (F) and of “NFe” (N).
It can be only performed one after another. The procedure is as follows:
14.2.1 It is always differentiated between the symbols „Fe“ and „NFe“. If „Fe“ is dis-
played, factory settings will be done for „Fe“ type, and if „NFe“ is displayed, it will be
done for „NFe“ type.
14.2.2 The Power-on/ Power-off key 3-3 has to be pressed and not released
until `CAL` appears on the display. This lasts about 12 seconds from starting press-
ing the Power-key.
Sensor
Spring shaft for handling
Measurement head

10 TF_TG-BA-e-1813
14.2.3 If now NF:H appears in the display, the sensor has to be lifted for more than
5cm. Then the Zero- key has to be pressed and the instrument returns into meas-
urement mode. With this, factory setting is restored.
Comment: This procedure should always be finished within 6 seconds. Otherwise it
will be automatically cancelled and the restoration is invalid.
15 Annotations
15.1 All settings, including restoring factory setting, unit setting, S/C setting should be
finished within 6 seconds. Otherwise this procedure will be cancelled by the instru-
ment, it will quit and keep the status as before.
15.2 The linearization of the instrument, which is given by
the calibration, can be changed with the Ln- function. Linearization is commanded
by the Power-on/ Power-off key and it lasts about 14 seconds from starting to press
this button.
Nevertheless, it is strongly recommended not to perform any alterations of the value
of LN, because those alterations might lead to deviations the measurement results.
Any adjustment of the value of Ln will seriously affect the accuracy. This value
should only be adjusted by professional persons.
Generally said:
The bigger the value of Ln, the smaller the reading on the display for the same (coat-
ing) thickness. Only a small change on the value of Ln causes a big change in the
reading of the upper measurement range (at 500µm/20 mil).
The value of Ln has to be adjusted as follows:
Press the Power-key: It lasts about 14 seconds from starting pressing this key. This
value can be changed by pressing the Plus- respectively the Minus- key after `Ln`
appears on the display and the Power-on/ Power-off key is released. This value is
saved and then the Zero-key has to be pressed.
A. The reading at low end is to be adjusted by pressing (confirming with)
the Plus-/ or the Minus-key.
B. The value of Ln is enlarged if the reading at low end (e.g. 51µm) is o.k., but the
reading at high end (e.g.432µm) is too big.
In contrast with this, the value of Ln is to be decreased, if the reading at low end
(e.g. 51µm) is o.k., but at high end (e.g. 432µm) it is too small.
C. This procedure from A. and B. has to be repeated, until the reading for every
calibration foil is satisfactory in its accuracy.
Annotation:
To have a look at the CE Declaration of Conformity, please click onto the following
link: https://www.kern-sohn.com/shop/de/DOWNLOADS/