UNI-T UT343D/UT343A/UT343E Coating Thickness Gauge User Manual

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the new UNI-T UT343D coating thickness gauge. This high-accuracy device is designed to measure coating thickness on both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. It offers high precision, non-destructive measurement, and features single-point, multi-point averaging algorithms, and quick judgment modes. It is widely used in manufacturing, metal processing, aerospace, marine mechanics, rail transport, scientific research, quality supervision, and other industries.

For safe and correct use, please read this manual thoroughly, especially the Safety Instructions section. Keep this manual in an easily accessible place for future reference.

Key Features:

• Conforms to GB/T 4956 (magnetic method) and GB/T 4957 (eddy current method) standards.
• Automatic identification of ferrous (FE) or non-ferrous (NFE) substrates.
• Highly sensitive sensor with gemstone embedding technology for precision, wear resistance, and stability.
• Zero and two-point calibration methods for accurate measurements.
• Single-point and multi-point quick judgment and prompt (PASS/FAIL).
• 3-color warning light (red: below limit, green: qualified, yellow: above limit).
• Audio indication for power on/off and measurements.
• Automatic and manual screen rotation (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°).
• Stores up to 500 groups of data, exportable via USB for analysis.
• USB communication software for real-time online measurement, trend graphs, and printing.

2. Product Overview

2.1. Device Components

The UT343D features a clear LCD display and intuitive button layout for ease of use.

2.2. Display Interface

The device's display provides comprehensive information, including measurement values, statistical data, and various indicators for settings and status.

2.3. Accessories Included

Upon opening the packing box, please verify that the following items are included and undamaged:

• UT343D/UT343A/UT343E Coating Thickness Gauge (1 pc)
• User Manual (1 pc)
• Standard Coating Thickness Sheets (1 set, 5 pcs)
• Ferrous Substrate (1 pc)
• Non-ferrous Substrate (1 pc)
• Sensor Cover (1 pc)
• Hand Rope (1 pc)
• USB Cable (1 pc)
• AA Alkaline Battery (2 pcs) - *Note: Batteries are not included with some models.*

3. Safety Instructions

• Always perform two-point calibration before using the gauge to ensure measurement accuracy.
• During power-on, the gauge performs an initialization self-test. Do not place the sensor near any metal object during this process to avoid errors.
• Keep the sensor clean and in good condition to prevent dust, oil, or other factors from affecting accuracy.
• Avoid using or storing the gauge in high temperatures, high humidity, flammable, explosive, or strong magnetic field environments.
• Clean the gauge casing with a soft cloth and mild detergent. Do not use abrasives or solvents.
• Do not disassemble or modify the gauge.
• Replace batteries promptly when the low battery symbol appears. Remove batteries if the device will not be used for a long time.
• Preserve standard coating thickness sheets and metal substrates carefully to prevent damage, as they are crucial for gauge accuracy.
• If errors occur, restore factory settings and perform two-point calibration.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1. Battery Replacement

1. Turn the locking screw on the battery compartment counterclockwise, open the battery cover, and install 2 AA batteries according to the indicated direction.
2. Install the battery cover and turn the locking screw clockwise.
3. The battery level is indicated by the battery symbol at the top right of the screen.

4.2. Power On/Off

• Power On: Long press the power button until the screen turns on. If the buzzer is enabled, a power-on prompt tone will sound.
• Power Off: Long press the power button until the screen turns off. If the buzzer is enabled, a power-off prompt tone will sound.

4.3. Normal Measurement

1. Long press the power button to turn on the gauge. It will display the initialization process and then enter normal measurement mode.
2. Estimate the coating thickness of the measured object and select a corresponding or close standard coating thickness sheet for two-point calibration on the measurement substrate.
3. Select a substrate with a thickness or material similar to the measured object and without coating for calibration.
4. Perform two-point calibration (refer to the Calibration section below).
5. After calibration, perform coating thickness measurement on the object.
6. For accurate results, measure at 3 to 5 points evenly on the surface, taking 5 readings at each point and averaging them.
7. The average of these point averages provides the reference value for the coating thickness.

4.4. Calibration

To ensure accurate measurements, calibration is essential. Long press the CAL button in normal measurement mode to enter the selected calibration mode.

4.4.1. Zero Calibration

1. Place the gauge vertically on an uncoated metal substrate.
2. Lift the gauge after 2 seconds. The display will show '0.0' and the gauge will automatically exit to normal measurement mode.
3. Zero calibration is now complete.

4.4.2. Two-Point Calibration

1. Place the gauge on an uncoated metal substrate with a standard coating thickness sheet (e.g., 102µm) stacked on top.
2. Lift the gauge after 2 seconds. The measured value will be displayed.
3. Use the up/down buttons to adjust the displayed value to match the actual thickness of the standard coating thickness sheet.
4. The gauge is now calibrated.

4.5. Quick Judgment Mode

This mode is ideal for quickly assessing coating thickness on automobiles and other industrial products.

4.5.1. Single-Point Judgment Mode

1. Long press the OK/MENU button in normal measurement mode, then select 'One Decision' using the up/down buttons and press OK.
2. Set the target thickness value and tolerance using the up/down buttons and press OK to confirm.
3. Measure the coating thickness of the object. The screen will display the measured value and a 'PASS' or 'FAIL' judgment.
4. Press the Undo/Delete button to return or long press OK/MENU to exit.

4.5.2. Multi-Point Judgment Mode (5-Point)

1. Long press the OK/MENU button in normal measurement mode, then select 'Multi Decision' using the up/down buttons and press OK.
2. Set the target thickness value and tolerance using the up/down buttons and press OK to confirm.
3. Measure the coating thickness at 5 different points (A, B, C, D, E) on the body, taking 3 readings at each point and averaging them.
4. The screen will display the average value of the 5 points and a 'PASS' or 'FAIL' judgment.

4.6. Menu Settings

Short press the OK/MENU button in normal measurement mode to access the menu settings.

• Prompt Tone Setting: Enable or disable the prompt tone.
• Backlight Setting: Adjust the backlight brightness (5 levels).
• Unit Setting: Switch between micrometers (µm) and mils (mil).
• Calibration Mode Setting: Select between zero or two-point calibration.
• Higher Limit Setting: Set the upper tolerance limit for measurements. If the measured value exceeds this limit, the LED flashes yellow.
• Lower Limit Setting: Set the lower tolerance limit for measurements. If the measured value is below this limit, the LED flashes red. If within limits, the LED flashes green.
• LED Warning Light Setting: Enable or disable the LED warning light.
• Factory Reset: Reset all settings to factory defaults.
• Continuous Measurement Setting: Enable or disable continuous measurement.
• Delete Stored Data: Clear all stored measurement data from the device memory.

4.7. Data Statistics and Export

The device stores up to 500 groups of data, including statistical number (Num), average value (Avg), minimum value (Min), and maximum value (Max).

• To clear current statistics, long press the Undo/Delete button for 2 seconds.
• Data can be exported to a PC using the provided USB cable and software for analysis, trend graphs, and printing.

5. Specifications

5.1. Technical Specifications (UT343D/UT343E)

5.2. General Characteristics

• Product Color: Red and grey
• Product Net Weight: UT343D: 175g; UT343E: 180g
• Product Size: UT343D: 153.5 x 64.5 x 41mm; UT343E: 152 x 65 x 35mm
• Minimum Convex Radius of Curvature: 5mm
• Minimum Concave Radius of Curvature: 50mm
• Minimum Measured Area Diameter: 20mm
• Minimum Substrate Thickness: 0.5mm
• Working Environment: 0~40 °C, ≤80%RH
• Storage Environment: -20~60 °C, ≤75%RH

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues with your UNI-T Coating Thickness Gauge, please refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:

• Gauge not powering on: Ensure batteries are correctly installed and have sufficient charge. Replace with new batteries if necessary.
• Inaccurate readings: Perform a two-point calibration as described in section 4.4.2. Ensure the sensor is clean and the substrate is flat and free of debris.
• Display issues: If the screen is unresponsive or frozen, try restarting the device. If the issue persists, perform a factory reset (refer to menu settings).
• Data transfer problems: Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the gauge and the computer. Verify that the PC software is correctly installed and running.
• LED warning lights not functioning: Check the LED warning light setting in the menu to ensure it is enabled.

If problems persist after following these steps, please contact customer support.

7. User Tips

• For consistent results, always ensure the sensor is perpendicular to the surface being measured.
• When measuring car paint, take multiple readings across different points on a panel and average them to get a more reliable thickness assessment.
• Keep the calibration films and substrates in a protective case to prevent damage and maintain accuracy.
• Utilize the USB data transfer function to keep a detailed record of your measurements for long-term analysis or reporting.

8. Warranty and Support

8.1. Limited Warranty

Uni-Trend guarantees that this product is free from any defect in material and workmanship for one year from the purchase date. This warranty does not cover damages caused by accident, negligence, misuse, modification, contamination, or improper handling. If warranty service is needed within the warranty period, please contact your seller directly.

8.2. Contact Information

UNI-TREND TECHNOLOGY (CHINA) CO., LTD.
No6, Gong Ye Bei 1st Road, Songshan Lake National High-Tech Industrial Development Zone, Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, China
Tel: (86-769) 8572 3888
Website: www.uni-trend.com

8.3. Item Guides & Documents

A user manual in PDF format is available for download. You can find it by searching for UT343D on the official UNI-T website and navigating to the 'Docs & Software' tab, or by accessing the following link: User manual (PDF).

9. Product Demonstration Video

Watch this video for a visual guide on how to use the UNI-T UT343D Coating Thickness Gauge, including measurement, calibration, and data transfer demonstrations.