1. Introduction
The Aideepen LC-100 Car Coating Thickness Gauge is a precise instrument designed for non-destructive measurement of coating and paint thickness on metal surfaces. It automatically detects substrate properties using electromagnetic induction and eddy current principles, making it an essential tool for various applications including manufacturing, metal processing, chemical industry, commercial inspection, and laboratories.
This manual provides detailed instructions for the proper use, calibration, and maintenance of your LC-100 thickness gauge.
2. Key Features
- Simple and convenient operation with ultra-high precision resolution of 1μm.
- Supports FE (magnetic induction) and NFE (eddy current) coating measurements.
- Measurement range for automotive paint from 0-2000μm.
- Large screen display showing working mode, number of readings, and battery level.
- Precise integrated probe for automatic substrate property detection.
- Widely applicable in manufacturing, metal processing, chemical industry, commercial inspection, and laboratories.
Display and Button Functions:
- Probe mode: Automatic (AUTO), Magnetic induction (F), Eddy current (NFE)
- Measurement reading: Displays the current thickness measurement.
- Statistical display: Shows average, minimum, maximum, and total number of readings.
- Automatic shutdown instruction: Indicates when the device will power off automatically.
- Unit switch: Toggles between μm, mm, and mils.
- Backlight switch: Controls the display backlight.
- Low power indicator: Alerts when battery is low.
- Probe mode switch: Changes between AUTO, F, and NFE modes.
- Clear statistics: Resets statistical data.
- Zero calibration: Initiates zero calibration.
- Switching average / minimum / maximum / number: Cycles through statistical views.
- Probe: The sensor for measurement.
3. Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Coating Thickness Gauge |
| Model | LC-100 |
| Material | ABS |
| Resolution | 0.01mm / 1mil |
| Measurement Range | 0-2000μm |
| Measurement Accuracy | ±(3%+1μm) |
| Power Supply | 2 x 1.5V AAA batteries (not included) |
| Operating Temperature | -10℃ ~ +50℃ |
| Available Colors | Black, Yellow, Red |
| Product Dimensions | Approx. 12.5cm (4.9in) length, 5.2cm (2in) width, 2.5cm (1in) thickness |
4. Package Contents
Upon opening the package, please ensure all items are present and in good condition:
- 1 x LC-100 Coating Thickness Gauge
- 1 x Instruction Manual (this document)
- 6 x Calibration Sheets (various thicknesses)
5. Setup
5.1. Battery Installation
- Locate the battery compartment cover on the back of the device.
- Slide or unclip the cover to open it.
- Insert two (2) 1.5V AAA batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+/-).
- Close the battery compartment cover securely.
Note: Batteries are not included in the package and must be purchased separately.
6. Operation
6.1. Power On/Off
- To power on: Press and hold the 'AUTO OFF' button.
- To power off: The device will automatically shut down after a period of inactivity to conserve battery. You can also manually power off by pressing and holding the 'AUTO OFF' button.
6.2. Unit Switching
Press the 'um/mm/mils' button to cycle through the measurement units: micrometers (μm), millimeters (mm), and mils.
6.3. Measurement Modes (Probe Mode)
The LC-100 automatically detects the substrate type (magnetic or non-magnetic). The display will show 'Fe' for magnetic substrates (e.g., steel, iron) and 'NFE' for non-magnetic substrates (e.g., aluminum, copper).
- AUTO Mode: The gauge automatically identifies the substrate material (Fe or NFE) and selects the appropriate measurement method. This is the default and recommended mode for general use.
- F Mode (Magnetic Induction): Used for measuring non-magnetic coatings on magnetic metal substrates (e.g., paint on steel).
- NFE Mode (Eddy Current): Used for measuring non-conductive coatings on non-magnetic metal substrates (e.g., paint on aluminum).
To manually switch between modes, press the 'AUTO F/NF' button.
6.4. Taking a Measurement
- Ensure the device is powered on and the desired unit is selected.
- Place the probe firmly and perpendicularly onto the coated surface you wish to measure.
- The measurement reading will appear on the display.
- Lift the probe from the surface to take another measurement.
6.5. Statistical Display
The gauge can display statistical data from multiple readings. Use the dedicated button (often combined with zero calibration or mode switch, refer to the display diagram) to cycle through Average, Minimum, Maximum, and Number of readings (NUM).
To clear statistical data, press the 'Clear Statistics' button (indicated on the diagram).
7. Calibration
Regular calibration ensures the accuracy of your thickness gauge. The LC-100 supports both zero calibration and multi-point calibration.
7.1. Zero Calibration
Zero calibration is performed on an uncoated metal substrate to establish a baseline.
- Ensure the gauge is in the correct mode (Fe or NFE) for the substrate you are calibrating.
- Place the probe firmly on the bare, uncoated metal substrate (e.g., the provided standard aluminum base or a known bare metal surface).
- Press the 'ZERO CAL' button. The display should show '0.00' or a value very close to zero.
- If the reading is not zero, repeat the process.
7.2. Multi-Point Calibration
Multi-point calibration uses calibration sheets of known thicknesses to ensure accuracy across the measurement range.
- Perform a zero calibration first (as described above).
- Select a calibration sheet (e.g., 0.05mm). Place it on the bare metal substrate.
- Place the probe firmly on the calibration sheet.
- Adjust the reading using the appropriate buttons (refer to the device's specific interface, usually 'up'/'down' or 'CAL' button with subsequent adjustments) until it matches the known thickness of the calibration sheet.
- Repeat this process for several other calibration sheets (e.g., 0.25mm, 0.50mm, 1.00mm, 2.00mm) to ensure accuracy across the range.
Always calibrate the device before critical measurements or if you suspect inaccuracies.
8. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Wipe the device with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Probe Care: Keep the probe clean and free from dust, dirt, or debris. Avoid scratching the probe surface.
- Storage: Store the gauge in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. If storing for extended periods, remove the batteries to prevent leakage.
- Battery Replacement: Replace batteries when the low power indicator appears on the display.
9. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Device does not power on. | Dead or incorrectly installed batteries. | Check battery polarity; replace with fresh AAA batteries. |
| Inaccurate readings. | Needs calibration; dirty probe; incorrect measurement mode. | Perform zero and multi-point calibration. Clean the probe. Ensure correct Fe/NFE mode is selected or use AUTO mode. |
| Display is dim or flickering. | Low battery. | Replace batteries. |
| No reading or 'Err' message. | Probe not firmly on surface; surface not metal; measurement out of range. | Ensure firm contact. Verify the surface is metal. Check if the coating thickness is within 0-2000μm. |
10. User Tips
- For consistent readings, always place the probe perpendicularly to the surface and apply gentle, even pressure.
- When measuring curved surfaces, take multiple readings at different points to ensure accuracy.
- Avoid taking measurements on dirty, rusty, or uneven surfaces, as this can affect accuracy.
- Keep the calibration sheets in good condition and store them properly to ensure they remain accurate for future calibrations.
- If measuring multiple vehicles or different types of metal, it's good practice to perform a quick zero calibration on a known bare metal surface before starting.
11. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please contact your retailer or the manufacturer directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.
Please note that this device is not intended for legal metrology or commercial transactions where certified accuracy is required unless explicitly stated by local regulations and verified by certified calibration services.
