Application Manual of Coating Thickness Gauge

Brief Introduction

This product is designed to measure the thickness of non-conductive coatings on metal surfaces. It also measures the thickness of non-ferromagnetic coatings on ferromagnetic metals such as iron, nickel, and cobalt. Applications include measuring paint thickness on automobile surfaces and coating thickness on metal parts. The device features a built-in magnetic induction and eddy current dual-principle probe that automatically identifies the measured metal substrate. Simply place it on the surface to automatically calculate the coating thickness.

Device Components:

• 1. Probe mode: Automatic (AUTO), Magnetic Induction (F), Eddy Current (NFE)
• 2. Measurement reading: Displays the measured thickness.
• 3. Statistical display: Shows average, minimum, maximum, and number of readings.
• 4. Automatic shutdown instruction: Indicates if the auto-shutdown feature is active.
• 5. Low power indicator: Symbol indicates low battery.
• 6. Substrate properties: Displays 'Fe' for iron or 'NFE' for non-iron substrates.
• 7. Unit switching: Allows selection between micrometers (um), millimeters (mm), and mils.
• 8. Up key: Used for unit switching.
• 9. Right key: Used for zero calibration and switching between average, minimum, maximum, and number displays.
• 10. Down key: Used for backlight and automatic shutdown switching.
• 11. Left key: Used for switching probe modes and clearing statistics.
• 12. Switch machine: Power on/off button.
• 13. Probe: The sensor for measurement.
• 14. Standard diaphragm: Used for calibration.
• 15. Substrate to be tested: The surface being measured.

Battery Indicator: A symbol indicates a normal battery level. A different symbol indicates the battery is nearly exhausted and requires replacement.

Install Battery

Prepare two AAA batteries. Open the back casing to remove old batteries. Ensure new batteries are installed according to the polarity indicated in the battery compartment.

Measurement Step

1. Prepare the parts to be tested.
2. Ensure the device is at least 2 cm away from any metal object. Press the power button to turn on the device.
3. Note: It is recommended to perform zero calibration before testing for improved accuracy.
4. Place the probe vertically and quickly onto the surface to be measured until a click is heard. The measured value will be displayed on the screen. Lift the probe at least 2 cm away from the surface to complete the measurement.
5. Note: If the automatic shutdown function is enabled, the instrument will power off after 3 minutes of inactivity to conserve battery.

Calibration Methods

The device offers two calibration methods:

1. Basic Calibration

Perform basic calibration when using the device for the first time, after a long period of inactivity, or when changing the substrate material. Basic calibration involves 7 points and uses millimeters (mm) as the unit.

1. Prepare 6 standard calibration films with thicknesses: 0.04-0.06 mm, 0.09-0.11 mm, 0.22-0.28 mm, 0.45-0.55 mm, 0.90-1.05 mm, and 1.90-2.00 mm.
2. Press and hold the 'Up' key, then press the 'Power' key. The LCD will display a full screen, followed by a beep. The display will show '00mm' with 'CAL' in the lower right corner. Release the 'Up' key to enter the calibration screen.
3. Place the probe lightly on an uncoated aluminum base. The LCD will display '0.00'. Perform the 'BI-BI' calibration twice.
4. Remove the probe. The LCD will show '0.05mm'. This is the second calibration point. Gently place the probe on the aluminum base with the calibration sheet. Adjust the displayed value using the 'Up' and 'Down' keys to match the thickness of the calibration sheet. Remove the probe, and a 'Bi-Bi' sound indicates the second calibration point is complete.

Zero Calibration

To enhance test accuracy, zero calibration is recommended.

1. Prepare an uncoated substrate of the material to be tested.
2. Press and hold the 'Right' key until a beep is heard. 'Zero Calibration (ZERO)' will flash on the screen.
3. Place the probe vertically and quickly onto the surface of the uncoated substrate. After hearing a beep, the screen will display '0'. Lift the probe at least 2 cm away from the substrate to complete the zero calibration.

Unit Switching

Press the 'Up' key to cycle through the units: micrometers (um), millimeters (mm), and mils.

Probe Mode Switching

Press the 'Left' key to switch between probe modes:

• AUTO: The instrument automatically selects the appropriate probe mode.
• F: Magnetic induction mode, suitable for ferromagnetic substrates.
• NFE: Eddy current mode, suitable for non-ferromagnetic metal substrates.

Statistical Display

• Press the 'Right' key to cycle through the statistical display options: average, minimum, maximum, and number of readings.
• Press and hold the 'Left' key for approximately 3 seconds to clear all statistics and begin new statistical tracking. The instrument can store up to 50 data points; when the limit is reached, the oldest data is replaced by the newest, and the statistical values are updated automatically.

Backlight

Press the 'Down' key to toggle the backlight on or off.

Automatic Shutdown

Press and hold the 'Down' key for approximately 3 seconds to enable or disable the automatic shutdown feature. When enabled, the device will power off after 3 minutes of inactivity to save battery life.

Troubleshooting

If the instrument exhibits unusual behavior, try removing and reinstalling the batteries. If the issue persists, turn off the device, then press and hold the power button until 'RS' appears on the screen. Release the button to restore factory settings. If problems continue, contact your dealer.

Technical Index