PosiTector 200 INSTRUCTION MANUAL v. 2.0 Ultrasonic Coating Thickness Gage Standard and Advanced Simple. Durable. Accurate.
Introduction The PosiTector 200 is a hand-held Coating Thickness Gage that uses a non-destructive ultrasonic principle to measure coating thickness on a wide variety of substrates. The PosiTector 200 probe emits a high frequency sound pulse that travels into the coating via a coupling gel and reflects from ANY surface that is different in density.
Certification All probes or gages are shipped with a Certificate of Calibration. For organizations with re-certification requirements, gages may be returned at regular intervals for calibration. DeFelsko recommends that customers establish gage calibration intervals based upon their own experience and work environment.
Menu Operation Gage functions are menu controlled. To access the Menu, turn the Gage on, then press the button. Memory Zero Cal Settings Setup * Graphics on Advanced models only Current selection is displayed with darkened background Reset Graphics* Gage Info Units Set Clock Language To navigate, press (-) to scroll DOWN, (+) to scroll UP and to SELECT. Press both (-)(+) buttons at any time to exit any menu or select Exit from the Menu. List boxes have a down arrow on the right-hand side.
How to Measure 1. Apply couplant to the surface of your part. 2. After power-up, place the probe FLAT on the surface and press down. 3. Lift the probe when you hear a double BEEP or see the green indicator light blink. Measurement result is displayed on the LCD. A second reading may be taken at the same spot by continuing to hold the probe down on the surface. 4. When completely finished, wipe the probe clean of couplant then return both Gage and probe to the protective case.
Set Gates Option Set Gates Each probe has a measuring range as shown on page 19. For example the C probe can measure coatings in the range of 50 to 3800 microns (2 to 150 mils). Gates are used to narrow the range of thickness that the Gage examines. Gate A sets the minimum thickness limit and Gate B the maximum. Advanced Model Standard Model For most applications the default Gate values do not have to be adjusted.
To make adjustments: 1. Measure the coated part. 2. Select the Set Gates menu option. 3. Gate A can be changed first. Adjust the value down (-) or up (+). Press to accept the value and to move to Gate B. 4. Gate B can now be changed. Adjust the value down (-) or up (+). 5. Press will exit. to accept the value. Standard models 6. Advanced models will display a Cursor which allows analysis of the peaks displayed in the Graph. Adjust the Cursor down (-) or up (+). Press to accept Gate values and exit.
Adjust Thickness Option Adj Thickness Select a reference standard of material as close as possible in composition to the intended application. For best results, the thickness of the reference standard should be equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of the coating to be measured. 1. Apply a drop of couplant onto the reference standard. 2. Measure the reference standard. 3. Lift the probe. Select the Adj Thickness menu option. 4.
Memory Mode Memory The PosiTector 200 can record 10,000 measurements in up to 1000 groups (batches) for on-screen statistical purposes, for printing to an optional IR printer, or for downloading to a personal computer using optional PosiSoft software and USB cable. New Batch -closes any currently opened batch and creates a new batch name using the next higher number. For example, if only Batch 1 and Batch 3 exist, then Batch 4 would be created and made the current batch.
Close -stops the recording process, closes the current batch, and removes the statistics from the display. Delete -removes a batch completely from memory. The name is deleted and all measurements are erased. View -lists all readings on the display from the current or most recently used batch. It begins by showing the last 10 measurement values. Scroll using the (-) or (+) buttons. Hold for 1 second to scroll a page at a time.
Setup Menu Setup Reset Reset restores factory settings and returns the Gage to a known, out-of-the-box condition. It is handy when you want to “start all over” The following occurs: - all batches are closed and stored measurements are erased. - calibration adjustments are cleared and returned to the Gage’s factory calibration settings. - Gates are returned to default settings.
between coating layers and between the coating and the substrate. These interfaces are depicted by a "peak". The greater the change in density the higher the peak. The more gradual the change in density, the greater the width of the peak. For example, two coatings layers made of essentially the same material and "blended" would result in a low, wide peak. Two materials of very different density and a well-defined interface would result in a high, narrow peak.
Set Clock All batches are date-stamped when created, and all measurements are time-stamped (24 hour format) when stored into these batches. It is therefore important to keep both the date and time current using this menu button. Alternatively, the date and time can be automatically updated when the gage is connected to PosiSoft using the Gage Utilities -> Set Clock function in PosiSoft.
Available Options A variety of accessories are available to help you get the most from your PosiTector 200 coating thickness gage. Calibration, Verification and Adjustment Three steps ensure best accuracy… 1. Calibration - typically done by the manufacturer or a qualified lab 2. Verification of Accuracy - as done by the user 3.
The PosiTector 200 is factory calibrated. But in order for it to take accurate thickness measurements of a particular material it might be necessary to adjust the gage for that material. To determine if an adjustment is necessary for your application, measure a sample of known thickness of the coating material to be measured. If the average of a series of measurements is not close to the expected thickness, adjust to the expected thickness.
limits of the gage and assumes the largest “echo” is the coating/substrate echo (single coating applications only). Adjustable measurement Gates have been provided for the user to force the instrument to ignore echoes from unwanted boundaries within the sample. Several examples below help to illustrate the use of Gates for specific applications. Measurement of coatings with rough surfaces.
Troubleshooting Gage does not turn on Make sure the + and - battery terminals are positioned properly and that fresh Alkaline batteries are being used. Gage powers up but fails to stay on Replace batteries with fresh Alkaline batteries. If problem persists return Gage for service. Gage readings are much lower than expected Gage may be measuring surface roughness. Raise the value of Gate A. See pg.6 Gage readings are much higher than expected Gage may be measuring both the coating and substrate.
Changing The Batteries The battery icon displays a full bar with fresh alkaline batteries installed. As the batteries weaken, the bar will be reduced. When the battery icon is low , the Gage can still be used, but the batteries should be changed at the earliest opportunity. USE ONLY “AAA” ALKALINE BATTERIES. Nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries will work but the Gage may appear to have weak batteries.
Probe Measuring Range* B 13 - 1000 microns (0.5 - 40 mils) C 50 - 3800 microns (2 - 150 mils) *Range limits apply to polymer coatings only. Accuracy: ± (2 microns ± (0.1 mils + 3% of reading) + 3% of reading) Warranty DeFelsko fully warrants its products against defects in workmanship or materials under normal use for a period of two years from date of purchase. In the event that an instrument is believed to be defective, return the product with proof of purchase to your dealer.
www.defelsko.com © DeFelsko Corporation USA 2006 All Rights Reserved This manual is copyrighted with all rights reserved and may not be reproduced or transmitted, in whole or part, by any means, without written permission from DeFelsko Corporation. DeFelsko, PosiTector and PosiSoft are trademarks of DeFelsko Corporation registered in the U.S. and in other countries. Other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
