DeFelsko PosiTector 6000 User Manual

Table of Contents

Introduction ......................................................... 1

Quick Start .......................................................... 1

Certification ......................................................... 2

Probes ................................................................. 4

Calibration, Verification and Adjustment ............. 7

Menu Operation .................................................. 9

Cal Settings Menu ............................................... 10

Zero ................................................................ 10

1 Pt Adjust ...................................................... 11

2 Pt Adjust ...................................................... 11

N Lock ............................................................ 12

Cal Lock ......................................................... 12

Cal Memory .................................................... 13

Setup Menu ......................................................... 14

Reset .............................................................. 14

Gage Info ....................................................... 15

Hi Res Mode................................................... 15

Fast Mode ...................................................... 15

Scan Mode ..................................................... 15

Statistics Menu .................................................... 17

HiLo Alarm ..................................................... 17

Memory Management ......................................... 18

Standard Models Menu .................................. 18

Advanced Models Menu ................................ 19

New PA2 ........................................................ 20

New 90/10 ...................................................... 20

Annotate ......................................................... 21

Display ........................................................... 22

Summaries ..................................................... 23

Screen Capture .............................................. 23

Accessing Stored Measurement Data ................ 24

PosiSoft Desktop Manager (PDM) ................. 24

PosiSoft.net .................................................... 25

PosiSoft 3.0 .................................................... 25

PosiSoft Mobile .............................................. 26

Connect Menu ..................................................... 27

Sync Now ....................................................... 27

Auto Sync ....................................................... 27

USB Drive ...................................................... 27

Bluetooth ........................................................ 29

Bluetooth Wireless Printer ............................. 30

WiFi ................................................................ 30

Updates .......................................................... 33

Temperature ........................................................ 34

Power Supply / Battery Indicator ........................ 34

Rechargeable Batteries ................................. 35

Additional Accessories ........................................ 35

Coating Thickness Standards ........................ 36

Troubleshooting - General................................... 38

Probe attempts measurements in the air ....... 38

Thickness readings are inconsistent .............. 38

Gage powers up but will not take readings ... 38

Gage will not print to Bluetooth wireless printer .... 38

Technical Data .................................................... 39

Returning for Service .......................................... 40

Warranty .............................................................. 40

Introduction

The PosiTector 6000 hand-held, electronic Gage non-destructively measures the thickness of coatings on all metals, quickly and accurately. It consists of a Gage body (Standard or Advanced) and probe (Built-In or Separate).

PosiTector 6000 Kit Contents

- PosiTector 6000 Probe

- Protective rubber holster with belt clip

- Protective Cap for Probe (some probes only)

- Protective Lens Shield

- Wrist strap

- 3 Alkaline AAA batteries

- Quick Guide Instructions

- Nylon carrying case with shoulder strap

- USB Cable

- Precision Plastic Shims

- Certificate of Calibration traceable to NIST

- Two (2) year warranty on Body and Probe

Principles of Operation

F probes use the magnetic principle to measure the thickness of

non-magnetic coatings on ferrous metals.

N probes use the eddy current principle to measure the thickness of

non-conductive coatings on non-ferrous metals.

FN probes combine the full abilities of both the "F" and "N" probes.

Quick Start

The PosiTector 6000 powers-up when the center navigation button is pressed. To preserve battery life, it powers-down after approximately 5 minutes of no activity. All settings are retained.

1. Remove the protective plastic cap (if supplied) from probe.

2. Power-up Gage by pressing the center navigation button.

3. Place the probe FLAT on the surface to be measured.

HOLD STEADY. When a valid measurement is calculated, the Gage BEEPS twice and the measurement is displayed.

4. Lift probe AT LEAST 2 INCHES (5cm) from the surface between

measurements - OR - leave probe on the surface in the same location for continuous measurements.

If memory is ON while continuous measurements are being taken, only the last value on the display (when the probe is lifted) is stored into memory. Scan (pg.15) stores ALL measurements into memory.

Certification

All probes include a Certificate of Calibration. For organizations with re-certification requirements, instruments may be returned at regular intervals for calibration. DeFelsko recommends that customers establish calibration intervals based upon their own experience and work environment. Based on our product knowledge, data and customer feedback, a one year calibration interval from either the date of calibration, date of purchase, or date of receipt is a typical starting point. Written calibration procedures are available from DeFelsko Corporation at no charge.

Golden Rule

Measure your uncoated part first! This quick zero-check determines if a Calibration Adjustment is needed for your substrate. (see pg. 10)

Next, lay the included plastic shims onto a bare surface and measure them individually to ensure the Gage measures a known thickness within tolerance.

Protective Cap

Some PosiTector 6000 models are shipped with a protective plastic cap over the probe. Remove this cap prior to use. Replace it when the Gage is not in use to protect the probe.

Wrist Strap

We recommend attaching and wearing the supplied wrist strap.

Plastic Lens Shield

The LCD is covered with a thin plastic film for protection against fingerprints and other marks during shipment. This film, while usually removed before using the Gage, can be left in place to protect against paint overspray. Replacements can be purchased.

Adjust Down

Access the Menu

Adjust Up

Restore brightness after dimming

(Advanced only)

Button Functions- Normal Operation

Typical Screen

Substrate

Current

Measurement

Battery Indicator

Unit of

Measurement

Current Calibration

Setting

(Advanced Only)

Factory Calibration

in Use

USB Port

Standard

LCD

Display

Probe

Connector

PosiTector Body

Advanced model

Standard model

Advanced

LCD

Display

Built-in

Probe Style

Separate

Probe Style

Magnetic & Eddy Current

Theory of Operation

Probes

The PosiTector 6000 consists of a body and a probe. A wide selection of interchangeable probes are available. Each retain their own unique calibration information. Gage bodies (Standard or Advanced) accept ALL probes. See

Gage Info (pg. 15) to find your body and probe type. More probe information is available at www.defelsko.com/p6000

To disconnect a probe from a body, power-down the Gage and pull the plastic probe connector horizontally (in the direction of the arrow) away from the body. Reverse these steps to attach a new probe.

When powered-up the PosiTector automatically determines what type of probe is attached and does a self-check. Coating thickness robes “sense” when they are near metal and immediately attempt a measurement followed by another every 2 seconds. They stop when removed from the vicinity of metal and power-down after 5 minutes of no activity.

This continuous measurement feature is intended to allow careful probe placement on small or odd-shaped surfaces. Ignore all readings taken before the probe is properly placed.

The PosiTector 6000 probes calculate coating thickness measurements using either the magnetic principle (F probes - ferrous models) or the eddy current principle (N probes - non-ferrous models). Combination FN probes (ferrous/non-ferrous) use both principles.

FN probes first attempt a measurement using the magnetic principle and will display a reading with the letter "F" if the coating is non-magnetic over steel. If the coating is non-conductive over metal, then the probe will automatically attempt a measurement using the eddy current principle and display a reading with the letter "N” (see also N Lock pg. 12).

Availabe PosiTector 6000 Probes:

“Regular” - These constant-pressure, stainless

steel probes are hermetically sealed to be totally waterproof ideal for underwater use.

”Micro” - ideal for measuring small parts and hard-to-reach areas. Available in 0, 45 or 90 degree angles.

”Thick” - ideal for thick, protective coatings.

“Xtreme” - ideal for measuring rough and hot surfaces up to 250°

C (500° F). Probe features an Alumina wear face and braided cable.

For complete details, see: http://www.defelsko.com/p6000/p6000_probe_details.htm

Additional PosiTector Probes:

The PosiTector accepts a number of probe types including magnetic and eddy current coating thickness, surface profile, environmental and ultrasonic wall thickness probes. Perform the latest software Updates (pg. 33) to ensure probe compatibility with your Gage. For the latest information on probe interchangeability see www.defelsko.com/probes

Two Probe Styles

* Built-in - sensor protrudes from bottom of probe connector * Separate - sensor is attached to the probe connector by a

1.2 meter (3 foot) cable. (Extended cables lengths available.)

Why is Measurement Important?

Dry Film Thickness (DFT) is arguably the single most important measurement made during the application and inspection of protective coatings. Coatings are designed to perform their intended function when applied within a tight DFT range as specified by the manufacturer. Correct thickness ensures optimum product performance. Even the most basic specification will require DFT to be measured.

Many physical and appearance properties of the finished coating are directly affected by the film thickness including the color, gloss, surface profile, adhesion, flexibility, impact resistance, and hardness of the coating. The fit of pieces assembled after coating can be affected when film thickness isn’t within tolerance.

Regular film thickness measurement helps control material costs, manage application efficiency, maintain finish quality and ensure compliance with contract specifications. Paint manufacturers recommend target ranges to achieve optimum performance characteristics and clients expect these parameters to be met.

Precisely measuring finish thickness has other benefits, too. Whether to meet International Organization for Standardization (ISO), quality, or customer requirements for process control, companies need to verify coating quality to avoid wasting money reworking product.

Calibration, Verification & Adjustment

PosiTector 6000 probes non-destructively measure the thickness

of coatings on metals. Three steps ensure best accuracy…

1. Calibration - typically done by the manufacturer. All probes include a Certificate of Calibration.

2. Verification - typically done by the user on known reference standards such as plastic shims or coated thickness standards.

3. Adjustment - to a known thickness

Calibration

Calibration is the high-level, controlled and documented process of measuring traceable calibration standards over the full operating range of the probe, and verifying that the results are within the stated accuracy of the probe. Calibrations are performed by the manufacturer, their authorized agent, or by an accredited calibration laboratory in a controlled environment using a documented process.

PosiTector 6000 probes are shipped with a Certificate of Calibration showing traceability to a National Metrology Institution. For organizations with re-certification requirements, probes may be returned at regular intervals for calibration. DeFelsko recommends that customers establish calibration intervals based upon their own experience and work environment. Based on DeFelsko’s product knowledge, data and customer feedback, a one year calibration interval from either the last date of calibration, date of purchase, or date of receipt is a typical starting point.

Written Calibration Procedures are available online at no charge.

Verification

Verification is an accuracy check performed by the user on known reference standards. A successful verification requires the Gage to read within the combined accuracy of the probe and the reference standards.

A reference standard is a sample of known thickness(es) against which a user may verify probe accuracy. Reference standards may be plastic shims, coated thickness standards, or sample parts whose coating thickness has been determined using other means.

Verify accuracy at the beginning and the end of each work shift. During the work shift, if the Gage is dropped or suspected of giving erroneous readings, its accuracy should be re-verified. In the event of physical damage, wear, high usage, or after an established calibration interval, the probe should be returned to the manufacturer for repair or calibration.

Adjustment

Adjustment, or Cal Adjustment, is the physical act of aligning the probe’s thickness readings to match those of a known thickness sample (removal of bias) in order to improve the accuracy of the probe on a specific surface or in a specific portion of its measurement range. 1-point or 2-point Cal adjustments are possible. Probes are factory calibrated and perform an automatic self-check each time a measurement is taken. For many applications no further adjustment is necessary after a Reset (pg. 14). Just check ZERO on the uncoated substrate, then measure. However, sometimes probe readings can be influenced by changes in substrate shape, composition, and surface roughness or by measuring in a different location on the part. That is why Cal adjustments are made possible. The XX symbol disappears whenever a Cal adjustment is made.

Where a Cal adjustment method has not been specified, use a 1-point method first. If measuring the included shims on your uncoated surface reveals inaccuracies, use the 2-point method. Factory Cal settings can be restored at any time by performing a Reset (pg. 14), creating a NEW Cal setting (See Cal Memory pg. 13), or by DELETING the adjustments made to the Cal 1 calibration setting (pg. 13). The XX symbol appears on the display whenever factory Cal settings are in use. With “FN” probes, calibration adjustments are made only to the “F” or “N” mode (stored independently under a particular Cal), whichever was measured last.

Memory

Statistics

Cal Settings

Setup

Connect

Help

Power Off

Exit

Menu Operation

Gage functions are menu controlled. To access the Menu, power-up the Gage, then press the center navigation button.

Below is a sample menu for a PosiTector 6000 Advanced Model:

Down

Center

To navigate, use the Up and Down buttons to scroll and to SELECT.

Select Exit to exit from any menu.

Navigation Button

The center button is purposely recessed to help

eliminate unintentional powering-up of the Gage.

NOTE:

Some buttons have a tick box to their right to indicate current status. An empty box indicates that feature is not active.

Current selection is displayed with darkened background

Sync Now

USB Drive

Auto SYNC

Bluetooth

WiFi

Powder Probes

Updates

Exit

1-point Calibration Adjustment

Also known as an offset or correction value, there are 4 ways to perform this adjustment:

(i) Simple Zero Calibration Adjustment

Measure your uncoated part. If the Gage does not read "0" within the tolerance of the probe being used, lift the probe from the surface and adjust the display down (-) or up (+) until it reads "0". Measure and adjust until the average of a series of readings on the uncoated surface is within tolerance of "0" .

(ii) Average Zero Calibration Adjustment

To establish “0” on a rough or curved surface a preferred method to (i) is to take several readings on the uncoated part and average the result.

(a) Select from the Cal Settings menu.

(b) Press (+) to select the number of readings to be used to

obtain an average, typically 3 to 10 readings. The greater the variation between readings, the more readings should be taken to obtain an average.

(c) Repeatedly measure the uncoated part. The Gage will wait 2 seconds after placing the probe on the surface to allow the user to correctly position the probe on the surface. After the last measurement the Gage will calculate a Zero which represents the average of all the Zero readings taken.

(iii) Simple Adjustment to a Known Thickness

It is sometimes desirable to adjust the Gage to a known thickness, such as a shim, rather than adjusting it to zero.

Measure the object. If the expected reading is not obtained (within tolerance), lift the probe from the surface and adjust the displayed reading down (-) or up (+) to the expected thickness. Hold the button down to increase the rate of adjustment.

Cal Settings Menu

Zero

(iv) Average Adjustment to a Known Thickness

On rough or curved surfaces a preferred method to (iii) is to take several readings on the known thickness and average the result.

(a) Select from the Cal Settings menu.

(b) Press (+) to select the number of readings to be used to obtain an average, typically 3 to 10 readings. The greater the variation between readings, the more readings should be taken to obtain an average.

(c) Repeatedly measure the known thickness reference. The Gage will wait 2 seconds between readings to allow the user to correctly position the probe on the surface. After the last measurement the Gage will calculate and display the reading which represents the average of all the measurements taken. If the expected reading is not obtained (within tolerance) lift the probe from the surface and adjust the reading down (-) or up

(+) to the expected thickness and press .

2-point Calibration Adjustment

Preferred method for very unusual substrate materials, shapes or conditions. Provides greater accuracy within a limited, defined range.

1. Select from the Cal Settings menu.

2. Press (+) to select the number of readings to be used to obtain an average on the thinner item, typically 3 to 10 readings. The greater the variation between readings, the more readings should be taken to obtain an average.

1 Pt Adjust

2 Pt Adjust

1 Pt Adjust

3. Repeatedly measure the thinner item. The Gage will wait for 2 seconds on the surface to allow the user to correctly position the probe on the surface. After the last measurement the Gage will calculate and display a thickness value which represents the average of all the readings taken using the factory calibration settings.

+ 30 hidden pages

DeFelsko PosiTector 6000 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual