KERN & SOHN TN 300-0.01US User Manual

Sauter GmbH

Tieringerstr. 11-15
D-72336 Balingen
E-Mail: [e-mail]

Instruction Manual

TN_US

DIGITAL ULTRASONIC THICKNESS GAUGE

Models: TN 80-0.1US
TN 230-0.1US
TN 300-0.1US
TN 80-0.01US
TN 230-0.01US
TN 300-0.01US

Table of contents

1. Overview

1.1 Product specifications

1.2 Main functions

1.3 Measuring principle

1.4 Configuration

1.5 Operating conditions

2. Structure feature

2.1 Measurement screen

2.2 Keypad definition

3. Preparation

3.1 Transducer selection

3.2 Conditions and preparation of surfaces

4. Operation

4.1 Power on/ off

4.2 Zero adjustment

4.3 Sound velocity calibration

4.4 How to perform measurements

4.5 Scan Mode

4.6 Changing resolution

4.7 Changing units

4.8 Memory management

4.9 Data printing

4.10 “Beep”- Mode

4.11 EL Backlight

4.12 Battery information

4.13 Auto Power Off

4.14 System reset

4.15 Connection to PC

5. Servicing

6. Transport and storage
Appendix A Sound velocities
Appendix B Application notes

7. Declaration of conformity

Tel: +49-[0]7433- 9976-174
Fax: +49-[0]7433-9976-285
Internet: www. sauter.eu

1. Overview

Model TN- US is a digital ultrasonic thickness gauge
based on the same operating principles as SONAR. The
instruments are capable of measuring the thickness of
various materials with an accuracy of 0.1/0.01 mm. They
are suitable for a variety of metallic and non- metallic
materials.

1.1 Product specifications

Display: 4.5 digits LCD with EL backlight

Measuring range: 0.75 to 300mm (in steel)

Sound velocity: 1000 to 9999m/s

Resolution: TN xx0.1 US: 0,1mm;
TN xx0.01US: 0,1 / 0,01mm

- Model TN 80-0.01measures continuously
with a resolution of 0.01

- Model TN 230-0.01 US as well as
TN 300-0.01 are measuring with a
resolution of 0.01 up to 200mm
and over this, each device measures with a
resolution of 0.1

Accuracy: Models with a resolution of 0.1mm:

0.5% of the measured value +0.04mm

Models with a resolution of 0.01mm:
1% of the measured value

In dependence on material and environmental
conditions.

Units: Metric/ Imperial units selectable

- Four measurements readings per second at
single point measurement and ten per second at
Scan Mode.

- Memory up to 20 files (up to 99 values for each
file) of stored values

Power supply: 2x AA, 1.5V alkaline batteries
Typical operating time: about 100 hours
(EL backlight off)

Transfer to PC: RS-232 serial port for TN xx0.01 US.
No transfer to PC possible at TN xx0.1 US

Dimensions: 150 x 74 x 32 mm

Weight: 245g

1.2 Main functions

- capable of performing measurements on a wide
range of materials including metals, plastic,

TN_US-BA-e-1112 1

Sauter GmbH

2

×

Tieringerstr. 11-15
D-72336 Balingen
E-Mail: [e-mail]

Instruction Manual

TN_US

ceramics, epoxies, glass and other ultrasonic
wave well- conductive materials.

- Various transducer models are available for
special applications included coarse grain
material and high temperature applications.

- Zero adjustment function,

Sound velocity calibration function

- Two- point calibration function

- Two measurement modes: Single point mode

Scan mode

- Coupling status indicator showing the coupling
status

- Battery indication indicates the rest capacity of
the battery

- “Auto sleep” and “Auto power off” function to
conserve battery’s life
Optional software for TN xx0.01 US to transfer
the memory data to PC

- Optional thermal mini- printer to print the
measured data via RS-232 port, available for
TN xx0.01 US.

1.3 Measuring principle

The digital ultrasonic thickness gauge determines the
thickness of a part or a structure by accurately measuring
The time required for a short ultrasonic pulse generated by
a transducer to travel through the thickness of the material,
to reflect from the back or inside surface and be returned
to the transducer. The measured two- way transit time is
devided by two to account for the down-and-back travel
path, and then multiplied by the velocity of sound in the
material. The result is expressed in following relationship:

Where: H ----˃ thickness of the test piece
v ----˃ sound velocity in the material
t ----˃ the measured round-trip transit time

1.4 Configuration

Table 1-1

No. Item Qua

Stan­dard
configu
ration

Optio­nal
configu
ration

1 Main body 1
2 Transducer 1 Model

3 Couplant 1
4 Transport case 1
5 Instruction manual 1
6 Alkaline Battery 2 AAsize
9 Transducer: ATU-

10 Transducer: ATU-

11 Transducer: ATB-

H

US 01

US 02

US 02

tv

=

Note

ntity

ATU­US 10
90°

see
table
3-1

Tel: +49-[0]7433- 9976-174
Fax: +49-[0]7433-9976-285
Internet: www. sauter.eu

12 Mini Thermal

printer
13 Print cable 1
14 Data Pro Software 1

15 Communication

cable

1.5 Operation conditions

Temperature: -20°C up to +60°C

Storage temperature: -30°C up to 70°C

Relative humidity: ≤ 90%
In the surrounding environment any kind of vibrations
should be avoided, as well as magnetic fields, corrosive
medium and heavy dust.

2. Structure feature

1 Main body
2 Keypad
3 LCD Display
4 Pulser socket
5 Receiver socket
6 Contol plate
7 Communication port
8 Label
9 Battery cover
10 Sensor

2.1 Main screen

1

1

ULTRASONIC

THICKNESS GAUGE

SN:

POWER: 2 X 1.5V

für PC
at
Mod.
TN300

-0.1US

TN_US-BA-e-1112 2

Sauter GmbH

Tieringerstr. 11-15
D-72336 Balingen
E-Mail: [e-mail]

Instruction Manual

TN_US

1 Coupling status: Indicates the coupling status. While
measurements are taken, the coupling status should be
on. If it isn’t or if it isn’t stable, the instrument has got
difficulties in achieving stable measurements and the
thickness value displayed will most likely be erroneous.
2 Unit: Current unit system. MM or IN for thickness value.
M/S or IN/µS for sound velocity.
3 Battery information: Displays the rest capacity of the
battery.
4 Information Display: Displays the measured thickness
value, the sound velocity and shows hints of the current
operation.

2.2 Keypad definition

Turn the
instrument on/off

Turn on/off the
EL backlight

Zero operation

Unit switch
between Metric
and Imperial
system
Data Save or
Data Delete

3. Preparation

3.1 Transducer selection

With this instrument it is possible to measure a wide range
of different materials, started from various metals to glass
and plastics. These different types of material require the
usage of different transducers. Choosing the correct
transducer is the most important thing to perform accurate
and reliable measurements. Generally speaking, the best
transducer for an operation is the one that sends sufficient
ultrasonic energy into the material to be measured in the
way that a strong, stable echo is to be received in the
instrument. There are several factors that affect the
strength of the traveling ultrasound. They are described as
followed:

Initial signal strength: The stronger a signal is at the
beginning, the stronger its echo will return. Initial signal
strength is mainly a factor of the size of the ultrasound
emitter in the transducer. A large emitting area will send
more energy into the material being measured than a small
one. Thus, a so-called “1/2 inch” transducer will emit a
stronger signal than a “1/4 inch” transducer.

Absorption and scattering:
through a material, it is partly absorbed. If the material has

As the ultrasound travels

Sound velocity
calibration

Enter

Plus;
Turn on/off
Scan mode

Minus;
Turn on/off the
beep mode

Tel: +49-[0]7433- 9976-174
Fax: +49-[0]7433-9976-285
Internet: www. sauter.eu

got any grain structure, the sound waves will start
scattering. Both of these effects reduce the strength of the
waves and thus the instrument’s ability to detect the
returning echo. Ultrasound of higher frequency is absorbed
and scattered more than ultrasound of lower frequency.
While it may seem that using a lower frequency transducer
is better in every instance, it should be mentioned that low
frequencies are less directional than higher ones. Thus, a
higher frequency transducer is a better choice for detecting
the exact location of small pits or flaws in the material to be
measured.

Geometry of the transducer:
The physical constraints of the environment sometimes
determine a transducer’s suitability for an operation. Some
transducers are simply too large to be used in a confined
area. If the available surface area for contacting with the
transducer is limited, the usage of a transducer with a
small surface is required.
Measurements on a curved surface, in example an engine
cylinder wall, will require a transducer with an adapted
surface.

Temperature of the material:
are to be measured, high temperature transducers must be
used. These transducers are built with special materials
and techniques that allow them to withstand high
temperatures without being damaged. Additionally, care
must be taken if a “Zero adjustment” or a “Calibration to
known thickness” is being performed with a high
temperature transducer.
The selection of a proper transducer is often a matter of
tradeoffs between various characteristics. Sometimes it is
necessary to experience with a variety of transducers in
order to find the one that works well for a special
operation.
The transducer is the “business end” of the instrument.
It transmits and receives ultrasonic sound waves which the
instrument uses to calculate the thickness of the material
being measured. The transducer is connected to the
instrument via the attached cable and two coaxial
connectors. The transducer has to be installed correctly to
get reliable measurement results. Each plug must be fit
into the adequate socket in the instrument.
Below there are shown two photos and a short description
of the instruction use of a transducer.

The upper figure is a bottom view of a typical transducer.
The two semicircles are visibly separated in the middle of
the surface. One of the semicircles is conducting the
echoed sound back into the transducer. When the
transducer is placed against the material being measured,

If exceedingly hot surfaces

TN_US-BA-e-1112 3

Sauter GmbH

ATU

or highly

ATU

ATU

ATU

w

wall ATB

Tieringerstr. 11-15
D-72336 Balingen
E-Mail: [e-mail]

Instruction Manual

this is the area directly beneath the centre of the measured
surface.
The below figure is a top view of a typical transducer.
It is pressed against the top with the thumb or the index
finger to hold the transducer in place. Only moderate
pressure is sufficient to keep it stationary. Its surface must
be placed flat against the surface of the material.

Table 3-1 Transducer selection

Model Freq

-

US 01

-

US 09

-

US 10

-

US 02

-

US 02

3.2 Conditions and preparation of surfaces

At any kind of ultrasonic measurement, the shape and
roughness of the surface being tested are of paramount
importance. Rough and uneven surfaces may limit the
penetration of the ultrasound through the material resulted
by an unstable and therefore unreliable measurement.
The surface being measured should be clean and free of
any small particulate matter, rust or scale. The transducer
must be placed on a flat and even surface. To get it clean
it might be helpful to use a wire brush or a scraper. In more
extreme cases, rotary sanders or grinding wheels may be
used. Care must be taken to prevent surface gouging
which inhibits a proper transducer coupling.
Extremely rough surfaces such as the pebble-like finish of
cast iron will be measured quite complicated. These kinds
of surfaces comport to the sound beam like frosted glass
on light: the beam becomes diffused and scattered in all
directions.
In addition to this, rough surfaces account for an excessive
wear of the transducer, especially when it is “scrubbed”
along the surface. Transducers should be inspected time
by time if there are any signs of abrasion.
If the transducer is worn off on one side more than on the
other, the sound beam penetrating the test material may
no longer be perpendicular to the surface of the material.
In this case, it is difficult to exactly locate tiny irregularities

Dia

Measurement

MHZ

2,5 14 3.0mm󴇑300.0

5 10 1.2mm󴇑230.0

5 10 1.2mm󴇑230.0

7 6 0.75mm󴇑80.0

5 12 3󴇑200mm

range

metr
mm

mm(in steel
40mm(grey
Cast iron
HT200)

mm (in steel)

mm(Stahl

mm
(in steel󴅼

(Stahl)

󴅼

󴅼

Lower
limit

20 For thick,high-

Φ20mm×

3.0mm
Φ20mm×

3.0mm
Φ15mm×

2.0mm

30 For high tem-

Description

ly attenuating

scattering
materials
normal
measurement
Normal mea­surement/ 90°
For thin pipe

all or small

curvative pipe

perature (lower
than 300°C)
measurement

TN_US

Tel: +49-[0]7433- 9976-174
Fax: +49-[0]7433-9976-285
Internet: www. sauter.eu

in the material, as the focus of the sound beam no longer
lies directly beneath the transducer.

4. Operation

4.1 Power on/ off

The instrument is turned on by pressing the
The instrument has got a special memory where all
settings are stored even if it was powered off.

4.2 Zero adjustment

The

key is used to „zero“ the instrument. It is just the
same way as a mechanical micrometer is zeroed. If the
instrument isn’t zeroed correctly, all the measurements
taken may be in error by an initially incorrect value. When
the instrument is zeroed, this fixed error value is measured
and automatically corrected for all subsequent
measurements.
The instrument is “zeroed” as follows:

1) The transducer is to be plugged into the instrument in
the way that all connectors are fully engaged.
It has to be checked that the surface of the transducer is
clean and free of any debris.

2) The

3) The key and the key has to be used to scroll on
the sensor model currently used. The right choice of the
sensor is of high importance.

4) A single droplet of ultrasonic couplant is to be applied
to the metallic control plate.

5) The transducer is to be pressed flat against the surface
of the control plate. Now you can see the value
4mm,because the thickness of the control plate is 4mm
and the instrument is calibrated of 4mm.

6) Now the transducer is to be removed from the control
plate.
At this point, the instrument has successfully calculated its
internal error factor and will compensate for this value in all
following measurements.
When performing a “Zero adjustment”, the instrument will
always use the sound velocity value of the in-built control
plate, even if any other velocity value has been entered for
making actual measurements.
Though the last “Zero adjustment” will be stored it is
generally recommended to perform a “Zero adjustment”
whenever the instrument is turned on as well as, if a
different transducer is used. This way it is ensured that the
instrument has been zeroed correctly.

The
terminated. The instrument returns to the measurement
mode.

4.3 Sound velocity calibration

In order to performing accurate measurements, the
instrument must be set to the correct sound velocity of the

key has to be pressed.

key has to be pressed and the Zero adjustment is

key.

TN_US-BA-e-1112 4

Sauter GmbH

Tieringerstr. 11-15
D-72336 Balingen
E-Mail: [e-mail]

Instruction Manual

TN_US

material being measured. Different types of material have
got different inherent sound velocities. If the instrument
isn’t set to the correct sound velocity, all the
measurements will be deficient by some fixed percentage.
The One-point calibration is the simplest and most
commonly used calibration procedure, optimizing linearity
over large ranges.
The Two-point calibration has got higher accuracy over
small ranges by calculating the Zero adjustment and sound
velocity.
Note: One- and Two-point calibrations should only be
performed on material where the paint or the coating is
removed; if not, it will result in a multi material velocity
calculation which is surely deviating from the actual
velocity of the material intended to be measured.

4.3.1 Calibration to a known thickness

1) A Zero adjustment has to be performed.

2) A couplant has to be applied to the sample piece.

3) The transducer has to be pressed against the sample
piece, making sure that the transducer is placed flat on it.
The display now shows any thickness value and the
coupling status indicator should appear steadily.

4) As soon as a stable reading is achieved, the transducer
has to be removed. If the displayed thickness now
distinguishes from the value shown while the transducer
was coupled, step 3 has to be repeated.

5) The
mode. The MM (or IN) symbol should start flashing.

6) The
displayed thickness up or down until the thickness of the
sample piece is matched.

7) The key has to be pressed again. The M/S(or IN/µS)
should start flashing. Now the sound velocity value, which
has been calculated based on the thickness value that was
entered, is displayed.

8) The
calibration mode and return to the measurement mode.
The instrument is now ready to perform measurements.

4.3.2 Calibration to a known velocity

Note: This procedure requires that the sound velocity of
the material being measured, is known. A table of the most
common materials and their sound velocities can be found
in Appendix A of this manual.

1) The
mode. The MM (or IN) symbol should start flashing.

2) The key is to be pressed again, so that the symbols
M/S (or IN/µS) are flashing.

3) The
sound velocity up and down until it matches the sound

velocity of the material being measured. The

key has to be pressed to activate the calibration

and the key has to be used to adjust the

key has to be pressed again to exit the

key is to be pressed to activate the calibration

and the key are to be used to adjust the

key can

Tel: +49-[0]7433- 9976-174
Fax: +49-[0]7433-9976-285
Internet: www. sauter.eu

also be pressed to switch among the preset, commonly
used velocities.

4) To quit the calibration mode, the key
pressed and the instrument is ready to perform
measurements.
To achieve the most accurate measurement results, it is
generally advisable to calibrate the instrument to a sample
piece of known thickness. The composition of materials
(and thus, its sound velocity) sometimes varies from lot to
lot and from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Calibration to a sample of known thickness ensures that
the instrument is set as closely as possible to the sound
velocity of the material being measured.

4.3.3 Two-point Calibration

Note: This procedure requires that the testing person has
got two known thickness points on the test piece which are
representative of the range being measured.

1) A Zero adjustment has to be performed.

2) A couplant has to be applied to the sample piece.

3) The transducer has to be pressed against the sample
piece at the first / second calibration point. It has to be
made sure that the transducer is placed flat on the surface
of the sample. Now the display should show any (probably
incorrect) thickness value and the coupling status indicator
should appear steadily.

4) As soon as a stable measurement is achieved, the
transducer is to be removed. If the displayed thickness
distinguishes from the value shown while the transducer
was coupled, step 3 is to be repeated.

5) The
should start flashing.

6) The
sound velocity up and down until it matches the sound
velocity of the sample piece.

7) The key has to be pressed. 1OF2 will be shown on
the display. Steps 3 to 6 are to be repeated on the second
calibration point.

8) The
(or IN/µS) is flashing. The sound velocity value, which was
calculated based on the thickness values being entered in
step 6, will now be displayed.

9) To quit the calibration mode, the key has to be
pressed again and the instrument is ready to perform
measurements within its range.

4.4 How to perform measurements

The instrument always stored the last measured value until
a new measurement is made. In order for the transducer
working in the right way there may not be any gaps
between the contact area of the sensor and the surface of
the material being measured. This is accomplished with
the coupling fluid, commonly called “couplant”. This fluid

key is to be pressed. The MM (or IN) symbol

and the key are to be used to adjust the

key has to be pressed, so that the symbol M/S

has to be

TN_US-BA-e-1112 5

Sauter GmbH

Tieringerstr. 11-15
D-72336 Balingen
E-Mail: [e-mail]

Instruction Manual

TN_US

serves to “couple” or transfer the ultrasonic sound waves
from the transducer, into the material and back again.
Therefore a small amount of couplant should be applied
onto the surface of the material, before measurements are
performed. Typically, a single droplet is sufficient.
After the couplant is applied, the transducer has to be
pressed firmly against the area being measured. The
coupling status indicator should appear on the display as
well as a digit number. If the instrument has been “zeroed”
properly and if it has been set to the correct sound velocity,
the actual thickness of the material directly beneath the
transducer will be indicated as a number in the display.
If the coupling status indicator doesn’t appear or if it isn’t
stable or if the numbers on the display doesn’t seem to be
correct, it has to be checked whether there is an adequate
film of couplant beneath the transducer and whether the
transducer is placed flat onto the material.
If conditions persist, sometimes it is necessary to select a
different transducer (size or frequency) for the material
intended to be measured.
While the transducer is in contact with the material, the
instrument will perform four measurements every second,
updating its display as it does so.
If the transducer is removed, the display will hold the last
measurement performed.
Note: Occasionally a small film of couplant will be drawn
out between the transducer and the surface, as the
transducer is removed. If this happens, the instrument may
perform a measurement through this couplant film,
resulting in an erroneously measurement. This is
comprehensible because one thickness value is observed
while the transducer is in place and the other value is
observed after the transducer is removed.
In addition, measurements performed through very thick
paint or coatings may result in the paint or coating being
measured rather than the material intended.
The responsibility for a proper use of the instrument, as
well as the recognition of these types of phenomenon
solely depend on the user of this instrument.

4.4.1 Change of measuring sound velocity

In appendix A you find the different sound velocities, that
are to be applied for measuring the different materials.

To change the sound velocity of your instrument please
proceed as follows:

1.

Press the CAL key twice until M/S symbol
begins to flash.

2.

Then, press the SCAN or ALARM key to change
the sound velocity

3.

4.5 Scan mode

While the instrument excels in making single point
measurements, it is sometimes necessary to examine a
larger region, searching for the thinnest point. This

To safe the settings, please press the Cal key.

Tel: +49-[0]7433- 9976-174
Fax: +49-[0]7433-9976-285
Internet: www. sauter.eu

instrument includes a feature, called SCAN- Mode, which
allows to do just that.
During normal operation, it performs and displays four
measurements every second which is adequate for single
measurements. In SCAN- Mode, however, the instrument
performs ten measurements every second and displays
the readings while scanning. While the transducer is in
contact with the material to be measured, it is always
keeping track to finding the lowest measurements. The
transducer may be “scrubbed” across the surface, any
brief interruptions of the signal will be ignored. If it looses
contact with the surface for more than two seconds, the
instrument will display the smallest measurement it found.
If the SCAN- Mode is turned off, Single point Mode will be
automatically turned on. The SCAN- Mode is turned on/ off
by the following steps:

The

key has to be pressed to switch on/ off the SCAN­Mode. The current condition of it will be displayed on the
display.

4.6 Changing resolution

The instrument TN xx-0.01 US has got a selectable display
resolution, which is 0.1 and 0.01mm.

If the key
The resolution will be switched between “high” and “low”.
This function is not available for TN xx-0.1 US,
which is fixed to 0.1mm.

4.7 Changing units

On the measurement mode, the key
to switch back and forth between imperial and metric units.

4.8 Memory management

4.8.1 Storing a reading

There are 20 files (F00-F19) which can be used to store
the measurement values inside the instrument.
At most 100 records (thickness values) can be stored in
each file. The measured thickness value will be saved to

the current file by pressing the key after a new
measurement reading appears. It will be added as the
largest record of the file.
To change the destination file to store the measured
values, the following steps are to be carried out:

1) The key
functions. The current file name and the total record
. count of the file will be displayed.

2) The key
the desired file to set as current file.

3) The key
functions any time as wanted.

is pressed while turning on the instrument,

has to be pressed

is to be pressed to activate the data logging

and the key have to be used to select

has to be pressed to exit the data logging

TN_US-BA-e-1112 6

Sauter GmbH

Tieringerstr. 11-15
D-72336 Balingen
E-Mail: [e-mail]

Instruction Manual

TN_US

4.8.2 Clearing a selected file

It may be required to clear the contents of an entire file
completely of all measurements. With this a new list of
measurements can be stared, beginning with L00.
The procedure is outlined in the following steps:

1) The key
functions. The current file name and the total record
. count of the file will be displayed.

2) The key
the file that shall be cleared of all measurements.

3) The
file will be automatically cleared and display “-DEL”.

4) The key has to be pressed to exit the data logging
functions any time as wanted to return to the measure­ ment mode.

4.8.3 Viewing/ deleting stored records

With this function a record can be viewed/ deleted in a
desired file previously saved in memory, following these
steps:

1) The key
functions. The current file name and the total record
. count of the file will be displayed.

2) The key
the desired file.

3) The
The current record number will be displayed (i.e. L012)
and as well the record contents.

4) The key
the desired record.

5) The
This record will be automatically deleted and “-DEL” is
displayed.

6) The key
functions to return to the measurement mode.

4.9 Data printing

At the end of the inspection process or at the end of the
day, it may be required the readings being transferred to a
computer. This procedure is only possible with
TN xx-0.01 US, not with TN xx-0.1 US:

1. Before printing, one connection plug of the print cable
(optional parts) has to be inserted into the socket on the
up-left of the main body and the other plug into the
communication socket of the mini-printer.

2. The
logging functions.

3. The key and the key have to be used to select
the desired file.

4. The key has to be pressed to print the selected file.

is to be pressed to activate the data logging

and the key have to be used to scroll to

key has to be pressed on the desired file. The

is to be pressed to activate the data logging

and the key have to be used to select

key has to be pressed to enter the selected file.

and the key have to be used to select

key has to be pressed on the desired record.

has to be pressed to exit the data logging

key has to be pressed to activate the data

Tel: +49-[0]7433- 9976-174
Fax: +49-[0]7433-9976-285
Internet: www. sauter.eu

With this operation all the data in the current file will be
sent to the mini-printer via RS-232 port and will be
printed.

5. The key has to be pressed to exit the data logging
functions to return to the measurement mode.

4.10 Beep- Mode

When the beep is set to ((On)), a short hoot will be heard
each time while pressing the key, on each measurement or
if the measured value exceeds the tolerance limit.

The

key has to be pressed to switch the Beep-Mode

on and off. The current Beep-Mode will be displayed.

4.11 EL Backlight

With the background light, it is convenient to work in even

dark condition. The
or off the background light any moment it is needed after
having powered on the instrument.
As the EL light will consume much power it only has to be
turned on if necessary.

4.12 Battery information

Two AA size alkaline batteries are needed as power
source. After several hours’ usage of the preset batteries,

the battery symbol on the screen will be shown as

If battery capacity runs out, the battery symbol
be shown and it will begin to flash. In this case, the
batteries should be replaced.
If the instrument isn’t used for a longer period, the batteries
have to be removed.

4.13 Auto Power off

The instrument features an “auto power off”- function
designed to conserve battery life. If it is not in use for 5
minutes or more, it will turn itself off. If the voltage of the
battery is too low this function will also work.

4.14 System reset

The

key has to be pressed while powering on the
instrument: factory defaults will be restored.
All the memory data will be cleared during system reset.
The only time this might be helpful is if the parameter in
the instrument was somehow corrupted.

4.15 Connection to PC

TN xx-0.01 US is equipped with a RS-232serial port. Using
the accessory cable, the instrument has got the ability to
connect to a PC or an external storage device.
Measurement data stored in the memory can be
transferred to the PC through the RS-232 port. For detailed

key has to be pressed to switch on

.

will

TN_US-BA-e-1112 7

Sauter GmbH

Tieringerstr. 11-15
D-72336 Balingen
E-Mail: [e-mail]

Instruction Manual

TN_US

information of the communication software and its usage,
refer to the software manual.

5. Servicing

If there should appear some abnormal phenomena to the
instrument, please do not dismantle or adjust any fixed
assembly parts on your own. Instead of this, the present
warranty card has to be filled out and the instrument has to
be sent to us. The warranty service can be carried on.

6. Transport and Storage

1) The instrument has to be kept away from vibration,
strong magnetic fields, corrosive medium, dumpiness or
dust. Storage in ordinary temperature.

Appendix A Sound Velocities

Material

Aluminum 0.250 6340-6400

Steel, common

Steel, stainless

Brass

Copper

Iron

Cast Iron

Lead

Nylon

Silver

Gold

Zinc

Titanium

Tin

Epoxy resin

Ice

Nickel

Plexiglass

Polystyrene

Porcelain

PVC

Quartz glass

Rubber, vulcanized

Teflon

Water

Sound Velocity

In/us m/s

0.233

0.226

0.173

0.186

0.233

0.173-0.229

0.094

0.105

0.142

0.128

0.164

0.236

0.117

0.100

0.157

0.222

0.106

0.092

0.230

0.094

0.222

0.091

0.056

0.058

5920

5740

4399

4720

5930

4400󴆀5820

2400

2680

3607

3251

4170

5990

2960

2540

3988

5639

2692

2337

5842

2388

5639

2311

1422

1473

Tel: +49-[0]7433- 9976-174
Fax: +49-[0]7433-9976-285
Internet: www. sauter.eu

Appendix B Application Notes
Measuring pipe and tubing

When a piece of pipe is measured to determine the
thickness of the pipe wall, the orientation of the transducer
is of importance. If the diameter of the pipe is larger than
approximately 4 inches, measurement should be
performed with the transducer orientated in the way that
the gap in the surface of the sensor is perpendicular (at
right angle) to the long axis of the pipe.
For smaller pipe diameters, two measurements should be
performed, one with the surface gap of the sensor
perpendicular, another with the gap parallel to the long
axis of the pipe. The smaller one of the displayed values
should be taken as the thickness of that point.

Measuring hot surfaces

The sound velocity through a substance is dependent on
its temperature. As materials heat up, the velocity of sound
through them decreases. In most applications with surface
temperatures of less than 100°C, no special procedures
must be observed. At temperatures above that point, the
change in sound velocity of the material being measured
starts having a noticeable effect upon ultrasonic
measurement. At such elevated temperatures it is
recommended to first performing a calibration on a sample
piece of known thickness, which is at or near the
temperature of the material being measured. This will allow
the instrument to correctly calculate the sound velocity
through the hot material.
When performing measurements on hot surfaces, it may
also be necessary to use a specially constructed high­temperature transducer. These transducers are built of
materials which can withstand high temperatures.
It is also recommended that the sensor has to be left in
contact with the surface for a short time in order to acquire
a stable measurement. While the transducer is in contact
with the hot surface, it will be heated up and with thermal
expansion and other effects, the accuracy of measurement
may adversely be affected.

Measuring laminated materials

Laminated materials are unique because of their density
(and therefore sound velocity) may considerably vary from
one piece to another. Some laminated materials may even
exhibit noticeable changes in sound velocity across a
single surface. The only way to a reliable measurement is
to perform a calibration on a sample piece of known
thickness. Ideally, this sample material should be a part of
the same piece being measured, or at least from the same
lamination batch. The effects of variation of sound velocity

TN_US-BA-e-1112 8

Sauter GmbH

Tieringerstr. 11-15
D-72336 Balingen
E-Mail: [e-mail]

Instruction Manual

TN_US

will be minimized by calibrating each test piece
individually.
An additional important consideration is, that any included
air gaps or air pockets will cause an early reflection of the
ultrasound beam. This will be noticed as a sudden
decrease in thickness in an otherwise regular surface.
While this may impede accurate measurement of the total
material thickness, it does positively indicate any air gaps
in the laminate.

Suitability of materials

Ultrasonic thickness measurement relies on passing a
sound wave through the material being measured. Not all
materials are suited to transmitting sound. Ultrasonic
thickness measurement is practically found in a wide
variety of materials including metals, plastic and glass.
Materials which are difficult include some cast materials,
concrete, wood , fibreglass and some rubber.

Couplants

Every ultrasonic application requires some medium to
couple the sound from the transducer to the tested
material. Typically, a high viscosity liquid is used as the
medium. The sound used in ultrasonic thickness
measurement doesn’t travel through air efficiently.
A wide variety of couplant materials may be used.
Propylene glycol is suitable for mostly all applications. In
difficult applications, where a maximum transfer of sound
energy is required, glycerine is recommended. However,
on some metals glycerine may promote corrosion by
means of water absorption, which is undesirable.
Other suitable couplants for measurements at normal
temperatures may include water, various oils and greases,
gels and silicone fluids. Measurements at elevated
temperatures will require specially formulated high
temperature couplants.
Inherent in ultrasonic thickness measurement is the
possibility that the instrument will use the second rather
than the first echo from the back surface of the material
being measured while being in standard pulse-echo mode.
This may result in a thickness reading that is TWICE what
it should be.

The responsibility of a proper use of the instrument and the
recognition of these types of phenomenon solely rest with
the user of the instrument.

Tel: +49-[0]7433- 9976-174
Fax: +49-[0]7433-9976-285
Internet: www. sauter.eu

7. Declaration of conformity

TN_US-BA-e-1112 9