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

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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

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