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© PCE Instruments
PCE-RT 2300 Roughness Tester
User Manual
User manuals in various languages (français,
italiano, español, português, nederlands, türk, polski,
русский, 中文) can be found by using our
product search on: www.pce-instruments.com
Last change: 3 November 2023
v1.2
English
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© PCE Instruments
Contents
1 Safety notes ........................................................................................... 1
2 Delivery contents .................................................................................. 1
3 Specifications ........................................................................................ 2
3.1 Measurement ranges by parameter .................................................................................. 2
4 Measuring principle .............................................................................. 3
5 Device description ................................................................................ 3
5.1 Display description ........................................................................................................... 4
5.2 Key description................................................................................................................. 4
5.3 Hidden buttons on the touch screen ................................................................................. 4
5.4 Recharging the battery ..................................................................................................... 5
5.5 Connecting the sensor to the drive unit ............................................................................ 5
5.6 Connecting the drive unit to the main device .................................................................... 6
5.7 Removing the drive unit from the main device .................................................................. 7
5.8 Using the extension cable ................................................................................................ 7
6 Measurement ......................................................................................... 8
6.1 On/off ............................................................................................................................... 8
6.2 Preparing the meter.......................................................................................................... 8
6.3 Changing the language .................................................................................................... 8
6.4 Sensor position ................................................................................................................ 8
6.5 Starting a measurement ................................................................................................... 8
6.6 Readings .......................................................................................................................... 9
6.7 Printing the readings ........................................................................................................ 9
6.8 Saving the measurement.................................................................................................. 9
7 Menu ..................................................................................................... 10
7.1 System ............................................................................................................................10
7.2 Setting the measuring parameters ...................................................................................15
7.3 Recorded data.................................................................................................................15
7.4 Device information ..........................................................................................................16
7.5 Calibration and adjustment ..............................................................................................16
7.6 Printer settings ................................................................................................................ 17
7.7 Connection to a PC .........................................................................................................18
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7.8 Accessories .....................................................................................................................22
8 General information about the sensor .............................................. 22
9 General information about the meter ................................................ 22
10 General information about the reference ......................................... 22
11 Troubleshooting .................................................................................. 23
12 Chart for recommended “cut-offs“ ................................................... 23
13 Contact ................................................................................................. 24
14 Disposal ............................................................................................... 24
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1 Safety notes
Please read this manual carefully and completely before you use the device for the first time. The
device may only be used by qualified personnel and repaired by PCE Instruments personnel.
Damage or injuries caused by non-observance of the manual are excluded from our liability and
not covered by our warranty.
• The device must only be used as described in this instruction manual. If used otherwise,
this can cause dangerous situations for the user and damage to the meter.
• The instrument may only be used if the environmental conditions (temperature, relative
humidity, …) are within the ranges stated in the technical specifications. Do not expose
the device to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, extreme humidity or moisture.
• Do not expose the device to shocks or strong vibrations.
• The case should only be opened by qualified PCE Instruments personnel.
• Never use the instrument when your hands are wet.
• You must not make any technical changes to the device.
• The appliance should only be cleaned with a damp cloth. Use only pH-neutral cleaner,
no abrasives or solvents.
• The device must only be used with accessories from PCE Instruments or equivalent.
• Before each use, inspect the case for visible damage. If any damage is visible, do not
use the device.
• Do not use the instrument in explosive atmospheres.
• The measurement range as stated in the specifications must not be exceeded under
any circumstances.
• Non-observance of the safety notes can cause damage to the device and injuries to
the user.
• Turn off the meter when not in use.
• Do not use the full measurement range.
• If the meter no longer works flawlessly, do not use it.
We do not assume liability for printing errors or any other mistakes in this manual.
We expressly point to our general guarantee terms which can be found in our general terms of
business.
2 Delivery contents
1 x Roughness tester PCE-RT 2300
1 x Microprobe
1 x Removable motorized sensor
2 x Connection cable for motor unit
1 x Charger
1 x Interface cable
1 x Transport case
1 x Manual
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3 Specifications
Measuring range
320 μm
Accuracy
± 10%
Repeatability
± 7%
Resolution
± 20 μm: 0.01 μm
± 40 μm: 0.02 μm
± 80 μm: 0.04 μm
Measurement
Parameters
Ra, Rz, Rq, Rt, Rc, Rp, Rv, R3z, R3y, Rz (JIS), Ry, Rs, Rsk, Rku,
Rmax, Rsm, Rmr, RPc, Rk, Rpk, Rvk, Mr1, Mr2
Measurement
Standards
ISO4287, ANSI b46.1, DIN4768, JISb601
Graphic
Primary profile (roughness + waviness)
Roughness profile (roughness)
Loading curves
Measuring filter
RC, PC-RC, Gaus, DP
Measuring section
(Cut Off)
0.25 mm, 0.8 mm, 2.5 mm
Measuring length
1 ... 5* measuring path
Max. 17.5 mm (including pre- and post-run)
Sensor
Diamond probe tip 90°
5 μm
Contact force sensor
<4 mN
Feed rate
0.25 mm: 0.135 mm / s
0.8 mm: 0.5 mm / s
2.5 mm: 1 mm / s
Display
3.5" LCD screen
Power supply
3.7V Li-Ion Battery
5V / 800-mA USB Power Adapter
Operating time
50 h
Operating conditions
-20 ... 40°C / -4 ... 104°F, max. 90% RH
Storage conditions
-40 ... 60°C / -40 ... 140°F, max. 90% RH
Dimensions
Main unit: 158 x 55 x 52 mm / 6.2 x 2.2 x 2 in
Motor unit: 115 x 23 x 27 mm / 4.5 x 1 x 1.1 in
Weight
About 500 g / 1.1 lbs
3.1 Measurement ranges by parameter
Parameter
Measurement range
Ra
Rq
0.005 … 32 µm
Rz
R3z
Ry
Rt
Rp
Rm
0.02 … 320 µm
Sk
0 … 100 %
S
Sm
0.02 … 1000 µm
tp
0 … 100 %
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4 Measuring principle
If you wish to measure the roughness
of the surface, place the meter on the
surface to be measured. The meter
will move the sensor over the surface
to capture its structure. Through
displacement of the measuring
needle, an induction coil in the sensor
will be changed. The resulting analogue signal will directly be amplified. These amplified signals
will be collected by the meter and then filtered and converted by the DSP chip. The converted
readings can then be viewed on the LCD and processed.
5 Device description
Sensor
1. Diamond probe tip
2. Sensor tube
3. Sensor body
4. Sensor socket
Drive unit
1- Removable motor
2- Sensor
Main device
1. Touch screen
2. ESC/selection key
3. Start/on/off key
4. Enter/selection key
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5.1 Display description
1. Bluetooth active
2. Length assessment
3. Filter
4. Activity time
5. Start measurement
6. Sensor position
7. Status information
8. Sensor position range
9. 1st reading (Master)
10. 2nd reading (Slave)
11. Battery level indicator
12. Profile scale
13. Profile display area
14. Menu key
15. Save button
16. Print button
5.2 Key description
ESC/selection key: With this key, you can increase a value or select a different
function.
Back function: You can go back to the previous function by pressing this key.
Start/on/off key: Press and hold this key to switch the meter on/off.
Starting a measurement: To start a measurement, short-press the key.
Enter/selection key: With this key, you can decrease a vale or select a different
function.
Enter function: Press this key to confirm an entry.
5.3 Hidden buttons on the touch screen
There are three hidden buttons on the touch screen. They have the following functions:
Start measurement Profile zoom Display all measuring functions
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5.4 Recharging the battery
As soon as the display shows a flat battery icon, the battery is discharged and should be
recharged as soon as possible. To charge the meter, you can use the included charger or you
can charge it directly via your computer. If you want to use a different charger, it should fulfil the
following specifications:
Output: 5 V / 1000 mA
After connecting the charger, a charging animation will be displayed. The battery is fully charged
when the animation stops. Charging takes approx. 5 hours.
Important:
The battery is only charged if the ON/OFF switch is “ON“.
5.5 Connecting the sensor to the drive unit
Before connecting the sensor to the drive unit or removing it, make sure the meter is turned off.
1. Sensor
2. Motorised sensor bracket
3. Drive unit
To connect the sensor to the drive unit, hold the sensor body and move it into the drive unit as
described in the picture. To release the sensor, hold the sensor body tightly and pull it back out.
Important:
The sensor is the main part of the measuring system and needs special care. Do not touch the
probe tip. The sensor must only be used when it is installed in the meter. When no measurement
is made, place the sensor back in its packaging to avoid damage. If you want to use a new sensor,
the sensor must be adjusted to the meter.
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Fig. 1: Handling the sensor
Fig. 2: Sensor dimensions in mm
5.6 Connecting the drive unit to the main device
1. Insert the drive unit into the main device according to the picture until it is attached
firmly onto the pin on the inside.
2. Now push down the drive unit so that it can snap into place.
1
2
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5.7 Removing the drive unit from the main device
1. To remove the drive unit from the main device, first unsnap the drive unit.
2. Then lift the tip of the drive unit.
3. Pull out the drive unit.
5.8 Using the extension cable
When the drive unit is not connected to the
display, use the included extension cable as
shown in the picture.
1. Sensor
2. Drive unit
3. Extension cable
3 2 1
2 1 3
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Fig. 3:Sensor scale
6 Measurement
6.1 On/off
To power the meter on/off, press and hold the On/off key for two seconds. The meter will go
directly to measurement on when turned on.
6.2 Preparing the meter
Turn on the meter and check whether the battery voltage is sufficient. Then clean the surface of
your sample. Now place the meter firmly and evenly on the surface to be measured. The grooves
on the sample must be vertical to the probe.
Important:
To ensure the most accurate results, make sure to exactly follow all steps described in the manual.
6.3 Changing the language
To change the menu language, press and hold the Enter key for about 7 seconds. You can select
either Chinese or English.
6.4 Sensor position
In measurement mode, there is a scale on the left-hand side. The arrow shows the current sensor
position and should be as central as possible. The arrow can move within the scale without
affecting the measurement. If it is outside the scale, the measurement can be affected.
6.5 Starting a measurement
To start a measurement, press the “Start“ key or touch the scale on the left-hand side of the touch
screen. To interrupt the measurement, press the “ESC“ key. The measurement will be interrupted
and the sensor stops. To return the sensor to its normal position, restart the meter or start a new
measurement.
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6.6 Readings
To access all measuring functions involving a conversion, touch the part where the readings are
displayed (1). To zoom into the graphics, touch the graphics part (2) on the touch screen. 4
different zoom levels are possible: 1x, 2x, 4x and 8x. You can start the measurement via the scale
(3).
6.7 Printing the readings
The meter can be connected to a serial printer via Bluetooth. When the printer is connected, you
can print the measuring data by pressing the button on the touch screen. In the menu “Print
Settings“, you can select the parameters of a measurement you wish to print.
6.8 Saving the measurement
To save the current reading, press the icon on the touch screen. You can save 100 groups
of raw data and profile data to this meter. The file name will be generated automatically from the
date and time. All saved readings can now be viewed via the “Record“ menu. The reading last
saved will always start with “001“. All other readings will be numbered consecutively.
2
1
Fig. 4: Complete readings displayed
3
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7 Menu
To enter the menu, press the button on the touch screen. You can leave the menu by
pressing “ESC“ or ”Return HomePage“.
7.1 System
The menu item “System“ has two pages. You can switch between them by pressing “System
Setting X/2“ on the touch screen.
Fig. 5: Main menu
Fig. 6: System setting page 1
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7.1.1 Display Master/Slave
Under “Master Display“ and “Slave Display“, you can select the measuring unit you wish to see
on the measuring display. Via “Master Display“, you can set the first tab and “Slave Display“ is
used to set the second tab.
7.1.2 BPS
Via BPS (Bits per second), you can set the baud rate for the Bluetooth connection with a terminal
device. Possible settings: 921.600, 230.400, 115.200 und 38.400 bps. The standard setting is
115.200 bps.
Fig. 7: System setting page 2
Fig. 8: Possible units of measurement
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7.1.3 Automatic Power Off
If this function is activated, the meter will turn off automatically after 10 minutes of inactivity. If this
function is disabled, the meter will operate continuously.
7.1.4 Bluetooth mode
There are two Bluetooth functions which can be set via the menu ”Bluetooth Mode“. If you want
to connect a printer to the meter, the “Print“ function must be used. If you wish to connect the
meter to an app, select the “Ctrl“ function. Before selecting one of these functions, disable the
device’s Bluetooth.
7.1.5 Enable/disable Bluetooth
Via the menu “Bluetooth Power“, you can enable or disable Bluetooth. When Bluetooth is
activated, the battery will discharge much more quickly. When you turn off the meter, the
Bluetooth connection will be discontinued automatically which means that you will have to enable
the Bluetooth function manually after a restart.
7.1.6 Touch screen
To adjust the touch screen, go to ”Touch Calib.“ in the menu. Now use a touch pen to touch the
crosses displayed in the corners as accurately as possible. You will re-enter the menu as soon
as the crosses have been touched.
Note: If it is not possible to get back to the menu due to incorrect adjustment, you can press and
hold the “ESC“ key for several seconds in measuring mode to adjust the touch screen.
7.1.7 Counting function Rpc
In the menu item “Rpc Details“ you can set the counting function of the meter. You can set the
minimum value to be counted as a peak. First choose whether you want the meter to count
according to the overall roughness or according to the percentage. To make a selection, touch
“µm“ or “%“ directly. Then set the value.
Fig. 9: Setting the limit value
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7.1.8 Setting date and time
To set the date and time, go to “Date & Time“ in the menu. To be able to set the date and time,
the current time must first be stopped by touching ”STOP“. Now use the plus and minus buttons
on the touch screen to set the date and time. The format is YYYY/MM/DD. Touch “ESC“ to leave
the menu without saving the settings or touch “SAVE“ to save the settings and leave the settings.
Touch “START“ to start the clock again. If you leave the menu without starting the clock, it will
start automatically.
7.1.9 Setting the LCD brightness
To set the display brightness, go to the menu “TFT Brightness“. Use the plus and minus buttons
to set the display brightness. Touch “Return“ to confirm the values and get back to the menu. With
the “Default“ button, you can reset the value to 80 %.
Fig. 10: Setting the date and time
Fig 11: Setting the brightness
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7.1.10 Reset to default
To reset all settings to their default settings, go to the menu “ResetToDefault“ and confirm via the
green checkmark.
7.1.11 Deleting all measured data
To delete all saved measuring data, go to the menu “Format Memory“. The memory will be
formatted as soon as you confirm via the green checkmark. This takes approx. 1 minute. Do not
turn off the meter during formatting.
Fig. 12: Reset of settings
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7.2 Setting the measuring parameters
To set the measuring parameters, go to the menu “Condition“ and set all measuring parameters.
Cut-off length
λc
0.25 mm; 0.80 mm; 2.50 mm
No. of measurements per
measuring process
1 … 5
(L)
Range
±20 µm; ±40 µm; ±80 µm; ±160 µm
Unit
inch, mm
Filter
RC; PC-RC; GAUSS; D-P
7.3 Recorded data
To view the recorded data, go to the menu “Record“ where you can view and also print and delete
all measuring data.
Fig. 13: Setting the measuring parameters
Fig. 14: Data memory
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7.4 Device information
To view the device information, go to the menu “About Version“ where you can find some
information on the battery and the software version. Touch the touch screen to leave this view.
7.5 Calibration and adjustment
Before making a measurement, a calibration should be carried out with the included reference
to make sure the meter works within the specified parameters. If it does not, the meter must be
adjusted. To do so, go to the menu “Calib. Meas.“ and use the plus and minus buttons to enter
the value of your reference. After setting the value, place the meter on the reference. Then
press Start. A measurement will now be made. After completion of the measurement, you can
save the adjustment and leave the menu via “Save&Exit“. To leave the adjustment screen
without saving, touch “Exit“.
Note: The meter has an accuracy of ±10 %. To set the value or to start a measurement, you
can also use the keys.
Fig. 16: Placing the meter on the reference
Fig. 15: Calibration
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7.6 Printer settings
To make some printer settings, go to the menu “PrintCond.“ where you can decide what
information you want your printer to include in the printout.
Logo
“Surface Roughness Tester“ is displayed in the head line. The wording
cannot be changed.
Date
Date and time will be included on the printout.
Meas. Cond.
Shows the measuring settings.
Tp.
Prints the Tp curve.
Prof.
Prints graphical view of surface structure.
Result
Prints the desired units of measurement.
Note: Printing graphs is not possible with all printers.
Fig. 17: Printer settings
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Fig. 18: Example printout
7.7 Connection to a PC
The software does not come with the meter but can be downloaded here:
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https://www.pce-instruments.com/deutsch/download-win_4.htm
To connect the meter to the PC, first install the software and the driver. Now make the following
settings in the meter:
BPS: 921.6
Bluetooth: Print
Bluetooth off
This can be set in the menu ”PrntCond.“.
Fig. 19: Example view
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Manage
Manage data records
Operate
Connect meter, start measurement, show sensor position
Tool
Show/hide toolbar icon
Configure
Configure meter
Analysis
Export all data from the database in the software as a csv file
Curve
Set graphical views
Help
Show all information about the software
Open raw data
Save raw data
Save raw data in txt format
View all measurements saved in the software
Save last measurement
Export all data from the software as a csv file
View and print the test report of the displayed measurement
Configure the measuring procedure
View course of profile
View course of roughness
View course of profile and of roughness at the same time
View TP course
Enable assisting lines which appear in the graph and can be moved to help
assess the measuring procedure
Disable assisting lines
Zoom into graph by highlighting the desired field
Disable zoom function
Reset graphical view
Optimises the scale of the graph
Connect to the meter
Start measurement
Loads last measurement from the meter to the software
Shows the position of the probe tip in real time
Adjust the meter
Transfer the measuring data saved in the meter to the PC
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Disconnect meter from the PC
Reset display of the meter
Fig. 20: Example test report
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7.8 Accessories
The meter comes with a tripod for clamping in the
motor unit.
For example, when the contact area is too small for
placing the complete meter on it, you can detach the
motor unit, clamp it into the tripod and position it as
required for your test object.
8 General information about the sensor
1. When changing the sensor, do not touch the sensor head or probe tip as these are very
sensitive parts.
2. After completing the measurement, place the sensor back into its transportation box.
Do not carry the sensor when connected to the motor unit.
3. Protect the probe tip.
4. The sensor is a sensitive part. Any impact can damage it. Make sure to prevent such
situations.
5. The sensor is excluded from the warranty. To avoid failure, it is recommended to have
a replacement sensor ready.
9 General information about the meter
1. Keep the touch screen clean. Only clean it with a dry cloth.
2. The PCE-RT 2300 is a highly accurate meter and must be treated with special care.
3. Always make sure the battery is sufficiently charged.
4. Do not keep the battery attached to the charger for more than 3 hours.
10 General information about the reference
1. The surface of the reference must be clean at any time. Measurements on a dirty
surface are not possible.
2. Avoid scratches on the reference surface.
Fig. 21: Tripod for motor unit
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11 Troubleshooting
Error message
Reason
Solution
After starting the meter,
nothing is displayed for
approx. 1 minute.
Cables not connected
correctly or damaged
Disconnect and connect
cables again or replace
cables.
The motor unit does not
show any reaction.
Touch screen does not work
Touch screen parameters
incorrect
Refer to 7.1.6 in the manual.
Motor error
Motor stuck
Restart the meter.
Probe tip outside scale
Incorrect scale used
Try a different scale. Refer to
7.2 in the manual.
Sensor placed incorrectly
Realign the complete
measuring system.
No readings
No readings displayed after
turning on the meter
Make a measurement.
Readings outside tolerance
Incorrect settings
Make an adjustment. Refer to
7.5 in the manual.
12 Chart for recommended “cut-offs“
Ra (µm)
Rz (µm)
Measurement distance
＞5～10
＞20～40
2.5
＞2.5～5
＞10～20
＞1.25～2.5
＞6.3～10
0.8
＞0.63～1.25
＞3.2～6.3
＞0.32～0.63
＞1.6～3.2
＞0.25～0.32
＞1.25～1.6
0.25
＞0.20～0.25
＞1.0～1.25
＞0.16～0.20
＞0.8～1.0
＞0.125～0.16
＞0.63～0.8
＞0.1～0.125
＞0.5～0.63
＞0.08～0.1
＞0.4～0.5
＞0.063～0.08
＞0.32～0.4
＞0.05～0.063
＞0.25～0.32
＞0.04～0.05
＞0.2～0.25
＞0.032～0.04
＞0.16～0.2
＞0.025～0.032
＞0.125～0.16
＞0.02～0.02
＞0.1～0.125
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13 Contact
If you have any questions, suggestions or technical problems, please do not hesitate to contact
us. You will find the relevant contact information at the end of this user manual.
14 Disposal
For the disposal of batteries in the EU, the 2006/66/EC directive of the European Parliament
applies. Due to the contained pollutants, batteries must not be disposed of as household waste.
They must be given to collection points designed for that purpose.
In order to comply with the EU directive 2012/19/EU we take our devices back. We either re-use
them or give them to a recycling company which disposes of the devices in line with law.
For countries outside the EU, batteries and devices should be disposed of in accordance with
your local waste regulations.
If you have any questions, please contact PCE Instruments.
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PCE Instruments contact information
Germany France Spain
PCE Deutschland GmbH PCE Instruments France EURL PCE Ibérica S.L.
Im Langel 26 23, rue de Strasbourg Calle Mula, 8
D-59872 Meschede 67250 Soultz-Sous-Forets 02500 Tobarra (Albacete)
Deutschland France España
Tel.: +49 (0) 2903 976 99 0 Téléphone: +33 (0) 972 3537 17 Tel. : +34 967 543 548
Fax: +49 (0) 2903 976 99 29 Numéro de fax: +33 (0) 972 3537 18 Fax: +34 967 543 542
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
www.pce-instruments.com/deutsch www.pce-instruments.com/french www.pce-instruments.com/espanol
United Kingdom Italy Turkey
PCE Instruments UK Ltd PCE Italia s.r.l. PCE Teknik Cihazları Ltd.Şti.
Trafford House Via Pesciatina 878 / B-Interno 6 Halkalı Merkez Mah.
Chester Rd, Old Trafford 55010 Loc. Gragnano Pehlivan Sok. No.6/C
Manchester M32 0RS Capannori (Lucca) 34303 Küçükçekmece - İstanbul
United Kingdom Italia Türkiye
Tel: +44 (0) 161 464902 0 Telefono: +39 0583 975 114 Tel: 0212 471 11 47
Fax: +44 (0) 161 464902 9 Fax: +39 0583 974 824 Faks: 0212 705 53 93
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
www.pce-instruments.com/english www.pce-instruments.com/italiano www.pce-instruments.com/turkish
The Netherlands United States of America Denmark
PCE Brookhuis B.V. PCE Americas Inc. PCE Instruments Denmark ApS
Institutenweg 15 1201 Jupiter Park Drive, Suite 8 Birk Centerpark 40
7521 PH Enschede Jupiter / Palm Beach 7400 Herning
Nederland 33458 FL Denmark
Telefoon: +31 (0)53 737 01 92 USA Tel.: +45 70 30 53 08
[email protected] Tel: +1 (561) 320-9162 [email protected]
www.pce-instruments.com/dutch Fax: +1 (561) 320-9176 www.pce-instruments.com/dansk
[email protected]
www.pce-instruments.com/us
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