PCE Instruments PCE-TG 100 Users guide

PCE Americas Inc.
711 Commerce Way
Suite 8
Jupiter
FL-33458
USA
From outside US: +1
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]

PCE Instruments UK Ltd.

Units 12/13

Southpoint Business Park

Ensign way

Hampshire / Southampton

United Kingdom, SO31 4RF

From outside UK: +44

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

[e-mail]

www.pce-instruments.com/english

www.pce-instruments.com

Version 1.1

Date of creation: 29.06.2015

Date of last change: 28.06.2016

Manual

Material Material Thickness Meter PCE-TG1XX

Manual

Contents

1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 3

2 Safety notes ............................................................................................................. 3

2.1 Warning symbols ........................................................................................................................ 3

2.2 Safety precautions ...................................................................................................................... 3

3 Specifications .......................................................................................................... 4

4 System description ................................................................................................. 5

4.1 Device ......................................................................................................................................... 5

4.2 Keys ............................................................................................................................................ 5

4.3 LC display ................................................................................................................................... 5

5 Instructions .............................................................................................................. 6

5.1 Calibration................................................................................................................................... 6

5.2 How to set the sound velocity ..................................................................................................... 6

5.3 Measurement .............................................................................................................................. 6

5.4 Special probes ............................................................................................................................ 7

5.5 Sound velocities for different materials ...................................................................................... 8

6 Further information ................................................................................................. 8

6.1 Measurements with contacting test heads ................................................................................. 8

6.2 Adjustment / ISO calibration ....................................................................................................... 8

6.3 Surface accuracy ........................................................................................................................ 9

6.4 Coupling technique ..................................................................................................................... 9

6.5 Tapering and eccentric surfaces ................................................................................................ 9

6.6 Sound scattering ......................................................................................................................... 9

6.7 Sound velocity change ............................................................................................................... 9

6.8 Sound attenuation or absorption ................................................................................................ 9

7 Maintenance and cleaning .................................................................................... 10

7.1 Maintenance ............................................................................................................................. 10

7.2 Cleaning.................................................................................................................................... 10

8 Disposal ................................................................................................................. 10

9 Contact ................................................................................................................... 11

9.1 PCE Instruments UK ................................................................................................................ 11

9.2 PCE Americas .......................................................................................................................... 11

2

Manual

Delivery content:

1 x material thickness gauge
1 x test head with 1 m cable
2 x batteries
1 x coupling gel
1 x carrying strap
1 x carrying case
1 x instruction manual

1 Introduction

Thank you for purchasing a PCE-TG1XX from PCE Instruments.
This instrument is very easy to use and can measure the material thickness of metals, glass and
homogeneous plastics within seconds. For accurate measurement of wall thicknesses, the device uses
ultrasonic technology. Different materials need different ultrasonic velocities. The PCE-TG1XX has been
adjusted for five different sound velocities and for various materials at the factory. The sound velocity is
freely adjustable and can thus be adapted to different materials. The ultrasonic probe is equipped with a
measuring head which is fitted into a black spring washer. The round sections allow measurement on
even, uneven or round material surfaces. For determining the material thickness in narrow sections, you
can unscrew the adaptor head for a short period of time, so that only the sensor head itself is applied
(diameter = 10 mm). The device is calibrated when supplied to you.

2 Safety notes

2.1 Warning symbols

2.2 Safety precautions

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. There is no
warranty of damage or injuries caused by non-observance of the manual.

- The device may only be used as outlined in this manual. If used in any other way, this may cause
dangerous situations.

- Do not expose this meter to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, extreme air humidity or moisture.

- Never use this appliance with wet hands. The device may only be used if the operating conditions
(temperature, relative humidity, etc.) are within the ranges stated in the specifications. The limit values
for the measuring variables stated in the specifications must under no circumstances be exceeded.

- The meter must not be used within explosive atmospheres.

- Check the device before each use by measuring a known factor.

- The case should only be opened by qualified personnel of PCE Instruments.

- The instrument should never be placed with the user interface facing an object (e.g. keyboard side on a
table).

- You must not make any technical changes to the device.

- Before each use, please check the case for damage. If there is visible damage, the meter must not be
used.

- The device may only be used with PCE accessories or equivalent.

- The appliance should only be cleaned with a damp cloth / use only pH-neutral cleaner, no abrasives or
solvents.

This manual is published by PCE Instruments without any guarantee.
We expressly point to our general guarantee terms which can be found in our general terms of business.
If you have any questions please contact PCE Instruments.

3

Measurement range
TG 100
TG 110
TG 120

0.8 … 225 mm

2.5 mm … 200 mm
1 … 30 mm

Possible materials

ferrous and non-ferrous materials, steel, plastic,
glass, gold and other homogeneous materials
(without air pockets)

Frequency

standard 5 MHz

Resolution

0.1 mm

Accuracy

±0.1 mm

Calibration

3.0 steel calibration block integrated

Range sound velocity

500 … 9999 m/s (freely adjustable, depending on

the material to be tested)

Resolution sound velocity

1 m/s

Display

4-digit LCD

Surface temperature for probe
TG 100
TG 110
TG 120

-10 … +50 °C

-10 … +400 °C

-10 … +50 °C

Shape of measuring head

straight

Battery level indication

insufficient voltage is indicated

Power supply

2 x 1.5 V AA batteries

Battery life

250 h

Automatic Power Off

after approx. 3 minutes of inactivity

Operating conditions

0 … 40 °C, 20 … 90 % RH

Dimensions

127 x 67 x 30 mm (H x W x D)

Weight

approx. 240 g (incl. batteries)

3 Specifications

Manual

4

1 Probe head
2 Probe connections
3 Display
4 Keypad
5 Calibration block

ON: switch on device
OFF: switch off device
Arrow keys up / down / right: select decimal place and
set sound velocity
Shift key: switch between normal
measurement mode,
calibration mode and sound
velocity selection

THK (thickness): material thickness measurement

VEL (velocity): sound velocity adjustment in m/s

CAL: calibration

4 System description

4.1 Device

Manual

4.2 Keys

4.3 LC display

5

5 Instructions

Press the shift key several times until CAL 0.0 is indicated
in the LCD. Apply some coupling gel to the round steel
block and press the test head firmly against the steel block
(3 mm thick). The device is calibrated when 3.0 mm is
displayed. The device will then automatically switch to
thickness measuring mode (THK). If you would like to
replace the battery or connect another test head, please
repeat the calibration.

Press the shift key several times until VEL appears in the
display along with the set sound velocity (e. g. 900 m/s).
The first digit will flash, which means that it is ready for
adjustment. You can increase or decrease the value by
pressing the arrow keys (up or down). You can select the
next decimal place by means of the arrow key to the right.
You can find the sound velocity values in the chart in
chapter 5.5. After entering the desired sound velocity,
press the shift key again. A number like 024.0 mm will
appear in the display, whereas the first digit will flash.
Press the shift key again. The device is now set and will
switch to normal measuring mode (THK) again.

5.1 Calibration

5.2 How to set the sound velocity

Manual

5.3 Measurement

If the device has been adjusted for a certain material and a test head, it is very easy to use it for the same
application again at any time as all settings remain saved in the device.

1. Switch on the device.

2. Put the test head with little coupling gel on the sample to be measured.

3. The device will display the wall thickness.
You only need very little coupling gel. Depending on the application, you only need to apply coupling gel

once for several measurements. You can use any liquids or pastes that do not affect the test head and
the object to be measured, such as, for example, water, silicone, machine oil or greases.

6

Sensor /
material

Measurement
range

Surface
temperature

Frequency

Min. contact

Shape

PCE-TG-ST

Standard test
head for PCE­TG 100, for
measurements
of steel, non­ferrous
materials,
aluminium
alloys,
ceramics,
glass

0.8 … 225 mm

-10 … +50 °C

5 MHz

10 mm

straight

PCE-TG-THE
High­temperature
test head for
measurements
of steel, non­ferrous metals,
aluminium,
ceramics,
glass, standard
test head for
PCE-TG 110

2.5 … 200 mm

-10 … +400 °C

5 MHz

12 mm

straight

PCE-TG-MT
for all
materials, for
measurements
at small edges
and thin tubes,
standard test
head for PCE­TG 120

1 … 30 mm

0 … +50 °C

5 MHz

7 mm

rectangular

PCE-TG-HD
cast iron test
head for
measuring
materials with
high strong
damping such
as, e. g. cast
iron

3 … 225 mm

-10 … +50 °C

2.5 MHz

12 mm

rectangular

5.4 Special probes

Manual

7

Manual

Material

m/s

Aluminium (rolled)

6420

Beryllium

1289

Brass (70 Cu, 30 Zn)

4700

Copper (rolled)

5010

Duraluminium

6320

Iron

5960

Lead (rolled)

1960

Magnesium (drawn)

5770

Molybdenum

6250

Monel

5350

Nickel

6040

Steel (normal)

6100

Steel (slightly alloyed)

5734

Stainless steel

5790

Titanium

5990

Tungsten (drawn)

5410

Uranium

3370

Zinc (rolled)

4210

Zinc (sprayed)

4460

Aluminium

1019

Quartz glass

5968

Pyrex glass

5640

Perspex

2735

Nylon

2620

Polyethylene

1950

Polystyrene

2350

Silicone rubber

0948

Water

1490

5.5 Sound velocities for different materials

The following chart lists the sound velocities of some materials. They are to be seen as a reference. The
actual sound velocities of these materials can deviate due to material composition, porosity and
temperature. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the exact sound velocity by testing a piece of the
material in question by means of the meter.

6 Further information

6.1 Measurements with contacting test heads

For most materials, the contacting method is the most suitable way to transfer the ultrasound from the
test head to the sample. Contacting test heads should be used whenever the requirements of the
thickness measurement allow this method of measurement. This method can generally be used when the
lowest thickness is at least 0.8 mm for plastics or approx. 1.0 mm for steel. Samples with a temperature
above +50 °C require special test heads.

6.2 Adjustment / ISO calibration

The accuracy of the measurement is as high as the accuracy with which the device has been adjusted.
The devices are adjusted thoroughly before leaving the factory and must rarely be recalibrated. For your
own control, we recommend you to check for correct indication by means of a sample with a known
thickness on a regular basis. You can also send the meter to PCE Instruments for ISO laboratory
calibration.

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Manual

6.3 Surface accuracy

The highest accuracy is achieved when the surface to be tested as well as the counterface (back wall)
are even. When the surface to be tested is coarse, the lowest thickness that can be measured increases
because the sound running time rises with the increasing thickness of the coupling layer. On the other
hand, the roughness of the counterface causes strong dispersions of the reflected echo und thus an
inaccurate indication of the thickness measurement. Therefore, it is important that the reflection side
(back side) of the material to be tested is free from coupling agents, grease, paint or other impurities to
ensure maximum accuracy.

6.4 Coupling technique

For contacting measurements, the thickness of the coupling agent layer plays an important part in the
measurement. In order to achieve maximum accuracy, you must apply a reproducible coupling technique.
This is ensured when a suitable coupling agent with low viscosity is used. Use only little coupling agent,
so that a reliable readout is ensured. Press the test head against the sample with medium pressure.
Several tries with slight to firm pressure will be necessary to achieve reproducible measurements.
Generally, test heads with a smaller diameter need less coupling pressure than test heads with larger
diameters.

6.5 Tapering and eccentric surfaces

When the contact surface runs tapering or eccentric to the surface of the back wall, the back wall echo is
not reflected precisely as phase rotations occur which affect the accuracy of the measurement. A
constant non-parallelism further reduces the measuring accuracy.

6.6 Sound scattering

In some materials, particularly in stainless steel castings, cast iron and other alloys, the sound energy is
scattered by the crystalline structure in the cast or by the different material portions in the alloy. This
reduces the ability of the device to recognise an evaluable echo coming from the back side of the material
and thus limits measurements of these materials by means of ultrasonic technology.

6.7 Sound velocity change

Some types of materials show clear changes in the sound velocity throughout the material. Stainless steel
and brass castings show this effect particularly as they have a relatively large grain size and varying grain
orientation and because the sound velocity varies with the position of the crystals. Other materials show
high fluctuations in the sound velocity with the temperature. This often applies to plastic materials. If you
wish to measure these materials, you must consider the temperature to ensure high measuring accuracy.

6.8 Sound attenuation or absorption

In many organic materials such as plastics or rubber, the sound is easily weakened. Therefore, the
maximum thickness which can be measured in this material is often limited due to sound attenuation. The
attenuation is higher if the frequency is higher and it is lower if the frequency is lower.

9

Manual

7 Maintenance and cleaning

7.1 Maintenance

Warning: To prevent measuring errors and resulting injuries, please replace the batteries as soon

as the battery symbol appears.
If the battery voltage is insufficient, a battery symbol is indicated in the display. In this case, replace the

two AA batteries immediately to avoid measuring errors and resulting hazards. To replace the batteries,
remove the battery compartment cover, remove the used batteries and replace them by two new batteries
of the same type. Put the battery compartment cover back on.

7.2 Cleaning

Clean the device with a damp, lint-free cotton cloth and, if necessary, a mild cleaning agent. Do not use
any abrasives or solvents.

8 Disposal

For the disposal of batteries, 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.

If you have any questions, please contact PCE Instruments.

10

Manual

9 Contact

If you have any questions about our range of products or measuring instruments please contact PCE
Instruments.

9.1 PCE Instruments UK
By post:

PCE Instruments UK Ltd.
Units 12/13 Southpoint Business Park
Ensign Way, Southampton
Hampshire

United Kingdom, SO31 4RF
By phone:

02380 987 035

9.2 PCE Americas

By post:

PCE Americas Inc.
711 Commerce Way
Suite 8
Jupiter
33458 FL
USA

By phone:
561 320 9162

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