Triplett CTT42 User Manual

User Manual

CTT42

Coating Thickness Tester

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the Triplett CTT42 Coating Thickness Tester. The CTT42 is a portable

meter designed for non‐invasive coating thickness measurements. The meter uses two measurement
methods: magnetic induction (for ferrous metal substrates) and eddy current (for non‐ferrous metal

substrates). Proper use and care of this meter will provide many years of reliable service.

Description

Meter Description

1. USB jack for PC interface

2. Measurement probe

3. Backlit LCD display

4. SET /OK /YES /MENU /SELECT button

5. UP /LEFT ARROW button

6. Power ON/OFF button

7. CANCEL /ESC /NO /BACK button (menu mode)

and Backlight ON/OFF (normal mode)

8. DOWN ARROW /RIGHT button

9. ZERO calibration button
Note: Battery compartment on rear of meter

Quick Start Instructions

Meter Power

Press the power button to switch the meter ON. The display will switch ON. If the display does not
switch ON, replace the batteries.

Measurements

Use the supplied film references and zero reference metal substrates to learn how the meter operates
before moving to a professional application. The round metal substrate is the ferrous (magnetic) substrate

and the rectangular shaped metal substrate is the non‐ferrous (non‐magnetic) substrate. The meter
automatically senses ferrous or non‐ferrous substrates.

1. Place a reference film (250µm, for example) on the round, ferrous substrate.

2. Place the spring‐loaded meter sensor against the reference film.

3. In the single mode the meter will emit an audible tone indicating that the measurement has been

taken.

4. In the continuous mode the display will continually measure and update the display

5. The LCD will show the reading (250µm) at the center of the display area.

6. A typical display will also show the following:

Experiment with the remaining reference films and the substrate before using the meter professionally.

Automatic Power OFF

In order to conserve battery life, the meter will automatically turn off after approximately 3 minutes. To
defeat this feature, use the programming menu detailed in the next section (menu parameter AUTO POWER
OFF under OPTIONS).

LCD Backlight Button

The LCD is equipped with backlighting for easier viewing, especially in dimly lit areas. Press the backlight
button to turn the backlight on. Press again to turn the backlight off. To enable/disable the LCD backlighting,
use the BACKLIGHT parameter under OPTIONS in the programming menu.

Factory Default Reset

To restore the meter to its original factory default settings:

1. Turn the meter OFF.

2. Press and hold the ZERO button while switching the meter ON.

3. When the meter powers up, the display will prompt for a YES or NO.

4. Press the SET button for YES or the CANCEL button for NO.

5. Note that all data in all memory locations will be erased, in addition to statistics, calibration values,

and alarm limits.

Programming Menu

The meter can be configured and calibrated through simple button presses in the programming menu. Press

Top level

Sub level 1

Sub level 2

Notes

AVG* Average of a series of readings

MIN Lowest of a series of readings

STATISTICAL VIEW

MAX Highest of a series of readings

NO Number of sampled readings

SDEV Standard deviation of a series

Measure mode

Single*

One reading at a time

Continuous

Continuous measurements

Working mode

Direct*

Readings are not stored in groups

Group 1…4

Store readings in groups

Auto*

Meter automatically selects mode

Probe used

Fe

Ferrous measurement mode

No Fe

Non‐ferrous measurement mode

µm*

Micrometers

OPTIONS

Unit settings

mils

Mils = mm * 2.54 / 100

mm

Millimeters

Backlight

ON*

Enables backlight operation

OFF

Disables backlight operation

AVG*

Average of a series of readings

LCD Statistics

MAX

Lowest of a series of readings

MIN

Highest of a series of readings

SDEV

Standard deviation of a series

Auto Power OFF

Enable*

Allows auto power off to operate

Disable

Defeats the auto power off feature

Limit settings

High Limit

High Alarm alerts user when reached

LIMIT

Low Limit

Low Alarm alerts user when reached

Delete Limits

Clear the alarm limit values

Current Data

Delete current data

DELETE

All Data

Delete all stored data

Group Data

Delete data stored data plus alarm and

calibration data

MEASUREMENT VIEW

View stored data in all groups

Enable

Allow calibration access

CALIBRATION

Disable

Lock out the calibration mode

Delete Zero N

Clear the zero cal. data (non‐ferrous)

Delete Zero F

Clear the zero cal. data (ferrous)

the MENU button to access the menu and refer to the menu ‘tree’ below. The menu uses UP/DOWN,

SELECT, BACK, & ESC presses for navigation and selection. In the table below the factory default settings are
in bold with an asterisk. Each parameter is explained in detail in the subsequent sections.

NOTE: Disable the Auto Power OFF feature before lengthy programming to avoid inconvenient
automatic power down while programming.

Note: The unit of measure icon flashes when in the CONTINUOUS mode of operation. The unit of
measure icon is stable when in the SINGLE mode of operation.

STATISTICAL VIEWS Menu

1. Press the MENU button to access the programming menu

2. Press SELECT to choose STATISTCAL VIEW

3. Use the UP and DOWN buttons to scroll through the AVERAGE, MINIMUM, MAXIMUM, NUMBER OF

DATA, and SDEV (Standard Deviation) values for the stored readings.

4. ‘NO DATA’ will display if no readings are available for the meter to analyze. Stored readings will clear

when the meter powers down unless the GROUP feature is used (refer to GROUP function explanation
later in this section).

5. Press the BACK and then the ESC soft‐keys to return to the normal operating mode.

OPTIONS Menu

1. Press the MENU button to access the programming menu

2. Use the DOWN ARROW button to scroll down to OPTIONS

3. Press SELECT to choose OPTIONS

4. Use the UP and DOWN buttons to scroll to the MEASURE MODE, WORKING MODE, PROBE USED, UNIT

SETTINGS, BACKLIGHT, LCD STATISTICS, AND AUTO POWER OFF parameters. Use the SELECT soft‐key to

select the desired parameter. Each parameter is detailed below:

 Measure Modes

Select CONTINUOUS or SINGLE under MEASURE MODES in the OPTIONS Menu using the arrow buttons
and the SELECT soft‐key.

In the CONTINUOUS measurement mode the meter displays a running average of readings as they are
taken. Note that the audible measurement ‘beep’ is not active in this mode.

In the SINGLE measurement mode measurements are taken one at a time. Single mode measurement
readings are accompanied by an audible tone.

 Working Modes

Select DIRECT or GROUP 1, 2, 3, or 4 under WORKING MODES in the OPTIONS Menu using the arrow
buttons and the SELECT soft‐key.
In DIRECT mode, individual readings are logged to memory. When power is switched off or if the meter
is switched to GROUP mode, all DIRECT readings will be cleared. However, the statistical analysis data
will remain. The statistical analysis utility can evaluate up to 80 readings. When the memory is filled,
new readings will replace old readings. Lastly, this mode has its own calibration and alarm limit values.
In GROUP mode each group memory can store a maximum of 80 readings and 5 statistical values.
Calibration and alarm limit values can be individually set and stored for each group. When the memory
is filled, measurements will continue to be taken but readings will no longer log (previously logged
readings are not affected); in addition, statistical data will no longer update. If desired, the group data,
statistical values, calibration data, and alarm limit values can be deleted using Delete under the
programming menu.

 Used Probe

Select AUTO, Fe, or No Fe under USED PROBE in the OPTIONS Menu using the arrow buttons and the

SELECT soft‐key.
In the AUTO mode, the meter automatically activates the probe measurement method (ferrous or non‐

ferrous) based on the metal substrate that is being measured. When the probe is placed on a magnetic

substrate it will work in the magnetic induction mode. If the probe is placed on a non‐ferrous metal it

will work in the eddy current mode.
In the Ferrous (Fe) Mode the Magnetic induction measurement mode is activated.
In the Non‐Ferrous (No Fe) Mode the eddy current measurement mode is activated.

 Units of measure selections

Select mm, µm, or mils under UNIT SETTING in the OPTIONS Menu using the arrow buttons and the
SELECT soft‐key (mm = millimeters; µm = micrometers; mils = mm*2.54/100)

 Backlight

Select ON or OFF under BACKLIGHT in the OPTIONS Menu using the arrow buttons and the SELECT soft‐
key. If OFF is selected the LCD backlighting will be completely disabled. If ON is selected, the user can
turn the light on or off using the backlight button (CANCEL button).

 LCD Statistics

Select AVERAGE, MINIMUM, MAXIMUM, or SDEV (Standard Deviation) under LCD STATISTICS in the

OPTIONS Menu using the arrow buttons and the SELECT soft‐key. This selection determines which

statistic is shown as default on the LCD display.

 Auto Power OFF

Select ENABLE or DISABLE under AUTO POWER OFF in the OPTIONS Menu using the arrow buttons and

the SELECT soft‐key. When enabled, the meter automatically switches OFF after 3 minutes of inactivity.

When disabled, the meter will only switch OFF with a button press or when the battery power is weak.

LIMIT Menu

High and Low Alarm Limits can be set when an Alarm Limit is reached the meter displays an Alarm Alert
icon (H for High Alarm and L for Low Alarm).

1. Press the MENU button to access the programming menu

2. User the DOWN ARROW button to scroll down to LIMIT and press SELECT

3. Press SELECT again to choose LIMIT SETTING

4. Press SELECT again to choose HIGH LIMIT

5. User the ARROW BUTTONS to set a High Alarm value

6. Press OK to store the limit and press BACK to return to the menu

7. Perform the same steps for the LOW LIMIT

8. Use the DELETE LIMIT parameter to clear Alarm Limit values

DELETE Menu

The DELETE menus allows for deleting current data, all data, and group data. The following parameters
are available in the DELETE Menu:

Delete Current data: Deletes the current reading and updates the statistics (AVG, MIN, MAX, etc.)
Delete All data: Delete all reading and statistical data.

Delete Group data: This function duplicates the “Delete all data” function with additional, deletions of High
alarm, Low alarm, and one‐ and two‐point calibrations.

1. Press the MENU button to access the programming menu.

2. User the DOWN ARROW button to scroll down to DELETE.

3. Press SELECT to open the DELETE function.

4. User the ARROW keys to scroll to CURRENT, ALL, or GROUP.

5. Press SELECT again to choose CURRENT, ALL, or GROUP.

6. The meter will prompt with an ‘are you sure?” confirmation.

7. Press YES or NO as desired.

MEASUREMENT VIEW Menu

The Measurement View menu allows for scrolling through the readings in all of the groups.

* Press the MENU button to access the programming menu.
* User the DOWN ARROW button to scroll down to MEASUREMENT VIEW.

* Press SELECT to open the MEASUREMENT VIEW parameter.
* User the ARROW buttons to scroll through the stored readings.

CALIBRATION Menu

The Calibration menu allows the user to enable/disable the calibration utility. The Calibration menu also
allows the user to delete Zero calibration data for both ferrous (Zero F) and non‐ferrous (Zero N) modes.

1. Press the MENU button to access the programming menu.

2. User the DOWN ARROW button to scroll down to CALIBRATION.

3. Press SELECT to open the CALIBRATION parameter.

4. User the ARROW to scroll through the available parameters detailed below.

Measurement Considerations

1. After calibration, measurements should meet the published accuracy specifications.

2. Strong magnetic fields can affect the readings.

3. When using the statistical analysis functions for obtaining a mean value, take several readings of the

4. The final reading is derived from a statistical calculation with regard to the meter’s published

Calibration

Calibration Types

Perform a zero calibration and a multi‐point calibration before any critical measurements are taken. The
calibration options are listed below. Read the description for each and select the best match for a given
application.

1. Zero Point Calibration: Perform before each measurement session.

2. One Point Calibration: Use for high accuracy with repeated tests on a constant coating thickness.

3. Multi‐Point Calibration: Use for high accuracy within a known range of coating thickness.

4. Calibration for shot‐blasted surfaces.

Calibration Considerations

The calibration sample must correspond to the product sample in the following ways:

To achieve the highest measurement accuracy, perform several calibrations in succession (for zero
values and calibration film values).

Preparing for calibration

1. Clean the probe tip (grease, oil, metal scrap, and the slightest impurity will affect measurement

ENABLE: Enable the calibration mode

DISABLE: Disable the calibration mode.

DELETE ZERO N: Delete ZERO calibration data for non‐ferrous probe

DELETE ZERO F Delete ZERO calibration data for ferrous probe

same measurement area. False readings or outliers can then be removed (deleted) using the
programming menu.

accuracy specifications.

Curvature radius

Substrate material properties
Substrate thickness

Size of measurement area

The point at which the calibration is made on the calibration sample must always be identical with
the point of measurement on the product itself, especially in the case of corners and edges of
small parts.

and distort readings).

2. Switch the meter ON (at a 10cm [4”] minimum distance from any metal).

3. Ready the supplied metal substrate samples and necessary films (supplied calibration

Zero calibration

Calibration

reference films).

4. Set the meter to:

o DIR: (MENU‐OPTIONS‐Working Mode‐Direct)
o CONTINUOUS: (MENU-OPTIONS-Measure Mode-Single mode [flashing units

indicator])

o MAX: (MENU‐OPTIONS‐LCD Statistic‐Maximum).
o um: (MENU‐OPTIONS‐Unit Settings‐um).

5. The meter is now ready for calibration.

6. You should perform a Zero calibration prior to a thickness calibration.

1. Clean the tip of the meter before calibration.

2. Place the meter on an uncoated section of the material to be
measured or on the reference substrate provided. Use either the

Ferrous or Non‐Ferrous reference as required by the measurement
application. If the non‐Ferrous reference substrate is used, place it
on a non‐ferrous surface.

3. Place the probe on the uncoated substrate and watch the LCD
readings.

1. When the readings appear stable, lift the meter off the substrate.

2. Press and Hold the Zero button for 2 seconds (2 beeps).

3. Repeat this procedure at least 5 times to create an accurate mean value.

4. The meter is now ready for thickness calibration or measurements.

The meter’s accuracy can be enhanced by performing a calibration using the reference films

supplied. 1. Perform a zero calibration as stated above

1. Perform a one point calibration using a reference film.

a. Press “MENU” and then scroll up “▲” to “Calibration”.
b. Press “Select” and highlight the “Enable” function and

then press “Select”.

1. Press “Esc” and the meter will enter the

calibration mode.

2. Place one of the reference films on the substrate used to Zero the meter.

3. Place the meter on the calibration reference film and wait for the meter to beep.

4. Lift the meter off the substrate.
g. Press the Up or Down arrows to set the displayed value

to the reference film value.

h. Place the meter back down on the reference film and

wait for the meter to beep.

i. Lift the meter off the substrate.
j. Press the Up or Down arrows to set the displayed value

to the reference film value.

k. Repeat up to 5 times to establish a mean average reading.

l. Turn the meter OFF to exit Calibration mode and save the calibration data.

3. The meter is now calibrated to the base material and thickness film used.

4. For a Two‐point calibration refer to that section below.
Notes:

1. During calibration the ▲ and ▼buttons adjust the internal calibration factors with high resolution.

The display resolution may be such that it may take up to 10 presses to see a 1 digit change on the

Two-point calibration

display.

2. Calibration data is stored in memory and is not erased when the meter is turned OFF.

This method requires the use of two films. The thicker film should be, if possible, 1.5 times as thick
as the thinner one. For best results, the expected thickness should be between the two calibration
values.
This method is especially suitable for taking high-precision readings. It is advisable to take a mean
several times. This considerably reduces the effect of scattering which occurs during calibration of
the upper and lower values.

1. Perform a Zero-point calibration (previously described)

2. Enable Calibration mode in the Options Programming Menu.

3. Perform a One-point calibration (as previously described) on the thinner calibration film
reference and make 5 measurements.

4. Turn off the meter to save the measured values.

5. Turn on the meter and Enable calibration mode.

6. Perform a One-point calibration using a thicker calibration film and make 5 measurements.

7. Turn off the meter to save the measured values.

8. Turn on the meter, it is now ready to make measurements.

Calibration Notes:

1. The thickness of the calibration films should be roughly equivalent to the estimated

coating thickness to be measured.

2. Calibration can be performed as often as necessary. Old calibration data will be

overwritten but the ZERO calibration data remains in memory until another zero point
calibration is made.

Calibrating for Shot‐blasted surfaces

The physical nature of shot‐blasted surfaces results in higher than normal coating thickness readings. The

mean thickness over the peaks can be determined as follows:

1. The meter should be calibrated according to the calibration instructions. Use a smooth calibration

sample with the same curvature radius and the same substrate as the device to be tested.

2. Take approx. 10 readings on the uncoated, shot‐blasted sample to produce the mean value Xo.

3. Take an additional 10 readings on the coated, shot blasted test sample to produce the mean value Xm

4. The difference between the two mean values is the mean coating thickness Xeff over the peaks. The

greater standard deviation ‘S’ of the two values Xm and Xo should also be taken into consideration:
Xeff = (Xm ‐ Xo) ±S

NOTE: For coatings thicker than 300 µm, the influence of roughness generally is of no importance and
therefore it is not necessary to apply the above calibration methods.

Measuring metallic coatings

This meter can measure non‐magnetic metal coatings (Zinc) on a magnetic (ferrous) substance base,
and non‐metal coatings on a metal base (ferrous or non‐ferrous).

Statistical Analysis Considerations

The meter calculates statistics from a maximum of 80 readings (For Group 1 through Group 4, a maximum
of 400 readings can be stored). Note that readings cannot be stored when in DIRECT mode. However,
statistics on these readings can still be calculated. When the meter is powered off or if the working mode is
changed (in the programming menu), the DIRECT mode statistics will be lost. The following statistical values
can be calculated:

NO.: Number of readings
AVG: Average value
Sdev: Standard deviation (square root of a data set’s variance)
MAX: Maximum reading
MIN: Minimum reading

Statistical Terms

Average value ( x ) is the sum of readings divided by the number of readings.

x x / n

Standard Deviation (Sdev)

The sample standard deviation is a statistic that measures how the sample value is distributed around the
sample mean. The standard deviation of a set of numbers is the root mean square of the variance S

The variance of a list is the square of the standard deviation of the list, that is, the average of the
squares of the deviations of the numbers in the list from their mean divided by the(number of readings
‐ 1 )

2

2

2

/( n 1 )

Variance: S2= ( x x )
Standard deviation: S= S

NOTE:
Use the DELETE parameter from the programming menu immediately after an outlier or erratic
reading has been taken. Refer to the Delete function in Programming Menu.

Storage Capacity Overflow

In GROUP mode, if the storage capacity is exceeded, statistics will not be updated, although
measurements can still be made. If the memory is full, subsequent readings will not be included in the
statistics. The meter’s display will show “FULL” (in the SINGLE measurement mode).
In DIRECT mode, when the memory is full, the newest reading will replace the oldest reading and the
statistics will be updated.

PC Interface

This meter has the capability to connect to and communicate with a PC.
To install and use the software, please go to: Download Triplett

Product Software — Triplett — Triplett Test Equipment & Tools

The instructions are provided in the HELP Utility within the software
program.

Error Messages

The following error messages will appear on the meter’s LCD if a problem arises.

Err1: Eddy current probe error
Err2: Magnetic induction probe error
Err3: Eddy current and Magnetic induction errors
Err4, 5, 6: Unused error displays
Err7: Thickness error
Please contact Triplett if a problem exists.

Maintenance

Cleaning and Storage

Periodically wipe the meter housing with a damp cloth and mild detergent; do
not use abra‐sives or solvents.
If the meter is not to be used for 60 days or more, remove the batteries and
store them separately.

Battery Replacement/Installation instructions

1. Remove the Phillips head screw that secures the rear battery door

2. Open the battery compartment

3. Replace/install the two 1.5V ‘AAA’ batteries

4. Secure the battery compartment

You, as the end user, are legally bound (Battery ordinance) to
return all used batteries and accumulators; disposal in the

household garbage is prohibited!

You can hand over your used batteries / accumulators at collection
points in your community or wherever batteries / accumulators are
sold!

Disposal: Follow the valid legal stipulations in respect of the
disposal of the device at the end of its lifecycle

Specifications

Sensor
probe

Ferrous

Non‐Ferrous

Measurement

Magnetic induction

Eddy current principle

principle

Measuring range

0~1250μm

0~1250μm

of coating
thickness

0~49.21mils

0~49.21mils

Accuracy

1

0~850μm: ±(3% + 1μm)

0~850μm: ±(3% + 1.5μm)

(% of reading)

850μm ~1250μm: (±5%)

850μm ~1250μm: (±5%)

0~33.46mils: ±(3% +

0.039mils)

0~33.46mils: ±(3% + 0.059mils)

33.46mils ~49.21mils: (±5%)

33.46mils ~49.21mils: (±5%)

Resolution

0~50μm: (0.1μm)

0~50μm: (0.1μm)

50μm ~850μm: (1μm)

50μm ~850μm: (1μm)

850μm ~1250μm: (0.01μm)

850μm ~1250μm: (0.01μm)

0~1.968mils: (0.001mils)

0~1.968mils: (0.001mils)

1.968mils~33.46mils:
(0.01mils)

1.968mils~33.46mils: (0.01mils)

33.46mils~49.21mils:
(0.1mils)

33.46mils~49.21mils: (0.1mils)

Min. curvature
radius

1.5mm (59.06 mils)

3mm (0.004 mils)

of substrate

Diameter of Min.

7mm (275.6 mils)

5mm (196.9 mils)

area of substrate

Basic critical

0.5mm (19.69 mils)

0.3mm (11.81)

thickness of

substrate

Industrial
standards

Conforms to GB/T 4956‐1985, GB/T 4957‐1985, JB/T 8393‐1996,
JJG 889‐

95, and JJG 818‐93

Operating

32°F~104°F (0°C~40°C)

Temperature

Operating
Relative

20%~90% Relative Humidity

Humidity (R.H.)

Dimensions

4.3 x 2.0 x 1.0” (110 x 50 x

23mm)

Weight

3.9 oz. (100g)

Accuracy statement applies on a flat surface, with a zero and a
calibration performed near the thickness of the film to be
measured, with an identical base metal and with the meter
stabilized at ambient temperature. The accuracy of the reference
films or any reference standards should be added to measurement
results.

Warranty

Triplett / Jewell Instruments extends the following warranty to the original purchaser of
these goods for use. Triplett warrants to the original purchaser for use that the products
sold by it will be free from defects in workmanship and material for a period of (1) one
year from the date of purchase. This warranty does not apply to any of our products
which have been repaired or altered by unauthorized persons in any way or purchased
from unauthorized distributors so as, in our sole judgment, to injure their stability or
reliability, or which have been subject to misuse, abuse, misapplication, negligence,
accident or which have had the serial numbers altered, defaced, or removed.
Accessories, including batteries are not covered by this warranty

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