Series 6000 INSTRUCTION MANUAL v. 4.0 Coating Thickness Gages Built-In Probe Separate Probe Simple. Durable. Accurate.
Introduction The 6000 hand-held, electronic Gage non-destructively measures the thickness of coatings on metals, quickly and accurately. While all 6000 Gages look the same and behave in a similar fashion, each model has specific abilities or features as denoted by the model number (e.g. 6000 FNS3). The model number is engraved on the back and the probe type is displayed when the Gage is turned on. Styles Built-In Probe gages have a permanent, built-in probe for easy, one-hand operation.
Probes All 6000 probes fall into one of two categories: One-point Optimization probes can be optimized using the One-point Optimization technique. Two-point Optimization probes can be optimized using the Two-point Optimization technique. See p.10 for details on Optimization. Principles of Operation F models use the magnetic principle to measure the thickness of nonmagnetic coatings on ferrous metals.
Power-up / Power-down The 6000 powers-up when any button is depressed and displays the last measurement. Built-In probe gages turn on automatically when the probe touches the surface. To preserve battery life, the gage powersdown after 60 seconds of no activity. There is no OFF button. However, to quickly power-down, press both buttons simultaneously and hold until gage displays “OFF OFF”. All settings are retained during powerdown including the last measurement.
Golden Rule Measure your uncoated part first! This quick zero-check determines if any adjustment is needed for your particular substrate. Zeroing compensates for deviations in shape, diameter, composition, roughness, etc. Menu Operation Gage functions are menu controlled, by two menus, the Main Menu (see p.6) and the Config Menu (see p.7). The Main Menu is used to turn the features and special functions of the gage on or off.
Main Menu This menu can be accessed when the gage is turned ON by simultaneously pushing 8 9. BASIC (1) Models STANDARD (2) Models MEMORY (3) Models ZERO? STAT ON? STAT OFF? B MARK? ↓ ↓ ↓ 2nd pnt? HiLo ON? HiLo OFF? MEM ON? MEM OFF? ↓ N - Lock? FN AUTO? ZERO? ↓ STAT ON? STAT OFF? ↓ ↓ ↓ FLIPLCD? 2nd pnt? HiLo ON? HiLo OFF? ↓ ↓ ↓ RESET? N - Lock? FN AUTO? PRINT? Nlock / FNAUTO for FN models only.
Config Menu This menu can be accessed when the gage is turned OFF by simultaneously pushing 8 9 and holding for 3 seconds.
Calibration and Optimization Calibrate Æ Optimize Æ Measure The 6000 is factory aligned and performs an automatic self-check each time it takes a measurement. For many applications no adjustment is necessary - just ZERO on the uncoated substrate, then measure. However, gage readings can be influenced by changes in substrate shape, diameter, composition, surface roughness or by measuring in a different location on the part.
How to Calibrate Make several measurements on each of three to five traceable Calibration Standards (see below). If all of the readings on each standard is within the tolerance of the Gage, the Gage is operating properly and the calibration is complete. If the readings are not within tolerance, first verify that your standards are good, then repeat the measurements. If the measurements are still out of tolerance, you may wish to try a second set of standards.
Calibration Interval User specific intervals should be established based upon frequency of use, handling practices and measuring environment. Effects of Temperature If measurements will be made in extreme hot or cold temperatures, measure your Calibration Standards in the working environment. The 6000 should then be optimized in that same environment.
1. Select the ZERO? menu option. 2. Press 9 to select the number of readings to be used to obtain an average; typically 3 to 9 readings. The greater the variation between readings, the more readings should be taken to obtain an average. The display will show the number of readings remaining; i.e. ZERO 4X? 3. Repeatedly measure the uncoated part in the same area. The Gage will display a “WAIT WAIT” message for 2 seconds between readings to allow the user to correctly position the probe on the surface.
Two-point Optimization (FT, FTS, NT, NTS, FNT, FNTS, FHS, NHS and Microprobes only) This method requires taking a reading on both the uncoated object (ZERO ZERO) and on a known thickness (2ND 2ND PNT). PNT This second point should be near the top end of your application thickness to be measured. 1. “ZERO? ZERO?” the Gage as described in “Average Zero Adjustment” (p.10). 2. Select the 2ND PNT? (Main Menu) option. 3. Press 9 to set the number of readings used to obtain an average, typically 3 to 9.
Inch/Metric Conversion (Config Menu) Selecting the MILS? or MICRONS? Config Menu option converts the display and all stored readings from inch to metric or vice versa. RESET Feature It may be desirable to return the 6000 to a “known” state when settings have been changed purposely or inadvertently, if the gage behaves in an unfamiliar or unexpected manner, or if an object of known thickness is not available to adjust gage readings. There are two types, RESET and XRESET.
XRESET (Config Menu) Selecting XRESET returns the gage to an out-of-the-box condition by performing a RESET and restoring factory settings. The XRESET function makes all of the same changes as RESET, RESET and also make the following changes: • all readings in memory are erased. • measuring units, power down, button lock and resolution settings are restored.
Non-Ferrous Lock (N LOCK?) (Main Menu) (FN Probes only) Select the N LOCK? menu option (nonferrous lock) when operating regularly on non-ferrous substrates. This disables the automatic substrate determination ability and forces the probe to only use the eddy current principle when measuring, regardless of the substrate. This shortens measurement time and extends battery life. TIP: N LOCK is also useful in instances such as measuring paint on galvanized (zinc coated) steel.
Slow-off / Fast-off (Config Menu) Standard (2) and Memory (3) models only When SLOWOFF? is selected the gage powers-down after approximately 30 minutes of no activity, or when OFF? is selected from the Main Menu (see p.6). When FASTOFF? is selected the gage powers-down after approximately 60 seconds of no activity. This is the default factory setting.
Flip LCD (Main Menu) The FLIPLCD? menu option causes the display to read upside down. On Separate Probe Gages this feature allows the Gage to be laid on a worktable with the LCD conveniently pointed toward the operator, thus freeing the operator’s hands to hold the probe and part to be measured. On Built-In Probe Gages this feature is useful when the Gage is used upside down to measure on a ceiling.
• another reading is taken, in which case the sequence starts over. • the 8 button is pressed, in which case the last reading is displayed. HILO Mode must be off to activate STATISTICS Mode. Adjustments cannot be made to readings while in STATISTICS Mode. To turn STATISTICS Mode off, select STATOFF? HiLo Mode (Main Menu) Standard (2) and Memory (3) models only When HiLo ON? is selected, the current Lo setting is displayed. Adjust down 8 or up 9.
Memory Mode (Main Menu) Memory (3) models only When MEM_ON? MEM ON? is selected the symbol and a counter (0 0 ) appear. 5000 readings in up to 100 batches (groups) can be recorded. In MEMORY MODE readings are simultaneously displayed and stored. The current BATCH number (B1 B1) is displayed. Remove the last reading from memory by pressing 8 . Erase ALL stored readings by selecting "CLR CLR MEM?". MEM? Calibration adjustments cannot be made while in MEMORY Mode.
average, standard deviation, number of readings, minimum thickness reading and maximum thickness reading are simultaneously displayed and stored in memory. Again, statistical summaries are calculated for each batch during printing. This delivers the average of a set of average readings as required by SSPC PA-2 guidelines. NOTE: SSPC is a U.S.-based Society for Protective Coatings. PA-2 is a Paint Application specification.
measurement, standard deviation and number of readings is printed for each. Depending upon what MODE was active when the measurements were taken, three output types are possible: REGULAR Mode - all readings are output STATISTICS Modes - only averages and standard deviations are output HILO Mode - all readings are output, each followed by an indication of which limit they exceeded. NOTE: The portable, battery operated, wireless HP IR printer is available from your dealer.
Sample Printer Output (ALL) 6000 FNS3 S/N 123456 ← Summary 15 Readings 2 Batches -----------------------------STATISTICS BATCH # 1 FE PROBE MODEL FNS # AVG STDDEV 1 15.20 mil 2 15.20 mil 3 15.10 mil 0.05 0.05 0.00 ← STATISTICS and MEMORY MODES on n 5 3 3 ← Only average readings were stored -----------------------------MAX 15.20 mil MIN 15.10 mil N 3 MEAN 15.17 mil STD DEV 0.
Downloading Downloading Measurements As They Are Taken If a serial printer, data collector or computer is connected to the Gage using the supplied RS232 serial cable, readings are immediately sent to the device as they are taken. Output is in the following form (example): {STX} 15.
PosiSoft Coating Thickness ® Software for Windows ® POSISOFT® is supplied with all 6000 Memory(3) gages for downloading readings to a computer. It runs on Windows-based PC computers using Microsoft Windows 95 or higher version and having a COM port. It allows entry of notes and annotations, prints histograms and basic charts and is ideal for monitoring coating thickness applications.
Available Options HP IR Printer A convenient, portable printer is available for use with Memory models. The Gage transmits data to this battery-operated printer through the infrared port without connectors or cables. Traceable Standards Calibration standards are available for each particular probe. They are ideal for ISO 9000 compliance and for verifying the operation of your Gage. Plastic Shims A set of five Plastic Shims is included.
Temperature Operating range: +32° to +120°F (0 to +50°C). The 6000 compensates automatically for temperature. Allow a few minutes for the Gage to reach ambient temperature before measuring. Discard the first measurement taken in a notably different temperature condition. When measuring surfaces much hotter or colder than ambient, allow 1 second off the surface between measurements.
When temperature compensation has been made or the probe has stabilized, the beeping will stop and a measurement will be displayed. Quick Release Adapter The F0S and N0S Microprobes are supplied with a quick release adapter to convert them to constant pressure probes for alignment on small, flat or curved parts. The adapter is held in place by a spring located on the microprobe cable. If the sleeve is not required, simply pull it off the probe.
Changing The Battery As the batteries become weak the symbol will appear during measuring. The Gage can still be used in this condition but the batteries should be changed at the earliest opportunity. USE ONLY AA ALKALINE BATTERIES Nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries will work but the low battery symbol may stay on. To retain all user settings and stored memory readings, disconnect the battery only after the Gage has automatically powered-down.
Returning the Gage for Service Before returning the Gage for service… 1. Install new Alkaline batteries. 2. Examine the probe tip for dirt or damage. Constant-pressure probes should move up and down freely. 3. Perform a gage XRESET. XRESET 4. Place a plastic shim onto bare metal (steel or non-steel, depending upon whether you have an “F” or “N” probe) and attempt a measurement. If you must return the Gage for service, describe the problem fully and include measurement results, if any.
Technical Data Conforms to the practices of: BS3900(C5), ISO 2178/2360/2808, ASTM B499/ D1186/D1400, SSPC-PA2 Range: Microprobes, NAS 0-25 mils & 0-625 microns FT, FTS, NT, 0-250 mils & 0-6 mm NTS, FNT, FNTS FHS, NHS 0-750 mils & 0-20 mm All others 0-60 mils & 0-1500 microns: Default Resolution: Microprobes, NAS 0.01 mil / 0.5 µm 0.1 mil / 2 µm (> 4 mils / 100 µm) FT, FTS, NT, 0.5 mil / 0.01 mm NTS, FNT, FNTS FHS, NHS 1 mil / 0.02 mm All others 0.05 mil / 1 µm 0.
Physical Specifications: Gage dimensions: 5.8" x 2.4" x 1.
Warranty The manufacturer fully warrants its products against defects in workmanship or materials for a period of one year from date of purchase. In the event that a Gage is found to be defective, return the product with proof of purchase to your dealer, and the defective product will be repaired or replaced at the manufacturer's option. No responsibility is assumed for incidental or consequential damages. The warranty is voided if the Gage has been opened. Data subject to change without notice.
