Since the launch of the Elcometer 224 Digital Profile Gauge in 2012, many questions and queries have been received regarding the correct use of the gauge.
The correct measurement technique is for the user to usually take 10 or more readings on the profiled surface and record the mean/average (x̅) value which gives the peak-to-valley height. Due to the way the Elcometer 224 was designed, however, it is often wrongly assumed that a single measurement will provide the surface profile value.
In addition, surface profile has become a hot topic within the Standards Committees and within ASTM and AS in particular where it has been determined that 10 readings are required to obtain a value of surface profile. Unfortunately, ASTM have also been persuaded that the user can use either the mean/average (x̅) or simply the highest reading. SANS on the other hand has determined the average of 5 readings is sufficient for a surface profile reading.
Elcometer have taken all of the above into consideration and amended the Elcometer 224 measurement technique accordingly. (Please note: If you have a E224C model you can upgrade your gauge to the new firmware)
New Measurement Mode Selection – Elcometer 224 Digital Profile Gauge
The Elcometer 224 now has a choice of measurement modes; ‘Immediate’, ‘Custom’ and ‘Standards’ and the user must select a measurement mode based on which International Standard they are working in accordance with.
• Immediate:
Allows the users to take single measurements which are displayed on the gauge (Model B & T) and saved into the batch memory (Model T only). This mode allows gauges to be used and measurements to be taken in the same way as older Elcometer 224 models.
• Custom:
The user can choose to take either 5 or 10 readings and can choose to display on the gauge (Model B & T) and save into the batch memory (Model T only), the mean/average, highest or lowest measurement of each set of readings.
• Standards:
The user can select to take measurements in accordance with AS 3894.5, ASTM 4417-B or SANS 5772.
o AS 3894.5 (Australian Standard):
The user is prompted to take 10 readings. The lowest 5 readings are discarded and the mean/average measurement of the remaining 5 readings is displayed on the gauge (Model B & T) and saved into the batch memory
(Model T only).
o ASTM 4417-B (American Society for Testing & Materials):
The user is prompted to take 10 readings and can choose to display on the gauge (Model B & T) and save into the batch memory (Model T only), the mean/average or highest measurement of each set of 10 readings.
o SANS 5772 (South African National Standard):
The user is prompted to take 5 readings and the mean/average measurement of each set of 5 readings is displayed on the gauge (Model B & T) and saved into the batch memory (Model T only).
Changes to the Calibration Methods – Elcometer 224 Digital Profile Gauge
At the same time as introducing the new measurement modes, we have taken this opportunity to review, modify and simplify the calibration methods available on the Elcometer 224. The Model T now has a choice of calibration methods as detailed below.
• Zero Calibration:
A simple method for calibrating on the smooth glass zero tile. Simply place the probe on the glass tile and the gauge will adjust the calibration accordingly. This is also the calibration method used on the Model B.
• 2 Point Calibration:
This is a more accurate method of calibrating the gauge than the Zero method as it requires the user to calibrate the gauge using a foil and the smooth glass zero tile.
• Tip Change Calibration:
The precision manufactured probe tip will wear after continued use. Re-calibration is required after a tip replacement to ensure the continued accuracy of the gauge.
Along with the new launch of the Elcometer 224 Digital Profile Gauge, Elcometer have 3 new YouTube Videos:
Understanding Surface Profile with the Elcometer 224 Digital Surface Profile Gauge
https://youtu.be/buhKj9y7GXU
Discover what surface profile is; why the industrial and protective coatings industry measures it; and how you can take faster, more accurate, and repeatable surface profile measurements using the new Elcometer 224 Digital Surface Profile Gauge.
Understanding Surface Profile – Elcometer
https://youtu.be/k8GTRYiq4kc
In the industrial and protective coatings industry, metal surfaces are blasted not only to remove corrosion or old coatings, but to generate a surface profile prior to re-painting. The surface profile increases the surface area of the metal – and it is this increased surface area which provides a key for the coating to adhere or stick to.
If the peak-to-valley height of the surface profile is not within specification, and is either too large or too small, this can lead to costly premature coating failures and corrosion. So it is important to measure surface profile.
How to Measure Surface Profile using the Elcometer 224 Digital Profile Gauge / Elcometer 224 Digital Surface Profile Gauge
https://youtu.be/vMws9YLPt8Y
The new Elcometer 224 Digital Surface Profile Gauge is a faster, more accurate, and repeatable method for measuring surface profile.
With the ability to measure profiles up to 500 microns, on flat or curved surfaces, the Elcometer 224 Digital Profile Gauge / Elcometer 224 Digital Surface Profile Gauge provides repeatable and reproducible measurements, can store each reading into memory, and can instantly transfer them to your PC or mobile device using ElcoMaster®.
Please NOTE:
If you currently have an Elcometer 224 Digital Profile Gauge E224C model you can update to the latest Firmware using the Elcometer ElcoMaster software. Please take a look at the following video clip for more information regarding this:
How to update your Elcometer Inspection Gauge using ElcoMaster®
Ever since the launch of the Elcometer 456 Coating Thickness Gauge in 2011, Elcometer has regularly released free gauge firmware updates, providing the latest features and functionality for our range of digital inspection gauges.
This video is a step-by-step guide on how you can update your Elcometer gauges’ firmware using our free software application, ElcoMaster®
https://youtu.be/FG_nfHupYdk
