PosiTector
6000
Addendum to Instruction Manual v. 6.0/M
Certification (from
page 2)
All probes or Gages are shipped with
a Certificate of Calibration. For organizations with
re-certification requirements, Gages may be returned
at regular intervals for calibration. DeFelsko recommends
that customers establish Gage calibration intervals based
upon their own experience and work environment. Based
on our product knowledge, data and customer feedback,
a one year calibration interval from either the date
of calibration, date of purchase, or date of receipt
is a typical starting point.
Calibration & Verification (from
page 5)
Calibration
Calibration is the controlled and documented
process of measuring traceable calibration standards
and verifying that the results are within the stated
accuracy of the Gage. Calibrations are typically performed
by the Gage manufacturer or by a certified calibration
laboratory in a controlled environment using a documented
process.
The standards used
in the calibration are such that the combined uncertainties
of the resultant measurement are less than the stated
accuracy of the Gage. Typically a 4:1 ratio between the
accuracy of the standard and the accuracy of the Gage
is sufficient.
 The PosiTector
6000 is shipped with a Certificate
of Calibration showing traceability to a national
standard. For organizations with re-certification
requirements, the PosiTector 6000 may
be returned at regular intervals for calibration.
DeFelsko recommends that our customers establish
Gage calibration intervals based upon their own experience
and work environment. Based on our product knowledge,
data and customer feedback, a one year calibration
interval from either the date of calibration, date
of purchase, or date of receipt is a typical starting
point.
Written Calibration
Procedures are available online at no charge.
Verification
 Verification
is an accuracy check performed by the user using known
reference standards. A successful verification requires
the Gage to read within the combined accuracy of the
Gage and the reference standards.
A reference standard is a sample of a known thickness(es)
against which a user may verify the accuracy of the Gage.
Reference standards may be coated thickness standards,
the included plastic shims, or sample parts whose coating
thickness has been determined using other means.
To guard against measuring with an improperly
adjusted Gage, verify the Gage at the beginning and the
end of each work shift. During the work shift, if the
Gage is dropped or suspected of giving erroneous readings,
its accuracy should be re-verified.
In the event of physical damage, wear,
high usage, or after an established calibration interval,
the Gage should be returned to the manufacturer for repair
or calibration.
User Mode Calibration (from
page 9)
There are applications where 1- or 2-point
calibrations will not work satisfactorily such as when
measuring magnetic coatings, or conductive coatings over
non-metals. For these applications the included PosiSoft
software can download special Cal settings.
Depending upon the probe attached, the PosiTector
6000 normally uses factory Cal Settings
to measure the thickness of:
- non-magnetic coatings over magnetic substrates
(F probes)
- non-conductive coatings over conductive substrates
(N probes)
1- and 2-point calibration adjustments are possible
in order to improve the effectiveness of the Gage on
a specific surface or in a specific portion of its measurement
range.
There are a number of applications, however, where
1- or 2-point calibration adjustments will not work satisfactorily
on their own, such as when measuring:
- magnetic coatings over magnetic or non-magnetic
substrates such as iron loaded polymer paints and
nickel coatings (F probes)
- conductive coatings over non-conductive substrates
such as thermally sprayed zinc over concrete (N probes)
For these applications, the included PosiSoft software
is required to create a new Cal Setting inside the Gage.
PosiSoft allows the operator to define a function using
a 9th order standard polynomial which converts standard PosiTector
6000 readings into user defined outputs.
The function acts as a post display routine and will
not affect the standard operation of the Gage.
Please contact
us for more information on this feature if your
application requires such capability.
Calibration Memory (from
page 10)
It is often convenient to retain a particular calibration
adjustment before making another. Then, if you return
to that part, the corresponding calibration setting can
be restored. A “setting” is any calibration
adjustment. The PosiTector 6000 always
displays the current calibration setting (ex. Cal 3)
in the upper right corner of the display.
Print
The print option sends a list of all Calibration
Settings to either the IR printer using the Gages built-in
IR port, or to a PC's default printer using the included
USB cable.
PosiSoft Software (from
page 13)
 Measurements
stored in the Gage's memory (in batches) can be downloaded
to a computer using the supplied USB cable and the supplied
PosiSoft software. Measurements are not erased from memory
after downloading.
PosiSoft®
ver.2.11 or higher is supplied on a CD for downloading
readings to a computer. It runs on Windows-based PC computers
using Microsoft Windows® 2000 SP3 or higher with
a USB port. It allows entry of notes and annotations,
prints histograms and basic charts, manages data, and
readings can be exported to a document or spreadsheet.
PosiSoft export example: Exporting
readings from PosiSoft to MS Excel
Non-Ferrous
Lock (from
page 18)
(Option appears on FN Combination models only)
Select N Lock when operating regularly
on non-ferrous substrates. The probe will only use the
eddy current principle when measuring. This shortens
measurement time and extends battery life. N
Lock is also useful in instances such as measuring
coatings on plated steel.
Normally the probe measures both the coating + plating
over the steel using the magnetic principle. N
Lock makes the Gage measure the coating over
the plating only.
Select N Lock to measure over slightly
magnetic substrates; i.e. clear-coat on gold over nickel-plated
brass. Although the probe's magnet is used for the magnetic
principle, it is also used in N Lock to
magnetically saturate a slightly magnetic substrate and
allow the eddy current principle to operate unhindered.
WARNING: With N Lock engaged
it is possible to obtain a reading when measuring non-conductive
coatings on steel. This is not recommended.
 Available
Options (from
page 18)
A variety of accessories are available to help you get
the most from your PosiTector 6000 coating thickness
gage.
For complete details on availabe options, see: Optional
Accessories
Separate Probes (from
page 17)
Separate Probe Gages consist of a Gage body and a probe.
A wide selection of interchangeable probes are available.
Each retain their own unique calibration information.
All Gage bodies accept all probes. To disconnect, power-down
the Gage and pull the plastic probe connector horizontally
away from the Gage body.
When powered-up the PosiTector
6000 automatically determines what
type of probe is attached and does a self-check.
Probes “sense” when they are near metal
and immediately attempt a measurement followed by
another every 2 seconds. They stop when removed from
the vicinity of metal and power-down after 3 minutes
of no activity.
The continuous measurement feature
is only intended to allow careful probe placement on
small or odd-shaped surfaces. Simply ignore all readings
taken before the probe is properly placed. Do not drag
the probe sideways. 
Standard probes
These constant-pressure, stainless steel probes are hermetically
sealed to be totally waterproof - ideal for underwater
use. Hold them at the 2 knurled rings and push the
outer spring-loaded sleeve down.
FN Combination Probe
An FN probe combines the capabilities
of both F and N probes.
Switching between the two is automatic. The probe first
attempts a measurement using the magnetic principle.
If the coating is non-magnetic over steel, a reading
is displayed with a letter F. If not,
the probe automatically attempts a measurement using
the eddy current principle. If the coating is non-conductive
over metal, a reading is displayed with the letter N.
 Thick
Coating Probes
(FT, FTS, NTS, FNTS, FKS, NKS)
These probes are designed to operate far from the substrate
where changes in magnetic and eddy current response due
to coating thickness is difficult to sense. Therefore
they are very sensitive to substrate thickness, shape
and surrounding metal. Be sure to check calibration with
the included acrylic blocks when measuring on a different
part.
If readings on thick coatings appear to be inconsistent,
take a measurement on the uncoated substrate, remove
the probe from the surface by at least 6 inches (15cm),
and then hold the probe in the air for 5 seconds. Resume
measuring.
 Microprobes
(F0S, F45S, F90S, N0S, N45S, N90S)
These small probes have the best accuracy and can measure
on very small parts and into hard-to-reach areas.
Excessive downward pressure during measurement may
damage them. To avoid damage, do not apply more than
100 grams of pressure on the probe tip.
 The
straight F0S and N0S Microprobes
have a quick release adapter that makes them constant
pressure probes for alignment on small, flat or curved
parts. This adapter is held in place by a spring. If
the sleeve is not required, simply pull it off the probe.
To re-attach it, screw it into the spring.
Microprobes have a very high resolution and are sensitive
to the way they make contact with the measuring surface.
Measurements made at different contact angles with the
surface or at different contact pressure may produce
different readings. Therefore, to obtain consistent measurement
results that are within the published tolerances, the
probe, the part to be measured, or both  should
be placed in a fixture.
A probe
fixture stand is available that is ideal for use
when measuring on small or complex shaped parts. It
removes adverse operator influence by fixturing both
the probe and the part. Intended primarily for the
straight (0 degree) ferrous and non-ferrous microprobes,
it ensures that the part is brought up to the probe
perpendicular to the part’s surface in a controlled,
repeatable way.
A complete list of available probes including technical
data and specifications is available at:
http://www.defelsko.com/p6000/p6000_ordering_guide.htm
Troubleshooting (from
page 19)
Here are some common reports received by our Service
Department along with possible causes. Most conditions
can be cleared with a RESET (see pg. 15). If not, visit
our Service
& Support page for information on sending your
your instrument to us for a no charge evaluation.
Probe attempts a measurement even while held
in the air:
-probe may have been left near metal, including jewelry,
during power up or at rest. Possibly a finger was held
over the probe. Try measuring on an uncoated object.
Otherwise turn the Gage off, and then on again. Finally
try a reset.
Thickness readings are inconsistent:
-probe tip may be damaged, scratched or worn
-make sure you lift the probe well clear of the surface
between measurements
-try measuring on a different surface with the included
plastic shims
-hold the probe on the surface and allow it to take several
measurements. If the second and subsequent measurements
are consistent, you are not putting the probe onto the
surface fast enough.
-the substrate and/or coating surface is uneven, in which
case inconsistent
readings are to be expected. Take several measurements
and average them to get a meaningful result.
Gage powers-up but will not take any readings:
-substrate may not be metal. “F” probes measure
coatings on ferrous metals such as steel and iron, and “N” probes
measure over non-ferrous metals such as aluminum.
-black cap must be removed from probe (if outfitted with
one).
-an extreme calibration adjustment might have been made.
Gage will not print to the IR printer:
-try placing the Gage IR port close to the printer IR
port.
-check printer batteries and darkness settings. Switch
it off and then on again.
Technical Data (from
page 19)
Conforms to ISO 2178/2360/2808, PrEN
ISO 19840, ASTM B499/D1186/D1400/D7091/E376/ G12, BS3900-C5,
SSPC-PA2 and others
Gage body dimensions: 5.75" x
2.5" x 1.2" (146 x 64 x 31 mm)
Battery Life: 50 hours continuous
/ 36,000 readings.
Additional technical data and specifications is available
at:
http://www.defelsko.com/p6000/p6000_ordering_guide.htm
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