* Size and weight are for the PosiTector gage body only and do not include the probe.
Use cleaning putty to remove dust, debris, or residual blast media from the measurement site by firmly pressing the putty onto the surface to be tested using your fingers and remove.
Select the appropriate grade of replica tape, then pull a single piece of tape free of its release paper and apply to blasted surface.
Firmly compress replica film using burnishing tool by applying sufficient pressure in a circular and x-y rubbing motion. When complete, remove tape from surface.
Insert the compressed replica tape between the micrometer's measurement anvils and take a reading.
Ensure the tape is properly positioned so that the burnished region is centered in the anvils with the adhesive side down.
PosiTector SmartLink and free mobile app turns your cell phone or tablet into a virtual PosiTector gage.
Wirelessly connect PosiTector probes to your Apple iOS or Android smart device.
For more information about the PosiTector SmartLink, click here.
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Powerful desktop software for downloading, archiving, and reporting measurement data. No internet connection required.
An easy-to-use mobile app (iOS/ Android) that connects to your PosiTector Advanced, PosiTector Smartlink, or PosiTest AT-A. Compatible with PosiSoft.net.
Learn MoreA simple gage interface to retrieve data in a manner similar to a flash drive. No software to install or internet connection required.
Learn More
PosiSoft.net is a free cloud-based application offering secure storage of PosiTector and PosiTest Inspection Instrument data. Click Here to learn more.
From wired USB to WiFi wireless technology, DeFelsko instruments offer data management solutions for even the most advanced software integrations. Accessing your stored or live streaming data is simpler and more flexible than ever before. PosiTector and PosiTest AT-A instruments have the ability to integrate with third-party software, drones, ROVs, PLCs, and robotic devices using several industry-standard communication protocols.
The PosiTector RTR arrives fully calibrated and ready to measure. A Long-Form Certificate of Calibration traceable to NIST is included, which documents actual readings taken by your instrument at our calibration laboratory on standards traceable to a national metrology institute. Beware of ‘Certificates’ or ‘Certificates of Conformance’ offered by competitors. These typically do not include actual instrument readings, and are often insufficient to meet common quality requirements.
Verification of gage calibration and accuracy can be performed with the supplied check shim, which is specifically intended for all PosiTector RTR probes.
Replica tape is a long-known method for characterizing a surface. It is simple, relatively inexpensive, and shows good correlation with results from other methods. It has the advantages of ruggedness, relatively low start-up cost, good repeatability and the option of retaining a physical replica of the surface being evaluated. The method is widely used and widely understood. It is particularly useful for measurements on curved surfaces that are difficult to measure directly with other instruments.
It is therefore not surprising that it has become the most popular field method for measuring surface profile. Its operation is described in a number of international standards including ASTM D4417, ISO 8503-5, NACE SP0287, and AS 3894.5.
The PosiTector RTR H is compatible with the four primary grades of replica tape: Coarse Minus, Coarse, X‐Coarse, and X-Coarse Plus. The PosiTector RTR H automatically corrects for the non-linearity of Coarse, X-Coarse, and X-Coarse Plus tape.
Note: Coarse Minus replica tape does not require conversion.
Yes. Unlike some conventional spring micrometers, the PosiTector RTR series and Testex Digital Micrometer feature a Conversion Mode (HL) which adjusts for the non-linearity of replica tape displaying a more accurate surface profile measurement.
At least two measurements should be taken at each location. If the two replicas differ by 5 µm (0.2 mils) or less, their average should be recorded as the profile.
If the two initial replicas differ by more than 5 µm (0.2 mils), a third replica is recommended. The average of the two closest replicas should be recorded.
Abrasive blasting often leaves debris on the surface, which changes its appearance. If the surface isn’t cleaned with the included cleaning putty before measuring, the replica tape captures this debris and ‘cleans’ the surface where the tape was burnished. This may make the test area appear ‘shiny’ compared to the surrounding area, and is not a sign of damage to the blast profile.
Both instruments conform to ASTM D4417 "Standard Test Methods for Field Measurement of Surface Profile of Blast Cleaned Steel".
The PosiTector SPG conforms to Method B of ASTM D4417. The PosiTector SPG measures quickly, and has no per-test cost. It keeps a digital record of each measurement, is less operator dependent, as no burnishing of replica tape is required. It also has a greater range than replica tape.
The PosiTector RTR conforms to Method C of ASTM D4417. It is used together with Testex Replica Tape, a widely used and respected method to measure surface profile. It has the ability to measure on curved surfaces, and gives the user the option to retain the replica tape; a physical replica of the tested surface.
The anvil impact force of the PosiTector RTR is identical to that of conventional mechanical spring micrometers. The PosiTector RTR has the same anvil size (0.25 inch / 6.25mm diameter) and applies the same spring tension (110 gram‐force / 1.1 Newtons) as Testex micrometers and as required by major test standards.
An issue with mechanical spring micrometers is that they can under‐read if a user drops the measuring anvils onto the replica tape too fast. Other errors can occur if the user presses upward on measuring arms to “stabilize” readings. Both actions force conventional micrometers to read lower by crushing the tape’s delicate microfoam.
The PosiTector RTR’s unique opposing spring design prevents these undesired user interferences from occurring. Pressing the two probe buttons releases a holding spring. That allows a second spring, the anvil spring, to apply a constant pressure measuring force on the replica. This measuring force is not coupled to the buttons so the user cannot alter the applied pressure and inadvertently influence results.
PosiTector probes include a Certificate of Calibration showing traceability to NIST or PTB included (Long Form) with each probe—with no expiry or end date. They have no shelf life, therefore the length of time in the field is not a good indicator for recalibration intervals. Many organizations with quality programs and recertification programs require annual recalibrations, and this is a good starting point for most users. DeFelsko recommends that customers establish 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 the date the instrument was placed in service is a good starting point.
No. The PosiTector RTR Replica Tape Reader is designed for simple operation, featuring easy-to-use menus, an instruction manual, and helpful videos. In lieu of demonstration models, we provide unlimited technical support via telephone and/or email, and a limited 30-day money back guarantee.
Before returning your gage or instrument for service, review the troubleshooting steps on the Troubleshooting guide, or speak with a member of our technical support team by calling +1-315-393-4450.
PosiTector Gage Bodies can be used with all PosiTector probes. Choose from Standard or Advanced models.
PosiTector bodies accept all PosiTector probes easily converting from a coating thickness gage to a surface profile gage, dew point meter, soluble salt tester, hardness and ultrasonic thickness gage.
Battery-operated and light weight, this Bluetooth Printer prints readings and statistical summaries via Bluetooth from Advanced models.
Convenient hard shell case for carrying a PosiTector gage body and multiple probes
Each roll of Testex Tape includes 50 pieces (Impressions)
Use for continuous operation. This kit supplies several alternate power solutions for your battery-operated PosiTector. Operate your gage without the need for batteries.
Used to verify the accuracy and operation of all Testex micrometers. Ideal for fulfilling both ISO and in-house quality control requirements. Includes Certificate of Calibration traceable to PTB.
Heavy-duty, waterproof Pelican cases complete with a custom foam insert to securely hold your PosiTector instrument.
Used to check PosiTector RTR peak height accuracy (RTR H and RTR 3D). One check shim is included with each probe.
To clean the test surface of debris prior to burnishing
Pre-moistened with isopropyl alcohol to clean residual adhesive and debris from the PosiTector RTR and RTR 3D anvils helping to ensure an accurate test.
Burnishing tool includes a built-in spring mechanism ensuring that consistent force is used, regardless of how hard the tool is pressed against the surface
Pack of 5 thin plastic lens shields to protect PosiTector display from paint overspray. One lens shield included in every PosiTector purchase.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
Stated accuracy of Td is ±3C for Td from -40 to 80C.
The following charts illustrate the maximum error of Td with respect to Ta and RH.
View PDF of Accuracy Statement here.
The innovative PosiPatch uses a magnetic ring to hold it against the surface, so no adhesive is required. This means that the PosiPatch isn’t destroyed when removed from the surface, unlike conventional patches. After rinsing with deionized water, the PosiPatch can be used again.
The PosiPatch can be reused multiple times until water begins to leak through the air-permeable membrane or the seal against the substrate.
In our tests on freshly blasted steel with a typical 50-100 micron (2-4 mil) profile, PosiPatches were reused dozens of times with no noticeable wear or leakage. Patch life will vary depending on use- if dragged along the substrate, lifespan will be reduced.
We believe that 10 uses is a very conservative estimate of lifespan and still yields the lowest per-test cost of any commercially available Bresle Method Patch. The below tables compare the per-test costs of various options, using competitive prices found online.
If performing 10 tests, and reusing the PosiPatch:
Annotate images using drawing tools—ideal for identifying a specific location or area within an image
Unequal pulling force during testing caused by uneven adhesive bond lines and coating surfaces can result in random, unexplainable readings. To obtain more repeatable and meaningful adhesion measurements, it is imperative that the pulling force applied to the test dolly is uniformly distributed over the surface being tested.
Both the PosiTest AT-M manual and PosiTest AT-A automatic models compensate for misalignment. The self-aligning, quick-coupling actuator and spherical articulating dolly head enable uniform distribution of the pulling force over the surface being tested, preventing a one-sided pull-off.
Two grades of Testex™ Press-O-Film™ replica tape, “Coarse” and "X-Coarse", are available to span the primary range of surface profiles for the coatings and linings industry –– 20 to 115 µm / 0.8 to 4.5 mils.
An unfortunate characteristic of replica tape is that conventional spring micrometer measurements are most accurate near the middle of each grade's range and least accurate at the outer ends of each grade's range. That is why two other grades, Coarse Minus (< 20 µm / 0.8 mils) and X-Coarse Plus (> 115 µm / 4.5 mils), are used to check and, if necessary, adjust measurements at the upper and lower ends of the primary range.
Inside the primary range, Coarse and X-Coarse tape share a 38 - 64 μm (1.5 - 2.5 mils) "overlap" region. Measurements with conventional micrometers require a complicated and time consuming procedure of averaging one reading using Coarse grade and one reading using X-Coarse grade to achieve reasonable accuracy.
With a single measurement, the PosiTector RTR produces a more accurate peak-to-valley height measurement HL from Coarse or X-Coarse tapes that has been adjusted for their non-linearity. There is no need to average two or more replicas from different grades of tape AND there is no need to subtract the 50.8 μm / 2 mils of incompressible polyester film. The advantages are a reduction in measurement uncertainty, inspector workload, likelihood of error, and the number of replicas needed by inspectors to assure accuracy.
The PosiTector RTR can also display a height value (H) that is comparable to what conventional analog spring micrometers would display after the 50.8 μm / 2 mils of incompressible polyester film has been subtracted.
Eddy current techniques are used to nondestructively measure the thickness of nonconductive coatings on nonferrous metal substrates. A coil of fine wire conducting a high-frequency alternating current (above 1 MHz) is used to set up an alternating magnetic field at the surface of the instrument's probe. When the probe is brought near a conductive surface, the alternating magnetic field will set up eddy currents on the surface. The substrate characteristics and the distance of the probe from the substrate (the coating thickness) affect the magnitude of the eddy currents. The eddy currents create their own opposing electromagnetic field that can be sensed by the exciting coil or by a second, adjacent coil.
Magnetic film gages are used to non-destructively measure the thickness of a nonmagnetic coating on ferrous substrates. Most coatings on steel and iron are measured this way. Magnetic gages use one of two principles of operation: magnetic pull-off or magnetic/electromagnetic induction.
Magnetic pull-off gages use a permanent magnet, a calibrated spring, and a graduated scale. The attraction between the magnet and magnetic steel pulls the two together. As the coating thickness separating the two increases, it becomes easier to pull the magnet away. Coating thickness is determined by measuring this pull-off force. Thinner coatings will have stronger magnetic attraction while thicker films will have comparatively less magnetic attraction. Testing with magnetic gages is sensitive to surface roughness, curvature, substrate thickness, and the make up of the metal alloy.
Magnetic induction instruments use a permanent magnet as the source of the magnetic field. A Hall-effect generator or magneto-resistor is used to sense the magnetic flux density at a pole of the magnet. Electromagnetic induction instruments use an alternating magnetic field. A soft, ferromagnetic rod wound with a coil of fine wire is used to produce a magnetic field. A second coil of wire is used to detect changes in magnetic flux.
These electronic instruments measure the change in magnetic flux density at the surface of a magnetic probe as it nears a steel surface. The magnitude of the flux density at the probe surface is directly related to the distance from the steel substrate. By measuring flux density the coating thickness can be determined.
PosiTector users can capture and save an image copy of the current gage display by simultaneously pressing both the (-) and (+) buttons. 100 screen captures are stored in memory and can be accessed within the PosiSoft USB Drive.
Statistics mode continually displays/updates average, standard deviation, min/max thickness and number of readings while measuring.
Display Languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Dutch, Portuguese, Italian, Norwegian, Russian, Czech, Polish, and Turkish.
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