Coating Thickness Gauges

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Pinhole Detection Gauges

Asphalt Layer Thickness Gauges

Cross-cut Tester

Gloss Meters

Coulometric Coating Thickness Gauges GalvanoTest

The GalvanoTest is a device to measure Coating Thickness Gauges based on the Coulometric principle and be used for virtually all electroplated single or multi-layered coatings. The electroplated coatings like chromium, nickel, cadmium, copper, brass, silver, gold, tin, zinc can be measured on metals or non-metals.

The Coating Thickness Gauges, Galvano Test, is available in two models:

GalvanoTest 2000: the electrolyte is moved by a pulsator nozzle
GalvanoTest 3000: large electrolyte volumes moved by a circulation pump enable quick serial measurements. Suited for use on very small parts and to measure gold layers.

The anodic dissolution method, also known as Faraday's Coulometric method, works on the lines of the electroplating process: electric current passed through an electrolyte separates individual metal coatings from the substrate. By measuring the current and time the Galvano Test determines the thickness of the coating separated.

Measuring range: 50 nm - 75 µm / 0.002 - 3 mils.

Overview
Technical Details

Application

Destructive measurement of:

Electroplated coatings like chromium, nickel, cadmium, copper, brass, silver, gold, tin, zinc on metallic or non-metallic substrates

Features

8 de-plating speeds from 0.3 to 40 µm / min
Measuring surface ranging between 0.25 and 8 mm²
Measuring range between 50 nm and 75 µm / 0.002 - 3 mils
An electrolyte beaker (accessory) to measure wires
Variable shut-down speeds to measure alloy zones
A wide range of special accessories for measurements on small components and wires

Scope of Delivery

The GalvanoTest device
Standard stand with measuring cell and pulsator nozzle (GalvanoTest 2000)
Measuring stand with integrated circulation pump and measuring cell type 1 (GalvanoTest 3000)
Connecting cable gauge / stand
Ring gaskets and masks
Electrolytes as per client request
Pipettes
Bottle for electrolyte waste
Spray bottle
Rubber pencil
Absorbent paper
Operating manual

Property

Value

Coating/substrate combinations

more than 70 coating/substrate combinations (standard version)
coatings on flat and curved surfaces
coatings on small components and wires
10 preset types of metal: Cr, Ni, Cu, brass, Zn, Ag, Sn, Pb, Cd, Au
8 further metal coatings for special applications
measuring range: 0.05…75 μm

Measuring cell

with circulation pump

Measuring surface

gasket 4 mm²/6.2 x 10-3 inch²
mask 1 mm²/1.55 x 10-3 inch²
mask 0.25 mm²/0.388 x 10-3 inch² (deplated area nearly invisible)
electrolyte cup 0.25 mm² to approx. 16 mm²/(0.388–24.8) x 10-3 inch² (optional)

Adjustable settings for optimum results

maximum of 8 deplating speeds in the range of approx. 0.3–40 μm (0.012–1.57) mils/min
directly adjustable calibration factors; individual setting according tometal type and measuring surface
calibration setting with the aid of thickness standards
variable shut-down speed to suppress interference or for measuring alloy zonesbetween coating and substrate

Data storage with GalvanoTest

number of memories for various metals: 18
number of readings which can be stored and evaluated: 2000
non-volatile memory retains all calibration settings, readings and statistical valuesafter the gauge has been switched off

Statistical evaluation

display of 6 statistical values – mean value, standard deviation, coefficient of variation,number of readings, highest and lowest single reading
immediate or delayed display of statistical values
immediate or delayed print-out of readings and statistics
display and print-out of date and time – year, month, day, hour and minute

GalvanoTest interfaces for peripheral devices

interface for MiniPrint data printer
interface for an RS 232 C for connection to a PC
analog output for connection to an x-t recorder to chart voltage curve

Electrolyte alarm/saturation indicator

Measuring uncertainty

5 % of reading on a measuring area of 8 mm2 after calibration

Power supply

110/220 V 50…60 Hz/10 Watt

Dimensions and weight

260 mm x 250 mm x 100 mm/10.24 inch, 9.85 inch, 3.94 inch; approx. 2.5 kg (gauge)

support with integrated pump approx. 3.0 kg

Features

print-out diagram showing measuring cell voltage levels over the coating; especially useful for detecting alloy zones between coating and substrate; with MiniPrint
operator guide to the alphanumeric displays with language option:German, French or English
unit of measurement in either metric (μm) or British system (mils)
when switched on, the gauge displays details of the last readings
illuminated voltmeter for monitoring the deplating process
easy to use – clearly-designed controls and easy-to-follow operating instructionswith numerous examples
wide range of extras for measurements on small components,wire and multi-layer coatings