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(electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, manual or otherwise) without the prior written permission of Elcometer Instruments Ltd. A copy of this Instruction Manual is available for download on our Website via www.elcometer.com/downloads. Doc.No. TMA-0424 Issue 02...
Thank you for your purchase of this Elcometer 456 The gauge is available in Coating Thickness Gauge. Welcome to Elcometer. three versions; Basic, Standard and Top. This Elcometer are world leaders in the design, manual describes manufacture and supply of coatings inspection operation equipment.
1.1 FEATURES 1.2 STANDARDS • A range of smooth and rough surface The Elcometer 456 can be used in accordance with calibration adjustments. the following National and International Standards: • Menu driven backlit graphical user interface. Ferrous (F) Non-Ferrous (NF) •...
Operating Instructions. Do not hesitate to menu structure which helps you get the most from contact Elcometer or your Elcometer supplier if your gauge - see page 18. you have any questions. As an example, the LANGUAGES option which is in...
2 GETTING STARTED 2.2 BATTERY CONDITION. Symbol Battery condition/action required 2.1 FITTING THE BATTERIES 1. Open battery compartment cover; press down 100% in direction of arrow using thumb nail. 2. Insert 2 x LR03 (AAA), alkaline dry batteries 66% to 100% taking care to ensure correct battery polarity 33% to 66%, replacement (Figure 2).
2.3 FITTING PROBES To release the probe (separate versions only) Grasp knurled section and pull gently away from the gauge. The To ensure correct transfer of data from the connection will unlock and the probe and detection of the new probe, the probe will release.
STAT S MENU Press switch on gauge, or place the probe on a surface. Softkeys On/Off key Note: Before switching the gauge on for the first Figure 3. Elcometer 456 control keys time read “Selecting a language” on page 11.
(Figure 5). To maximise character size, switch off statistics (see Stats on LCD, 2.7 THE SCREEN page 32) and unlock the softkeys (see SOFTKEYS Familiarise yourself with the Elcometer 456 screen. LOCKED:, page 23). The screen displays: •...
1. Switch gauge off. When the gauge is switched on for the first time 2. Press and hold left hand softkey. after dispatch from the Elcometer factory the 3. Press key to switch on gauge. display will show the language selection screen The display will show language selection (Figure 6).
2.9 INTERFACES 3 TAKING A READING ® Your gauge is fitted with a Bluetooth interface which makes creation personalised 3.1 BEFORE YOU START ‘welcome’ screens and transfer of information to • Are you using the correct type of probe? and from a PC quick and easy - see “Transferring See “Probes”...
3.2 PROCEDURE 4 THE READING SCREEN AND MENUS 1. Press key to switch on gauge. 4.1 READING SCREEN 2. Place probe on surface to be measured. The reading may be inaccurate if the probe is The content of the reading screen (Figure 10, not held as shown in Figure 8.
Menu title softkey symbol is flashing. Menu contents Softkey functions Figure 12. Typical Elcometer 456 menu Some screens allow the status of a feature to be Figure 11. Reading screen in extended mode changed e.g. on to off or select or deselect, etc. A and showing full set of statistical values.
• Extended menu off (simple menu mode): BACKLIGHT The gauge is shipped from the Elcometer Switches backlight on and off. Toggle tick box to factory with EXTENDED MENU turned off. In activate/deactivate. With BACKLIGHT activated this simple menu mode the gauge can be the display is illuminated for approximately 5 calibrated and used to take measurements.
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INTL GAUGE : Resets gauge to International Supplier or Local Distributor. default settings e.g. DD/MM/YY date format and HELP: Explains symbols used on Elcometer 456 metric units. display screens. Figure 14. About menu International settings can also be activated at switch...
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US GAUGE : Resets gauge to USA default settings e.g. MM/DD/YY date format and imperial units. Figure 15. Reset menu A confirmation screen will be displayed. Press YES to reset, NO to cancel. US settings can also be activated at switch on. Press and hold softkey 4 and switch on gauge.
4.4 MAIN MENU - EXTENDED MENU ON To toggle EXTENDED MENU on/off select MENU/EXTENDED MENU/SEL PRINT/OUTPUT SINGLE BATCH ALL BATCHES CURRENT STATISTICS SELECT STATS NO. OF READINGS DELETE MEAN LAST READING STD DEVIATION MENU SINGLE BATCH COEF OF VARIAT’N BACKLIGHT ALL BATCHES HIGHEST READING CALIBRATION LOCKED...
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The following features are added to the MENU LAST READING when EXTENDED MENU is active: Deletes last reading either in immediate mode or in batch mode. PRINT/OUTPUT Gauge displays ARE YOU SURE? (Figure 17). Outputs data to a printer or to a PC. A single batch of readings, all batches of readings, or the current ®...
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SINGLE BATCH displays NOT AVAILABLE DATA MEMORY EMPTY (Figure 20). Deletes the batch data. The gauge displays the current batch or the last batch used (Figure 19). Figure 20. Memory empty screen ALL BATCHES Figure 19. SINGLE BATCH screen Deletes all batches. Gauge displays ARE YOU SURE? Press NO Use the Right/Left softkeys to locate the...
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Display - see “Display” on page 32. TAG - readings still appear in the batch (with a tag- deleted symbol ), but they are not included in DATA: Activates DATA softkey, SHOW DATE statistical calculations. STAMP option selects DELETED READING menu (Figure 21). DELETE - readings are permanently deleted.
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ASCII characters from the Courier New font set . This allows printing on devices other than the Elcometer Miniprinter, e.g. RS 232 printers or PC via Elcometer software (page 40) or via HyperTerminal. Figure 24. OUTPUT screen BEEP VOLUME: Changes volume.
• 0 = off When un-ticked, the softkey functions disappear from the reading screen 5 seconds after the reading • 5 = loudest screen has been displayed, or 5 seconds after • Default = 3 pressing any key. To view the functions again, LANGUAGES: Allows selection of language.
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methods described in National and International SPECIAL SUB: This method uses the 2-Point Standards. calibration for unusual substrate materials such as cast iron, certain types of stainless steel, high The calibration adjustment method chosen is carbon steel, special aluminium alloys, etc. dependant on the condition of the substrate to be measured and is indicated on the screen by a ZERO OFFSET: This is the method described in...
5.2 PRESET CALIBRATION METHODS Note: When the calibration method is changed, e.g. from Smooth to Rough, the gauge will display a The gauge also contains four preset calibration message (Figure 28). methods which follow relevant standards. These set the calibration method and the data collection method (data collection method is only set when in batching mode).
5.3 CALIBRATION FOILS AND STANDARDS Note: To calibrate 5 mm (200 mils) and 13 mm (500 mils) range gauges it will be necessary to Calibration adjustment should be carried out with stack the foils (Figure 29). Care must be taken to the appropriate probe on the same type of metal, avoid errors due to placing the foil labels between the same curvature and similar finish to the item to...
5.4 CALIBRATION ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE Step 1 1. Hold probe in air and press CAL softkey Calibration adjustment can be carried out at any (Figure 30). time by pressing CAL softkey from the reading screen. prevent inadvertent calibration adjustment the CAL softkey can be locked (MENU/CALIBRATION LOCKED).
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these readings and the last reading. Repeat Note: - - - indicates over-range (Figure 32). this action until a stable reading is obtained. Taking a reading within range clears this Average screen. Last First reading Second reading Figure 32. Over-range reading Figure 31.
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reading. Repeat this action until a stable The gauge will display the option to test the reading is obtained. calibration of the gauge. First reading Second reading Figure 35. TEST READINGS screen Figure 33. Step 2 - Calibration adjustment on 5.
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readings to be taken on a thin standard value Taking test readings Press YES softkey (see previous section) to take instead of on an uncoated base. test readings. This allows the calibration of the gauge to be tested without adding readings to data memory contributing statistical...
6 STATISTICS Calibrating High Temperature PINIP™ Probes Special thickness standards are supplied with The Elcometer 456 Top has a Statistics feature F1 2 High Temperature PINIP™ Probes - see (STATS) which calculates and displays a statistical page 44. These thickness standards should be analysis of readings as they are taken.
See “Select stats” on page 33 and “Statistics STATS are displayed and the CLOCK is not terminology” on page 46. displayed. Combined 6.1 ENLARGE STATS statistics symbol Displays the chosen statistical values as double- height characters. The example screens (Figure 40) appear when all the statistical values are selected.
Use Up/Down softkeys to move cursor and SEL structures or complex assemblies. softkey to select or deselect the statistical values. 7 BATCHING The Elcometer 456 operates in one of two modes; immediate or batch. Figure 44. Reading screen - Batch mode...
Batching is configured using the DATA MENU. BATCH in batch mode - see page 37. This is known as ‘cloning’ a batch. To access the DATA MENU (Figure 45) press the DATA softkey (this softkey is only displayed with Cloning typically used when...
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been created - see “Calibration adjustment The second OPEN NEW BATCH screen (Figure procedure” on page 27. 47) shows the current batch settings. Lower and The initial OPEN NEW BATCH screen (Figure 46) Data collection upper limits stays on while the gauge sets up the batch, as method Number of indicated by the progress bar.
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. The display toggles between two options, The value for n can be changed by pressing normal and counted average: the n=5 softkey. • NORMAL - Each reading is added to the number of readings and contributes to the statistical calculation. •...
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Opening new batch in batch mode The initial OPEN NEW BATCH screen displays ‘CURRENT BATCH’. Opening a new batch in batch mode duplicates (clones) an existing batch. Cloning copies the following settings to the new batch: • Limits Figure 49. Initial OPEN NEW BATCH screen - •...
are removed from the list so that batch numbers If YES is selected, the batch calibration details are above 999 are valid. A deleted batch number retained and the user can locate and fit the original cannot be reused until all the batches are deleted, probe, if they wish.
• Date stamp (entered whenever the batch is To set the UPPER and LOWER limit values move opened). the cursor to the limit required and press SEL. • Probe change (includes date stamp and probe The gauge will display the current settings (Figure serial number).
The CD supplied with your gauge includes the measurement data converted; following software: Elcometer EDCS Win, EDCS Plus and EDCS. All this software can also be downloaded from the • Elcometer Data Transfer Software (EDTS Elcometer website www.elcometer.com/downloads Excel Link). This software allows the user to transfer data from the memory of the gauge 8.1 TRANSFERRING USING A CABLE...
PC, an error message is displayed on ® BLUETOOTH your gauge and further readings cannot be taken until it is cleared. If at any time ElcoMaster requests a PIN number for your gauge, switch on your Elcometer 456 select MENU>ABOUT>GAUGE INFORMATION.
To use this feature, tick the Bluetooth PC Reply 9 PROBES under MENU>SETUP>OUTPUT An extensive range of probes is available for the “OUTPUT:” on page 22. Elcometer 456 Coating Thickness Gauge. Probes ® When the box is ticked, and a Bluetooth ferrous (F), non-ferrous...
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9.2 NON-FERROUS (N) PROBES The following table shows which probes can be N probes measure the thickness of non-metallic used in the three types of Elcometer 456 Gauge. coatings on non-magnetic metals. They can be used on anodising, paint, plastic coatings, powder...
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9.6 F1 2 HIGH TEMPERATURE PINIP™ Probe type Gauge Type PROBES These probes are capable of measuring on surfaces up to 250°C (480°F). Wear appropriate protective clothing and take N1 right angle care to avoid bodily contact with the hot N1A anodiser’s surface during measurement.
Use your Bluetooth interface or PC connection components. In the unlikely event of a fault, the cable with ElcoMaster software to create and gauge should be returned to your local Elcometer upload the screen - see the instructions included with ElcoMaster.
Elcometer. Contact details are 13 STATISTICS TERMINOLOGY stored in the gauge - MENU/ABOUT/CONTACT. Worldwide: sales@elcometer.com Term Meaning Or USA/Canada: inc@elcometer.com COEF OF Coefficient of Variation. The Note: Probes will eventually wear. Probe life will VARIAT’N standard deviation divided by...
14 TECHNICAL DATA Term Meaning NO. OF Number of Readings. The 14.1 MEASUREMENT SPEED READINGS running value for the number >60 readings per minute. of readings taken in a group. When measuring high temperature materials In the case of the mode, the measurement speed must be reduced to prevent Number of Readings is the overheating...
Integral Probe, 130g (4.6oz) Dimensions: 130 mm x 70 mm x 35 mm 15 ACCESSORIES (5.12" x 2.76" x 1.38") The Elcometer 456 is complete with all the items Gauge 0°C to 50°C (32°F to 120°F) required to get started and take measurements.
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15.4 TEST CERTIFICATES 15.1 PROBES A certificate with results of a standard test on known Full details of the extensive range of 456 probes foil values over the full range of the probe. Order can be obtained from Elcometer, your local using sales part number TEST-456.
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T45616161 V Adapter for pipes (F & N T9997381- Integral/Separate Probe Version: T45616162 probes): V Adapter for pipes (FNF probes): T99913133 15.10 PC CONNECTION CABLE 456 to PC Connection Cable (9- T99916217 15.8 Miniprinter pin): column, rechargeable battery powered Miniprinter complete with charger. Three charger...
16 RELATED EQUIPMENT 17 FITTING THE WRIST HARNESS Elcometer produces a wide range of coating 1. Pass harness thickness gauges and associated paint inspection round pin equipment. Users of the Elcometer 456 may also benefit from the following Elcometer products: •...
18 PROBE MEASUREMENT PERFORMANCE Scale Total range Resolution in range Accuracy 0 µm to 1500 µm ±1% to ±3% or ±2.5 µm 0.1 µm 0 µm to 99.9 µm F1 2 1.0 µm 100 µm to 1500 µm (F1 mode) FNF1 0 mil to 60 mils ±1% to ±3% or ±0.1 mil...
19 PROBE CAPABILITIES 19.1 INTEGRAL PROBES Minimum Minimum Minimum Probe type convex surface concave Headroom sample Cal foil value diameter surface radius diameter 4 mm (0.16”) 25 mm (0.98”) 130 mm (5.1”) 4 mm (0.16”) 250 µm (10 mil) (or F1 2 set for F1 operation) F1 2 4 mm (0.16”)
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19.2 SEPARATE FERROUS PROBES Minimum Minimum Minimum Probe type convex surface concave Headroom sample Cal foil value diameter surface radius diameter 4 mm (0.16”) 25 mm (0.98”) 85 mm (3.35”) 4 mm (0.16”) 250 µm (10 mil) (or F1 2 set to F1) F1 2 4 mm (0.16”) 25 mm (0.98”)
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19.3 SEPARATE NON-FERROUS PROBES Minimum Minimum Minimum Probe type convex surface concave Headroom sample Cal foil value diameter surface radius diameter 35 mm (1.38”) 25 mm (0.98”) 85 mm (3.35”) 6 mm (0.24”) 250 µm (10 mil) N1 Right Angle 35 mm (1.38”) 25 mm (0.98”) 28 mm (1.10”) 6 mm (0.24”)
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19.4 SEPARATE DUAL FNF Minimum Minimum Minimum Probe type convex surface concave Headroom sample Cal foil value diameter surface radius diameter FNF1 (N) 38 mm (1.50”) 25 mm (0.98”) 88 mm (3.46”) 8 mm (0.32”) 250 µm (10 mil) FNF1 (F) 4 mm (0.16”) 25 mm (0.98”) 88 mm (3.46”) 4 mm (0.16”)
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19.5 PINIP™ PROBES Minimum Minimum Minimum Probe type convex surface concave Headroom sample Cal foil value diameter surface radius diameter 4 mm (0.16”) 60 mm (2.36”) 155 mm (6.10”) 4 mm (0.16”) 250 µm (10 mil) (or F1 2 set to F1) F1 2 4 mm (0.16”) 60 mm (2.36”)
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19.6 SEPARATE MINIATURE FERROUS PROBES Minimum Minimum Minimum Minimum Minimum convex concave Overall length Probe Type sample access access surface surface (headroom) diameter height width diameter radius F, Straight, 1.5 mm (0.06”) 6.5 mm (0.26”) 3 mm (0.12”) 6 mm (0.24”) 150 mm (5.91”) 45 mm (1.77”) F, Straight,...
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19.7 SEPARATE MINIATURE NON-FERROUS PROBES Minimum Minimum Minimum Minimum Minimum Overall length Probe Type convex concave sample access access (headroom) diameter radius diameter height width NF, Straight, 3 mm (0.12”) 25 mm (0.98”) 4 mm (0.16”) 6 mm (0.24”) 150 mm (5.91”) 45 mm (1.77”) NF, Straight, 3 mm (0.12”)
Error message Causes Action to take #1 - PROBE Probe-to-gauge communication failure. Integral gauge - return to Elcometer*. Separate gauge - remove probe and refit. If error persists, return to Elcometer*. #2 - PROBE Corrupt data output from probe. Integral gauge - return to Elcometer*.
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Incorrect calibration calculation. Re-calibrate. If error persists, return to Elcometer*. LANGUAGE Software error. Return to Elcometer*. MEMORY * Contact Elcometer or your local Elcometer Supplier to arrange return. Figure 58. Example error message - no probe is connected to gauge...
21 INDEX Numerics Beep Calibration certificates Changing volume Calibration methods 2 Point calibration method Switching off 2 POINT Bluetooth AUSTRALIAN Icon in display Accessories Transferring readings ROUGH AS 3894 Bluetooth module SET OFFSET ASTM B 244 BS 3900 (C5) SPECIAL SUB ASTM B 499 BS 5411 (11) SSPC...
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ISO 2178 DATA ISO 2360 DATA MENU ISO 2808 DELETE EDTS+ Excel Link ISO calibration method DELETED READING ElcoMaster DISPLAY Elcometer 456 ENLARGE STATS Features EXIT BATCHING Keypad Overview EXTENDED MENU Error messages FACTORY CAL FREE MEMORY Extended menu Language, selecting...
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REVIEW BATCHES Number of readings Fitting of ROUGH FNF (Ferrous/Non-ferrous) RS232 BIT IMAGE Substrate selection modes 21, RS232 PLAIN TEXT On/off SELECT STATS What used for Opening screen SET LIMITS Maximum temperature Creating SET OFFSET N (Non-ferrous) Disabling SETUP What used for SHOW DATE STAMP Performance SMOOTH...
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Set offset SS 18 41 60 Units Setting up the gauge SSPC-PA 2 Automatic setting of Shims Statistics Manual setting of Ordering Activating Up/Down Simple menu Choice of US gauge settings Turning on/off Clearing Smooth calibration method Displaying on screen Softkey Dual function probes Weight...
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