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FISCHER FISCHERSCOPE X-RAY 4000 Series Operator's Manual

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OPERATOR'S MANUAL
FISCHERSCOPE
X-RAY 4000 Series
®
Coating Thickness
Material Analysis
Microhardness
Material Testing

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Summary of Contents for FISCHER FISCHERSCOPE X-RAY 4000 Series

  • Page 1 OPERATOR’S MANUAL FISCHERSCOPE X-RAY 4000 Series ® Coating Thickness Material Analysis Microhardness Material Testing...
  • Page 2 Industriestraße 21 www.helmut-fischer.com D-71069 Sindelfingen mail@helmut-fischer.de On our home page www.helmut-fischer.com you will find the addresses of our sole agen- cies and subsidiary companies around the globe. Quality Assurance System of the Helmut Fischer GmbH DIN EN ISO 9001:2008 Management system certified by Germanischer Lloyd...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Table of Contents Safety Information ........7 Intended Use .
  • Page 4 Table of Contents Status Bar ........... . 36 mq Value .
  • Page 5 Correlation between mass per unit area and coating thickness ... .92 13.2 Calibration standards from FISCHER ....... 94 13.3 Setting the density in the Def.MA .
  • Page 6 Table of Contents 14.7 Practical monitoring of the measurement devices ..... 105 14.8 When and how to carry out corrections? ......107 14.9 Wouldn’t it be better to re-calibrate? .

  • Page 7: Safety Information

    The specifications of the instrument and of the accessories are described in the data sheet in the Attachment to this Operators Manual. Only accessories recommended and approved by FISCHER may be connected to this instrument. Modifications, repairs, maintenance and service work on the FISCHERSCOPE X-RAY and its accessories must be performed by authorized FISCHER service personnel only.

  • Page 8: X-Radiation Safety

    FISCHER for this purpose. 1.4.1 Repeat Inspection FISCHER recommends to check the instrument by an expert in intervals of no longer than five years. Observe the laws and regulations of the country where the instrument is oper- ated.

  • Page 9: Requirements For The Operating Personnel

    Requirements for the Operating Personnel Safety Information No Alterations to the Instrument! Only specialized service personnel, as a rule the Service of FISCHER, is authorized to carry out alterations to the measuring instrument. DANGER X-radiation and high voltage Carrying out alterations to the instrument can lead to death or serious inju- ries and legal consequences.

  • Page 10: X-Radiation Safety Details

    Safety Information X-Radiation Safety Details X-Radiation Safety Details FISCHERSCOPE ® X-RAY...

  • Page 11: Instrument Overview

    X-RAY is a high performance energy dispersive x-ray fluores- ® cence (EDXRF) spectrometer. The WinFTM ® (Fischer Thickness Management Software for Windows ® ) software controls the instrument and handles the evaluation of the signals supplied by the instrument. The measured values (coating thickness, material compositions, mass per unit area) are stored and displayed on the monitor.

  • Page 12: X-Ray Fluorescence

    Instrument Overview X-Ray Fluorescence X-Ray Fluorescence The specimen is excited with the primary x-radiation. In the process electrons from the inner electron shells are knocked. Electrons from outer electron shells fill the resultant voids emitting a fluorescence radiation that is characteristic in its energy distribution for a particular material.

  • Page 13: Functional Principle Of The Instrument

    Functional Principle of the Instrument Instrument Overview Functional Principle of the Instrument The following figure shows the principle structure of the instrument: X-ray tube Anode Cathode Primary filter WinFTM Lens Shutter main window Primary x-radiation Video camera Mirror Spectrum Detector Aperture X-ray fluorescence radiation Coating layer...
  • Page 14 Instrument Overview Functional Principle of the Instrument 4. A light source (not shown in Fig. 2-2) illuminates the sample. A mirror and lens direct the image of the measurement location to a color video camera. The mirror has a hole in its center for the primary radiation to pass through.

  • Page 15: Components

    Components Components 2.4.1 Aperture (Collimator) The aperture is used to limit the size of the primary x-ray beam to a defined diameter or cross-section. The aperture is a borehole with defined geometries (rectangular or round) and sizes, through which part of the primary x-ray beam passes. Thus, a fraction of the primary radi- ation is suppressed.
  • Page 16 Components 2.4.4 Primary filter (Optional) The primary filter consists of a thin foil made of nickel or aluminum, which is located between the x-ray tube and the specimen to be measured. By using a primary filter, the composition of the primary X-radiation can be influenced such that it is optimally suited for the excitation of the respective specimen for x-ray fluores- cence.
  • Page 17 Components Table 2-1: Function of the operating controls Operating control Function Joystick Controls the measuring stage movement. START Starts a single measurement. STOP Stops a measurement. Table 2-2: Function of the LEDs Function HV ON Lights yellow when the high voltage is turned on. X-RAY ON Lights red when the X-radiation is ready.
  • Page 18 Components FISCHERSCOPE ® X-RAY...

  • Page 19: Switching The Instrument On And Off

    1. Switch on the instrument by using the Off/On rocker switch at the rear of the instru- ment. 2. Plug the FISIM (Fischer Software Identification Module) into an USB port of the computer. 3. Switch on the PC and the monitor.

  • Page 20: Switching Off The Instrument

    Switching the Instrument on and off Switching off the Instrument Switching off the Instrument To switch off the instrument and the PC 1. Switch off the instrument by using the Off/On rocker switch at the rear of the instru- ment. 2.

  • Page 21: Manual Measurements

    With these products you can perform measurements immediately. If you need new measurement tasks, you can request products from FISCHER. The products are then send to you by email or on a data carrier. Before you can use the new products, you need to import and calibrate them.

  • Page 22: Deleting Measurement Readings

    Manual Measurements Deleting Measurement Readings Procedure 1. In the WinFTM main window click Select. 2. Choose the product from the list. You can sort the list by name, number, date etc. 3. Click OK. 4. To start the measure- ment, click Start. The measurement will be performed.
  • Page 23 Deleting Measurement Readings Manual Measurements To permanently delete individual blocks, already closed 1. In the WinFTM main window select Evaluation > Evaluate Single Block…. The window Block Result appears. 2. Select the block you want to delete. 3. Click Delete Block. To delete individual measurement readings of blocks, already closed 1.
  • Page 24 Manual Measurements Deleting Measurement Readings FISCHERSCOPE ® X-RAY...

  • Page 25: Winftm File Structure

    WinFTM File Structure WinFTM File Structure To ensure correct measurements, a set of specific files needs to be set up. The process flow for setting up the files needed for measurements, is the same on all FISCHERSCOPE X-RAY instruments: Def.MA: Definition of the measurement settings of the application Fig.

  • Page 26: Def.ma

    If you don’t have the knowledge, do not use the SUPER software, but request a new measurement application from FISCHER instead. FISCHER offers a professional service for the creation of customer’s Def.MA. Measurement Application...
  • Page 27 Product WinFTM File Structure 5.3.1 Dual Function of a Product A product consists of two parts that function independent of one another: Product Product part for the cali- Product part for the specimen bration standard set The parts have the following function: The product part for the specimen is used to measure the specimens.
  • Page 28 WinFTM File Structure Product FISCHERSCOPE ® X-RAY...

  • Page 29: User Interface Of The Winftm Software

    WinFTM Main Window User Interface of the WinFTM Software User Interface of the WinFTM Software The WinFTM (Fischer Thickness Management Software for Windows ) software ® ® controls the instrument and handles the evaluation of the signals supplied by the instrument.
  • Page 30 User Interface of the WinFTM Software WinFTM Main Window Item Function Tool bar The tool bar offers quick access to the most frequently used func- tions. You can adapt the tool bar according to your needs. Product bar Here you can select a product by clicking the button Select. In the center the number and name of the current product are displayed, here No.

  • Page 31: Video Image

    Video Image User Interface of the WinFTM Software Video Image With the help of the video image you can position and focus the specimen exactly. If you don‘t see the video image, it is switched off. To switch on the video image ►...
  • Page 32 User Interface of the WinFTM Software Video Image Item Function Z-axis slide Moves the Z-axis up or down. The more the slider is scrolled, the faster the Z-axis moves. control Button for Changes the color of the crosshairs in order to optimize the contrast changing the between specimen and crosshairs.

  • Page 33: Statistics Field

    Statistics Field User Interface of the WinFTM Software Statistics Field The statistical results of the last block are displayed in this field (see Fig. 6-1 on Page 29). A block is a test series. The test series has a first and a last value. The last value marks the end of the block.
  • Page 34 User Interface of the WinFTM Software Measurement Value Field If you have set up tolerance limits, the measurement value is displayed with colored back- ground. If the measurement value is within the tolerance limits, the measurement value is displayed on green background, otherwise on red background. 6.4.3 SPC Chart Presentation In this display mode the SPC chart (Statistical Process Control chart) is displayed in the...
  • Page 35 Measurement Value Field User Interface of the WinFTM Software You can display or hide the result channels defined within the DefMA according to your needs. 1. In the WinFTM main menu, click The window Modify product appears. 2. Select the tab Presentation. 3.

  • Page 36: Status Bar

    User Interface of the WinFTM Software Status Bar Status Bar The status bar is located at the bottom of the WinFTM window and displays the following: Help text mq value Operator‘s name XYZ coordinates Measurement distance Display Explanation Help text If you hover with the mouse pointer over a command button, addi- tional help text will be displayed here.
  • Page 37 mq Value User Interface of the WinFTM Software 6.6.1 Upper Limit of the mq Value The factory default for the upper limit of the mq value is set to 5. You do have the option to change this upper limit. When the upper limit of the mq value is exceeded during a measurement, the measure- ment will be terminated and the error message ERROR: Spectrum not suitable! will be issued.

  • Page 38: Limited Operating Mode - Short Menu

    ► Select in the WinFTM main menu General > short Menu. To activate the full menu 1. Select in the WinFTM main menu General > full Menu. The window Input Password appears. 2. Enter the password ?Fischer? The password is case sensitive. FISCHERSCOPE ® X-RAY...

  • Page 39: The Spectrum Window

    The Spectrum Window User Interface of the WinFTM Software The Spectrum Window X-ray fluorescence radiation is emitted from the irradiated sample. The detector receives this radiation, the instrument amplifies it and presents it as a spectrum. You can evaluate the measured spectrum in the spectrum window. With unknown samples you can analyze, which components comprise the sample.
  • Page 40 User Interface of the WinFTM Software The Spectrum Window You can change the display of the X axis to show the energies directly. To toggle the display of the X axis between energies and channels ► Select in the Spectrum window Scaling > X-Axis energy. To display the spectrum as colored area or colored line ►...
  • Page 41 The Spectrum Window User Interface of the WinFTM Software 6.8.3 Deleting a spectrum With this function you can remove one spectrum or several spectra from the spectrum window. It does not make a difference whether you have just generated the spectrum by a measurement or you have loaded a saved spectrum.
  • Page 42 User Interface of the WinFTM Software The Spectrum Window Procedure 1. Select in the Spectrum window View > Elements. You can display the extended elements list. To do so, select in the Spectrum window View > Full element list. 2. Click into the spectrum window, keep the mouse button pressed and move the cursor to a peak of the spectrum.
  • Page 43 The Spectrum Window User Interface of the WinFTM Software Intensity: Dependency on the Coating Thickness With coated samples, one generally sees the spectra of all coatings involved, their elements as well as the spectrum of the substrate material where the coatings are depos- ited.
  • Page 44 User Interface of the WinFTM Software The Spectrum Window FISCHERSCOPE ® X-RAY...

  • Page 45: Product Administration

    Product Product Administration Product Administration Product The instrument needs certain basic information to make Product measurements. This information is contained in the product file. For this reason, an appropriate product file must be selected or set up before measurements can be made. Setting up a new product An appropriate Def.MA must already be present before a new product can be set up.

  • Page 46: Importing A Product

    (see 7.13 ‘Reference samples’, beginning on Page 50). Importing a product If you have received a new product file from FISCHER, you need to import it. The file name has the extension *.sav, *.sv1 or *.sv3. Procedure 1.

  • Page 47: Modifying A Product

    Modifying a product Product Administration File…. The window Copy from/to file appears. 4. Select the tab File >>> Product. 5. Click Select. The window Select file appears. 6. Select the product file and click Select. The selected path appears in the field File. 7.

  • Page 48: Assigning A New Measurement Application To A Product

    Product Administration Assigning a new measurement application to a product Assigning a new measurement application to a product A new measurement application can be assigned to an existing product only if it has the same measurement mode as the existing measurement function.

  • Page 49: Deleting A Measurement Application

    7.11 Importing a Def.MA If you have received a new Def.MA file from FISCHER, you need to import it. The file name has the extension *.pb0. After this you create a new measurement application and a product based on the imported Def.MA.

  • Page 50: Backing Up Product Or Def.ma Files

    Product Administration Backing up product or Def.MA files 3. In the WinFTM main window select Product > Copy to/from File…. The window Copy from/to file appears. 4. Select the tab File >>> Def.MA. 5. Click Select. The window Select file appears. 6.

  • Page 51: Base Material In Def.ma

    7.14 Base material in Def.MA Def.MA files may be created Definition of the base material either by FISCHER, from where they may be forwarded to the user  for example as email attachment - the user may copy them to WinFTM using the menus "Product ->...
  • Page 52 Product Administration Base material in Def.MA Such features are substantial for WinFTM. They characterize this program as a leading evaluation tool among other programs in the X-ray fluorescence business. Those arguments do not hold if the base material structure is defined as "composition unknown".

  • Page 53: Monitoring The Measurement Devices

    Monitoring the measurement devices Product Administration excitation. Any combination of substrates not allowed in this context will be rejected. In any cases where a component of a layer is secondarily excited by a component of the base material fluorescence the definition "composition unknown" must not be used but the substrate has to be defined explicitly.
  • Page 54 Product Administration Monitoring the measurement devices The source signal is the spectrum of the X-ray fluorescence. From this signal, the program computes the thickness of the respective coatings and the concentrations of the alloy elements. The user calibrates the measurement application using calibration standards and stores the data in the product file.

  • Page 55: Handling Of Measurement Data And Statistical Evaluations

    Saving / not saving measurement data Handling of Measurement Data and Statistical Evaluations Handling of Measurement Data and Statistical Evaluations Saving / not saving measurement data In general, WinFTM saves all readings automatically in blocks within product files without the need for the user to expressly instruct the instrument to do so.

  • Page 56: Overwriting Measurement Data

    Handling of Measurement Data and Statistical Evaluations Overwriting Measurement Data Overwriting Measurement Data For various reasons, it can be useful to measure a specimen again and to overwrite the old reading with the new one. To do this, click (select) a reading, even a deleted one, from the list display mode and then click the [Start] command button.
  • Page 57 Closing a Block (Order no. / Operator) Handling of Measurement Data and Statistical Evaluations To open the dialog window “Order no. / Operator” Menu command “Evaluation > Order no. / Operator”, or  The two upper entry fields “Order no.” and “Batch no.” are linked to the block and their contents are stored together with the block data.

  • Page 58: Block Evaluation (Statistics)

    Handling of Measurement Data and Statistical Evaluations Block evaluation (statistics) Only with the PDM software add-on module is it possible to subsequently change any block-related field contents in the dialog window “Block evaluation” from the sub menu “Evaluate All Blocks” (Menu “Evaluation”) You can cause the program to prompt you automatically to fill in these fields for each new block.

  • Page 59: Variable And Fixed Block Size

    Variable and fixed block size Handling of Measurement Data and Statistical Evaluations Choose the command button [Readings] to open the window “Single readings”. In this window, you can delete values by selecting the respective line with the right mouse button and clicking the command button [Delete single reading].

  • Page 60: Statistics

    Handling of Measurement Data and Statistical Evaluations Statistics As described under “Evaluate block” above, you can select and then delete a desired block. However, you can also delete a block in the list display mode: To do this, select the block title “Block no. N” (where N is the block number) and click the icon [DEL] or the command “Delete reading Del.”...

  • Page 61: Setting Up The Print Form Using Pdm

    Statistical Evaluation and Documentation Using the Supplementary Software PDM Setting Up the Print Form Using PDM Setting Up the Print Form Using PDM Statistical Evaluation and Documentation Using the Supplementary Software PDM The optional supplementary software PDM (product data management) allows for a more convenient evaluation of the measurement data than the basic version of WinFTM.

  • Page 62: Editing Print Form Templates Using Pdm

    Setting Up the Print Form Using PDM Editing Print Form Templates Using PDM Editing Print Form Templates Using PDM Starting the Print Form Template Editor Select from two menu commands: “Evaluation > Print Form > new”  “Evaluation > Print Form > modify” ...

  • Page 63: Inserting Variables For Print Form Templates

    Inserting Variables for Print Form Templates Setting Up the Print Form Using PDM Example of a print form template for block evaluation: Inserting Variables for Print Form Templates How to insert variables into print form templates: 1. You will find a list of all variables that can be inserted into the print form template to the right of the editing field.
  • Page 64 Setting Up the Print Form Using PDM Variables Available for Block Evaluation Example “Dual coating measurement” Top coating thickness = 1 and intermediate coating thickness = 2 List of variables for block evaluation: @ANBOrder number of the selected block or the information that has been entered into the first entry field of the dialog window “Order No./ Operator”.
  • Page 65 Variables Available for Block Evaluation Setting Up the Print Form Using PDM @DATCurrent date for the print form Default format: DD/MM/YYYY, e.g., 24.05.1998) @DF1Density of the coating that has been entered into the current product. This applies only to coatings with a fixed composition.
  • Page 66 Setting Up the Print Form Using PDM Variables Available for Block Evaluation @NB1Number of readings present in the block that contribute to the statistical block result @NCALNumber of single readings that are taken on the calibration standard during the calibration of the current measurement application (the current meas.
  • Page 67 Variables Available for Block Evaluation Setting Up the Print Form Using PDM The standard deviation s is a measure for the distribution of Regarding the numerals 1; 2; 3 … after certain the single readings of the measurement series around their variables: common mean value.

  • Page 68: Variables Available For The Final Evaluation

    (1,2,3). Example: @VIF[40,Fischer.bmp] -> the image that is saved Example “Dual coating in the file “Fischer.bmp” appears in the print form. measurement” Top coating thickness = 1 Image height = 40 mm. Intermediate coating...
  • Page 69 Variables Available for the final Evaluation Setting Up the Print Form Using PDM @ANBOrder number of the last block of the selected blocks or the information that has been entered into the first entry field of the dialog window “Order No./ Operator”. @BM1Lot number of the last block of the selected blocks or the information that has been entered into the second entry field of the dialog window “Order No./ Operator”.
  • Page 70 Setting Up the Print Form Using PDM Variables Available for the final Evaluation of the current product. @SA1Standard deviation s_a. This standard deviation expresses the additional distribution of the mean values of fixed blocks that cannot be explained by the standard deviation s of the single readings within the blocks.

  • Page 71: Products With A Variable Or Fixed Block Size

    Products with a variable or fixed block size Setting Up the Print Form Using PDM presentation and computation of the violations of the lower limit in the selected block of the current product. @VK1Coefficient of variation of the single readings of the selected block.
  • Page 72 Setting Up the Print Form Using PDM Products with a variable or fixed block size All variables and parameters that otherwise refer to single readings refer, in this case, to the mean values of the individual blocks (except for histogram and normal probability chart, which continue to refer to single readings).

  • Page 73: Special Features For Spc Charts

    Special Features for SPC Charts Setting Up the Print Form Using PDM window “Measurement quantity selection”, the variable “@MW2” will appear in the print form template. NOTE: Note: The variables must always be entered in upper case letters! NOTE: Note: The character @ is part of the variable, i.e., it must be entered, must not be deleted and it must not be followed by space! NOTE:...

  • Page 74: Printing The Print Form Using The Supplementary Software Pdm

    Setting Up the Print Form Using PDM Printing the Print Form Using the Supplementary Software PDM (e.g., @SP1[150,90]). NOTE: Note: You can only enter numbers in these fields if the option box “Size user-defined” is checked. Printing the Print Form Using the Supplementary Software PDM Print forms can be printed very easily when using the supplementary software PDM.

  • Page 75: Measurement Uncertainty And Measuring Ranges

    Printing the Print Form Using the Supplementary Software PDM Measurement Uncertainty and Measuring Ranges Measurement Uncertainty and Measuring Ranges The program is able to display for each measurement result a corresponding measurement uncertainty. To estimate the Measuring range In the WinFTM main menu select Calibrate > Estimate meas.

  • Page 76: Meaning Of The Measurement Uncertainty

    Measurement Uncertainty and Measuring Ranges Meaning of the measurement uncertainty Definition "Measuring range" Range, where the precision does not exceed a specified limit value. Precision: random measurement uncertainty due to distribution of the spectral channel contents of the instrument. 10.1 Meaning of the measurement uncertainty Measurement uncertainty refers to the unknown difference to the true value.

  • Page 77: Random Error

    Random Error Measurement Uncertainty and Measuring Ranges 10.2 Random Error If a measurement is repeated N times, the single readings will deviate around a mean value. The cause for this is the random distribution of the channel contents of the spectrum, whose law of formation (Poisson distribution) we know.

  • Page 78: Systematic Error

    Measurement Uncertainty and Measuring Ranges Systematic Error Calibration standard set. Input of the nominal values of the standards. The uncertainties (errors) must be entered as well. If the pre-set Zero is not changed then the program will automatically use 1% of the nominal values for coating thicknesses and area masses, and 1 mass % for concentrations as the uncertainty, referenced to k=1 (68% confidence interval).

  • Page 79: Display Of The Measurement Uncertainty

    Display of the measurement uncertainty Measurement Uncertainty and Measuring Ranges standard set, cf. figure below. For the confidence interval, the general provision according to Section 1 applies here as well. For program-technology reasons, the systematic portion of the error is available only via On-line-Export. Setting of the error display for screen output and export in the "Calibration standard set".
  • Page 80 Measurement Uncertainty and Measuring Ranges Display of the measurement uncertainty Systematic portion Computed from the Uses the error value of random error of the the last measurement calibration measure- of the block ment and the uncer- tainties of the nominal values of the stan- dards, according to the input in the "Calibra-...
  • Page 81 Display of the measurement uncertainty Measurement Uncertainty and Measuring Ranges Example for the export of single readings and block results Online export to text file. Export template "Single reading" por- @NBR. @VA1 +/- @ER1@CRX@LFX@END tion: "Block evaluation" por- Evaluation Block No. @BLK @ANB @PRF tion: @LOT@CRX@LFX@MW1+/- @VB1 s=@S_1 (N=@NM1)@CRX@LFX@CRX@LFX@END...

  • Page 82: Task Programming

    Task programming Starting a Task Task programming A Task is a sequence of predefined commands which can be used for programming WinFTM procedures. 11.1 Starting a Task The menu command “Task > Task start” starts a task. Use the F3 function key to interrupt the program run. 11.2 Programming Tool The commands are similar (or in some cases equal to) the import commands.

  • Page 83: Getting Started With Task Programming

    Getting started with task programming Task programming 11.3 Getting started with task programming There are some predefined examples which are helpful for testing. The user should start his task programming by a modification of these examples. The "Save as .." option can be used to create new task files.
  • Page 84 Task programming List of Task Commands f11 A,XLoads - from of directory A - product no. X f12 B Loads - from current directory - product with designation B f13 A,BLoads - from directory A - product with designation B f15 N Loads Stabi Test product no.
  • Page 85 List of Task Commands Task programming p62V2Sets variable 2 = V3 p63V3Sets variable 3 = V3 p71L V1 = V1 -1, if V1 > 0 GOTO label L p72L V2 = V2 -1, if V2 > 0 GOTO label L p73L V3 = V3 -1, if V3 >...

  • Page 86: Example Specification Limit Commands

    Task programming Example Specification Limit Commands ?KX minimum 1 reading is not measurable (in the following sub-chapter, the commands of S are explained using a practical example) 11.6 Example Specification Limit Commands The following example clarifies the terms used on the previous pages at “S”: Task: The values of the “current measurement data set”...

  • Page 87: Data Back-Up

    Extent of the data back-up Data back-up Data back-up Regularly back-up at least the following folders or files in order to Protect your data - back be able to return to the previous status in case of a hard disk crash them up! or accidental erasure of important files: Folder “Data”...

  • Page 88: Back-Up Cycle

    Data back-up Back-up cycle 12.3 Back-up cycle Data back-up prompt You can set the back-up cycle, that is, the waiting time until the prompt for the data back-up appears in the entry box “Waiting time …”. The actual operating time of the instrument is counted in days. If you enter “0”, the prompt for data back-up will occur after about 1 min.
  • Page 89 Back-up cycle Data back-up Use the menu command “Product > copy from … to…” from within the WinFTM Software to copy individual product files, for example, onto a diskette and transfer them, for example, to an instrument of the same type. FISCHERSCOPE ®...

  • Page 90: Mass Per Unit Area And Geometric Coating Thickness

    Mass per unit area and geometric coating thickness Back-up cycle Mass per unit area and geometric coating thickness The natural unit of measurement for X-ray fluorescence is mass per unit area. Definition "Mass per unit area": Mass per area The number of atoms or the mass per unit area can be determined from the fluorescence spectrum.
  • Page 91 Back-up cycle Mass per unit area and geometric coating thickness of the characteristic radiation of the coating material is determined from the number of atoms within the excited sample volume. The intensity of this radiation is higher as more atoms of the sample volume are excited by the primary radiation and emit their radiation to the detector.

  • Page 92: Correlation Between Mass Per Unit Area And Coating Thickness

    Mass per unit area and geometric coating thickness Correlation between mass per unit area and coating thickness Essentially, the measurement of the x-ray fluorescence is an indirect count of the excited atoms under a surface with a precisely defined size, the so-called “measurement spot”. 13.1 Correlation between mass per unit area and coating thickness If a coating is comprised of several elements, the instrument initially...
  • Page 93 Correlation between mass per unit area and coating thickness Mass per unit area and geometric coating thickness Correspondingly, the density is greater than the one shown in Figure 1. The XRF method can provide the correct (geometric) coating thickness if the measurement application that is used in process 1 uses a lower density for converting the mass per unit area into coating thickness according to equation 1 than the one of process 2.

  • Page 94: Calibration Standards From Fischer

    No data have been obtained using the cross-cut method. By default, WinFTM uses the density values of the Heräus table. The calibration lab of FISCHER has been accredited by the Deutsche Akkreditierungsrat [German Accrediting Council] for the measurement unit “mass per area unit”.
  • Page 95 Setting the density in the Def.MA Mass per unit area and geometric coating thickness If you wish to work in a different mode, select the respective mode command to operate the dialog window “Def.MA” in the desired mode. Dialog window “Definition of elements“. The density of the current element can be entered or edited in the entry box “g/cmˆ3”.

  • Page 96: Measurement Device Monitoring For The Fischerscope X-Ray

    According to quality management guidelines, all measuring instruments are subject to measurement device monitoring. FISCHER, as a manufacturer of measurement instruments, accounts for this and sees to it that customers who require advice and support are able to properly use their measurement instruments.
  • Page 97 (documentation is required; see Fischer Application Report vr 9812). Strictly speaking, a ”correct” measurement is secure only for such samples that correspond to the calibration standards in their coating structure and composition.

  • Page 98: Why Monitor Measurement Devices

    Measurement device monitoring for the Fischerscope X-RAY Why monitor measurement devices? 14.2 Why monitor measurement devices? Stability In the course of time, each coating thickness measuring instrument changes due to wear and drift. Long-term, this also changes the measurement applications and calibrations, and thus, the measurement readings.

  • Page 99: Variation Of Measurement Readings

    Variation of measurement readings Measurement device monitoring for the Fischerscope X-RAY 14.3 Variation of measurement readings The displayed value of any measuring instrument will not be exactly Repeatability the same when repeating a measurement, instead it will vary, even Conditions under otherwise equal measurement conditions (repeatability conditions), due to random influences of the instrument.

  • Page 100: Trueness Of Measurement Readings

    Measurement device monitoring for the Fischerscope X-RAY Trueness of measurement readings Variations The variations of an X-ray fluorescence instrument depend on the measurement parameters measurement time, distance between the detector and the specimen, intensity of the primary beam and other characteristics of the instrument as well as on the physics of the X-ray fluorescence with regard to the measurement application.

  • Page 101: Random And Systematic Deviations

    Random and systematic deviations Measurement device monitoring for the Fischerscope X-RAY Please note that we expressly speak of the trueness as a property of the measurement readings. However, many believe the trueness to be a property of the instrument! Unprofessionally, this is expressed in the question for the ”accuracy of the instrument”.
  • Page 102 Measurement device monitoring for the Fischerscope X-RAY Random and systematic deviations standard: In such a case, the user need not be surprised by the deviation. Statistics teaches: Only when a mean value of a test series of at least 7 single readings misses the nominal value of a calibration standard by more than one standard deviation can one assert that the deviation is a systematic one.

  • Page 103: Trueness And Precision

    Trueness and precision Measurement device monitoring for the Fischerscope X-RAY explained by the lacking precision of the instruments involved and does not need to cause a dispute. In such cases, one can no longer speak of different measurement results. However, if one wishes to prove that the difference is systematic, then the precision of the involved instruments must be increased (e.g., by increasing the measurement time or by decreasing the measurement distance or...
  • Page 104 Measurement device monitoring for the Fischerscope X-RAY Trueness and precision This can be observed, for example, with round robin tests on the same sample with a marked reference area, even if each instrument is correctly calibrated and checked. The reasons are the random deviations of each single reading, and thus of each mean value of a test series, the random deviations at each calibration, and also the fact that each calibration standard is labeled with a...

  • Page 105: Practical Monitoring Of The Measurement Devices

    Practical monitoring of the measurement devices Measurement device monitoring for the Fischerscope X-RAY reading differences. It is not without reason that the X-ray fluorescence method is considered the most accurate measurement method for coating thicknesses due to its high comparative precision. Because the most common and grave deviations are of a systematic nature, they must be found and corrected.
  • Page 106 Measurement device monitoring for the Fischerscope X-RAY Practical monitoring of the measurement devices samples can also be used to compare the measurement results of two parties (e.g., supplier and customer) when calibration standards are not available at one of the parties and one tries to avoid shipping of relatively expensive calibration standards.

  • Page 107: When And How To Carry Out Corrections

    When and how to carry out corrections? Measurement device monitoring for the Fischerscope X-RAY performs a calibration service, for example, because no calibration standards are available, the user only has the option to monitor the measurement device using reference standards. Thus, establishing reference samples is an obligatory consequence of using a calibration service, because continued access to standards by the user is not possible.
  • Page 108 Measurement device monitoring for the Fischerscope X-RAY When and how to carry out corrections? and of the substrate material) of the measurement application, testing of the spectra library (see below).  With a Fischerscope XRAY with WinFTM software, the spectra of the ”pure elements”...

  • Page 109: Wouldn't It Be Better To Re-Calibrate

    Wouldn’t it be better to re-calibrate? Measurement device monitoring for the Fischerscope X-RAY ment device monitoring is not recommended directly after power-up of the instrument, even though regular measurements can be made. 14.9 Wouldn’t it be better to re-calibrate? To correct a measurement application that does no longer ”fit” according to the control chart, a reference measurement and a normalization or the verification and possibly but very rarely, a re- measurement of the spectra library are generally sufficient.

  • Page 110: Pre-Run For Determining The Control Limits

    Measurement device monitoring for the Fischerscope X-RAY Pre-run for determining the control limits retain a once secured measurement application essentially without changes than to overwrite it through re-calibration, often done for no reason. Thus, please only follow the corrective measures recommended by us.
  • Page 111 Pre-run for determining the control limits Measurement device monitoring for the Fischerscope X-RAY The standard deviations s of groups 1 to 10 are used to build the arithmetic mean value s = (1/m) ·  s The index i runs across the number m of the groups. The estimated value s serves as the ”current”...
  • Page 112 (mean values Ni. and Cu. per group, standard deviation s per group), the final result, the control limits as well as the control charts for the nickel coating and for the copper coating: Helmut Fischer GmbH Office West Danziger Straße 1050374 Erftstadt Tel.: 02235 41447Fax: 02235 922990 Fischerscope ®...
  • Page 113 Pre-run for determining the control limits Measurement device monitoring for the Fischerscope X-RAY Operation.:5 x 10 measurements Final evaluation fromGroup No. 1 measured 12:22:09 toGroup No. 10 measured 12:39:55 nbl= 1 Ni.= 7.54 μm Cu.= 7.79 μm 0.085 μm s = 0.098 μm nbl= 2 Ni.= 7.45 μm Cu.=...
  • Page 114 Measurement device monitoring for the Fischerscope X-RAY Pre-run for determining the control limits All printed values are available in the print form of WinFTM PDM as variables (including the control charts). They can re-calculate the printed control limits by using the original values (mean value x. and standard deviations s) and the equations specified in the previous section.

  • Page 115: Long-Term Monitoring

    In such cases, the user should entrust his problem and help to the support and service personnel of FISCHER. FISCHERSCOPE ® X-RAY...
  • Page 116 Measurement device monitoring for the Fischerscope X-RAY Long-term monitoring FISCHERSCOPE ® X-RAY...

  • Page 117: Calibration

    Calibration Calibration 15.0.1 Purpose of the Calibration A calibration is required in the following situations: A new measuring application has been set up.  A product was imported.  If during a reference measurement a deviation was encountered that is greater than ...
  • Page 118 Calibration Procedure 1. In the WinFTM main window select Calibrate > Calibration Standard Set…. An empty window will appear, if the measuring application has not yet been calibrated. If the measuring applica- tion has already been calibrated, check the values in the window. If the values are plausible, click OK and skip the steps 2.
  • Page 119 Calibration Type With multi-coating systems, it may be the case that existing  interim coatings act as base material of a calibration stan- dard or that coatings are not present. This setting is made here. 7. Once you have entered all values of a calibration standard, click OK. 8.
  • Page 120 Calibration 14. Position the standard, close the measuring chamber, adjust the focus and click Start. The instrument will perform the measurement. After the measurement, you will be prompted either to measure a new standard or to measure the same standard one more time. If you measure the same standard again, move it slightly to measure it at a different location.
  • Page 121 Calibration Nominal value x measured s measured min. value max. value Evaluation Cr 1.5 μm 1.51 μm 0.03 μm 1.45 μm 1.57 μm Cr 0.77 μm 0.75 μm 0.02 μm 0.68 μm 0.79 μm Not OK The calibration was successful if all re-measurements are within the respective ranges and you are able to use the measuring application.
  • Page 122 Calibration FISCHERSCOPE ® X-RAY...

  • Page 123: Measurement Data Export

    Starting the Measurement Data Export Measurement Data Export Measurement Data Export You can export the measured values, their XYZ coordinates, statistical evaluations and other data to other applications like spreadsheets, statistical evaluation tools or process control systems. All settings for the measurement data export are assigned to one product. For each product, you can define different settings for the data export.

  • Page 124: Export Settings

    Measurement Data Export Export Settings 2. In the window Exporting data select the following options: Do not check Online-Export ON. Press the button Select…, which is located besides the fields Template: and No.. Select the export template, e. g. default. Click overwrite file.
  • Page 125 Export Settings Measurement Data Export Table 16-2: Explanation of the controls of the Exporting data window Control Explanation Online-Export ON The measurement data is exported continuously when measurement data is acquired by the instrument. The reading is exported directly after a measurement is made. ...

  • Page 126: Setting Up An Export Template

    Measurement Data Export Setting up an Export Template Table 16-2: Explanation of the controls of the Exporting data window Control Explanation to Excel The data will be directly sent to an Excel file. A new Excel workbook (Workbook 1) opens with the first exported value.
  • Page 127 Setting up an Export Template Measurement Data Export The window Definition of Export Template appears. The three sub-windows on the left define the different sections of data to be exported: single readings, block statistics and header info. With the check boxes in the area Export Mode you can activate or deactivate the sections.
  • Page 128 Measurement Data Export Setting up an Export Template To add a variable to your template: 1. Set the cursor to the position in your template, where the variable shall be inserted. 2. Highlight the variable in the window at the right. 3.
  • Page 129 Setting up an Export Template Measurement Data Export Template for block statistics Syntax: Block #@TAB@BLK@TAB@ANB@TAB@LOT@TAB@BM1@TAB@BM2@CRX@LFX x = @TAB@TAB@MW1@TAB@MW2@TAB@MW3 … MW20@CRX@LFX s = @TAB@TAB@S_1@TAB@S_2@TAB@S_3 … S_20@LFX@LFX@END For more clarity the syntax is shown here in two lines. In the window Definition of Export Template the template must be written in one line to avoid unwanted carriage returns and line feeds.
  • Page 130 Measurement Data Export Setting up an Export Template Header export mask Syntax: @CAL@TAB#@TAB@PRN@CRX@LFX@LFX #@TABOperator@TAB@EL1 @DM1@TAB@EL2 @DM2@TAB@EL3 @DM3 … @EL20 @DM20@LFX@LFX@END For more clarity the syntax is shown here in two lines. In the window Definition of Export Template the template must be written in one line to avoid unwanted carriage returns and line feeds.

  • Page 131: Addendum

    Description of the Characteristic Statistical Parameters Addendum Addendum 17.1 Description of the Characteristic Statistical Parameters 17.1.1 Block Result Parameter Description Equation Mean value of the single readings, Mean value  -- - called arithmetic mean value . The arithmetic mean value is the summation of all single readings Single readings a measurement series (block/group),...
  • Page 132 Addendum Description of the Characteristic Statistical Parameters Parameter Description Equation Coefficient of Ratio of the standard deviation to the --100 mean value variation Standard deviation Mean value of the block For sufficiently large samples it can be said:  -- - ...
  • Page 133 Description of the Characteristic Statistical Parameters Addendum 17.1.2 Final Result – Fixed Block Definition Automatic block creation (Block definition fix) is enabled for the product. Parameter Description Equation Mean value of the block mean Mean value values. is the summation of all ...
  • Page 134 Addendum Description of the Characteristic Statistical Parameters Parameter Description Equation Coefficient of Standard deviation referring to the --100 mean value variation : Mean standard deviation Mean value of the block mean values Mean range of the block ranges Mean range ...
  • Page 135 Description of the Characteristic Statistical Parameters Addendum Parameter Description Equation Process capability index   Min C Computed and displayed only if specification limits are enabled – ------------------ - 3 ˆ USL – ------------------- - 3 ˆ Upper specification limit Lower specification limit ...
  • Page 136 Addendum Description of the Characteristic Statistical Parameters 17.1.3 Final Result – Variable Block Definition Manual block creation (Block definition variable) is enabled for the product. Parameter Description Equation Arithmetic mean value of the single Mean value  -- - readings Single readings of the selected blocks Number of measurements of the...
  • Page 137 Description of the Characteristic Statistical Parameters Addendum Parameter Description Equation Difference between the highest and Range – the lowest reading of the selected blocks : Highest reading of the selected blocks : Lowest reading of the selected blocks Range relating to the mean value Range ---100 Range...
  • Page 138 Addendum Description of the Characteristic Statistical Parameters Parameter Description Equation Number of measurements that are n (> above the upper specification limit Number of measurements that are n (> ) [%] above the upper specification limit in percent Displayed only if specification limits are enabled Number of measurements that are n (<...

  • Page 139: Periodic Table Of The Elements With X-Ray Properties

    Periodic Table of the Elements with X-Ray Properties Addendum 17.2 Periodic Table of the Elements with X-Ray Properties FISCHERSCOPE ® X-RAY...
  • Page 140 Addendum Periodic Table of the Elements with X-Ray Properties FISCHERSCOPE ® X-RAY...

  • Page 141: Data Sheet

    DATA SHEET ® FISCHERSCOPE X-RAY 4000 Series X-Ray Fluorescence Measuring System for Continuous In-line Measurement and Analysis in Production Processes, on Flat and Stamped Strips, also with Formed and Stamped Contact Areas. Coating Thickness Material Analysis Microhardness Material Testing...
  • Page 142 Calibration is automated and therefore quickly carried out. Performance The instruments of the FISCHERSCOPE X-RAY 4000 series are available in three ver- sions with different travel path lengths. As an option, the system can also be air- conditioned.
  • Page 143 General Specification Intended use Energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence measuring system (EDXRF) to analyze and measure coatings and layer systems continuously in production processes. Element range Instruments with proportional counter tube: Chlorine (17) to Uranium (92) Instruments with PIN diode or silicon drift detector: Aluminium (13) to Uranium (92) Features Calibration Fully automated, can be carried out simply and quickly...
  • Page 144 Fischer Measurement Technologies (India) Pvt. Ltd, Pune 411036, India, Tel. + 91 20 26 82 20 65, india@helmutfischer.com Fischer Instrumentation (S) Pte Ltd, Singapore 658065, Singapore, Tel. +65 62 76 67 76, singapore@helmutfischer.com Helmut Fischer Korea Co., Ltd Seoul City Republic of Korea Tel +82 10 34 73 12 80 korea@helmutfischer com Coating Thickness...

  • Page 145: Winftm Features

    FEATURES WinFTM ® Software for FISCHERSCOPE X-RAY ® Fluorescence Spectrometers Coating Thickness Material Analysis Microhardness Material Testing...
  • Page 146 Contents Overview ..........147 WinFTM Versions: BASIC and LIGHT .

  • Page 147: Overview

    The usage of the SUPER software requires deep knowledge of the physics of x-ray fluo- rescence and the functionality of the instrument. Alternatively, you can request a new measurement application from FISCHER. FISCHER offers a professional service for the creation of customer’s Def.MA.

  • Page 148: Fisim

    The different versions and extensions of WinFTM are activated by different FISIMs (Fischer Software Identification Module). A FISIM is a dongle, which is plugged into the computer’s USB socket, before WinFTM is started. Look at the data sheet of your instru- ment to find out, which WinFTM version and extension is running on your system by de- fault.

  • Page 149: Features Of Winftm Basic And Light

    Integrated Technology Features of WinFTM BASIC and LIGHT Features of WinFTM BASIC and LIGHT The following section describes the features of the software versions BASIC and LIGHT. If there are restrictions in the LIGHT version, they are indicated in the text. Integrated Technology Coating thickness measurement and material analysis can be performed in one run.

  • Page 150: Material Analysis

    Features of WinFTM BASIC and LIGHT Material Analysis With the LIGHT version max. 4 or 5 individual parameters of a specimen can be measured (thickness: 4 elements, composition: 5 elements). Examples: A component is to be measured that has 4 layers each consisting of one element. ...

  • Page 151: Automated Material Identification (Class Of Materials)

    Automated Material Identification (Class of Materials) Features of WinFTM BASIC and LIGHT Automated Material Identification (Class of Materials) You can easily sort specimens with different compositions and/or coating thicknesses in different classes of materials. You don’t need to perform reference measurements for each composition or coating thickness.

  • Page 152: Optical Functions

    Features of WinFTM BASIC and LIGHT Optical Functions Optical Functions Function Description Video image of the spec- The specimen is shown in the video window inside the imen WinFTM main window. Scaled crosshairs Scaled crosshairs are electronically inserted into the video image.

  • Page 153: Further Features Of Winftm

    Further Features of WinFTM Features of WinFTM BASIC and LIGHT Further Features of WinFTM Function Description Standard Windows user Users with basic knowledge of Windows will very quickly ® ® interface be familiar with the program’s user interface. Product functions You can set up, select, delete, edit and copy products.
  • Page 154 Features of WinFTM BASIC and LIGHT Further Features of WinFTM Function Description Calculating the random The measurement uncertainty, which is based on natural measurement uncertainty count statistics, is an important quantity in measurement u of a measured quantity technology. The measurement uncertainty u of the current single ...
  • Page 155 Further Features of WinFTM Features of WinFTM BASIC and LIGHT Function Description Programmed measure- You can simply program routinely repeating measurement ment sequences (Tasks) sequences and execute them automatically. Even very complex measurement sequences can be  simplified. Dialogs for operators can be shown on the screen (e.g. ...

  • Page 156: Measurement Data Management

    Features of WinFTM BASIC and LIGHT Measurement Data Management 2.10 Measurement Data Management Function Description Block function A block is a concluded series of measurements. Measure- ment data is stored and evaluated as blocks, including the date and time of the measurement, a notepad, the contin- uous number of the block as well as block-related data.
  • Page 157 Displaying, Documenting and Backing up Measurement Results and Parameters Features of WinFTM BASIC and LIGHT Function Description SPC presentation of the The SPC chart can directly be displayed on the monitor as measurement results x-bar/s chart or x-bar/r chart. For automated measurement sequences with large batch sizes, you can easily recognize long-term changes of the coating thickness and of other process parameters through the presentation of a trend...

  • Page 158: Presentation Of Readings

    Features of WinFTM BASIC and LIGHT Presentation of Readings Function Description Copying products You can copy products including related measurement data including measurement e.g. for data backup. data Automatic, time- You can select folders, which will be backed up automati- controlled backup cally.

  • Page 159: Calibrating And Monitoring Of The Measuring Equipment

    Calibrating and Monitoring of the Measuring Equipment Features of WinFTM BASIC and LIGHT 2.13 Calibrating and Monitoring of the Measuring Equipment Function Description Calibration of new or The obtained calibration data are stored. existing products Standard-free calibration You can calibrate without calibration standards by means of the fundamental parameter method.

  • Page 160: Display And Evaluation Of Spectra

    Features of WinFTM BASIC and LIGHT Display and Evaluation of Spectra Function Description Automatic reduction of After several minutes of instrument idle the x-ray tube the x-ray tube current current is reduced automatically. Thus, the service life of the tube is increased and energy is saved. Drift compensation A shift of the peak position in the spectrum is compensated by the software.
  • Page 161 Control the XY(Z) Measuring Stage Features of WinFTM BASIC and LIGHT Function Description Travel to absolute or rela- You can enter absolute or relative coordinates to travel the tive coordinates stage. The zero point of an operation can be specified indi- vidually.

  • Page 162: Winftm Pdm: Expanded Product Data Administration And Result Documentation

    WinFTM PDM: Expanded Product Data Administration and Result Documentation Control the XY(Z) Measuring Stage WinFTM PDM: Expanded Product Data Administration and Result Documentation PDM (Product Data Management) is a supplementary software module to WinFTM BASIC or LIGHT. The PDM software features the following functions: Function Description Setting up new products...
  • Page 163 Control the XY(Z) Measuring Stage WinFTM PDM: Expanded Product Data Administration and Function Description Result documentation You can assign individual print form templates to each  product for block and final evaluation. You can evaluate the measurement readings of several ...

  • Page 164: Comparative Overview With/Without Winftm Pdm

    WinFTM PDM: Expanded Product Data Administration and Result Documentation Comparative Overview with/without Comparative Overview with/without WinFTM PDM WinFTM PDM (Product Data Management) as a supplemental software is suitable for both WinFTM BASIC and for WinFTM LIGHT. In both cases, the functional scope of WinFTM PDM is identical.

  • Page 165: Winftm Super: For The Experienced X-Ray User

    The usage of the SUPER software requires deep knowledge of the physics of x-ray fluo- rescence and the functionality of the instrument. Alternatively, you can request a new measurement application from FISCHER. FISCHER offers a professional service for the creation of customer’s Def.MA.
  • Page 166 WinFTM SUPER: For the Experienced X-RAY User Comparative Overview with/without WinFTM PDM WinFTM ®...
  • Page 167 WinFTM ®...
  • Page 168 Microsoft Corporation - USA. Helmut Fischer GmbH Institut für Elektronik und Messtechnik, 71069 Sindelfingen, Germany, Tel. +49 70 31 30 30, mail@helmut-fischer.de Fischer Instrumentation (GB) Ltd, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 8JD, England, Tel. +44 15 90 68 41 00, mail@fischergb.co.uk Fischer Technology, Inc., Windsor, CT 06095, USA, Tel.
  • Page 169 Index Index Aperture 15 File Structure 25 ASTM B568 7 final evaluation 74 FISIM 148 Fluorescence 12 back-up 87 Fully protected instrument 8 BASIC 147 Functional principle of the instrument 13 block 156 Evaluation 74 IEC 348 7 IEC 348 / VDE 0411 Directive 7 Class of Materials 151 Intended Use 7 Collimator 15...
  • Page 170 Index Normalization 117 Uncertainty of the measurment 33 User Interface of the WinFTM Software 29 Operators with Introductory Training 9 VDE 0411 7 PDM 147, 162 Video Image 31 PDM supplementary software 61 Performing Measurements 21 WinFTM 11, 29, 147 Preparing measurements, process flow 25 WinFTM main window 29...

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