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Summary of Contents for DAKOTA ULTRASONICS MX-5
- Page 1 OPERATION MANUAL DAKOTA ULTRASONICS MODEL MX-5 DL ULTRASONIC THICKNESS GAUGE P/N P-115-0002 Rev.1.90, January 2008...
- Page 2 Dakota Ultrasonics. Every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this publication. Dakota Ultrasonics assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of information contained herein.
- Page 3 MX-5 DL Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge CONTENTS NTRODUCTION PERATION EYPAD ISPLAY RANSDUCER AKING EASUREMENTS ONDITION AND REPARATION OF URFACES ROBE ALIBRATION NITS ACKLIGHT LARM , RS232 P & D EEPER OGGER RANSDUCER ELECTION A: P PPENDIX RODUCT PECIFICATIONS B: A PPENDIX...
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- Page 5 This manual is presented in three sections. The first section covers operation of the MX-5 DL, and explains the keypad controls and display. The second section provides guidelines in selecting a transducer for a specific application. The last section provides application notes and a table of sound velocity values for various materials.
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Page 7: Operation
The Keypad This key is used to turn the MX-5 DL on and off. When the tool is turned ON, it will first perform a brief display test by illuminating all of the segments in the display. After one second, the tool will display the internal software version number and the current file location and status. - Page 8 Dakota Ultrasonics The PRB-0 key is used to "zero" the MX-5 DL in much the same way that a mechanical micrometer is zeroed. If the tool is not zeroed correctly, all of the measurements that the tool makes may be in error by some fixed value.
- Page 9 24 for further information regarding the use of the UP arrow key and the data logger. The DOWN arrow key has three functions. When the MX-5 DL is in the CAL mode, this key is used to decrease numeric values on the display. An auto-repeat function is built in, so that when the key is held down, numeric values will decrement at an increasing rate.
- Page 10 DL. This key is used in conjunction with the UP/DOWN arrows, SEND, AND CLR keys (hi-lighted in green). The combination of these keys control the data logging features of the MX-5 DL. Refer to the section on data logging page 24.
- Page 11 "1", and is used to display numeric values, as well as occasional simple words, to indicate the status of various settings. When the MX-5 DL is displaying thickness measurements, the display will hold the last value measured, until a new measurement is made.
- Page 12 Dakota Ultrasonics When the IN symbol is on, the MX-5 DL is displaying a thickness value in inches. The maximum thickness that can be displayed is 19.999 inches. When the MM symbol is on, the MX-5 DL is displaying a thickness value in millimeters.
- Page 13 MX-5 DL Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge The Transducer The transducer is the "business end" of the MX-5 DL. It transmits and receives ultrasonic sound waves that the M X-5 DL uses to calculate the thickness of the material being measured. The transducer connects to the MX-5 DL via the attached cable, and two coaxial connectors.
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Page 14: Making Measurements
If the MX-5 DL has been properly "zeroed" (see page 13) and set to the correct sound velocity (see page 14), the number in the display will indicate the... - Page 15 Occasionally, a small film of couplant will be drawn out between the transducer and the surface as the transducer is removed. When this happens, the MX-5 DL may perform a measurement through this couplant film, resulting in a measurement that is larger or smaller than it should be.
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Page 16: Condition And Preparation Of Surfaces
Dakota Ultrasonics Condition and Preparation of Surfaces In any ultrasonic measurement scenario, the shape and roughness of the test surface are of paramount importance. Rough, uneven surfaces may limit the penetration of ultrasound through the material, and result in unstable, and therefore unreliable, measurements. The surface being measured should be clean, and free of any small particulate matter, rust, or scale. -
Page 17: Probe Zero
Check that the wearface of the transducer is clean and free of any debris. 3) The metal probe-disc is on the top end of the MX-5 DL. Apply a single droplet of ultrasonic couplant to the face of this disc. - Page 18 Calibration In order for the MX-5 DL to make accurate measurements, it must be set to the correct sound-velocity for the material being measured. Different types of material have different inherent sound-velocities. For example, the velocity of sound through steel is about 0.233 inches-per-microsecond,...
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Page 19: Calibration To A Known Thickness
8) Press the CAL key again. The IN/µ s (or M/s) symbols should begin flashing. The MX-5 DL is now displaying the sound velocity value it has calculated based on the thickness value that was entered in step 7. -
Page 20: Calibration To A Known Velocity
(0.233 IN/µs). To achieve the most accurate measurements possible, it is generally advisable to always calibrate the MX-5 DL to a sample piece of known thickness. Material composition (and thus, its sound-velocity) sometimes varies from lot to lot and from manufacturer to manufacturer. Calibration to a sample of known thickness will ensure that the tool is set as closely as possible to the sound velocity of the material to be measured. -
Page 21: Two Point Calibration
8) Press the Probe key. The display will flash 1OF2. Repeat steps 3 through 7 on the second calibration point. The MX-5 DL will now display the sound velocity value it has calculated based on the... - Page 22 Dakota Ultrasonics thickness values that were entered in step 7. The MX-5 DL is now ready to perform measurements within this range. MX-5 DL Modes Changing Units IN / MM The MX-5 DL has the ability to display measurements in both the English (IN) and Metric (MM) systems.
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Page 23: The Back Light
MX-5 DL Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge The Back light The back light of the MX-5 DL can be set to three different positions on/off/auto. The following steps outline the procedure for changing the settings of the back light: 1) Press ON/OFF key to power up the MX-5 DL. -
Page 24: Alarm Mode
Alarm Mode The Alarm Mode feature of the MX-5 DL allows the user to set an audible and visual parameter when taking measurements. If the measurement falls below a nominal value, set by the user, a red light will be illuminated on the front panel of the gauge and the beeper sounded. - Page 25 5) Press the MODE key once again to return to measurement mode. Alarm Mode 1) Press ON/OFF key to power up the MX-5 DL. 2) Press the MODE key to activate features and settings. 3) Mode will start with ALAr feature and current status.
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Page 26: Differential Mode
In the Quality Control environment, it is sometimes necessary to know the difference between a nominal (target) thickness value and an actual thickness value. This feature is also included in the MX-5 DL. With the Differential Mode enabled, the MX-5 DL will display the positive or negative difference from an entered nominal value. -
Page 27: Connecting To A Computer
Connecting To a Computer 1) Connect the accessory cable (part# N-306-0010) to the 2 pin jack located on the bottom of the MX-5 DL, and the 9 pin connector to a serial port on the computer. 2) Start the communications software that will be used to collect the measurements (i.e. -
Page 28: Using The Data Logger
It will increase efficiency by reducing the time it takes to manually record the measurements during the inspection process. The MX-5 DL can then be connected to a computer or serial printer to save and print the results of the inspection. - Page 29 MX-5 DL Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge Note: • The display will flash FILE / F-01 (or the last file used) symbol. Remember, there are 10 files F-01 thru F-10. 3) Press the SEND key to enter file setup. Using the Data Logger (con't) •...
- Page 30 Dakota Ultrasonics Note: • The data logger will automatically advance to the next storage location in sequential order. 9) Repeat step 8 as required. Clearing a Storage Location The user may require a storage location, that is currently full, be over written.
- Page 31 L001. The procedure is outlined in the following steps: 1) Press the ON/OFF key to power up the MX-5 DL. 2) Press the MEM key to activate the data logging functions and settings.
- Page 32 Clearing all Files 1) Press the ON/OFF key to power up the MX-5 DL. 2) Immediately press the CLR key. CLr? Will be displayed. 3) Press the CLR key once again to clear all files.
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Page 33: Printing A File
1) Refer to the section on Connecting to a Computer, page 23, before proceeding. 2) Press the ON/OFF key to power up the MX-5 DL. 3) Press the MEM key to activate the data logging functions and settings. -
Page 34: Transducer Selection
Generally speaking, the best transducer for a job is one that sends sufficient ultrasonic energy into the material being measured such that a strong, stable echo is received by the MX-5 DL. Several factors affect the strength of ultrasound as it travels. These are outlined below: •... - Page 35 MX-5 DL Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge more energy into the material being measured than a small emitting area. Thus, a so-called "1/2-inch" transducer will emit a stronger signal than a "1/4-inch" transducer. • Absorption and Scattering As ultrasound travels through any material, it is partly absorbed. If the material through which the sound travels has any grain structure, the sound waves will experience scattering.
- Page 36 Dakota Ultrasonics When it is necessary to measure on surfaces that are exceedingly hot, high temperature transducers must be used. These transducers are built using special materials and techniques that allow them to withstand high temperatures without damage. Additionally, care must be taken when performing a "Probe-Zero"...
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- Page 38 Dakota Ultrasonics APPENDIX A Product Specifications Physical Weight: 10 ounces Size: 2.5W x 4.75H x 1.25D inches (63.5W x 120.6H x 31.75D mm). Operating Temperature: -20 to 120 °F (-20 to 50 °C) Case: Extruded aluminum body / nickel plated aluminum end caps.
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- Page 40 Dakota Ultrasonics APPENDIX B Application Notes • Measuring pipe and tubing When measuring a piece of pipe to determine the thickness of the pipe wall, orientation of the transducers is important. If the diameter of the pipe is larger than approximately 4 inches, measurements should be made with the transducer oriented so that the gap in the wearface is perpendicular (at right angle) to the long axis of the pipe.
- Page 41 (refer to page 14) on a sample piece of known thickness, which is at or near the temperature of the material to be measured. This will allow the MX-5 DL to correctly calculate the velocity of sound through the hot material.
- Page 42 Dakota Ultrasonics An additional important consideration when measuring laminates, is that any included air gaps or pockets will cause an early reflection of the ultrasound beam. This effect will be noticed as a sudden decrease in thickness in an otherwise regular surface. While this may impede accurate measurement of total material thickness, it does provide the user with positive indication of air gaps in the laminate.
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- Page 44 Dakota Ultrasonics APPENDIX C Sound Velocities of some Common Materials M a t e r i a l s o u n d v e l o c i t y i n / u s m / s A l u m i n u m 0 .
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Page 46: Warranty Information
Dakota Ultrasonics warrants transducers and accessories against such defects for a period of 90 days from receipt by the end user. If Dakota Ultrasonics receives notice of such defects during the warranty period, Dakota Ultrasonics will either, at its option, repair or replace products that prove to be defective. - Page 47 MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET N/A = not applicable or not available (To comply with 29 CFR 1910.1200) SECTION 1 – PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION NFPA Hazardous Materials Product Name: SOUNDSAFE® Identification System (est) Generic Name: Ultrasonic Couplant Health……………………0 Manufacturer: Sonotech, Inc. Flammability…………….0 774 Marine Dr., Bellingham, WA 98225 Reactivity………………..0 (360) 671-9121...