GalvanoTest – measuring coating thickness in virtually any single or multi-layered coatings

Ideally suited to measuring coating thickness in virtually any single or multi-layered coatings. The GalvanoTest uses the coulometric method to measure galvanised coatings such as chrome, nickel, cadmium, copper, brass, silver, gold, tin or zinc both on metals and non-metals.

 

GalvanoTest: Coulometric coating thickness measurement gauge

The anodic dissolution method, also known as the coulometric method, functions similarly to the electroplating process: an electrolyte separates individual metal coatings from the substrate with the help of an electric current. By measuring the current and time, the GalvanoTest determines the thickness of the separated coating.

The GalvanoTest coating thickness measurement gauge is available in two variants:

• GalvanoTest 2000: the electrolyte is circulated by a pulsator nozzle.
• GalvanoTest 3000: large electrolyte volumes circulated by a circulation pump enable quick serial measurements. Suitable for use on very small parts and for the measurement of gold layers.

 

Application

 

Measuring principles

Supply schedule

 

Technical Details

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