Model LE-300C/LH-300C/LZ-300C Coating Thickness Tester · The LE-300C / LZ-300C is a pocket-size coating thickness tester which can be used to measure the ... Long Battery Life Design

Model LE-300C/LH-300C/LZ-300CCoating Thickness Tester

Operating Manual

ContentsThe Model LE-300C / LH-300C / LZ-300C Coating Thickness Testers

LE-300C / LZ-300C

l Description 3ll Specifications 5lll Principles of Operation 6lV LCD Display & Parts List 7V Explanation of Keyboard Keys 9Vl Operating the LE-300C / LZ-300C 11

(1) Instrument Set-up 11(2) Calibration 13(3) Calibration Procedures 15(4) Making Measurements 21(5) CONT & LIMIT SET Modes 22

Vll Operating Cautions 24

LH-300C / LZ-300C

l Description 25

ll Specifications 27

lll Principles of Operation 28

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The Model LE-300C / LH-300C / LZ-300C Coating Thickness Testers•Model LE-300C : Electromagnetic measurement uses.

•Model LH-300C : Eddy current measurement uses.

•Model LZ-300C : Dual type, both Electromagnetic & Eddy current measurement uses.

Special Characteristics

1 Calibration Memory Function.

The unit’s built-in computer maintains calibrations adjust-

ments in non-volatile memory even when the unit’s power

is turned off. This makes is possible to begin measure-

ments immediately without the need for bothersome

adjustments when making measurements of the same

type of sample a second time or more.

2 Auto Power Off Function.

In order to conserve battery power, the testers features

an Auto Power Off function which automatically switches

the unit’s power off when no measurements or key op-

erations are performed for a period of 15 minutes.

ApplicationsElectromagnetic Measurement Mode : Measures the thicknessof non-magnetic coatings on magnetic surfaces.

LE-300C / LZ-300C

Paint Zinc Enamel

Plastic Chrome Lining

Lacquer Tin Misc.

Resin Copper

Rubber Aluminum

Iron • SteelEddy Current Measurement Mode : Measures the thicknessof insulating coatings on non-magnetic metal substrates.

LH-300C / LZ-300C

Paint Rubber

Plastic Anode Oxidization Coatings

Lacquer (Allumite)

Resin Resist

Aluminum, copper, brass,

stainless steel (non-magnetic), etc.

Coatings

Measured

Coatings

Measured

Substrate

Substrate

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LE-300C / LZ-300C

l Description

The LE-300C / LZ-300C is a pocket-size coating thickness tester which can be used to measure the thickness of

nonmagnetic materials on magnetic material substrates. The measurement probe has a single contact point and ap-

plies constant pressure on any measurement; therefore, any individual using the tester will get reproducible results.

Characteristics

1. Calibration

The LE-300C / LZ-300C is a self-calibrating instrument that incorporates an internal microcomputer. The user

may calibrate the instrument himself by using samples of know thickness. The microcomputer stores the calibrationconstants in non-volatile memory. Even if the tester is turned off, measurements can be resumed without

recalibration when power is turned on again as long as the material being measured remains the same. Even

removing the batteries will not cause the calibration to be lost.

2. Long Battery Life Design

Sixty hours of continuous use (approximately 216,000 measurements) is possible due to the unique design of the

instrument’s circuitry.

3. Alarm Function

The maximum and minimum acceptable coating thicknesses can be set by the user (upper limit and lower limit).

An alarm will sound if the thickness of the coating measured is out of range.

4. The units displayed can be changed using key operations. The units can be switched from “µm” to “mils”, or vice versa.

(However, the display units cannot be changed during measurements.)

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Applications

Coatings which can be measured : Paint, plastic, lacquer, resin, rubber, oxide coating, zinc, chrome,

tin, copper, aluminum, enamel and other non-magnetic materials.

Substrate materials (or bare

material without coating) : lron, steel

NOTE : To measure non-conducting coatings on non-ferrous metals, the KETT LH-300C / LZ-300C eddy

current high-frequency coating thickness testers should be used.

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ll SpecificationsMeasurement method : magnetic induction

Measurement materials : non-magnetic coatings on magnetic substrates

Measuremant range : 0 ~ 1500µm (0 ~ 60 mils)

Resolution : 1µm

Accuracy : ±3% plus 1µm

Probe : single contact point, constant pressure

Display type : LCD digital display

Batteries : 1.5V alkaline battery x 4

approximately 60 hours of continuous operation

Battery life span : 216,000 individual measurements

External dimensions : 75 x140 x 30mm

Weight : 0.5kg net

Accessories (included) : set of standard calibration foils, calibration base,

carrying case, operation manual.

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Magnetic substrate

i

D

Cha

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in c

urre

nt

Coating thickness(distance from magnetic substrate)

Iron core

CoilPower

lll Principle of Operation

When the magnetic coil within the probe is brought within close proximity of an iron or steel body, the

inductance (of the coil within the probe) will vary depending upon the distance from the tip of the probe to

the steel body. This relationship holds even if the distance between the probe and the steel body is caused

by the presence of a non-ferrous coating or lining over the base material. The thickness of the coating

causes the amount of inductance to reflect the distance between the probe tip and the underlying sub-

strate. This thickness can be directly calibrated in µm. The instrument’s internal microcomputer will store

the calibration, convert the amount of induction measured, and display the results directly in µm on the

LCD display.

Fig. 1

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lV LCD Display & Parts List

Fig. 2

Foil Calibrations

Readings

Measurment Mode

Calibration Procedure ( P. 15)

Limit Mode

Battery Check

Upper Limit

Lower Limit

Unit of Measurement

( P. 12)

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Parts List

Fe substrate Calibration foils (6 pcs) Probe adaptor

Carrying case Batteries (“AA” x 4) Operation Manual

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V Explanation of Keyboard Keys

Key Function

Power

1. Number keys

2. Dual-function keys

CLEAR keyUsed to clear incorrectly input numeric values.

ENTER keyUsed to enter the numeric values shown on the display.

FUNCTIONThis key is pressed before the dual-function keys are used(except for use for numeric input).

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Dual-function Keys :

Dual-function Key Function

SUB CALSUBSTRATE CALIBRATION keySubstrate ‘0’ calibration

FOIL CALFOIL CALIBRATION keyFor making foil calibrations

CONT

CONTINUOUS key1. Hold measurement (for auto result entry)2. Continuous measurement (requires “ENT” for result entry)(Each press of this key switches the mode.)

LIMIT SETLIMIT SET keyFor presetting the upper and lower limits.

Function mode

Numeric key

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Fig. 3

Vl Operating the LE-300C / LZ-300C(1) Instrument Set-up

1. Insert the batteries (1.5Vx 4) into the main unit case.

2. Connecting the probe to the main unit

a. Place the male plug on the end of the probe cable into the female socket on the top of the main unit.

Turn the male plug while applying slight pressure towards the body of the LE-300C / LZ-300C until the

connector slides easily all the way into the socket. (NOTE: The metal band on the plug will turn without

the wire itself turning; the wire MUST turn with the plug until the correct matching of key guides is

obtained. this is most easily done by turning the black plastic portion of the assembly at the end of the

cable, not the silver metal band.) There should be a distinct click as the connector seats and the cable

should not pull out of the socket.

Fig. 4

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b. To remove the probe, pull the metal sleeve on the outside of the connector away from the body of the

unit. The sleeve will move away from the socket: firmly pull the probe off. DO NOT pull on the wire.

3.Changing the display units

The units in which measurement results are displayed on the main unit can be switched between either

“µm” or “mils”. However, the units can only be switched before measurements are made, and cannot be

changed during or after a measurement.

a. When the ON key is pressed while the ENT key is held down when the power is turned on, the units

displayed will switch from “µm” to ‘mils’. (If the initial setting is ‘mils’ however, the display units will switch

from ‘mils’ to “µm”.

b. To switch back to the original setting, turn the power off once and then perform the above procedure

again.

Fig. 5

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(2) CalibrationBecause the LE-300C / LZ-300C is a relative measurement instrument, it must be calibrated against a baresubstrate and samples of know thickness before being used to make actual measurements. Once calibrated,however, the calibration constants are stored in the instrument’s microcomputer memory. Turning the unit offwill not cause the loss of the calibration. As long as the material being measured does not change after theinitial calibration, the unit may be used by merely turning it on.

When calibrating, the following should be taken into consideration:

1. Calibration must be done on a bare substrate material of the same type, shape and thickness as an actual

production sample.

2. When using bare iron material, make sure that it is not plated or painted.

3. Although there are several calibration methods, using the zero point, i.e. the bare substrate, and three

additional calibration points will achieve the best measurement results.

Range Zero point, three calibreation points

0 ~ 100µm zero point 10µm 40µm 100µm



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4. Using the probeThe probe is designed so that its tip always applies the same amount of pressure to the sample surface. Setthe probe on the desired measurement spot, perpendicular to the surface, and press down on the outsidemetal sleeve on the probe assembly as in Fig. 6. The downward movement of the sleeve causes themeasurement to be made.

For each successive measurement, first move the probe atleast 10mm away from the measurement surface, then onceagain set it perpendicular to the surface to be measured andpress down on the outside sleeve. (Fig. 6)

Repeat as often as necessary.

Fig. 6

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(3) Calibration Procedures:

1) Substrate Calibration

Step Key stroke Display Explanation

Press the FUNC key.

Press the SUB CAL key.

Place the probe on a non-coated substrate and press

the ENT key.

Repeat 10 times.

At the 10th key stroke, the LCD displays “LF”.

With the probe held in the air, press the ENT key.

0

1

1

2

3

4

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2) Foil Calibration

Example: 40µm, 100µm and 400µm foils

1

2

5

5

6

7

Press the FUNC key.

Press the FOIL CAL key.

Take measurements of the bare substrate by placingthe probe, lifting the probe and replacing the probe5 times. Each measurement will cause a beepingsound.

NOTE : Depending on the type of material beingmeasured, the display may indicate values otherthan 0.0. Pressing the ENT key in the next stepwill forcibly set the S.NO. (Sample Number) 0reading to zero.

Bare substrate


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The display will show “---”.

Press “0”.

When the ENT key is pressed, “0” is deleted.

8

9

0

2. 40µm foil sample

!

1

2

5


Place the 40µm foil on the bare substrate and take

five readings. Each reading will cause a beeping

sound.

NOTE : Depending on the type of material, the display

may indicate values other than 40. Pressing

the ENT key in the next step however will

forcibly set the Sample Number (S.NO.) 1

reading to 40.

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Enter the foil thickness value “40.0”.

Press the ENT key.

@

#

$


%


five readings.


1

2

5





reading to 100.

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five readings.



Enter the foil thickness value 100.

Press the ENT key.

^

&

*


(






reading to 400.

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Enter the foil thickness value. 400.

Press the ENT key.

)

-

=


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(4) Making Measurements

1. Install probe

2. Turn power on

3. Measuring

1. Set the probe on the desired spot, perpendicular to the surface, and quickly press down on the outsidemetal sleeve on the probe assembly as shown below:

2. For each successive measurement, move the probe at least 10mm away from the surface, then onceagain set it perpendicular to the surface and press down on the outside sleeve.

3. Repeat as often as necessary.

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(5) CONT & LIMIT SET Modes

1. CONT (Continuous) ModeIn normal operation, the measured value is held in the display after the measurement is taken until thenext sample is measured or the instrument is turned off. However, if an object with a complex shape ismeasured or if you wish to obtain continuous readings while moving the probe, the hold feature may beturned off. To do so, press the FUNC key and then the CONT key. YOU can switch back and forthbetween the Continuous and Hold modes by pressing these keys.

The mode can be switched by repeatedlypressing the CONT key.

Key stroke Display

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2. LIMIT SET Mode

After the measurement limits have been set, a series of beeps will indicate out-of-range readings whilemeasurements are being made. A reading within the set limits will be accompanied by a single beep. A readingabove or below the limits will cause 3 beeps to sound and an arrow will appear in the display indicatingmeasurement above the upper limit (up arrow) or measurement below the lower limit (down arrow).

• The following procedure is used to clear the LIMIT SET mode:

Key stroke Display

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Vll Operating Cautions(1) The LE-300C should be used for ferrous-base materials, e.g. iron.

(2) Measuring the thickness of paper or film:

The thickness of paper or film can be obtained using the LE-300C by placing the material over a bare, non-

coated or unpainted iron substrate.

(3) Probe:

When placing the probe on the measurement surface, do not slam it or slide it on the surface. These

actions may damage the probe tip and may cause inaccurate measurements. Also never pull or twist the

wire on the probe cord.

Wipe dirt off of the tip with a soft cloth using benzine or alcohol.

(4)Calibration foils:

The calibration foils are important in the calibration procedure. Care should be taken in handling them. If

the foils are broken, bent or damaged, replacements are available from your dealer.

Each set of calibration foils supplied with the unit are individually measured; thus , various values of foils

are found. This in no way affects the calibration of the unit.

(5) Accuracy Check:

In order to ensure tester accuracy, it is recommended that you check your tester using calibration foils of

different thicknesses.

(6) When to Change the Batteries:

When the batteries are low, “BAT” will be displayed in the upper right-hand corner of the display. The

batteries should be changed immediately. However, the calibrations will not be lost even if the batteries go

completely dead, or during the process of changing the batteries, as they are stored in a special non-

volatile memory. (Note: Only use 1.5V alkaline batteries.)

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LH-300C / LZ-300C

Although for the most part the LH-300C / LZ-300C operates in the same way as the LE-300C, the following

points should be noted.

l DescriptionThe LH-300C / LZ-300C is a pocket-size, coating thickness tester which can measure the thicknesses ofnon-conducting coatings on non-ferrous material substrates. The measurement probe has a single contactpoint and applies exactly the same pressure on any measurement; therefore, any individual using the testerwill get reproducible results.

Characteristics

1. CalibrationThe LH-300C /LZ-300C is a self-calibrating instrument that employs an internal microcomputer. By usingsamples of know thickness, the user may calibrate the instrument himself. The microcomputer stores thecalibration constants in non-volatile memory. Even if the tester is turned off, measurements can be re-sumed without recalibration when the power is turned on again as long as the material being measuredremains the same. Even removing the batteries will not cause the calibration to be lost.

2. Long Battery Life DesignSixty hours of continuous use (approximately 216,000 measurements) is possible due to the instrument’sunique circuit design.

3. Alarm FunctionThe maximum and minimum acceptable coating thicknesses can be set by the user (as upper and lowerlimits). An alarm will sound when the thickness of the coating measured is out of range.

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Application

Coatings which can be measured : Paint, plastic, lacquer, resin, rubber, oxide coatings and positive anode

coatings

Substrate materials (or bare

material without coating) : Aluminum, copper, brass, stainless steel

NOTE : To measure non-magnetic coatings on ferrous materials, the LE-300C / LZ-300C electromagnetic

coating thickness tester should be used.

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ll SpecificationsMeasurement method : eddy currentMeasurement materials : non-conducting coating on non-ferrous substrateMeasurement range : 0 ~ 800µm (0 ~ 31.5 mils)Resolution : 1µmAccuracy : ±3%Probe : single contact point, constant pressureDisplay type : LCD digital displayBatteries : 1.5V alkaline battery x 4Battery life span : 60 hours of continuous operations, approximately

216,000 individual measurementsExternal dimensions : 75 x 140 x 30mmWeight : 0.5kg netAccessories (included) : set of standard calibration foils, uncoated/coated

calibration base, carrying case, operation manual

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Coil

Non-conductive coating

Non-ferrous metal substrate

i

D Cha

nge

in c

urre

ntCoating thickness

Power

lll Principle of Operation

The probe incorporates an inductive coil through which a high frequency current is run. When the probeis brought within close proximity of a conductive metal body, an eddy current will be induced into the coilwithin the probe. The amount of eddy current varies depending upon the distance from the tip of theprobe to the metal surface. This relationship holds if the distance between the probe and the metal bodyis caused by the presence of a non-conductive coating or lining over the base material. The thickness ofthe coating causes the amount of the eddy current to reflect the distance between the probe tip and thebody. This thickness can be directly calculated in µm. The microcomputer within the instrument will storethe calibration, convert the eddy current variance measured, and display the results directly in µm on theLCD display.

Fig. 7

0401•PA•0202•100

Model LE-300C/LH-300C/LZ-300C Coating Thickness Tester · The LE-300C / LZ-300C is a pocket-size coating thickness tester which can be used to measure the ... Long Battery Life Design

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