AUTOMATION Dr. Nix considered the requirements of state-of-the-art measuring procedures and developed a completely new measuring and documentation system named CarCheck, based on the successful modular gauge system QNix® 8500. This CarCheck system allows systematical individual measurements of single layers in automotive production as well as the evaluation of used cars.

While the QNix® 1500 is considered a standard and is the coating thickness gauge most used by experts in the last two decades, the CarCheck system reaches a new level of quality in measurement and documentation. 

The CarCheck gauge is equipped with a graphic display and intuitive menu navigation, guiding the user through the complete evaluation process.   

The use of two combined magnetic measuring methods allows measurements on steel as well as on non-iron metal.  The measuring technology used ensures reliable measurements even without time consuming calibration.

The secure data storage allows several vehicles to be managed with the gauge.  The user does not have to re-initialize the device each time he measures a different car. This is an important feature saving time and money for the measuring process.

In addition to the systematically guided measuring process, the CarCheck measuring system allows the "traditional" measurement of individual spots.

Documentation with the CarCheck measuring system

The PC software supporting the CarCheck gauge helps with all tasks regarding the preparation of inspections, documentation and filing of inspection logs.  Communication between gauge and PC is achieved via a secure wireless interface.  The distance between the compact USB adaptor and the gauge reaches up to 10 meters.  To avoid loss of data, the user can save the measurements in the gauge during transmission until the documentation is completed.

An easy to operate wizard guides any user through the complete measuring process, even if he is not involved in coating thickness inspection on a daily basis. 

At the same time, a convenient user interface provides access to data analysis features.

The measuring log of the CarCheck system includes a diagram of the measured vehicle indicating all coating thickness measurements. This log can be exported as a PDF-file.

Another significant feature for any user is the signature of all measuring data and the corresponding evaluation, indicating the person responsible for data recording and evaluation afterwards.

 The CarCheck logs are securely saved in a data base where they can be accessed at any time. For the purpose of external data backup, the logs can be exported from and imported to this data base.

Conclusion

The new CarCheck system is a modern measuring system supporting the complete inspection process of a car's coating thickness - from planning to analysis and documentation.  The easy operation allows measurements to be taken without prior training even if the user is not involved in these matters on a daily basis. 

 Due to his practical flexibility the CarCheck System form AUTOMATION Dr. Nix - developed and manufactured exclusively in Germany by the company - has been very well received nationally and internationally since its launch in 2008 and localized international versions for most common languages are being implemented.

Author: Dr.-Ing. Gerrit Gehnen
Technical Manager
AUTOMATION Dr. Nix GmbH, Cologne