New development: A magnet-inductive precision measuring probe for coating thickness measurements of coatings on ferromagnetic steel - expanding the application range of the modular QNix® 8500 system.
QNix® 8500 pen-shaped probe for precision measurements of micro coating thickness on small parts
The innovative magnet-inductive QNix® pen-shaped measuring probe MI Fe 500µm developed by AUTOMATION Dr. Nix, Cologne expands the application of the modular QNix® 8500 measuring system in the area of precision measurements of thin coating even further.
Now, whole new areas of application in quality management of small parts or in measuring around close edges are possible.
In addition to standard probes based on the Hall-sensor principle, AUTOMATION Dr. Nix, the specialist for non-destructive coating thickness measurements, now offers its users a new magnet-inductive pen-shaped probe for a measuring range of 0 – 500 µm. The new interchangeable probes measure most precise within the lower measuring range even on thin non- ferromagnetic coatings of small parts.
Quality control of corrosion protection
In praxis, small steel parts, such as screws or bolts, are protected by an anti-corrosion coating. Only the correct coating thickness – usually within the lower measuring range – guarantees a good cohesion and sufficient corrosion protection.
The new optimized QNix® pen-shaped probe MI Fe 500 µm reduces interfering measuring effects considerably, enabling the user to accurately measure more closely to edges and on smallest parts. This guarantees a reliable quality control of corrosion protection on smallest surfaces or close to edges.
That way, it is possible to precisely measure coating thickness of thin non-ferromagnetic metal coatings including chromium, copper, zinc as well as paint, enamel or synthetic coating on steel substrates. These precision measurements are based on the magnet inductive measuring method as described in the DIN EN ISO 2178, ISO 2808 and ASTM B499 standards.
In addition, the pen-like shape of the probe offers perfect control over manual adjustments on the measurement object. If particular high accuracy is required, the measuring probe can even be mounted on a measuring stand, for which sample holders are available.
Flexibility in the quality management of major projects.
The latest module of the QNix® 8500 measuring system – the new pen-shaped probe – increases flexibility in the use and opens up new areas of application for coating measurements on angle brackets, shims, screws, bolts and nuts as well as frictional connections.
Customized calibrations allow for particularly convenient and easy measurements on thin-coated small parts. This results in a more reliable quality management of large steel works when checking protective coatings on steel bolts and nuts such as the ones used on rotor fastenings, wind energy plants, bridges or window fittings.
Furthermore, the new pen-shaped probe is suited for PVD coatings such as TiN, TiCrN, CrN and TiAIN.
The known user oriented advantages of QNix® measuring devices, their high and rugged quality and their ease of use are trademarks of the new pen-shaped probe.
New systems in quality management: statistics and documentation of coating thickness measurements.
Modular measuring systems for determining coating thickness provide considerable advantages in efficiency and quality management of major projects.
Modularly interchangeable probes allow such a measuring system to be adapted to any type of measuring task. As the measuring probes are interchangeable among the devices as well, the availability of individual modular devices within a system is also increased.
Furthermore, lacquer or corrosion coaters need measuring gauges and systems providing additional statistical features in order to take the several thousand measurements needed each time when inspecting ships, bridges or large steelworks.
Such a fast and structured recording of each measurement depending on location and time is crucial, especially when measuring the usually applied multi-layer-systems.
This provides an effective working method leading to higher efficiency of the quality management.
Wireless transmission of measurements to a PC, for statistical analysis and documentation with Microsoft-Excel for instance, provides a fast and convenient working method. That way no plugs on the gauge are dirtying in the rough everyday working conditions, which could otherwise lead to problems.
Using the convenient and versatile spreadsheet program, measurements can be analyzed in a structured manner, printed or sent to project partners via the internet.
New development: QNix® 8500 pen-shaped probe for precision measurement of micro-coating thickness on small parts.
A new magnet-inductive precision measuring probe for the coating thickness measurement of coatings on ferromagnetic steels extends the range of application of the modular QNix® 8500 measuring system.
The development of a new and innovative magnet-inductive QNix® 8500 pen-shaped measuring probe MI Fe 500 μm extends the modular QNix® 8500 measuring system
particularly regarding precision measurements of thin coatings to open up new applications in the quality management including small parts and measurements near edges.
In addition to the standard probes based on the Hall sensor principle, AUTOMATION Dr. Nix, a specialist for non-destructive coating thickness measuring devices, now offers the users of the QNix® 8500 measuring system a new magnet-inductive pen-shaped measuring probe with a measuring range of 0 to 500 µm. This new interchangeable probe takes extremely precise measurements within the lower measuring range, even of particularly thin non-ferromagnetic coatings on small parts.
Precise measurements of micro-coatings on small parts.
In praxis, small steel parts such as screws or bolts are protected against corrosion by applying a coating. Only the correct coating thickness usually within the lower micrometer range guarantees a good adhesion and a sufficient corrosion protection. Due to optimising the new QNix® pen-shaped probe MI Fe 500µm, interfering measurement effects at the edges are reduced considerably, allowing measurements closer to edges and therefore accurate measurements on small parts. This guarantees a reliable quality control of corrosion protection on small surfaces or near edges.
Thus, precise coating thickness measurements of thin, non-ferromagnetic metal coatings such as chromium, zinc etc as well as lacquer, enamel or synthetic coatings on steel substrates are now possible. The precision measurements are taken according to DIN EN ISO 2178, ISO 2808 and ASTM B499 standards based on the magnetic inductive measuring method.
In addition, the new probes pen shape offers an optimum of control when manually aligning the probe to the measuring object. Furthermore, if particularly high accuracy is required, the measuring probe can be mounted on a measuring stand, for which sample holders are also available.
Flexible use in the quality management of major projects.
The well-known user-oriented advantages of the QNix® measuring devices, their reliable quality and easy operation also characterise the new pen-shaped probes, allowing easiest use and particularly convenient measurements of thin-coated small parts by means of customer-specific calibrations.
As a module of the QNix® 8500 measurement system the new pen-shaped probe increases application flexibility, opening up a wide range of new applications of coating thickness measurements on brackets, washers, screws, bolts, nuts and frictional connections. Thus, a reliable inspection of the protective coating of steel pins and nuts is now possible during the quality management of large steel structures, as used for instance for rotor mounts of wind energy plants, for bridges or window fastenings.
Moreover, the new pen-shaped probe is especially suited for PVD coatings such as TiN, TiCrN, CrN and TiAIN.
Practical device development “Made in Germany”
Quality by Excellence: constantly proven by the particularly user-oriented details of the QNix® product range:
The new interchangeable pen-shaped probe now allows for optional combination of magnet-inductive and Hall-effect measuring methods in one single gauge.
The probe alignments are exceptionally easy, due to the special pen shape.
The digital measurement electronics are linked to the measuring probe keeping a zero balance even after changing probes.
Individual naming of calibration programs and memory also show that this innovation from AUTOMATION Dr. Nix is the result of practical realistic development work.
The modular QNix® 8500 measurement system can be combined with various measuring probes and is supplemented by a user-oriented PC software offering a variety of options for practical device configurations and data analysis. A wireless data connection of the software to the PC allows statistical analysis and a complete documentation directly via radio using the spreadsheet program Excel.
Specifically used for investigation of damage and appraisals by TÜV SÜD Auto Service GmbH.
In the field of investigation of damages and appraisals the new lacquer coating thickness measurement system Coating Check is used for the preparation of expert‘s opinions on third party liability, hull insurance, vehicle appraisals on the return of leased cars as well as technical expert‘s opinions for the preservation of evidence by order of individuals, car dealers or courts.
The motor vehicle experts test the exterior parts of the car’s body, usually when coated, for evidence of repainting regardless of these parts consisting of metal or aluminium. Using the new TÜV SÜD measurement system Coating Check from AUTOMATION Dr. Nix GmbH, Cologne repainting on such parts, probably indicating a repaired prior damage, can be reliably detected and then documented.
Determination whether the affected parts were merely repainted or if traces of priming are still evident underneath the coating is just as easy. Determination of the flat coat’s thickness simplifies the decision whether the prior damage has been repaired in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and if the damage has been repaired professionally. Too thick a flat coat may indicate unprofessionally repaired damage. Repaired accidental damage may reduce the current replacement value of the vehicle considerably, even in case of total damage or the calculation of actual damage for determination of a cars selvage value. Preservation of evidence during the preparation of a technical expert’s opinion is often necessary during determination of concealed prior damage. If such a damage is detected, the contract of sale may be rescinded or the purchase price may be reduced.
The state-of-the-art coating thickness measurement technology of Coating Check, based on the new modular measurement system QNix® 8500 provides more safety and security for all involved.
Corrosion never sleeps
All the various advantages of steel are opposed by one indisputable disadvantage: Steel corrodes. Alloys and coating materials for anti-corrosion protection can be a solution however.
Passive anti-.corrosion protection requires the application of organic or inorganic coating material. Inorganic protective coatings are mostly manufactured using various galvanising processes. The impermeability against affecting media of the coating material used is of special importance to its protective capability. Pores can lead to sub-surface corrosion and destruction of the coating. Therefore, several layers of coatings are applied to ensure lasting protection of large steel constructions. In addition to the careful selection of accurate coating, material the quality of the coating work is of utmost importance to the durability of the coatings applied.
Safety through anti-corrosion protection inspections.
The cost of anti-corrosion protection is compared to the possible obsolescence of constructions and the additional cost caused by downtime (e.g. breaking of transmission line lattice masts and the following power outage) usually very low.
Due to the enormous importance of anti-corrosion protection to economy and business, its safe completion and inspection are subject to numerous rules and regulations. In Germany, for instance DIN standards regulate the inspection of coating thicknesses.
As the protection and safety of large steel constructions is of such importance the DIN EN ISO 12944 Part 7 “Corrosion protection of steel structures by paint systems - execution and supervision of coating work“ explicitly specifies under sub-section 6.3 the use of magnet-inductive or eddy-current devices. In praxis, such anti-corrosion protection measurement devices are of particular advantage when easy-to-calibrate and safe-to-use.
Transmitting measurements accurately and without interference via radio, state-of-the-art wireless measurement devices offer increased safety.
Working on steel constructions such as lattice masts and antennae, where coating thickness can only be determined when climbing the QNix® Keyless-devices and the modular measurement system QNix® 8500 have proven to be of particular advantage. Thanks to the hand-strip fitted to the extremely small measurement probes of the 8500 system, free movement and safe undisrupted measuring is possible. Additionally, the radio-controlled probe QNix® 8500 allows wireless transmission of measurements via radio to a basis station on the ground, where the data can be checked, recorded and documented conveniently and without error. The world wide new radio-controlled probe from AUTOMATION Dr. Nix safely transmits data measured for instance in the great height of an energy mast without interference to a basis station 50 meters distant: a notebook or a PC with which thousands of measurements can be processed and documented using Excel.