Elcometer 550 User manual
Elcometer 550
Non-Contact Uncured Powder Gauge
Operating Instructions
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This instrument meets the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive.
This instrument is Class A, Group 1 ISM equipment according to CISPR 11.
Group 1 ISM product: A product in which there is intentionally generated and/or used conductively coupled
radio-frequency energy which is necessary for the internal functioning of the equipment itself.
Class A product is suitable for use in all establishments other than domestic and those directly connected to
a low voltage power supply network which supplies buildings used for domestic purposes.
is a registered trademark of Elcometer Limited.
All other trademarks acknowledged.
© Copyright Elcometer Limited 2010-2012.
All rights reserved. No part of this Document may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored (in a retrieval
system or otherwise) or translated into any language, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical,
magnetic, optical, manual or otherwise) without the prior written permission of Elcometer Limited.
A copy of this Instruction Manual is available for download on our Website via www.elcometer.com
Doc.No. TMA-0479 Issue 04
Text with Cover No: 22299
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CONTENTS
Section Page
11 About this instrument. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2 Getting started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4 Gauge information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
6 Technical specification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
7 Related equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
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Thank you for your purchase of this Elcometer 550 Non-Contact Uncured Powder Gauge. Welcome to
Elcometer.
Elcometer are world leaders in the design, manufacture and supply of inspection equipment for coatings
and concrete. Our products cover all aspects of coating inspection, from development through application
to post application inspection.
With the purchase of this product you now have access to the worldwide service and support network of
Elcometer. For more information visit our website at www.elcometer.com.
1 ABOUT THIS INSTRUMENT
The Elcometer 550 is designed to allow the user to determine the dry film thickness of powder before it has
been put in the oven to cure. This not only allows the user to control the dry film thickness of their product
but also to minimise the wastage of expensive powder. Using an ultrasonic method the gauge does not
require that the surface be disturbed to take a measurement, ensuring an ideal finish.
Measurements are taken by holding the gauge at the correct distance and angle from the powder coated
part. The large colour display on the gauge body as well as another smaller LED display on the sensor gun
help guide the user into the correct position.
To maximise the benefits of your new Elcometer 550 Non-Contact Uncured Powder Gauge, please take
some time to read these Operating Instructions. Do not hesitate to contact Elcometer or your Elcometer
supplier if you have any questions.
1.1 FEATURES
• Non-contact measurement
• Accurately predicts cured thickness of coating powders
• Ability to optimise reading accuracy with multiple calibration adjustments
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1.2 WHAT THE BOX CONTAINS
• Elcometer 550 Non-Contact Uncured Powder Gauge
• Sensor gun
• Shoulder harness
• USB - PC transfer cable
• Universal charger & cable
• Zero/reference block
•Carrycase
•Testcertificate
• Operating instructions
The Elcometer 550 Non-Contact Uncured Powder Gauge is shipped in a cardboard package. Please
ensure that this packaging is disposed of in an environmentally sensitive manner. Consult your local
Environmental Authority for further guidance.
2 GETTING STARTED
2.1 CHARGING THE BATTERY
Your gauge features an internal rechargeable battery. The charger input is located on the bottom of the
gauge beneath the protective cover. (See image on page op pagina 5.)
Before using your gauge for the first time be sure to charge the battery for 3 hours. Subsequent charging
should take no more than 1.5 hours and provide up to 7 hours use of the gauge.
Note: Batteries must be disposed of carefully to avoid environmental contamination. Please consult your
local Environmental Authority for information on disposal in your region.
Do not dispose of any batteries in fire.
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2.2 SWITCHING ON/OFF
To switch on, press and hold the button for three seconds. The gauge will make a sound confirming
that it has switched on and the main menu will be displayed. The gauge may also be switched on by using
the "Go" button on the sensor gun in the same way.
To switch off, press and hold the button for 3 seconds. The gauge will make a sound confirming that
it has switched off.
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2.3 GAUGE OVERVIEW
Rechargeable
USB Connection Socket
Recharging point
Gauge Reset button
Sensor Gun
Connection
Protective Cover
& Shoulder Harness
point
Colour Display
Navigation Buttons
Protective Cover
& Shoulder Harness
point
Sensor Gun
Keypad & Display
Shoulder Harness
Sensor Gun
Battery Cover
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2.4 NAVIGATION BUTTONS
Left and right navigation (main menu) and up and down (sub menus)
Up and down navigation (main menu) and setting adjustment (sub menus)
Power on, menu enter/select/start/stop measuring button
Power off, return to previous menu/escape
(Sensor gun) Power on, start/stop measurement button
2.5 TAKING A MEASUREMENT
2.5.1 Zeroing the gauge
Each Elcometer 550 Non-Contact Uncured Powder Gauge is individually calibrated at the factory. To
ensure the highest level of measurement accuracy the Elcometer 550 should be zeroed by the user, before
use, to take into consideration the varying environmental conditions.
To zero the gauge:
• Take the circular zero reference block from the case and check that the inside is clean and free from
dust
• Position the sensor gun vertically so that the top of the measurement head is pointing vertically
upwards and place the zero reference block over the top
Note: The zero reference block fits loosely on to the sensor gun and will fall off if not held vertically.
Go
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• Holding the sensor by the handle, not the sensor barrel,
switch the gauge on and select from the main menu
• The gauge will start taking measurements and once
complete ‘OK’ should be displayed
• The gauge is now ready for measurements. Place the
zero reference block back in the case making sure that the
internal surfaces are facing down to keep it free from dust
and powder contamination
Note: In the unlikely event of a zeroing failure an error code will be displayed. Check the zero reference
block for contamination or damage and retry. In the case of multiple failures please contact your nearest
Elcometer representative.
Zero
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2.5.2 Positioning the Sensor Gun to take a reading
The Elcometer 550 is a non-contact powder thickness gauge which uses a focused ultrasonic measurement
method. In order for the gauge to collect the data required to calculate a reading, the sensor gun has to be
at the correct distance away from, and perpendicular to, the powder coated surface.
To achieve the correct positioning the Elcometer 550 Non-Contact Uncured Powder Gauge provides the
user with both visual and acoustic cues on the sensor gun and on the instrument’s colour display. Once the
gauge is in the correct position the gauge starts to automatically collect data. The diagrams below illustrate
how to use the visual indicators on the gauge and gun to achieve the correct measurement position.
Too close to
surface
Correct
distance from
surface
Too far away
from surface
Signal strength
(All lights displayed
when perpendicular)
Gauge switch on/
start taking
measurements
Signal strength bar (yellow)
Wide Bar = perpendicular
Narrow Bar = not perpendicular
Too close
to surface
Too far
from
surface
Correct
distance to
target
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Table of contents
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