Galvano Test - Senze-Instruments Benelux

Senze-Instruments BENELUX
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Process & Quality Control

Galvano Test

Coatings & Industry > Physical properties > Thickness Dry Film
GalvanoTest Applications Supply schedule
GalvanoTest
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
Destructive measurement of:
  • Varnish, synthetic materials, glass, enamel and other coatings on wood, synthetic materials, glass, metal and ceramic

Measuring principles
  • Coulometric dissolution principle

Features
  • 8 de-plating speeds from 0.3 to 40 µm / min
  • Measuring surface ranging between 0.25 and 8 mm²
  • Measuring range between 50 nm and 75 µm / 0.002 – 3 mils
  • An electrolyte beaker (accessory) to measure wires
  • Variable shut-down speeds to measure alloy zones
  • A wide range of special accessories for measurements on small components and wires
Supply schedule
  • GalvanoTest device
  • Standard stand with measuring cell and pulsator nozzle (GalvanoTest 2000)
  • Measuring stand with integrated circulation pump and measuring cell type 1 (GalvanoTest 3000)
  • Connecting cable gauge / stand
  • Ring gaskets and masks
  • Electrolytes as per client request
  • Pipettes
  • Bottle for electrolyte waste
  • Spray bottle
  • Rubber pencil
  • Absorbent paper
  • Operating manual
Technical Details 1 Technical Details 2
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 ; 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


Choosing GalvanoTest 2000  or 3000 ?
Two GalvanoTest models are available:
The GalvanoTest 2000 is the basic model and measures a variety of coating/base combinations without any accessories being required.
Designed for easy use, this model is mostly recommended for measuring multi-layer applications.
With the GalvanoTest 3000 additional measuring conveniences are provided. Its measuring stand with integrated electrolyte pump and easy to change measuring cell for automatic electrolyte removal and refilling enable electrolyte savings as one filling may be used for a large series of de-plating processes. Additional measuring cells may be purchased to house different electrolyte solutions for quick change over for multi-layer applications. Further advantages of the 3000 model: Even spots as small as 25 mm2 as well as gold layers can be measured easily without problems.
Measuring Cell Voltage Curve
The print-out of the characteristic measuring cell voltage curve graphically represents the measuring pro cess with its typical voltage jump at the end of measurement. The voltage jump terminates measurement and thickness is automatically displayed in microns or mils.
Size of De-Plating Area
The size of de-plating area can be precisely delimited using the supplied gaskets or masks.
The illustrations below represent the actual deplating area size along with a microscopic view of the measuring area delimited when using the D-mask (0,25 mm2).
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