The Elcometer 312 Elcomotor™ Coating Thickness Gauge is a handheld device designed for checking the dry film thickness of paint coatings on automotive bodywork. It is a world-beating product from Elcometer, a company known for its inspection equipment for coatings and concrete.
Function Description:
The primary function of the Elcometer 312 Elcomotor™ is to measure coating thickness. It is available in two main configurations:
- Integral Probe: The probe is built directly into the gauge.
- Separate Probe: The probe is connected to the gauge via a cable, allowing for measurements in restricted spaces.
Two types of probes are available:
- Elcometer 312F: For measurements specifically on steel bodies (ferrous substrates).
- Elcometer 312FNF: For measurements on both steel and aluminium bodies (ferrous and non-ferrous substrates).
The gauge displays readings instantly and can be switched between metric (µm) and imperial (mils) units of measurement. It features a "Bigfoot™" design for stable and repeatable readings.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Scale Range: 0 µm to 1000 µm (0 mils to 40 mils).
- Resolution: 1 µm (0.1 mils).
- Accuracy: ±3% or ±3 µm (0.1 mil), whichever is the greater.
- Minimum Substrate Thickness: 300 µm (12 mils).
- Measurement Speed: >30 readings per minute.
- Display: Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) with 3½ Digits.
- Character Height: 10 mm (0.4").
- Operating Temperature: 0℃ to 50℃ (32°F to 120℉).
- Dimensions: 56mm x 24mm x 125mm (2.2" x 0.95" x 4.9").
- Weight: 115 g (4 oz) (including dry batteries).
- Type: Internal batteries.
- Battery Type: 2 x LR03 (AAA) alkaline dry batteries or rechargeable equivalents.
- Battery Life: 20 hours continuous (with alkaline dry batteries). Note that battery life is reduced to approximately 25% when using rechargeable batteries.
Usage Features:
- Easy to Use: The gauge is designed for straightforward operation.
- Switching On/Off:
- To switch on, press the '0' button.
- Gauges with an integral probe will automatically switch on when placed against a hard surface.
- To switch off, press and hold the '0' button until "OFF" is displayed.
- The gauge automatically switches off after one minute of inactivity.
- Changing Units:
- Press '0' to switch the gauge on.
- Press '-' (minus). The unit symbol on the display will flash.
- Press '+' (plus). The units will change. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to change units again.
- Taking a Measurement:
- Hold the gauge with the probe pressed firmly against the surface being measured. Ensure the probe is held flat for accurate readings.
- Read the coating thickness from the display. The screen shows coating thickness, measurement units (µm or mils), and for FNF gauges, the substrate type (F for ferrous or NF for non-ferrous).
- Calibration Adjustment:
- The gauge is factory-calibrated, but periodic user calibration is recommended for quality management (e.g., ISO 9000).
- FNF gauges require calibration in both ferrous and non-ferrous modes.
- Equipment Required: An uncoated sample of the automotive body and the supplied foil set (125 µm/5 mil, 250 µm/10 mil, 1000 µm/20 mil). Uncoated ferrous (steel) and non-ferrous (aluminium) checkpieces are available as accessories if an uncoated sample is not accessible.
- Calibration Procedure:
- Set Zero on Uncoated Substrate: Take a reading on the uncoated substrate. Press and hold '0' for 5 seconds; the display will show 0 µm or 0.0 mils.
- Set to a Measured Foil Value: Place the chosen foil on an uncoated metal substrate. Take a reading. Adjust the displayed value by pressing and holding either '+' or '-' for 5 seconds. The display will count up or down in 1 µm (0.1 mils) steps, increasing to 10 µm (1 mils) steps when held. Release and re-press to slow the change. Once the correct value is displayed, press '0' to enter it.
- Check Calibration: Measure an intermediate foil or the calibration foil to verify accuracy. Repeat the procedure if readings are incorrect.
- Important Note: Ensure foils are clean and free of dirt or dust to prevent errors.
Maintenance Features:
- Storage: Always store the gauge in its carrying pouch when not in use. Avoid exposing the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) to temperatures above 50℃ (120℉), as this can cause damage (e.g., leaving it in a car in strong sunlight).
- Batteries:
- The gauge uses 2 x LR03 (AAA) alkaline batteries (supplied).
- To fit/replace: Locate the battery compartment cover at the rear, lift it off, place batteries with correct polarity, and replace the cover.
- Remove batteries if the gauge will be unused for a long period to prevent damage from malfunction.
- A low battery symbol illuminates when voltage is low; new batteries are recommended. The symbol flashes when batteries must be replaced.
- Alkaline batteries must be disposed of carefully according to local environmental regulations. Do not dispose of batteries in fire.
- Rechargeable batteries can be used if charged outside the gauge. Follow manufacturer instructions for charging and disposal.
- User Serviceability: The gauge contains no user-serviceable components. Opening the instrument will invalidate the warranty. In case of a fault, return the gauge to your Elcometer supplier or Elcometer directly.
- Probes:
- Probes will wear with repeated use. To extend probe life, always set the probe down perpendicular to the panel surface and avoid dragging it.
- Probe replacement must be carried out by Elcometer.
Included in the Box:
- Elcometer 312F Elcomotor™ Coating Thickness Gauge or Elcometer 312FNF Elcomotor™ Coating Thickness Gauge.
- 2 x LR03 (AAA) alkaline batteries.
- Set of 3 foils.
- Carrying case.
- Operating instructions.
The Elcometer 312 Elcomotor™ is packaged in cardboard and foam, which should be disposed of in an environmentally sensitive manner. For further information or support, users can contact Elcometer or their local Elcometer supplier, or visit www.elcomotor.com.
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