Is the PosiTector 6000 factory calibrated?

PosiTector 6000 instruments arrive fully calibrated and include a detailed calibration certificate traceable to NIST or PTB. The calibration certificate documents the actual readings taken by your instrument in our calibration laboratory, on standards traceable to a national metrology institute. Beware of "certificates" or "certificates of conformity" offered by competitors. These usually do not include the actual readings from the instrument and are often insufficient to meet common quality requirements.

Does the PosiTector 6000 need to be “calibrated” or “adjusted before” before use? Do I have to do a two-point adjustment before measuring?

Innovative probe technology and factory calibration of the PosiTector 6000 means it arrives ready to measure - there is usually no need to perform a two-point calibration adjustment. The ruby or alumina probe tips of the standard probe models eliminate wear, meaning factory calibration is maintained for the life of the probe. Whether new or after years of use, PosiTector 6000 will continue to deliver accurate results. For optimum measurement accuracy, follow our “golden rule” - simply check the ZERO (or known thickness of a shim) on the uncoated part, adjust if necessary, and then measure the coated part. This ensures that the probe is properly adjusted for the characteristics of the substrate, including its density, composition, curvature, temperature and roughness.

Do your instruments require formal training to be used?

No. Our instruments are designed for ease of use, feature easy-to-use French drop-down menus, comprehensive and quick instruction manuals and helpful videos.

How often does the PosiTector 6000 need to be recalibrated?

PosiTector 6000 probes include a calibration certificate with no expiration or end date. They don't have a shelf life, so the time in the field is not a good indicator for recalibration intervals. Many organizations with quality programs and recertification programs require annual recalibrations, and this is a good place to start for most users. DeFelsko recommends that customers establish calibration intervals based on their own experience and working environment. Based on our knowledge of the products, data and customer feedback, a calibration interval of one year from the date the instrument is put into service is a good place to start.

What can the PosiTector 6000 measure?

PosiTector 6000 probes have different capacities depending on the model.

• “Ferrous” model probes (order code starting with “F” eg FS1) can measure non-magnetic coatings applied to ferrous (magnetic) metals, typically carbon steel.
• Probes of the “non-ferrous” model (order code starting with “N” eg NRS3) can measure non-conductive coatings applied to non-ferrous metals.
• Combination probes (order code starting with 'FN' eg FNTS1) can measure non-magnetic coatings applied to ferrous (magnetic) metals AND non-conductive coatings applied to non-ferrous metals
• Combined Dual probes (code FND) can measure non-magnetic coatings applied to ferrous (magnetic) metals AND non-conductive coatings applied to non-ferrous metals in one measurement, for example paint over galvanization itself deposited on steel.

Can I check the paint and galvanization thickness on steel in one measurement?

Yes, in the wide range of probes for PosiTector 6000 there is the FNDS probe.

It can operate in classic mode for measuring a thickness on ferrous or non-ferrous metal, but also in Dual mode which allows it in one measurement to display the thicknesses of paints and galvanization on steel for example. The thickness of the galvanization must be greater than 13µm.

Measurements of paint on galvanization can also be carried out using a measuring probe on non-ferrous supports (in this case you will only have the paint thickness)

With all-metal probes (combined ferrous and non-ferrous FN, etc.), in automatic mode the device will indicate the thickness of the galvanization + paint. It will then be necessary to take a second measurement in N-Lock mode (locking the device in non-ferrous mode) in order to determine the paint thickness only.

The advantage of the FNDS probe is obviously to simultaneously obtain the paint thickness and the galvanization thickness in a single measurement.

Demonstration video:

Is the PosiTector 6000 affected by the surface roughness (profile) of the metal substrate under the coating?

All coating thickness indicators are influenced to some extent by the roughness of the substrate, as shown in the image below. It is generally accepted that the coating thickness should be measured from the highest “peaks” of the rough surface, thus ensuring that they are covered by the protective coating. However, coating thickness gauges will instead measure coating thickness from the "mean magnetic plane", which is located somewhere between the highest peaks and the deepest valleys in the profile.

The SSPC-PA 2 method offers several solutions depending on the type of instrument and the part to be inspected. Similar methods are suggested by ASTM D7091 and ISO 19840. One option is to verify that the meter reads zero on the uncoated steel substrate and adjust to zero if necessary. This is a popular solution when the metal surface is relatively smooth. Since it is difficult to ensure that the probe tip rests on the higher peaks of the surface profile, another option is to place a plastic shim of a known thickness that is close to the expected thickness. coating applied between the probe and the substrate and adjust to the indicated shim thickness - referred to as a 1 point adjustment. The plastic shim sits on the peaks of the surface profile over a larger area than the tip of the probe, ensuring that the adjustment is made “on the peaks”. This best simulates a coating covering the peaks of the surface profile.

Can the PosiTector 6000 measure coatings on stainless steel?

"Stainless steel" is a term used to generally classify a wide variety of corrosion and heat resistant alloys. In specific metallurgical terms, a "stainless steel" is any iron-based alloy containing at least 10.5% of chromium in mass. Some stainless steel alloys have a relatively low magnetic response (often referred to as "partially / weakly magnetic"). Others have no magnetic response, and some have a ferromagnetic response similar to carbon steel. The PosiTector 6000 is particularly capable of measuring partially magnetic stainless steel alloys, an application which is difficult for many competitive instruments. The PosiTector 6000 FN (combination ferrous / non-ferrous) probe models can often measure consistently on partially magnetic substrates with a simple zero adjustment. For more difficult applications, the “N-Lock” measurement mode which locks the Positector 6000 to non-ferrous function only, allows precise measurement of non-conductive coatings applied to partially magnetic substrates.

Can the PosiTector 6000 measure coatings on hot surfaces?

The PosiTector 6000 FXS and FHXS Xtreme probes are ideal for measuring coating thickness on hot and / or rough surfaces (250 ° C, 500 ° F maximum). All PosiTector 6000 probes are capable of measuring on hot surfaces. Standard probe models can operate in environments up to 50˚C (120˚F). However, if the probe is lifted off the surface as soon as a reading is taken and allowed to cool, readings can be taken at higher temperatures. Just make sure that the probe stays at a temperature below 50 ° C (120 ° F) and cold enough to be handled with an unprotected hand.

What is the minimum room size required to take a reading?

To ensure the dimensions of a part are suitable for a PosiTector 6000 probe, simply check ZERO on the uncoated part and adjust if necessary. Check the accuracy by measuring a plastic shim placed on the uncoated part. If the measurement is within the combined tolerances of the shim and the probe, the probe is suitable for measuring the coated part.

Can the PosiTector 6000 be used underwater?

Although the display portion of the PosiTector and the probe connector are not designed for submersion in water, the standard cable PosiTector 6000 probes are hermetically sealed and ideal for use underwater. Probes with extended cables are available (up to 75 m / 250 ft) for underwater or remote measurement.

Is the PosiTector 6000 intrinsically safe in the ATEX sense?

No, the PosiTector 6000 was not designed as an intrinsically safe device, on the other hand the PosiTest range is mechanical and ideal for measuring coating thickness in hazardous environments.

Can the PosiTector 6000 measure nickel on steel?

Yes, but it depends on the particular type of nickel coating that has been applied to the steel.

• When nickel plating is deposited by an electrolysis process (using an electric current in the nickel bath), the resulting coating - commonly referred to as "e-nickel" - is still conductive and magnetic to some extent and cannot be accurately measured by our gauges when applied to ferrous or non-ferrous metals.
• Electroless nickel coatings are deposited by an autocatalytic process which does not involve the addition of an electric current. If the nickel bath in this process contains a minimum concentration of ~ 8% phosphorus, the resulting nickel plating is effectively non-magnetic and its thickness can be accurately measured on ferrous steel with a magnetic principle such as a PosiTector 6000 F model.