English Elcometer 3045 Persoz and König Pendulum Hardness Tester Operating Instructions
English This product meets the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive and the Low Voltage Directive. This product is Class B, 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 B products are suitable for use in domestic establishments and in establishments directly connected to a low voltage power supply network which supplies buildings used for domestic purposes. R is a registered trademark of Elcometer Limited. All other trademarks acknowledged. Copyright Elcometer Limited. 2010. 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-0471 Issue 02 Text with Cover No: 21608
CONTENTS Section Page 1 About your tester........................................................ 2 1.1 Standards............................................................... 2 1.2 What the box contains..................................................... 2 2 Getting started.......................................................... 3 2.1 Caution................................................................. 3 2.2 Installation............................................................... 3 2.3 Power input, main on/off switch and RS232..................................... 4 2.4 Menu language........................................................... 4 2.5 The parts of your tester..................................................... 5 2.6 The control panel......................................................... 6 3 Preparing for a test....................................................... 7 3.1 Switching on the tester..................................................... 7 3.2 Levelling the tester........................................................ 7 3.3 Fitting the pendulum....................................................... 8 3.4 Loading a specimen....................................................... 8 4 Testing................................................................. 9 4.1 Testing in immediate mode.................................................. 9 4.2 Testing in batching mode................................................... 9 5 Menu................................................................. 10 5.1 Mode.................................................................. 11 5.2 Review Batches......................................................... 11 5.3 Check Pendulum........................................................ 11 5.4 Calibrate............................................................... 12 5.5 Data Output............................................................ 13 5.6 Backlight............................................................... 13 5.7 Date/Time.............................................................. 13 5.8 Language.............................................................. 13 5.9 About................................................................. 13 6 Transferring readings to a computer....................................... 14 6.1 Installing ElcoMaster software.............................................. 14 6.2 Transferring reading Data Using the RS232 data Cable.......................... 14 7 Maintenance........................................................... 14 8 Technical specification.................................................. 15 9 Spare parts and accessories.............................................. 15 10 Related equipment...................................................... 16 1
Thank you for purchasing this Elcometer Pendulum Hardness Tester. 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. The Elcometer Pendulum Hardness Tester, is a world beating product. 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 YOUR TESTER The Elcometer Pendulum Hardness Tester is a simple-to-use instrument for assessing the hardness of specimens such as coated panels. The instrument is semi-automatic and includes batch memory and data output to a computer. Your hardness tester works on the principle that the damping time of a pendulum oscillating on a specimen indicates the hardness of the specimen. The amplitude of the oscillation reduces more quickly on soft specimens than on hard specimens. The Elcometer Pendulum Hardness Tester can be fitted with two types of pendulum: Persoz König. The Persoz and König test methods differ by the period and amplitude of the oscillation. The Persoz test measures the time taken for the amplitude of oscillation to decrease from 12 to 4 ; the König test measures from 6 to 3. Hence the König will take approximately half the time to test the same sample as the Persoz. 1.1 Standards The Elcometer Pendulum Hardness Tester can be used in accordance with the following National and International Standards: ASTM D 4366, DIN 53157, NBN T22-105, BS 3900 E5, ISO 1522, NFT 30 016 1.2 What the box contains Elcometer 3045 Persoz and König Pendulum Hardness Tester Glass Test Piece Bubble Level RS232 Data Cable 3 x mains leads (UK, EUR and US) ElcoMaster Software on CD Operating Instructions Pendulums are not supplied with the tester and have to be ordered separately. The Elcometer Pendulum Hardness Tester is packed in a cardboard and foam package. It is recommended that this packaging is retained and reused in the event that the instrument needs to be transported. If the packaging materials are disposed of, please ensure that this is done in an environmentally sensitive manner. Consult your local Environmental Authority for further guidance. To maximise the benefits of your new Elcometer Pendulum Hardness Tester please take some time to read these Operating Instructions. Do not hesitate to contact Elcometer or your Elcometer supplier if you have any questions. 2
2 GETTING STARTED 2.1 Caution The Elcometer Pendulum Hardness Tester has been manufactured with your safety in mind. Improper use can result in damage to the tester and can impair the protection provided by the equipment. Please observe the precautions discussed in these operating instructions. To reduce the risk of electric shock do not open the housing of the tester. There are no userserviceable parts inside. To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose the tester to rain or excess moisture. The tester must be plugged into a suitably rated mains switched socket outlet. The disconnect device for the tester is the mains on/off switch above the power input socket and must be readily accessible to the user. The mains plug on your tester may be fitted with a fuse. When replacing this fuse, ensure a fuse of the correct rating is used. 2.2 Installation The tester is heavy; manual lifting of the tester must be carried out by at least two people. Note: Before moving or transporting the tester, remove and store safely the glass test piece and the pendulum. Place the tester on a flat level table suitable for the load imposed by the tester. The table should be isolated from draughts and vibrations and not in the vicinity of machinery which may cause vibrations. Your tester must be level during use. If it is not level, the calibration may not be accurate and the pendulum loading system may not function correctly. During initial installation of the tester (or when it has been moved to another location) the two levelling checks listed below must be performed in the order given: 1. Level the tester using the bubble level built-in to the specimen table To level the tester using the bubble level built-in to the specimen table, follow the procedure given in Levelling the tester on page 7. 3
2. Level the pendulum loading and position sensing system using the separate bubble level supplied loose with the tester. 1. Place the bubble level on the top surface of the pendulum control assembly as indicated. 2. Observe the bubble. If the bubble is centred, the pendulum loading and position sensing system is level and your tester is ready for use. If the bubble is not centred, adjust the level of the pendulum loading and position sensing system as described in the following paragraph (3). 3. If adjustment is necessary: Remove the orange scale plate (2 screws, marked A in illustration). Rotate the levelling screws (2 screws, marked B in illustration) until the bubble is centred. Note that these adjustments should only be very small - significant adjustments should not normally be required. When the bubble is centred, replace the orange scale plate and tighten the 2 retaining screws (A). B A 2.3 Power input, main on/off switch and RS232 The power input socket is located at the side of the tester. A fuse protects the power input socket - see Technical specification on page 15 for fuse rating. The mains on/off switch is above the power input socket. The tester must be connected to an earthed supply. RS232 interface The small socket next to the power input is an RS232 output interface which can be used to send data to your computer - see Transferring readings to a computer on page 14. 2.4 Menu language To select menu language, see Language on page 13. 4
2.5 The parts of your tester Glass test piece storage bracket Pendulum storage bracket Bubble level viewing mirror Specimen table and bubble level Pendulum (Persoz shown) Pendulum loading and position sensing system Instrument levelling feet Control panel 5
2.6 The control panel To control your tester, use the keypad on the front panel. 1. Selects PERSOZ test 2. Scrolls up through menus and lists Starts tester Stops tester 1. Selects KÖNIG test 2. Scrolls down through menus and lists 3. Resets test if door is opened 1. Accesses the menu 2. Escapes out of menus Numeric keypad for selecting language and setting date/time 1. Selects menu items 2. Activates displayed command 6
3 PREPARING FOR A TEST Your tester conducts tests automatically, however before testing can be started, the user must complete the following tasks: Switch on the tester Check that the tester is level Fit the pendulum Load the specimen. 3.1 Switching on the tester Connect tester to mains supply. Close the door. Press switch at lefthand side to switch on tester. The tester displays a welcome screen and then performs an initialisation sequence. The tester displays Batching Mode, Immediate Mode or Levelling Mode (see Mode on page 11) and then waits for the user to press PERSOZ/KÖNIG (depending upon pendulum type) or Menu Esc. If the door is open when the tester is switched on, the tester displays Please Close Door for Initialising, and then waits for the user to close the door. Once the door is closed, initialising begins. 3.2 Levelling the tester Your tester must be level during use. If it is not level, the calibration may not be accurate and the pendulum loading system may not function correctly. Set your tester to the correct level when it is first installed or if it is moved to a different location (see Installation on page 3) and then check that the level is correct at the start of each day s usage. To check the level of your tester: 1. Switch on the tester. 2. Press Menu>Mode>Levelling. 3. Press Start. The display shows Place Glass Test Piece on Table. 4. Place the glass test piece on the specimen table, close the door and press OK. The sample table will raise and the display will then show Is The Bubble Centred? 5. Using the bubble level viewing mirror, observe the bubble level in the specimen table. If the bubble is centred, the specimen table is already set at the correct level. If the bubble is not centred, adjust the level of the specimen table by rotating the adjustable feet at the base of the tester until the bubble becomes centred. 6. Press YES. The specimen table will lower. 7. Remove and store the glass test piece. Your tester is now level and ready for use. Note: If you move the tester, remember to check the level of the pendulum loading and position sensing system - see Installation on page 3. 7
3.3 Fitting the pendulum Take great care when handling the pendulum; it is a very important part of your tester and is manufactured to precise standards. Any distortion of the pendulum or other similar damage may affect the readings. To fit the pendulum: 1. Clean the pendulum pivot balls using a suitable degreasing fluid. 2. Open the cabinet door. 3. The pendulum cross bar is marked FORWARD at one edge. The pendulum must be fitted with this marking towards the front of the tester: Mount the pendulum on the two locating pins either side of the specimen table; the pins fit into the conical recesses on the underside of the pendulum cross bar. 4. The pendulum is now fitted and ready for the start of a test. Note: When the pendulum is not in use, place it on the pendulum storage bracket inside the cabinet. 3.4 Loading a specimen To load a specimen: 1. Ensure the specimen is flat and clean; if necessary, use a suitable degreasing fluid to remove surface grease. 2. Open the cabinet door. 3. Place the specimen on the table. 4. Close the cabinet door. Note: There is no need to clamp the specimen in place; this is done automatically by the tester at the start of a test. 8
4 TESTING Testing can be done in immediate mode or batch mode. To select immediate mode or batch mode see Mode on page 11. 4.1 Testing in immediate mode 1. Choose test type; press Persoz or König. The screen displays Is the pendulum on the locating pins? 2. Ensure the correct pendulum is being used and that it is fitted correctly onto the locating pins - see Fitting the pendulum on page 8. 3. When the pendulum is fitted, press Yes. The screen displays Place Sample on Table & Close Door. 4. Load the specimen - see Loading a specimen on page 8. 5. When the specimen is loaded and the door is closed, press OK. The tester beeps once and the specimen table rises, clamping the specimen in place. The pendulum is moved to its starting position, released and starts to oscillate. During the test the screen displays the number of oscillations and test duration. These values are constantly updated. When the pendulum has completed its oscillation cycle the tester beeps twice and the screen displays Test Complete. The specimen table lowers and the pendulum rests on the locating pins. The screen then displays the results for the test: Total Oscillation:XX where XX is the total number of oscillations Duration:XX s where XX is the duration of the test in seconds Xm YYs where X and YY is the duration of the test in minutes and seconds. 6. Optional: To stop the test at any time, press Stop or Menu Esc. The tester beeps three times, lowers the specimen table and displays Select Pendulum or Menu. Note: If you open the door during a test, the tester will give warning beeps, stop the test and display Door Open, Close Door & Press RESET. Press RESET to re-initialise the instrument. 4.2 Testing in batching mode 1. Follow steps 1 to 5 given in Testing in immediate mode on page 9 to prepare for and start test number 1 of the batch. During the test the screen displays the batch number, the test number within the batch, the number of oscillations and test duration. These values are constantly updated. When the pendulum has completed its oscillation cycle the tester beeps twice and the screen displays Test Complete. The specimen table lowers and the pendulum rests on the locating pins. 9
The screen then displays the results for test number 1: Total Oscillation:XX where XX is the total number of oscillations Duration:XX s where XX is the duration of the test in seconds Xm YYs where X and YY is the duration of the test in minutes and seconds. 2. Press OK. The screen displays Check Pendulum & Press Start. 3. Ensure the pendulum is fitted correctly onto the locating pins. If necessary, close the door. 4. Press Start. The tester beeps once and test number 2 of the batch starts. 5. At the end of test number 2, repeat steps 2 to 4 to run test number 3 of the batch. When the pendulum has completed test number 3, the tester beeps twice and the screen displays Test Complete. The specimen table lowers and the pendulum rests on the locating pins. The screen then displays the results for test number 3 6. Press OK to display the batch number, time and date and the average of the 3 tests in the batch: OscillationsX: XX.XX where XX.XX is the average number of oscillations per test DurationX: XX.XX s where XX.XX is the average duration per test Test: Persoz or König (depending upon test type). 7. Optional: Press OK to start another test batch 8. Optional: To stop the test at any time, press Stop or Menu Esc. The tester beeps three times, lowers the specimen table and displays Select Pendulum or Menu. The test results for the batch will not be saved. 5 MENU Press Menu Esc at any time to access: Tester configuration, information and options Pendulum check and calibration Batch data review and output. To navigate to a menu item, use the scroll up and scroll down keys. When the menu item you want is highlighted, press. The selected menu item is displayed. Press Menu Esc at any time to escape from a menu. Note: If you press Menu Esc during a test, the test will stop immediately and any batch test result data will be lost. Note: Menu is not available while the specimen table is lowering. 10
5.1 Mode Selects Immediate mode, Batching mode or Levelling mode. To select mode: 1. Use the scroll up/down keys to highlight Immediate, Batching or Levelling. 2. To select the highlighted mode, press. Immediate The tester performs a single test and displays the result. Batching The tester performs three tests, then displays an average of the three tests and stores the following data into a single batch location in memory: Test type Date and time (test #1, test #2, test #3) Number of oscillations (test #1, test #2, test #3) Duration (test #1, test #2, test #3) Average number of oscillations Average duration Your tester has a memory capacity of 10 batches. The batch number is incremented each time it is used and when all ten batches have been filled with data the first batch will be overwritten, then the second, and so on. Levelling Used to check that the tester is level - see Levelling the tester on page 7. 5.2 Review Batches Opens a batch and shows the readings and statistics on the display. 1. Use the scroll up/down keys to display the batch required. The displays shows the batch number, time, date and average of the reading data for the batch. 2. To view the reading data in the batch, press DATA. The displays shows the reading number (1, 2 or 3), number of oscillations and test duration for the reading. 3. Use the scroll up/down keys to view the data for each of the three readings in the batch. 4. To return to the batch statistics, press OK. 5.3 Check Pendulum Checks that the time period of the pendulum is within specifications. This check pendulum routine should be used periodically and should always be performed prior to conducting the calibration routine (see section 5.4). The check pendulum routine times 100 oscillations on the glass test piece and reports whether the pendulum is in specification. Before starting, ensure that: The instrument is mounted on a sturdy table in a draught free area. The temperature of the room is 23 C ± 2 C. The relative humidity is 50% ± 5%. 11
The glass test piece and the pivot balls are free of grease. The pendulum is aligned exactly with the 0 (zero) mark on the scale when the glass test piece is fitted and the specimen table is in its raised position. Note: Check Pendulum is not available while the tester is in Levelling Mode. To conduct the check pendulum routine: 1. Select Persoz or König 2. Check the pendulum fulcrum condition. Are the fulcrums clean and in good condition? If yes, press YES to continue If no, clean or replace the fulcrum pins. 3. Is the pendulum on the locating pins? If yes, press YES to continue If no, reposition the pendulum. 4. Place glass test piece on specimen table and close door. 5. Press OK. The test is conducted automatically and oscillations and time are measured. The display then shows the test routine results. Check Pendulum test routine results: If the pendulum is within specifications the display shows Calibration OK. If the pendulum is out of specifications: Persoz pendulum - the display shows Replace Pendulum (See Spare parts and accessories on page 15) König - the display shows Move Weight Up/Down XX mm and Retest. Adjust the weight accordingly and then press OK. The Check Pendulum routine will restart. Continue this process until the Check Pendulum routine is accurate. Note: When not in use, the glass test piece should be stored on the storage bracket in the cabinet. 5.4 Calibrate Re-calibrates the instrument. Note: Before starting the Gauge Calibration routine, check that the pendulum time period is within specifications by conducting the Check Pendulum routine - see section 5.3. Also check the tester is level by entering Levelling Mode - see section 3.2. Note: Calibrate is not available while the tester is in Levelling Mode. 1. Select Persoz or König 2. Is the pendulum on the locating pins? If yes, press YES to continue If no, reposition the pendulum. 3. Place glass test piece on specimen table and close door. 4. Press OK. The test is conducted automatically and oscillations and time are measured. The display then shows the test routine results. Gauge calibration test routine results: If the tester is within specifications the display shows Calibration OK. 12
If the tester is out of specifications, the display shows Calibration Required. Press RETEST or CAL to Adjust. To conduct the test routine again, press RETEST, or to recalibrate the tester press CAL. If you select CAL, the tester makes adjustments automatically and then prompts the user to run the Gauge Calibration routine again. Repeat as necessary until tester calibration is within specifications. Note: When the glass test piece is not in use, place it on the storage bracket in the cabinet. 5.5 Data Output Sends data from the tester memory to ElcoMaster software on your computer. You can send data from a single batch or from all batches. Data is output via the RS232 interface located next to the power input panel on the left hand side of the tester. 1. Use the scroll up/down keys to highlight Single Batch or All Batches. 2. To select the highlighted option, press. 3. If you selected Single Batch, use the scroll up/down keys to highlight the batch required and then press. The data from the selected batch will be sent to the RS232 interface. If you selected All Batches, the data from all the batches will be sent to the RS232 interface. 5.6 Backlight Toggles display backlight on/off. To toggle backlight on/off, press. 5.7 Date/Time Adjusts date and time. 1. To set date and time, press. The cursor flashes. 2. Use the numeric keypad to enter the date and time and then press. 5.8 Language Displays and adjusts menu language. The current selected language is shown at the bottom of the display. 1. Use the scroll up/down keys to see the number corresponding to the language required. 2. Press - the cursor will start to flash. 3. Use the numeric keypad to select required language (0, 1, 2, etc.) 4. Press - the cursor will stop flashing. All displays will then be shown in the selected language. 5. To exit, press Menu Esc (when the cursor is not flashing). 5.9 About Displays miscellaneous information about your tester. Gauge Information Displays tester model number, name and information about the Persoz and König tests. Contact Use the scroll up/down keys to navigate to the Elcometer contact details required (UK, USA, Asia, Belgium, Netherlands, France and Germany). 13
6 TRANSFERRING READINGS TO A COMPUTER Your tester is supplied with ElcoMaster software. ElcoMaster allows you to: Download readings data from your tester to the ElcoMaster data management system. Keep your reports, photographs and all your other inspection information in one place - ElcoMaster. Create accurate and professional reports configured to allow your data to be understood easily at all levels. Create PDF versions of your reports and e-mail direct from ElcoMaster. ElcoMaster is on the CD supplied with your tester and it can also be downloaded, together with any subsequent upgrades, from the Elcometer website www.elcometer.com To use ElcoMaster for data transfer, the software must be installed on your computer and your tester must be connected to your computer using the RS232 data cable. 6.1 INSTALLING ELCOMASTER SOFTWARE 1. Place the CD in your computer. The software installation wizard should run automatically. If it does not run automatically: Click Start > Run Type D:AutoCIS (where D is the letter of your CD drive) Click OK. The software installation wizard will run. 2. Follow the on-screen installation instructions. Follow the instructions included with ElcoMaster to interface your gauge with your computer. 6.2 TRANSFERRING READING DATA USING THE RS232 DATA CABLE 1. Connect your gauge to your computer using the RS232 data cable. 2. Start ElcoMaster and follow the separate instructions included with ElcoMaster to connect to your Elcometer 3045 Pendulum Hardness Tester. 3. Switch on your tester and follow the instructions given in Data Output on page 13 to send data from one batch or all batches to your computer. 7 MAINTENANCE The Elcometer Pendulum Hardness Tester is designed to give many years reliable service under normal operating and storage conditions. At regular intervals, check the condition of the pendulum - see paragraph 5.3 on page 11. The tester does not contain any internal user-serviceable components. In the unlikely event of a fault, the Elcometer Pendulum Hardness Tester should be returned to your local Elcometer supplier or directly to Elcometer. The warranty will be invalidated if the body of the tester has been opened. Details of Elcometer offices around the world are given on the outside cover of these operating instructions. Alternatively visit the Elcometer website, www.elcometer.com 14
8 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION Specimen dimensions: 200 mm x 110 mm x 14 mm (maximum) (7.85" x 4.33" x 0.55") Oscillation period: 1 s ± 0.01 s (Persoz) 1.4 s ± 0.02 s (König) Measurement deflection: 12 to 4 (Persoz) 6 to 3 (König) Measurement time: 430 s ± 15 s (Persoz) 250 s ± 10 s (König) Number of oscillations: 430 ± 15 (Persoz) 172 to 185 (König) Operating voltage: 100 to 240V ~ alternating current Transient overvoltage: Category II as per IEC 60364-4-443 Operating frequency: 50/60 Hz Current Rating: 125mA Fuse rating - plug (if fitted): 13 A Fuse rating - machine: T2.5AH250V (1 off) Dimensions: Door closed - 500 mm x 330 mm x 760 mm (19.7 x 13 x 30 ) Door open - 820 mm x 330 mm x 760 mm (32.3 x 13 x 30 ) Weight: 17 kg (37.5 lb) Operating environment: The tester is suitable for indoor use. Ambient air temperature: +5 C to +40 C (41 F to 104 F) Humidity range: Not to exceed 80% relative humidity up to 31 C (88 F), decreasing linearly to 50% relative humidity at 40 C (104 F). Maximum altitude: 2000 m (6560 ft) The tester generates a sound pressure and sound power level <70 db. 9 SPARE PARTS AND ACCESSORIES The following replacement items and optional accessories are available from your local supplier or direct from Elcometer: Description Part Number Persoz pendulum KT003030P001 König pendulum KT003040P001 Glass test piece KT003045P009 15
10 RELATED EQUIPMENT In addition to the Elcometer Pendulum Hardness Tester, Elcometer produces a wide range of other equipment for determining the physical characteristics of surface coatings. Users of the Elcometer Pendulum Hardness Tester may also benefit from the following Elcometer products: Elcometer Scratch Testers Elcometer Washability, Brushability and Abrasion Testers Elcometer Elasticity and Resistance Deformation Testers Elcometer Appearance Meters For further information contact Elcometer, your local Elcometer supplier, or visit www.elcometer.com or www.elcoship.com 16