TPT May 2008

T echnology U pdate

Innovative coating thickness gauge

Sonatest has launched the Sonacoat, an innovative coating thickness gauge providing fast and accurate measurements in an easy-to-use format. The Sonacoat range consists of two different models – Sonacoat Easy and Sonacoat II, each with an F (ferrous) and FN (ferrous and non- ferrous) version. The Sonacoat Easy F and Easy FN are simple to use for quick and easy testing. They are ideal for checking thickness of

varnish, paint and chrome on all metals. Its integrated transducer has a measuring range of 3,500µm, with an accuracy of ±3µm. The Sonacoat II-F and II-FN measure coatings on steel and non-ferrous metals with automatic substrate recognition, activating the appropriate measuring mode. The simple menu structure includes a scan mode for fast measurement response when checking a large area.

 The Sonacoat II-F coating thickness gauge

Advanced feed system for cutting excellence Scotchman Industries, USA, manufactures an advanced feed system that increases productivity, decreases set-up time, reduces operator error and eliminates waste. Operators can either manually enter dimensions into the controller or pull a cut list from the controller, powered by TigerStop, which can store up to 99 programs. Cut list

The separate probe improves access to parts and can measure accurately on small diameter parts. Coating statistics and measurements can be transferred via an infrared interface to a PC. The measuring range is 0-1500m/60 mils The full Sonacoat range is compact in its design and offers precise measurements on different geometries due to simple calibration methods. The IP52 environmental rating protects against common problems like dust and water ingress, improving reliability. Sonacoat products are used for many applications where the thickness of the coating is important, either for visual or mechanical purposes. This includes paint shops and electroplaters, automotive and shipbuilding industries, aerospace and others. Sonatest Ltd is part of the Sonatest NDE Group, a leading independent manufacturer of ultrasonic flaw detectors, X-ray equipment, scanning systems, thickness gauges, transducers and NDT accessories. Sonatest Ltd – UK Fax : +44 1908 321323 Email : marketing@sonatest.com Website : www.sonatest.com

information can also be downloaded directly from a PC. Once the material is secured in the indexing clamp and the machine started, the advanced feed system automatically moves the material into position and clamps it, and cycles the machine. To perform one-off cuts, the operator simply keys in a desired cut length (in inches, fractions, or metric) and pushes start; and the automatic stop moves in to position. Scotchman president, Mr Jerry Kroetch,

 The Scotchman advanced feed system can convert a semi-automatic machine into a fully automated production machine

commented, “ The Advanced Feed System will cut production time in half, virtually eliminating set-up time. Now operators no longer need to use a tape measure or set and adjust manual stops. ” The Scotchman Advanced Feed System can be used as a programmable stop system or a fully automatic programmable push feed system with the optional material clamp. Scrap can be eliminated by using the optional optimising software. Upon entering the clear stock length of a piece of material into the controller, the system calculates how to optimise the material for the highest yield. Scotchman Industries Inc – USA Fax : +1 800 843 5545 • Email : info@scotchman.com • Website : www.scotchman.com

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M ay 2008

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