TPT January 2009

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Software for D esign, P roduction & Management
J anuary 2009 98 ›
During preparation of pipelines for protective
coating applications, an assessment of the
profile height is important to the surface
preparation procedures. For many years,
mechanical gauges have been used to
measure the profile peak-to-valley height
and the operator has been required to
assess a group of readings to determine
the typical value.
Elcometer Ltd has introduced a new digital
surface profile gauge and accompanying
software with the capability to display
running statistical values for the profile height
readings. The Elcometer 224 digital surface
profile gauge uses the well-proven method
described in ASTM D 4417 (method B).
A pointed tungsten carbide tip locates
the bottom of the valleys of the profile. A
measurement is taken of the distance to the
reference flat surface formed by the foot of
the gauge. Prior to use, the tip is aligned to
the foot by placing the gauge on a flat glass
slide; the gauge is set to read zero.
The digital surface profile gauge is available
in two versions – Standard and Top. The
Standard version displays the running
statistical values, in either metric (microns
– µm) or imperial (mils) units but does not
have memory for the readings. Now with
Bluetooth™ wireless communications, the
Elcometer 224 Top version has a memory
for up to 50,000 individual readings in up to
999 batches.
Both versions have a range of 500µm
(20 mil) and can take readings at a rate of
more than 40 readings per minute with an
accuracy of ±5 per cent of the reading or ±
5µm (0.2 mil) – whichever is the greater. The
method requires that an average of 10-15
readings are taken over a 15cm2 (6″) area.
The Elcometer 224 Top version can upload
readings taken on site to a PC running
the ElcoMaster Software™. The software
supports Bluetooth communication for up
to 7 different Bluetooth enabled gauges
at the same time. It also supports RS 232
communication for all gauges with this data
output format.
ElcoMaster features include creation of
professional reports in seconds with export
to spreadsheets, text files, PDF or JPEG
files. A wide range of standard reports
include individual measurements, statistics,
histograms, individual line or bar charts, log
normal, and pie charts. It is possible to fully
customise reports using the ElcoMaster™
report designer tool.
In addition, digital photographs can be
assigned to an individual batch of data,
allowing the inspection area to be shown in
the reports. ElcoMaster Software provides
powerful tools for analysis, management
and reporting of readings data uploaded
to a PC via the Bluetooth link or using the
RS232 cable.
This article was supplied by JF Fletcher, technical
support manager, Elcometer Ltd.
Elcometer Limited – UK
Fax: +44 161 371 6010
Email:
Website:
Latest TruTops software for fabricating excellence
Trumpf Inc, USA, a producer of fabricating machinery and lasers used for industrial
production technology, has released a new version of its TruTops software. User
friendliness is the focus of the new version, with improvements including a new user
interface, increased productivity through product data management, a more efficient
nesting processor, and the elimination of redundant data management.
TruTops software was created specifically for Trumpf fabricating equipment, including
TruTops Laser (for 2D laser machines), TruTops Punch (for punching machines) and
TruTops Bend (for press brakes). “The latest version of the TruTops software package
helps the customer to maximise the potential of their Trumpf machines,” commented
Mr Steffen Kutz, TruTops software manager.
The company has also developed software programs designed specifically for
processing tube and profiles (TruTops Tube), for 3D laser processing (TruTops Cell) and
for CAD (TruTops CAD).
Trumpf provides comprehensive services for the installation and application of its
software, including hotlines and tele-diagnostics, regular updates at a fixed price,
training and a customer portal with useful tips, and customisations to the standard
software.
Trumpf Inc – USA
Fax: +1 860 255 6424
Website:
New digital surface profile gauge with
advanced software control
 A screenshot of the Elcomaster software
n