TPT January 2009

S oftware for D esign, P roduction & M anagement

New digital surface profile gauge with advanced software control

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 15cm 2 (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  A screenshot of the Elcomaster software

support manager, Elcometer Ltd. Elcometer Limited – UK Fax : +44 161 371 6010 Email : sales@elcometer.com Website : www.elcometer.com

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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 : www.us.trumpf.com

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J anuary 2009

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