New PC platform for Coating Thickness Measurement - the  FMP10-40 range with graphical user interface

An operational concept used in the PC world first entered the field of mobile coating thickness measurement at the end of 2007 with the successful launch of a prototype - the Dualscope® FMP100 from Fischer Instrumentation (GB) Ltd.  PC hardware and software platforms have now been developed across a whole new range of handheld coating thickness measurement gauges, from the entry model FMP10 to the enhanced FMP30-40 models which offer up to 100 different applications.  

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Dual measurement expands coating measurement capability

The FMP10-40 range of coating thickness measurement instruments enables the measurement of coating thicknesses using the Magnetic Induction and the Eddy Current methods which have become the industry standard for fast, accurate and non destructive coating thickness measurement on steel or non-ferrous metals, to include corrosion protective coatings.  The inset shows the Deltascope FMP10 measuring zinc on the substrate iron.

How the FMP10-40 range differs from conventional tools

The coating thickness measurement instruments differ from conventional tools by offering a high-contrast backlit colour LC-Display with a resolution of 240 * 320 pixels and a PC style user friendly menu driven operation.

The coating thickness measurement handhelds are operated via four membrane keys, up to 12 softkeys and a touchscreen. The soft keyboard, the measurement and evaluation windows and the measurement printforms can be configured individually using graphical dialogs and drag and drop functionality. The comprehensive statistical functions can be customised for each application to suit the requirements of the workplace. Standard or custom templates can be stored to meet company specifications, thus saving time when setting up additional applications.

An informative histogram presentation and a measurement window with specification limits provide information about the distribution and quality of measurements. The  FMP10-40 range alerts the user visually and acoustically to potential outliers corresponding to selected settings.

If required, readings and results can be transferred directly to a printer or a PC via the integrated USB port. Alternatively, results can be stored as printforms in PDF format in the instrument for later file transfer to a PC. In addition, the user can remotely control the instrument via the USB port.

Extensive probe range expands the number and variety of applications

Fischer Instrumentation (GB) Ltd offer one of the broadest ranges of innovative interchangeable probes on the market, which enables the FMP30-40 to offer up to 100 user definable coating thickness measurement applications.  The F series of probes offer a noticeably increased precision - in particular for very thin and very thick coatings. The inset shows the Deltascope FMP30 measuring the coating thickness of truck brake disks.

Language support

The mobile coating thickness measurement units support seven languages: German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese. Various instrument functions as well as all or individual applications can be protected from unauthorized access via personal passwords. A function that can be activated for automatic data backup prevents the loss of measurement data in case of a power loss.

Clever and useful measurement detail

Various modes for obtaining measurements such as automatic measurement activated with probe contact, external triggering, integrated area measurement as well as time and number controlled multiple measurements, can be used to perform multiple tasks for incoming inspection, production, testing or research and development.

Flexible energy management

The coating thickness measurement instruments feature a 256 MB internal data memory for storing all measurement applications, which can be extended externally via a USB stick or a PC. Furthermore, the portable coating thickness measurement instruments provide flexible energy management. The instruments can be powered by batteries or rechargeable batteries, for example while used in goods receiving or outgoing inspections, or via the included AC adapter.

Measurement instrument of choice

Depending on application, documentation and measuring method, end users can select from the wide FMP10-40 coating thickness measurement range for the instrument that will best suit their needs.  The FMP10-40 instruments are already being selected as the instruments of choice by specifiying companies globally because of their flexibility. The inset shows the Isoscope FMP10 measuring the coatings of copper pcb's.

Fast, personal, inexpensive service 

Part of the attraction of a Fischer instrument is access to the fastest, most personal and inexpensive servicing arrangements in the market.  A UK representative will personally service an instrument purchased in the UK.  Fischer is also developing 24/7 remote support as an efficient means of adding new applications and to quickly determine what is wrong if a fault is reported.

An instrument from the FMP10-40 range comes in a sturdy carrying case - including accessories, such as a driver CD-ROM, protective instrument cover, LCD protection film, carrying strap and operator's manual.

Fischer Instrumentation (GB) Ltd now assemble the hand-held range in Hampshire, England. 

To download the brochure for the FMP10-40 range of coating thickness measurement instruments click here

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