The COULOSCOPE® instrument series operates according to the coulometric method by deplating according to EN ISO 2177 and impresses with its unique design and capabilities. The appealing design, the big LCD display and the clearly arranged keyboard – these are the prominent external features of the COULOSCOPE ® series. Just as important, however, is their simple operation, based on the menu-driven operator prompting. This allows for problem-free and quick setting of the instruments to new measurement applications. Approx. 100 predefined applica tions, from single coatings like such as zinc on steel up to triple coatings like chromium on nickel on copper on plastic are at your disposal.

In addition to the coating thickness measurement corresponding to the COULOSCOPE® CMS, the COULOSCOPE ® CMS STEP provides functions for the STEP test measurement according to ASTM B764 - 94 and DIN 50022. The COULOSCOPE® CMS STEP is ideally suited to measure in a simple standard-conforming manner the individual coating thicknesses and the potential differences of multiple nickel coatings.

Quality control of multiple nickel coatings requires measurement devices that can check the thickness and the electrochemical potential immediately following the coat ing procedure. The COULOSCOPE® CMS STEP measuring system, which due to its simple operation and uncomplicated han dling of the reference electrode is suitable for applications in the harsh environment of electroplating plants, has been developed for this purpose. Electrolytic nickel-plating is used for decorative corrosion protection and for improving mechanical surface properties, e.g., hardness. In particular in the automotive industry, nickel-plated components must meet high demands with regard to corrosion behavior. Single nickel coatings are not suited for this purpose. Very complex coat ing systems are, therefore, being develop ed, which consist of two, three or even four different nickel coatings as well as addition al coatings of chromium or copper.

Special features of version COULOSCOPE® CMS STEP

· Adjustable deplating amperage

· Determination of the coating thick nesses and potential differences using the cursor

· Automatic measurement sequence for conditioning the silver reference electrode (generation of the required AgCl coating)

· Manual measurement switch-off

The PC software program STEP-View is available to save and conveniently eva lu ate the measured potential plots. It is shipped as part of the standard equipment of the COULOSCOPE® CMS STEP. However, evaluations can be carried out also directly at the instrument. In the STEP-View program, the measured potential profile can be read from the instrument with a click of the mouse button. The determination of the coating thicknesses and of the potential differ ences occurs in two separate diagrams. The interesting values can be determined easily by positioning up to 5 markers at the relevant sections of the plot. The data can be exported to an Excel spreadsheet, the plots can be saved in popular graphic formats and extensive printform templates can be set up.

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The hand-held PHASCOPE PMP10 is ideally suited for quality control in the electroplating and printed circuit board (PCB) industries. Because the instrument employs the phase-sensitive eddy current method (ISO 21 968), it allows the measurement of metal coatings on any substrate. A specially designed probe even enables measurements in PCB throughholes.

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