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As recently as five years
ago, most coating thickness measurement instruments employed dedicated
microprocessors. These task-oriented devices have largely been
replaced with personal computer-based designs. This provides modern
equipment with two important advantages.
1. Much more memory is provided.
2. A software-controlled rather than a hardware-controlled operation
is much more flexible and easily upgraded. System upgrades can
now be provided on a standard floppy disk. Also, the PCs included
with new instruments may be used for other tasks.
The additional memory and flexibility has resulted in enhanced
instrument features, such as self-correction. Here, the device
is able to sense an environmental condition (such as temperature)
and automatically adjust the unit's calibration.
Advances in electronic component density has given portable units
capability approaching that of bench-type equipment. The portables
now have greater data storage, improved data-proce../SSIng capability,
and they may be downloaded to a computer for additional system
interface.
Better performance, lower cost
Years ago, you would have to budget at least $50,000 for a reliable
x-ray system. Now, an x-ray system can be purchased for less than
half that amount, and the reliability and accuracy is better!
Also, an existing advancement that holds promise is a new x-ray
fluorescence system that hastens inspection time and is highly
accurate and simple to operate, even by inexperienced operators.
Called "point and shoot," it is an important advance
in x-ray fluorescence system versatility and accuracy.
The new feature provides a camera view of the small plated part
or large PCB being inspected combined with a mouse-controlled
pointer for automatic inspection table positioning. Only one monitor
is used instead of the usual two. With this method, the operator
uses a mouse to move the cursor on the screen to the desired measurement
point. A click of the mouse button automatically moves the table
to the selected measuring point.
Other advances includes multifunction components replacing dedicated
ones for fewer parts and smaller equipment size. Less service
is required because there are fewer parts to fail.
Click on a link to discover how OICM is pushing the envelope of
coating measurement technology.
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