1. Introduction

The Tassteen HW300-MAX is a precise and reliable coating thickness gauge designed for non-destructive measurement of paint and coating thickness. It is primarily used to measure the thickness of non-conductive coatings on metal surfaces, as well as non-ferromagnetic coatings on ferromagnetic metals (such as iron, nickel, cobalt). This device is widely applicable in manufacturing, metal processing, chemical industries, and commercial inspection.

Key features include a digital LCD display with backlight, unit switching between micrometers (um), millimeters (mm), and mils, and three distinct probe modes: Automatic (AUTO), Magnetic Induction (F), and Non-Ferromagnetic (NFE). The gauge supports statistical data display, including average, minimum, maximum, and count, for up to 50 data points. It also features automatic shutoff after 3 minutes of inactivity to conserve battery life.

2. Product Overview

Figure 2.1: Front view of the HW300-MAX Coating Thickness Gauge.

The HW300-MAX is ergonomically designed for comfortable handling and features a clear, backlit LCD display for easy reading of measurements. Its compact size makes it portable and convenient for various applications.

Figure 2.2: Labeled diagram of the HW300-MAX display and controls.

2.1. Components and Display Elements

• Probe: Located at the bottom, used for contact with the measurement surface.
• LCD Backlight Display: Shows measurement readings, statistical data, battery level, and operational indicators.
• AUTO F/NF Button: Short press to switch probe mode (AUTO/F/NF). Long press to clear statistics.
• Power Button (⏻): Short press to power on. Long press to power off.
• um/mm/mils Button: Short press to switch measurement units (um, mm, mils).
• AUTO OFF/ON Button: Short press to toggle backlight on/off. Long press to toggle automatic shutdown on/off.
• Statistical Data/Calibration Button: Short press to switch between statistical displays (MAX/MIN/AVG/DIF/NUM). Long press for zero calibration.
• Measurement Reading: Displays the current thickness measurement.
• Thickness Unit: Indicates the selected unit (um, mm, mils).
• Substrate Probing Result: Shows whether the substrate is ferromagnetic (Fe) or non-ferromagnetic (NFE).
• Automatic Shutdown Instruction: Icon indicating if auto-shutdown is active.
• Battery Level Indicator: Shows remaining battery power.

3. Setup

3.1. Battery Installation

1. Locate the battery compartment on the back of the device.
2. Open the battery compartment cover.
3. Insert two AAA batteries (not included) into the compartment, ensuring correct polarity (+/-).
4. Close the battery compartment cover securely.

3.2. Powering On/Off

• To Power On: Short press the Power button (⏻). The display will light up.
• To Power Off: Long press the Power button (⏻). The display will turn off.
• The device also features an automatic shutoff function after 3 minutes of no operation to conserve battery. This can be toggled on/off by long pressing the AUTO OFF/ON button.

4. Operation

4.1. Taking a Measurement

1. Ensure the gauge is powered on.
2. Place the probe firmly and perpendicularly onto the surface to be measured. The gauge will automatically identify the metal substrate (ferromagnetic or non-ferromagnetic) and calculate the coating thickness.
3. The measurement reading will be displayed on the LCD screen.
4. Lift the gauge from the surface to prepare for the next measurement.

Figure 4.1: Measuring coating thickness on a car surface.

4.2. Probe Modes (AUTO/F/NFE)

The HW300-MAX supports three probe modes:

• AUTO Mode: The gauge automatically detects the substrate type (ferromagnetic or non-ferromagnetic) and selects the appropriate measurement principle. This is the default and recommended mode for general use.
• F Mode (Magnetic Induction): Used for measuring non-magnetic coatings on ferromagnetic metal substrates (e.g., paint on steel).
• NFE Mode (Eddy Current): Used for measuring non-conductive coatings on non-ferromagnetic metal substrates (e.g., paint on aluminum).

To switch between probe modes, short press the AUTO F/NF button.

Figure 4.2: Illustration of Magnetic (Fe) and Non-magnetic (NFE) coating detection by the probe.

4.3. Unit Switching

The gauge can display measurements in micrometers (um), millimeters (mm), or mils.

• To switch units, short press the um/mm/mils button. The selected unit will be indicated on the display.

4.4. Calibration

To ensure the highest accuracy, it is recommended to calibrate the instrument regularly, especially before critical measurements or if measurement accuracy is in doubt. The HW300-MAX supports both Zero Calibration and Multi-point Calibration.

Figure 4.3: Zero Calibration and Multi-point Calibration using standard films.

4.4.1. Zero Calibration

• Place the probe directly onto the bare metal substrate (without any coating) that you intend to measure.
• Long press the Statistical Data/Calibration button until 'ZERO CAL' appears or the display indicates successful zeroing.
• This sets the zero point for accurate measurements on that specific substrate.

4.4.2. Multi-point Calibration

Use the provided calibration films (0.05mm, 0.10mm, 0.25mm, 0.50mm, 1.00mm, 2.00mm) and the standard aluminum sheet for multi-point calibration.

Figure 4.4: Calibration films and base sheet.

1. Perform a Zero Calibration first on the bare metal substrate.
2. Place a calibration film of known thickness onto the bare metal substrate.
3. Place the probe onto the calibration film.
4. Adjust the reading to match the known thickness of the film using the calibration procedure outlined in the full manual (if available, otherwise this is a general step).
5. Repeat with other calibration films to ensure accuracy across the measurement range.

4.5. Statistical Data Display

The HW300-MAX can store up to 50 data points and display statistical information.

• Short press the Statistical Data/Calibration button to cycle through statistical displays: Average (AVG), Minimum (MIN), Maximum (MAX), Difference (DIF), and Number of readings (NUM).
• To clear the statistical data, long press the AUTO F/NF button.

5. Maintenance

• Cleaning: Wipe the device with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents. Ensure the probe tip is clean and free of debris for accurate measurements.
• Storage: Store the gauge in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. If storing for an extended period, remove the batteries to prevent leakage.
• Probe Care: Handle the probe carefully. Avoid dropping the device or subjecting the probe to excessive force, as this can affect its accuracy.

6. Troubleshooting

• Device does not power on: Check if batteries are installed correctly and have sufficient charge. Replace batteries if necessary.
• Inaccurate readings: Perform a calibration (Zero Calibration and Multi-point Calibration). Ensure the probe is clean and making firm, perpendicular contact with the surface. Verify the correct probe mode (F or NFE) is selected for the substrate type, or use AUTO mode.
• Display is dim or flickering: Replace batteries. Ensure backlight is enabled if operating in low light conditions.
• No reading displayed: Ensure the probe is making proper contact. Check if the device is in a measurement mode.

7. Specifications

Figure 7.1: Dimensions of the HW300-MAX Coating Thickness Gauge.

8. Package Contents

The following items are included in the package:

• 1 x HW300-MAX Thickness Gauge
• 6 x Calibration Films (0.05mm, 0.10mm, 0.25mm, 0.50mm, 1.00mm, 2.00mm)
• 1 x Base Sheet (Standard Aluminum)