Coating Thickness Measurement

Modern Machine Shop, Oct, 2000 by Elizabeth M. McPhail

The newest version (v3.ll) of WinFTM Windows-based software for Fischerscope X-ray fluorescence coating thickness measurement instruments features auto focus, electronic part magnification (1-4X), material identification and programmable measurement tasking.

The Windows-based WinFTM software provides high precision measurement based on analysis of the fluorescence spectrum using the simple and versatile FP (Fundamental Parameter) method--said to be more accurate and effective than the peak deconvolution technique. This software offers alloy analysis for up to four elements and has solution analysis capabilities for plating solutions containing one or two cations.

The addition of auto focus makes the software even more user friendly. A single mouse click activates the auto focus, and it can be enabled as part of a programmed XY routine. Once target coordinates are reached, auto focus solves any problems due to part variations. Auto-focus removes operator variability, thereby improving measurement repeatability. Electronic part magnification up to 4 x simplifies positioning and programming for small measurement sites.

Material identification enables the identification of samples of any composition through comparison to a library of stored reference spectra. Users plating similar alloys can use this feature to confirm material composition before plating. It can also be used for material sorting/identification at incoming inspection.

WinFTM's new tasking feature enables a user to program a series of setup, measurement, analysis and report steps to be executed with a click of the mouse.

Full statistical and SPC functions are included in WinFTM with computation for all statistical parameters. "Picture-in-Picture" test piece view and data display includes a quick zoom function to enlarge the test piece image. A print form template editor module allows set up of customer-specific formats with the ability to integrate the video image of the specimen or any other BMP file, saved as a Word document.