Hitachi CMI700 Copper Thickness Gauges

Hitachi CMI760 Thickness Gauges Overview

Hitachi CMI760 Thickness Gauges is a benchtop thickness gauge designed for high-volume production environments. It is a multi-functional system that typically utilizes both induction and eddy-current technologies to measure the thickness of metallic and non-metallic coatings. Unlike a simple digital thickness gauge, the CMI700 is built to handle complex geometries and diverse material combinations, such as zinc over steel, cadmium over steel, or copper over plastic.

This thickness measurement tool is the successor to the highly successful CMI series previously developed under the Oxford Instruments brand. Today, under Hitachi High-Tech, it continues to be the preferred digital gauge meter for quality control labs worldwide that require automated data collection and NIST-traceable accuracy.

2. Core Functionalities and Features

Thickness Gauges is more than just a thickness tool; it is a comprehensive data management system. Its core features are designed to minimize human error and maximize throughput.

Dual-Technology Integration

The system allows for the connection of multiple probes, enabling it to switch between magnetic induction (for non-magnetic coatings over magnetic substrates) and eddy current (for non-conductive coatings over conductive substrates). This makes it a versatile coating thickness gauge for shops that handle varied contracts.

Advanced User Interface

The gauge meter digital display provides real-time statistics, including mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation. This allows operators to perform pcb thickness measurement and instantly know if a batch meets the standard pcb thickness requirements.

Robust Calibration

Every thickness gauge tool is only as good as its reference point. The CMI700 supports multi-point Calibration Standard routines. By using a certified unit of thickness reference (such as NIST-traceable shims), the device ensures that the thickness unit displayed on the screen is accurate to the sub-micron level.

3. Thickness Gauges Application Fields

The application of the CMI700 Thickness Gauges spans across several high-stakes industries, each with unique thickness units and tolerance requirements.

Electronics Manufacturing and PCB Inspection

One of the primary uses of this thickness measurement instrument is in the inspection of printed circuit boards. Engineers must verify the thickness of pcb board layers to ensure signal integrity and heat dissipation. Whether checking the core thickness of a multi-layer stack or ensuring the standard pcb board thickness of 1.6mm is maintained, the CMI700 provides the necessary precision.

Automotive and Aerospace

In these sectors, coating thickness gauges are used to measure anti-corrosion layers. The thickness of pcb board components in automotive ECUs must be strictly controlled to withstand harsh environments. The CMI1700 serves as a critical thickness measurement instrument for testing brake lines, fasteners, and engine components.

Metal Finishing and Electroplating

For the Surface Finishing Industry, the CMI700 Thickness Gauges measures gold, silver, tin, or copper plating. Because the tool supports various thickness measurement units (mils, $\mu m$, millimeters), it can be adapted to international standards seamlessly.

4. Technical Data and Probe Characteristics

The performance of the Hitachi CMI 700 Thickness Gauges is largely defined by its probe compatibility and data handling.

Probe Versatility

The CMI700 can be equipped with various probes, such as the ETP for through-hole measurement or the SRP-4 for surface copper. These probes are the primary thickness measurement tool interface, designed to handle the delicate nature of pcb thickness testing without scratching the surface.

Data Characteristics:

• High Resolution: The digital thickness gauge offers resolution down to 0.01 $\mu m$ (0.001 mils).

• Statistical Memory: Storage for thousands of readings, categorized by “Jobs” or “Lots.”

• Substrate Compensation: Automatically adjusts for the “base” metal effect, ensuring that the thickness gauge meter only measures the coating, not the underlying material.

• Accuracy: Typically ±1% when calibrated against a proper Calibration Standard.

5. Maintenance and Calibration Protocols

To ensure the longevity of your thickness gauges, a strict maintenance schedule is required.

Calibration Standard Usage

Regular use of a Calibration Standard is mandatory. Over time, probe tips can wear down, slightly changing the distance between the sensor and the substrate. By recalibrating with a known unit of thickness, you reset the thickness gauge tool to its factory-spec accuracy.

Troubleshooting the Digital Gauge Meter

If the gauge meter digital display shows erratic readings, it often indicates a “geometry effect” or a “boundary effect.” The CMI700 includes features to compensate for these, but the operator must ensure the probe is perpendicular to the surface during pcb thickness measurement.