SAUTER JCT 100 coating thickness gauge, Fe/NFe combination sensor, internal measuring cell

Uncompromising precision in surface technology: the SAUTER JCT 100 coating thickness gauge

In modern industrial manufacturing, rigorous quality assurance, professional vehicle assessment and heavy-duty corrosion protection, the accurate and non-destructive measurement of coating thicknesses is an absolutely business-critical factor. Whether it is the thickness of a protective zinc coating on a steel girder, the uniform paint finish on a car body, or the anodised layer on an aluminium profile – even minute deviations from the specified tolerance values can have dramatic consequences. A coating that is too thin will inevitably lead to premature corrosion, material fatigue and costly warranty claims. A coating that is too thick, on the other hand, is prone to flaking, compromises the mechanical fit of components and, in mass production, wastes immense quantities of expensive raw materials (such as powder coating or zinc). To completely eliminate these massive quality and financial risks, KERN & SOHN has developed the JCT 100 digital coating thickness gauge (MPN JCT 100) under its specialist brand SAUTER. This compact, ergonomic and technologically advanced handheld measuring device provides you with absolutely reliable, digital readings within milliseconds and is the perfect solution for any professional user who needs to record high-precision, standards-compliant coating data on a daily basis.

Intelligent dual technology: automatic Fe and NFe detection

The greatest technological advantage of the SAUTER JCT 100 is its highly advanced, universal combination measuring cell. In industrial practice, one is constantly dealing with completely different base materials. The device therefore masters both relevant physical measurement principles to perfection. On the one hand, it uses the magnetic-inductive method (Fe mode) to measure non-magnetic coatings (such as varnish, paint, plastic, enamel, chrome, copper or zinc) on magnetic base materials such as steel and iron. On the other hand, the electronics switch instantly to the eddy current method (NFe mode) when you need to measure insulating layers (such as paint, anodised aluminium, plastic or ceramics) on non-magnetic metals such as aluminium, brass, copper or non-magnetic stainless steel. The real highlight for the user: the SAUTER JCT 100 detects the respective metallic base material (substrate) completely automatically! You do not need to manually reprogram the device when switching from a steel sheet to an aluminium component. Simply place the device on the component, and the internal microprocessor automatically selects the correct physical measurement mode. This massively speeds up the testing process on mixed assemblies (for example, on modern car bodies made from a combination of steel and aluminium) and categorically rules out critical measurement errors caused by the operator selecting the wrong mode manually.

Ergonomics and precision thanks to an internal measuring cell

The SAUTER JCT 100 has been deliberately designed as a compact, one-handed measuring device with an internally mounted measuring cell (probe). In the harsh realities of everyday industrial use, this design offers decisive advantages over devices with external cable probes. Firstly, it eliminates the hassle of handling delicate cables that could get caught on sharp edges or break. Secondly, the internal probe enables extremely stable and wobble-free one-handed operation. You can hold on with your free hand whilst, for example, carrying out measurements on a large silo or a bridge pier whilst standing on a ladder. The tip of the probe is also fitted with a special, wear-resistant V-groove. This sophisticated design ensures that you can always position the device perfectly centred and at an exact 90-degree angle, not only on perfectly flat metal sheets but also on heavily curved surfaces, round pipes, shafts or convex body panels. Only a perfectly vertical positioning guarantees physically correct and reproducible coating thickness readings.

Comprehensive statistical analyses and alarm functions

In professional quality control, a single measurement is often insufficient to assess the uniformity of a coating across a large area. The SAUTER JCT 100 is therefore equipped with a generous internal data memory and powerful statistical functions. During a series of measurements, the device automatically calculates the mean value, the absolute highest measured value (Max), the lowest value (Min) and the standard deviation. This allows you to immediately identify whether a painting robot is operating unevenly in production or whether paint drips have formed. To further optimise the workflow in series testing, the device features a freely programmable limit value function (limit alarm). You define a minimum and maximum film thickness in advance (for example, 80 µm to 120 µm). If a measured value falls outside this strict tolerance range, the device immediately alerts you with a highly visible visual and audible signal. This enables extremely rapid ‘pass/fail’ sorting of components at goods-in, without you having to analytically evaluate every single numerical value on the display.

Calibration and GLP/ISO-compliant documentation

For companies certified to the strict quality standards of DIN EN ISO 9001, the verifiable accuracy of test equipment is of the utmost importance. The SAUTER JCT 100 can be calibrated quickly and easily by the user at any time. The comprehensive scope of supply includes both zeroing plates (for Fe and NFe) and a set of high-precision calibration foils in various defined thicknesses. This allows you to precisely adjust the device to the expected measurement range and the surface roughness of your specific workpiece using a one-point or two-point calibration. The high-resolution, high-contrast display ensures that you can always read the results perfectly, even in poor lighting conditions in production halls or in bright sunlight on a building site. The SAUTER JCT 100 is therefore not just a measuring device, but an indispensable, cost-effective tool for active quality assurance, for preventing rejects and for the long-term protection of your brand’s reputation.

Technical specifications

• Measurement principles: Magnetic induction (Fe) and eddy current (NFe)
• Detection: Automatic detection of the base material (Fe/NFe)
• Measurement range: Typically 0 to 2000 µm (please refer to the data sheet for exact manufacturer’s specifications)
• Resolution (d): 0.1 µm (in the lower range) / 1 µm (in the upper range)
• Accuracy: approx. ± (1 to 3 % of the measured value + 1 µm)
• Measuring cell: Internally mounted (robust, one-handed operation)
• Contact surface: With V-groove for precise measurement on round parts (tubes, shafts)
• Statistical functions: Number of measurements, mean, max, min, standard deviation
• Limit alarm: Visual and audible signal when values exceed or fall below limits
• Calibration: Zero point and gauge calibration (two-point)
• Units: Switchable between µm (micrometres) and mil (mils)
• Power supply: Standard batteries (with auto-off function to conserve power)

Contents

• 1 x SAUTER JCT 100 coating thickness gauge
• 1 x calibration set (reference plates for Fe and NFe)
• 1 x set of calibration spacer sheets (various thicknesses)
• 1 x set of batteries
• 1 x Sturdy hard-shell carrying case
• 1 x Detailed operating instructions in German

Individual requirements & accessories

If you are using this precision instrument as part of a certified ISO 9001 quality management system, we strongly recommend that you also order an official factory calibration certificate (ISO). This certifies the traceability of the measured values to national standards. Should you require a device with a flexible, external cable probe for specialised geometric components (such as deep bores or hard-to-reach interior body cavities), we would be happy to advise you on the sister models from the SAUTER range. Simply contact our expert procurement service for personalised system advice.