FAQs about Ultrasonic Thickness Tester

Only Cygnus probes should be used with Cygnus testers. The specifications of Cygnus probes is carefully controlled to ensure optimum performance from your Cygnus tester. Using non-Cygnus probes may cause incorrect or unsatisfactory operation.

Yes. Although the majority of applications require the testers to be used on steel, the testers can be used on a variety of other materials by either entering the known velocity of sound into the tester in metres per second, or by calibrating the tester with a known thickness of the material under test. Typical examples include, aluminium, copper, grey cast iron, magnesium, nickel, stainless steel, tungsten, monel, inconel, phosphor bronze and brass.

Yes, otherwise an incorrect reading will be shown. To download the Velocity Table click here. These are also listed in the manual supplied with the tester.

If only a few measurements are to be taken on a material other than steel, it may be easier to leave the calibration set for steel and convert the readings by multiplying by the Conversion Factor for the material being measured:

True Reading = Reading x Conversion Factor

Conversion factors are listed in the Velocity Table. This method avoids unnecessary re-calibration.

All Cygnus testers are calibrated for Steel when they are manufactured and the calibration can be adjusted to suit the type of material under test. Certificates of calibration are issued at the factory. The tester can be returned for recalibration at the customer’s request and in accordance with their own quality requirements. This is usually every 12 months when the equipment can be tested, checked and recalibrated using equipment traceable to national standards.”

The European Standard BS EN 15317 ‘Characterization and verification of ultrasonic thickness measuring equipment’ recommends all testers to be subject to an annual Performance Check to ensure correct operation. All new Cygnus testers are manufactured in accordance with this standard.

You can download the Multiple-Echo Explanation sheet from ‘Technical Information‘.

Assuming the batteries are good the next thing to check is if the Probe Membrane is fitted correctly, has enough couplant behind it and is not damaged or worn. You can download the Probe Membrane Fitting Instructions sheet from ‘Technical Information‘ for more information.

A correctly fitted membrane is essential for optimum tester operation

Gain Settings. Some Cygnus testers have a Gain Setting in their menu:

1. If the Gain in too low then getting readings will be difficult or impossible.
2. If the Gain is too high then the tester may display standing readings when the probe is not in contact with the material surface.

To correctly set the Gain follow these simple steps:

1. Make sure the probe face is clear of couplant and is not touching any surface.
2. Set the gain to a high value (i.e. 12).
3. Observe the thickness display – If you see more than one flashing bar or a thickness value then reduce the gain by 1 and check the display again. Continue to reduce the gain until you see one flashing bar on the display.
4. You now should have reduced the gain so the tester is consistently displaying one flashing bar only.
5. The Gain has now been correctly set.

CygLink needs the .NET framework version 3.5 on computers running Windows 10.

Yes, the Cyglink application will work with all versions of Windows (XP and above, both 32 & 64 Bit versions).

However, the serial to USB converter may require the latest driver installing. You can download the latest drivers for the USB to Serial Converters from ‘Software Downloads‘.  You will just need to register your details to access it.

The small grey USB to Serial Port Cable

The Black USB-485 Converter from KK Systems

The company has BS EN ISO 9001:2000 certification for the design, development, manufacture and repair of ultrasonic measuring equipment and associated accessories.

3 year warranty for all metal thickness testers

6 months for the probes

12 months for hatch sure parts

Warranty Details

Cygnus recommends Duracell Procell batteries for all testers that require disposable batteries.

That will depend on your requirements. The operation of the Cygnus Instruments range of products is straightforward. Measurements can be taken by a competent operator with minimal training. If however you need to provide certified readings then you may need to have specific training to comply with your customers requirements.

Cygnus’ Product Support Policy is to aim to support all Cygnus products until 7 years after the date they are discontinued.

For example, when Cygnus introduced its new Mk5 surface testers in April 2015, support for Mk4 surface testers will end in April 2022.