Electrical Conductivity Meter
Hocking AutoSigma 3000
  • Easy to handle – weighs just 400g
  • Reads in % IACS or MS/m
  • Selectable frequency – 60kHz or 500kHz
  • User exchangeable probes
  • 0.8% to 110% IACS, 0.45-64MS/m
  • All readings compensated to 20ºC value
  • 100 hour alkaline battery life
  • 500 reading data logger, PC connectivity
Specifications

Inspection Technology
Eddy Current

Operating Frequencies
60kHz sinewave and 500kHz sinewave

Display
LCD with selectable backlight

Size
165 x 76 x 41mm

Construction & Storage
High impact, splash proof, polycarbonate case. Leather carrying case with strap. protective case to hold unit, probes, probe cable, operator handbook and carrying case.

Weight
0.4kg including batteries

Power
3 x 1.5V AA Alkaline Batteries.

Conductivity Standards
On top of the unit. Removable for value verification, and ensuring thermal equilibrium.

Conductivity Range
0.8% IACS to 110% IACS, 0.45-64 MS/m

Resolution
10 to 110% IACS, readings 10.0 to 110.0 (1 dec. place)
0.80 to<10% IACS, readings 0.80 to 9.99 (2 dec. places)

Lift-Off
12.7mm probe compensated to 0.020" (0.5mm)
8mm probe compensated to 0.010" (0.25mm)

Accuracy
At 20ºC:
At 10% IACS: +/-0.1% IACS
At 100% IACS: +/-0.5% IACS
Over Range 0-40ºC:
At 10% IACS: +/-0.2% IACS
At 100% IACS: +/-0.8% IACS

Temperature Measurement
In-probe sensor (accurate to 0.5ºC). Range 0ºC to +50ºC.

Automatic Compensation
Conductivity measurements are corrected to the 20ºC value.

Environmental Range
0 to 95% relative humidity, 0ºC to +50ºC for reliable operation.

Data Logger Memory
Up to 500 readings. Up to 50 files.

Probes
12.7mm diameter for 60kHz and 500kHz. 8mm probe operates at 500kHz only.

Measurement of Electrical Conductivity is an accurate and repeatable method for checking non-ferrous metals for identity, grade and material conditions. The AutoSigma 3000 gives accurate operation in an easy to use package that is both light and rugged.

The Instrument
The AutoSigma 3000 is a unit that has been designed for operator convenience. The lightweight, battery powered unit is easy to carry and easy to hold during inspections. A large character, backlit display makes reading easy even in low light conditions.

The AutoSigma 3000 has two alternative operating frequencies. The 500kHz frequency allows inspection of thin materials using the standard probe. The 60kHz setting is the aerospace industry standard. Low power circuitry gives up to 100 hours of operation from a single set of alkaline batteries, whilst temperature and lift-off compensation ensure the accuracy of each measurement.

Flexibility of operation is also improved with the AutoSigma 3000 – the user can exchange probes in the field, without the need to return the unit to base for probe matching. This system allows the instant replacement of damaged probes, and an easy transfer between the different diameter probes available.

The AutoSigma 3000 has an in-built data logger facility, allowing the the recording of up to 500 readings, the unit can also be connected to a PC for fuller report generation.

Applications
The AutoSigma 3000 has many applications within the field of electrical conductivity testing. It is suitable for:

  • Alloy identification and verification.
  • The verification of heat treatment during manufacture and to detect in-service heat damage (e.g. in aircraft).
  • Metal sorting.
  • The detection of changes in material grade.
  • Determination of the density of powder metal components.
  • To measure the electrical conductivity of materials (wire, bus bars and conductors) during production and in-service.
Checking for heat damage

Checking for heat damage on an aircraft wing