Saicheng CHY-CA Precision Contact Thickness Gauge

Overview

The Saicheng CHY-CA Precision Contact Thickness Gauge is an electromechanical thickness measurement instrument engineered for high-reproducibility, standardized mechanical contact testing of thin, planar materials. It operates on the fundamental principle of controlled-force displacement measurement: a calibrated measuring foot applies a defined pressure to the specimen surface, and the resulting axial displacement—measured via high-resolution linear position transduction—is converted into thickness value with traceable metrological integrity. Designed in strict accordance with international standard test methodologies, the CHY-CA delivers repeatable results across diverse low-stiffness substrates where non-contact techniques (e.g., optical interferometry or eddy current) may suffer from surface reflectivity, transparency, or topographical interference. Its architecture integrates force-regulated contact mechanics with microprocessor-controlled actuation, eliminating operator-induced variability inherent in manual micrometer-based gauges.

Key Features

• Microcomputer-controlled system with large-backlit LCD display and tactile PVC membrane keypad for intuitive operation and real-time parameter monitoring.
• Standardized contact geometry and applied pressure per ISO 4593 and ASTM D374—ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality audit requirements; optional custom foot diameters (0–4 mm) accommodate specialized material classes including ultra-thin polymer films and brittle semiconductor wafers.
• Motor-driven automatic probe descent and lift cycle—eliminating manual loading inconsistencies and minimizing sample compression artifacts during measurement.
• Dual-mode operation: programmable automated multi-point scanning or single-point manual trigger, supporting both routine QC checks and R&D-grade spatial profiling.
• Configurable auto-feeding sequence: user-definable step distance, number of measurement points per sample, and feed speed—enabling systematic mapping of thickness uniformity across sheets or rolls.
• Onboard statistical engine computes and displays maximum, minimum, arithmetic mean, and standard deviation in real time—facilitating immediate process capability assessment (e.g., Cp/Cpk estimation).
• Includes NIST-traceable stainless-steel calibration standards for daily verification and periodic system validation—supporting GLP/GMP documentation workflows.
• Integrated USB 2.0 interface compliant with CDC class drivers—enabling seamless data export to LIMS, Excel, or proprietary QA software without proprietary middleware.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CHY-CA is validated for use with flexible, non-porous, and semi-rigid planar specimens ≤ 2.0 mm thick, including polymeric films (PET, PE, PP, BOPP), metallic foils (Al, Cu), paperboard, filter membranes, battery separators, silicon wafers (≥100 µm), and laminated composites. It conforms to 15 internationally recognized standards—including ISO 4593 (plastic film thickness), ISO 534 (paper and board), ASTM D374 (electrical insulating materials), ASTM D1777 (textile fabrics), TAPPI T411 (paper thickness), JIS K6250 (rubber), and BS 3983 (coated papers)—making it suitable for accredited laboratories requiring auditable, method-locked testing protocols. Its mechanical design satisfies CE marking requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU) and low-voltage safety (LVD Directive 2014/35/EU).

Software & Data Management

While the CHY-CA operates as a standalone instrument with full local data processing, its USB interface supports direct integration with Windows-based laboratory systems. Exported CSV files contain timestamped raw measurements, statistical summaries, and metadata (operator ID, sample ID, test date, foot diameter, applied load). The firmware implements immutable audit trails for calibration events and critical parameter changes—aligning with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 expectations for electronic records when paired with validated host software. Optional PC software (sold separately) provides graphical trend analysis, SPC charting (X̄-R, I-MR), batch reporting, and PDF certificate generation—fully compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation structures.

Applications

• Quality control of extruded and cast polymer films in packaging and medical device manufacturing.
• Thickness uniformity verification of lithium-ion battery electrode coatings and separator membranes.
• Incoming inspection of precision foil stock used in flexible printed circuit (FPC) fabrication.
• Process validation and DOE studies for calendering, coating, and laminating operations.
• Regulatory submission support for ISO 13485-certified medical packaging and ASTM F1929 barrier film qualification.
• Academic research on mechanical property–thickness correlations in nanocomposite thin films.

FAQ

What is the recommended calibration frequency for the CHY-CA?
Calibration verification using supplied standard blocks is required before each shift or test session; full recalibration by an accredited metrology lab is advised annually or after any impact event.
Can the CHY-CA measure textured or embossed surfaces?
Yes—provided the surface relief depth is <10% of the nominal thickness and the measuring foot diameter is selected to average over local topography without bridging peaks.
Does the instrument meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements?
The hardware supports Part 11 compliance when used with validated third-party software that enforces electronic signatures, audit trails, and role-based access control.
Is thermal drift compensation built into the sensor system?
The load cell and displacement transducer are temperature-compensated over 15–30 °C; ambient stabilization within ±2 °C is recommended for sub-micron repeatability.
How is measurement pressure controlled and verified?
Pressure is mechanically regulated via precision spring-load assemblies; nominal contact pressures range from 0.5 kPa to 100 kPa depending on foot diameter selection and are certified per ISO 2039-1 Annex A.