Name: Elcometer 270 pinhole detector
SKU: 3552
Availability: InStock

Monitor the integrity of the protective coating throughout its service life.

What makes Elcometer 270 so efficient?

Ready to use
Automatic sensitivity calibration and voltage checks
Low battery indicator
Visual/audible alarms
Integral and separate wand functionality
A wide range of fully interchangeable wand accessories
Three model variants – single, dual, or triple voltages
Easy-release snag-proof cables
Large standard sponge
An inspection kit for all your requirements is available

Pinhole Detector – Elcometer 270/3 Add to cart
Pinhole Detector – Elcometer 270/4 Add to cart
Pinhole Detectors Inspector’s Kit Add to cart

Pinhole & Porosity Detection
Premature corrosion of a substrate is usually due to the failure of the coating. A major cause of failure is the presence of flaws in the finished coating. Collectively referred to as a coating’s porosity the main types of flaw are described below:
Runs & Sags:
The wet coating moves under gravity leaving a thin dry film.
Cissing:
Occurs when a coating does not re-flow to cover the voids generated by air bubbles being released from the surface of a coating.
Cratering:
Occurs when the substrate is wet or if the coating has poor flow characteristics, thus creating voids in the coating.
Pinholes:
Caused either by air entrapment which is then released from the surface, or by the entrapment of particulates (dust, sand, etc.) that do not stay in place.
Over Coating:
If too much coating is applied to a substrate, as the coating cures it can crack from internal stresses of the coating. Under Coating:
Areas are not coated, or the coating flows away from particular edges, corners of a substrate and welds.
Furthermore over a rough surface profile, insufficient coating may leave the profile’s peaks exposed.

Testing for pînholes with the wet sponge method

testcoatings elcometer 270 how it works Pinholes are caused by air entrapment, which is then released from the surface, or by the entrapment of particulates (dust, sand etc.) that do not stay in place. The Elcometer 270 range utilizes the wet sponge technique and has been designed to set a new standard for wet sponge pinhole detectors – a high-quality, low-voltage detector with similar accessories to a high-voltage spark tester. They are available both as an individual gauge and as pinhole inspection kit. Elcometer also offers the 260 UV Pinhole Flashlight for a quick, low-cost method of testing coatings for pinholes.

A low voltage is applied to a moist sponge. When the sponge moves over a coating flaw, liquid penetrates to the substrate and completes an electrical circuit, setting off the alarm. The wet sponge technique is suitable for measuring insulated coatings less than 500 µm or 20 mil on conductive substrates and is ideal for powder coatings and other coatings where the user does not wish to damage the coating.

how to use Elcometer 270:

how to operate elcometer 270

Model	Elcometer 270/4 Pinhole Detector
Voltage	9V, 67.5V, and 90V
Maximum Measurement Range	500µm (20mils)
Sensitivity	9V: 90kΩ ±5% 67.5V: 125kΩ ±5% 90V: 400kΩ ±5%
Battery Life (continuous use)	9V: up to 200 hours 67.5V: up to 100 hours 90V: up to 80 hours
Battery Type	3 x AA (LR1600) 1.5V alkaline (NiMH rechargeable batteries can also be used, battery life will be reduced by up to 75%)
Accuracy of Setting	±5%
Dimensions	Without Wand – 210 x 42 x 37mm (8.3 x 1.7 x 1.5″)
	Standard Wand – 175mm (6.9″) long (including sponge)
	Flat Sponge 175mm – (6.9″) long (including sponge)
Weight	610g (21oz) including wand, cable, and batteries
Certificate available	Certificate of Calibration: issued for Fixed Calibration equipment and shows readings and traceability
Packing List	Pinhole Detector, standard wand, and flat sponge, 4m (13 2″) return lead with crocodile clip, 3 x LR1600 (AA) batteries, and operating instructions