Issue 5 - May, 2001

Introduction

Advanced Gauging Technologies (A.G.T.) was founded in 1997 by the father and son team of Ron and Scott Cook. Their intention was to bring isotope thickness gauging into the 21st century. In less than two years since the first AGT400 system startup, they have already received orders for more than 50 gauging systems – strong evidence that customers feel A.G.T. has delivered tomorrow's gauging system today, and backs it up with world class service.

The Gauging Times™ is a quarterly newsletter designed to keep current and future customers up-to-date with the latest thickness gauging technology and features, along with services we offer. In each issue we'll share some of our system's unique capabilities, in addition to personal profiles, technical tips and glimpses of our future product development.

Personal Profile

John P. Fearing is the newest Field Service Engineer for Advanced Gauging Technologies (A.G.T.). Many customers have already met John during semi-annual visits over the last year. You could also see John if you purchase a new gauging system, as he also does quite a few commissionings. John's background reads as a who's who of thickness gauging. He has worked for most of the big names in the gauging business including Weston, Loral, DMC, Measurex, Radiometrie, and now saving the best for last – A.G.T. John obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Electronics Engineering Technology from DeVry Institute of Technology in Columbus, Ohio in March 1989 and has been working in the gauge business ever since.

John Fearing with niece Brianna

John's work experience has taken him overseas many times. He has traveled extensively in India, China, Russia, Thailand, Argentina and Peru just to name a few. When asked about his travels he tries to look at the positive aspects of each trip. Sometimes that is tough to do when you spend a winter in Russia (very cold) or a summer in India (very hot). If you want to hear an amusing story, ask about his experience in Peru or his trip to see the Taj Mahal in India.

John became an uncle for the first time in February. Brianna Shay Lucas was born while John was doing service in Mexico. As you can see he is excited about the prospects of spoiling John and Brianna this girl rotten. John now lives in Westerville, Ohio. He relocated from Chicago to take the position with A.G.T. This was a homecoming of sorts since he grew up in southern Ohio and still has family there.

World Class Service

Advanced Gauging Technologies excels in all areas of customer service.

Telephone Troubleshooting

Most telephone calls to A.G.T. are returned within two business hours. There is no run-around, as the technician who returns your call is fully trained to provide the assistance you need. Since we regularly service more than 350 isotope thickness gauges, you can be sure we have the knowledge to provide appropriate information and/or guidance over the telephone at no cost.

Replacement Parts in Stock

We stock 100% of the replacement parts for GR100, GR200, and AGT400 thickness gauges, along with many common items for 350, 2000, 3500, 5310 and 5320 gauges. And because we have upgraded so many of our competitor's older thickness gauges, we even have many parts no longer available new.

Pro-Rated Travel

Occasionally, a broken gauge will require a visit by a Field Service Technician. If we have other service in your area, we will pro-rate your travel to save you money. We also pro-rate travel costs for nearly all semi-annual inspections.

Diagnostic Data Screen

AGT400 Diagnostic Screen

The AGT400 Thickness Gauge & Reporting System features extremely advanced and user friendly diagnostics. Our Diagnostic Data screen is real-time and fully interactive. Eight channels of analog, 24 channels of digital, and footage tick information can all be monitored simultaneously. Five DC power supplies are visible, along with system temperature. ISOcheck™ and ISOcal™ functions can also be accessed from this screen. These functions allow the gauge to check its own calibration, and if necessary, make adjustments - all in software.

Time Constant

All isotope thickness gauges use a "Time Constant", which is basically a measurement of how long it takes for the gauge to respond to a certain portion of a thickness change. For high speed lines running lighter gauge materials, faster time constants are required. Thicker materials allow less beam intensity and require slower time constants or increased averaging to offset additional statistical noise.

In the AGT400 Thickness Gauge & S.P.C. Reporting System, Time Constants are selectable in software from 10 to 1,000 milliseconds. At commissioning your Field Service Engineer will choose the best Time Constant for your application. Our gauges even have an Automatic Time constant feature, which permits the gauge to adjust its own response time based on the material thickness to be measured.