Hitachi CMI165 PCB Thickness Tester (CMI165 Surface Cu Thickness Tester) is a handheld, rugged gauge for non-destructive copper foil thickness testing. Equipped with 51-Srp-T1 Tips and temperature compensation, it ensures high precision (±5%) for PCB incoming inspection and post-etch line width measurement. Battery-powered and portable, it pairs with Calibration Standard Plate and Nylon Brush for reliable performance.
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Product Overview
Hitachi CMI165 PCB Thickness Tester is a compact, user-friendly instrument designed for surface copper thickness measurement in PCB manufacturing. As a handheld solution from Hitachi (Oxford Instruments), it excels in inspecting incoming copper foil before drilling, cutting, and plating—critical for maintaining quality across PCB production stages. Its rugged design with a protective cover withstands harsh workshop environments, while non-destructive testing ensures no damage to delicate PCBs. Compatible with SRP-T1 Probe Tips (easily replaceable with 51-Srp-T1 Tips), it integrates seamlessly with accessories like Calibration Standard Plate (for accuracy checks) and Nylon Brush (for probe cleaning), forming a complete quality control tool for PCB manufacturers.
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Technical Specifications
Brand: Hitachi (Oxford Instruments)
Model: CMI165 (CMI165 Surface Cu Thickness Tester)
Type: Handheld copper thickness gauge
Measurement Method: Non-destructive eddy current technology
Probe Compatibility: SRP-T1 Probe Tips (51-Srp-T1 Tips) with lighting function
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Test Range:
Copper thickness: 0.1–50μm (0.004–2mils)
Line width: 0.2mm (8mils) and above
Accuracy: ±5% of reading
Display Units: mils, μm, oz (switchable)
Power Source: Rechargeable lithium battery (8-hour continuous use)
Auto-Shutdown: 1-minute idle time
Operating Temperature: 0–40°C (with temperature compensation)
Dimensions: 180 × 80 × 35mm (handheld design)
Weight: 350g (portable for on-site testing)
Interface: English (user-friendly for global operators)
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Product Features
Precision Measurement: Achieves ±5% accuracy, critical for verifying thin copper foils (e.g., 12μm in high-density PCBs) and post-etch line widths as fine as 0.2mm—ideal for advanced electronics like smartphones.
Temperature Compensation: Automatically adjusts readings for temperature fluctuations (0–40°C), enabling on-line testing of PCBs fresh from plating tanks without accuracy loss.
User-Centric Design: Handheld, battery-powered, and lightweight (350g), it allows operators to test PCBs directly on production lines or in warehouses—no need for bench-top setups.
Replaceable Probes: 51-Srp-T1 Tips are user-replaceable; after calibration with Calibration Standard Plate, they maintain full accuracy—reducing downtime and service costs.
Data Management: Built-in statistics (average, standard deviation, upper/lower limit alerts) simplify quality reporting, ensuring compliance with IPC-A-600 standards.
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How to Use the Product
Preparation: Charge the CMI165 fully (4 hours for 8-hour use). Clean the 51-Srp-T1 Tips with a Nylon Brush to remove dust—debris affects readings.
Calibration: Place a Calibration Standard Plate on a flat surface. Press "Calibrate" on the tester, align the probe with the standard, and follow prompts to complete calibration (ensures ±5% accuracy).
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Testing:
For copper foil: Hold the probe perpendicular to the PCB surface, press the measurement button—results display in chosen units (μm/mils/oz).
For line width: Use the probe’s lighting function to align with etched lines; the tester calculates width and thickness simultaneously.
Data Review: Press "Stats" to view average values or set upper/lower limits (e.g., 18μm ±2μm) for instant pass/fail alerts.
Post-Use Care: Power off, store the tester in its protective case, and wrap probes in Antistatic PP Sheet to prevent damage.
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Application Scenarios
Incoming Material Inspection: Tests copper foil thickness on raw PCB laminates to ensure compliance with design specs (e.g., 35μm for consumer electronics PCBs).
Post-Etching Quality Control: Measures line width and residual copper thickness after etching, critical for high-frequency PCBs (e.g., 5G base station components).
On-Line Production Testing: Used by operators on the factory floor to spot-check PCBs during plating, ensuring uniform copper deposition.
Laboratory Validation: Verifies sample PCBs in QC labs, generating statistical reports to support ISO 9001 audits.
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Value for Purchasers
Reduce Defects: Precise measurements cut PCB rejection rates by 30% by catching under/over-thick copper early in production.
Save Time: Handheld design and on-line testing reduce sample transport time by 50% compared to bench-top testers.
Lower Costs: User-replaceable 51-Srp-T1 Tips and long battery life minimize maintenance expenses—total cost of ownership is 40% lower than automated systems.
Ensure Compliance: Meets IPC and automotive standards (e.g., IATF 16949), enabling PCB sales to strict markets like EU and US.
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Certifications and Compliance
The CMI165 complies with CE and FCC regulations for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), ensuring safe use alongside other factory equipment. It meets IPC-TM-650 test methods for copper thickness measurement and is RoHS-compliant, containing no hazardous substances—critical for Europe and the United States market access.
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Customization Options
Probe Upgrades: High-precision 51-Srp-T1 Tips with extended lifespan (50,000 tests) for high-volume lines.
Calibration Packages: Bundled with 3 Calibration Standard Plates (12μm, 35μm, 70μm) for comprehensive accuracy checks.
Accessory Kits: Includes Nylon Brush, spare battery, and Antistatic PP Sheet for complete maintenance.
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Production Process
Hitachi manufactures the CMI165 in ISO 9001-certified facilities:
Component Sourcing: High-grade sensors and rugged casings are selected for durability in industrial environments.
Assembly: Automated lines integrate the eddy current module, display, and battery, with manual inspection for probe alignment.
Calibration: Each unit is tested against NIST-traceable standards to ensure ±5% accuracy before shipping.
Packaging: Protected in shockproof cases with user manuals and a 2-year warranty card.
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FAQ
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Q1: Can it test flexible PCBs (FPCs)?
A1: Yes—the non-destructive probe safely measures copper thickness on flexible substrates without causing damage.
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Q2: How often should calibration be performed?
A2: Recommend monthly calibration with Calibration Standard Plate; high-volume users should calibrate bi-weekly.
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Q3: Is the battery replaceable?
A3: Yes—users can replace the rechargeable battery (spare available via Welltronics) in 5 minutes without tools.
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Q4: What’s the difference between CMI165 and CMI700?
A4: CMI165 focuses on surface copper; CMI700 tests both surface and hole copper (paired with ETP Probe).
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Q5: Does it store measurement data?
A5: Yes—it stores up to 1,000 readings, exportable via USB (adapter sold separately) for quality reports.