Pay attention when purchasing a LWD
Important decision criteria for the purchase of Light Weight Deflectometers
Many customers are unsure what needs to be paid attention to when purchasing a new Light Weight Deflectometer. We tell you what decision criteria should definitely be taken into account.
TÜV GS CERTIFICATE
The Light Weight Deflectometer should have a TÜV GS mark. This is the only way to verify that all quality and safety standards are being met. Last but not least this is important in case of possible accidents: It is likely that the employer’s liability insurance association would check if attention was paid to obligatory safety standards when purchasing the device.
INTERNAL GPS SYSTEM
In any case the device should have an internal (not an external!) GPS system which records the GPS coordinates at the time of the test. More and more clients accept the tests only when the GPS data of the test point is available. And if worse comes to worse: An analysis without proof of locat ion is not considered legally compliant in court.
INTEGRATED PRINTER
In any case the device should be equipped with an integrated printer. Many clients insist on a protocol printout directly on site. The printer should by all means be integrated so that it will be supplied by a central and integral high-performance battery and will not require any additional batteries.
WEATHERPROOF ELECTRONICS
The measurement electronics should be installed in a weatherproof electronics box with a large, impact resistant inspection window. The lid of the box can be closed during the test. The device can be operated via an external button, protected against environmental impacts and dust.
IP PROTECTION LEVEL
The Light Weight Deflectometer should have a verified protection level of IP 53 against spray water and the ingress of dust/sand. This is the only way to guarantee that the measurement electronics will be permanently protected under adverse site conditions.
ATTENTION: Simple handheld devices have a protection level of only IP 20 and are thus only to a limited extend suitable for outdoor use.
ONLY ONE RECHARGEABLE BATTERY
In any case the device should only have one integral highperformance rechargeable battery, from which all components should be supplied. This ensures a high battery capacity and a long service life. Furthermore, you only have to recharge one single battery, not one in the measurement electronics, one in the printer, and one in the GPS device.
USB FLASH DRIVE
Make sure that the device is equipped with a USB flash drive and not with a SD card. USB flash drives can be inserted directly into every PC. For the SD cards you will often need external card readers which can cause problems regarding the device-to-device communication.
COATING
Over many years Light Weight Deflectometers are exposed to environmental impacts on the site. Thus, pay attention to a high-quality electroless nickel coating. Electroless nickel coatings are being used in the car manufacturing industry for fuel pumps. This shows how permanent and of what a high quality an electroless nickel coating is. Ideal for the longevity of your Light Weight Deflectometer under site conditions.
INSTRUCTION / TRAINING
When the Light Weight Deflectometer is being delivered, you should make sure to receive a sound training of a specialist. Never buy a Light Weight Deflectometer without a detailed explanation of its operation by a specialist.
PC SOFTWARE
The quality and user-friendliness of the software should be an important criterion when purchasing your Light Weight Deflectometer. The PC software should be included in the price of the device and should not cause additional costs. Pay attention to that!
PRICE / SALES
Buy the device directly from the manufacturer! This ensures that you will receive a qualified instruction/training from a specialist. Pay attention that you do not pay an expensive agent’s commission or reseller surcharge with the price for the unit. These can result in poor quality or fabrication of the device.
