The CSI5200 incorporates a patchmaker, digital microscope and a comparative atlas of wear debris photographs. Analysis is somewhat subjective and relies upon the experience of the analyst. I have used the machine for about 4 years now with good results. Bear in mind the machine only warns of ferrous wear debris so copper, brass or aluminum or other non-ferrous metals are not detected by the machine but will show up in the patches. The CSI 5200 also has a particle counter and chemistry check of the oil. The machine is valuable if you intend to do aggressive contamination control and need an onsite particle counter for rapid verification of effectiveness. For most of the equipment at my site this is adequate for our needs and we do not do much ofsite analysis with the exception for large circulating systems and plant air compressors. If you intend to do a lot of filtration and need an onsite particle counter with a basic chemistry check the 5200 is a good machine.
