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The Language of Coating Thickness
Questions to Ask before buying a Gauge

The Language of Coating Thickness

In selecting the most appropriate gauge for your application, you need to answer specific questions.

Click here to see the full range of Coating Thickness Gauges

1

What is the substrate (the surface metal) you are coating / inspecting?

Is the metal a Ferrous Substrate (F) or a Non-Ferrous (NF)? Sometimes this is difficult to answer – the substrate may have already been coated. The easiest way to identify this is to see if a magnet will stick to the surface. If it does, then the substrate will be Ferrous, if it does not, then the substrate is Non-Ferrous.

2

Do you measure only on this substrate?

If you only inspect one type of product, then the answer is yes. If you have a range of products that you inspect, then you need to consider whether they are all of the same type of substrate. You should also consider if you have a future possibility of inspecting other substrates. If so, you should consider an FNF gauge.

3

What is your Coating / Substrate Combination?

Ensure compatibility of the coating and substrate; whether a coating thickness gauge will provide an accurate reading - see 'What is my Coating / Substrate Combination?'

4

Typically, what sort of coating thickness do you need to measure?

This will help you to select the correct probe scale range – e.g. Scale 1 measures coatings up to 1500µm.

5

What type of probe do you need?

Depending on your application you can select from:
 

  • Integral Probe (the probe is built into the gauge for accurate single handed measurements on large surface areas, pipes, etc.)

  • Separate Probe (the probe is connected to the gauge by a cable for all applications).

  • PINIP™ (the separate probe is attached directly to the base of the instrument, providing your separate gauge with
    all the benefits of an integral unit)

Separate Probes can be selected from our wide range to meet your application requirements. These include:

  • Regular Probes: Including Straight, Right Angle (90º) and Telescopic options.

  • Miniature Probes: Including Straight, Right Angle (90º), 45º Angle all in either long or short versions.

    Benefits of Integral & Separate Probes

    Integral / Pinip ™ Probe

    Separate Probe

    Can be used one handed

    Can access restricted areas

    Convenient to carry in the pocket

    Will handle convex and concave surfaces

    Ideal for flat or curved surfaces

    Can easily be replaced by the user

6

Do you need to save your readings for your ISO records or as proof of inspection to your customer?

Elcometer gauges are available in three options:

  • Basic Gauge – with simple statistics but no memory or data output.

  • Standard Gauge – with statistics, limited memory and data output.

  • Top Gauge – with statistics, enhanced memory, batching capability and data output.

7

What level of accuracy do you need?

A key decision on the overall selection of a suitable coating thickness gauge is how accurate do the readings need to be? There is a progression from moderately accurate to very accurate gauges, which is mirrored by the price of the gauge. In addition the coating application process and other factors affect the variability of the coating thickness on a particular surface and the skill and knowledge of the coating thickness gauge operator also influences results.