Elcometer 456 Coating Thickness Gauge / Digital Dry Film Thickness Gauges (DFTG)

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About this product

The Elcometer 456 Coating Thickness Gauge is an advanced digital dry film thickness gauge (DFTG) for accurate, repeatable measurement of coatings on metal substrates. Coating thickness governs how well a protective system performs: too thin and corrosion protection fails early, too thick and material is wasted or the film can crack, so reliable measurement is central to coatings inspection, manufacturing and quality control.

The Elcometer 456 Coating Thickness Gauge is offered in Basic, Standard and Top models, in both integral and separate-probe configurations. Integral models use the Bigfoot internal probe, whose wide footprint improves stability for single-handed operation, while separate models accept a wide range of interchangeable ferrous, non-ferrous and dual probes. Reading rate is more than 70 readings per minute, rising to 140-plus with the Scan Probe, at an accuracy of plus or minus 1 to 3% or 2.5 microns. Range depends on probe: from 0 to 1500 microns up to 31 mm of coating on metal, with resolution increasing for thin coatings. Results show on a 2.4 inch QVGA colour display that auto-rotates for visibility at any angle, and the Elcometer 456 Coating Thickness Gauge stores up to 150,000 readings in 2,500 batches. USB and Bluetooth output transfer data to ElcoMaster and the ElcoMaster Mobile App on PC, iPhone or Android for analysis and reporting. The sealed case is dust and water resistant to IP65, drop tested to 2 m, and runs around 24 hours on two AA cells.

The Elcometer 456 Coating Thickness Gauge can be used in accordance with standards including ISO 2178, ISO 2360, ISO 2808, ISO 19840, ASTM B 499, ASTM D 7091, SSPC PA 2 and the IMO MSC.215(82) ballast tank coating standard. Supplied with a fully traceable test certificate and a 2 year warranty, the Elcometer 456 Coating Thickness Gauge is used in coatings inspection, marine, protective coatings and manufacturing, and is supplied by BAMR, South Africa's authorised Elcometer distributor.

Advanced Dry Film Thickness MeasurementElcometer

Elcometer 456 Coating Thickness Gauge / Digital Dry Film Thickness Gauges (DFTG)

SKU · A456CFBI1 (+15 more)

The Elcometer 456 Coating Thickness Gauge sets new industry standards by delivering reliable, accurate, and repeatable coating thickness measurements. Designed to improve productivity and efficiency, this advanced dry film thickness gauge is ideal for professionals in coatings inspection, manufacturing, and quality control.

Specialised probes to meet a wide range of applications
Integral and separate gauges to measure coatings up to 30mm
Dust and water resistant rugged design to IP65
Drop tested to a height of 2m
Secure probe connection for improved durability
Bigfoot™ integral probe for accurate and repeatable measurements
Ergonomic design for comfort during continuous use
2.4 inch colour screen provides enhanced reading visibility at all angles
Fast reading rate of more than 70 readings per minute
Large easy to read colour display

Indicative price

Specialist-built quote, by close of business

Also available to buy online at GaugeIt, our online store.

Used by inspection teams in

RefiningMarineMiningBridge / civil

Decision guide

When to use the Elcometer 456

Coating inspectors reach for the 456 for dry film thickness checks across protective coatings work, from flat panels to rough, curved and thick coatings. It is the workhorse gauge where a wide measurement range and harsh site conditions both apply.

1
Handles thick and varied coatings
Separate gauges measure coatings up to around 31mm on metal substrates and read accurately on smooth, rough, thin and curved surfaces, covering jobs a thin-coating gauge cannot.
2
Survives harsh sites
Rated to IP65 and drop tested to 2m, it keeps reading reliably in dusty, wet and knock-prone field conditions.
3
Holds large inspection records
It stores up to 150,000 readings in 2,500 batches with USB and Bluetooth output to ElcoMaster, so inspection data is captured and reported in volume.
4
Backed by recognised standards
It can be used in accordance with national and international standards including ISO 19840, SSPC PA 2 and ASTM D 7091, supporting compliant sign-off.

Consider instead

Lower-budget alternatives

Elcometer 456 IPC Industrial Protective Coating Thickness Gauge

Choose this when you are measuring specifically on shot or grit blasted steel and want pre-set profile ranges rather than a general purpose gauge.

Elcometer 415 Industrial Paint & Powder Thickness Gauge

Pick this for fast checks on smooth, thin industrial paint and powder rather than the wider range the 456 covers.

Elcometer 456 Dry Film Thickness Gauge Probe Options

Look here when you need a specific separate probe for the 456 to suit access or substrate.

Not sure?

Ten minutes on a call with one of our specialists usually saves you from buying the wrong instrument.

Book a 10-minute call

Or , our product assistant, for an instant answer.

When to use this

Decision guide

When to use the Elcometer 456

1
Handles thick and varied coatings
Separate gauges measure coatings up to around 31mm on metal substrates and read accurately on smooth, rough, thin and curved surfaces, covering jobs a thin-coating gauge cannot.
2
Survives harsh sites
Rated to IP65 and drop tested to 2m, it keeps reading reliably in dusty, wet and knock-prone field conditions.
3
Holds large inspection records
It stores up to 150,000 readings in 2,500 batches with USB and Bluetooth output to ElcoMaster, so inspection data is captured and reported in volume.
4
Backed by recognised standards
It can be used in accordance with national and international standards including ISO 19840, SSPC PA 2 and ASTM D 7091, supporting compliant sign-off.

Consider instead

Lower-budget alternatives

Elcometer 456 IPC Industrial Protective Coating Thickness Gauge

Choose this when you are measuring specifically on shot or grit blasted steel and want pre-set profile ranges rather than a general purpose gauge.

Elcometer 415 Industrial Paint & Powder Thickness Gauge

Pick this for fast checks on smooth, thin industrial paint and powder rather than the wider range the 456 covers.

Elcometer 456 Dry Film Thickness Gauge Probe Options

Look here when you need a specific separate probe for the 456 to suit access or substrate.

Not sure?

Ten minutes on a call with one of our specialists usually saves you from buying the wrong instrument.

Book a 10-minute call

Or , our product assistant, for an instant answer.

Specifications

General

Display information: 2.4 inch QVGA colour TFT display, 320 x 240 pixels
Battery type: 2 x AA dry cell batteries, rechargeable batteries can also be used
Battery life: ~24 hours of continuous use at 1 reading per second
Gauge dimensions (h x w x d): 141 x 73 x 37mm
Gauge weight: 161g including supplied batteries
Operating temperature: -10 to 50°C

Integral Probes - Scale 1

● = c available

	Model B	Model S	Model T	C
Elcometer 456 Ferrous Integral	A456CFBI1	A456CFSI1	A456CFTI1	●
Elcometer 456 Non-Ferrous Integral	A456CNBI1	See separate gauges with N2 PINIP™ Probe		●
Elcometer 456 Dual FNF Integral	A456CFNFBI1	A456CFNFSI1	A456CFNFTI1	●

Range: 0-1500μm
Accuracy: ±1-3% or ±2.5μm
Resolution: 0.1μm: 0-100μm; 1μm: 100-1500μm
C: ● Supplied with fully traceable test certificate

Integral Probes - Scale 2

	Model B	Model S	Model T	C
Elcometer 456 Ferrous Integral	A456CFBI2	See separate gauges with N2 PINIP™ Probe		●

Range: 0-5mm
Accuracy: ±1-3% or ±20μm
Resolution: 1μm: 0-1mm; 10μm: 1-5mm
Note: For higher resolution & accuracy on thin coatings Scale 2 gauges can be switched to the Scale 1 mode

Integral Probes - Scale 3

	Model B	Model S	Model T	C
Elcometer 456 Ferrous Integral	A456CFBI3	See separate gauges with N2 PINIP™ Probe		●

Range: 0-13mm
Accuracy: ±1-3% or ±50μm
Resolution: 1μm: 0-2mm; 10μm: 2-13mm

Separate Probes

● = c available

	Model B	Model S	Model T	C
Elcometer 456 Ferrous Separate	A456CFBS	A456CFSS	A456CFTS	●
Elcometer 456 Non-Ferrous Separate	A456CNBS	A456CNSS	A456CNTS	●
Elcometer 456 Dual FNF Separate	A456CFNFBS	A456CFNFSS	A456CFNFTS	●

Range: 0-31mm
Accuracy: ±1-3% or ±100μm
Resolution: 10μm: 0-2mm; 100μm: 2-31mm
Note: See separate leaflet for the Elcometer 456 Separate Probe Options

Probe Options

Description	Part Number	Minimum Headroom	Minimum Sample Diameter	Minimum Convex Surface Diameter	Minimum Concave Surface Radius
Ferrous (F)
Mini Probe - Straight 45mm long	T456CFM3-A	6mm	3mm	1.9mm	6.5mm
Mini Probe - 90° 45mm long	T456CFM3R90A	Headroom:16mm Width:7mm	3mm	1.9mm	6.5mm
Mini Probe - 45° 45mm long	T456CFM3R45A	Headroom:18mm Width:7mm	3mm	1.9mm	6.5mm
Mini Probe - Straight 150mm long	T456CFM3-C	6mm	3mm	1.9mm	6.5mm
Mini Probe - 90° 150mm long	T456CFM3R90C	Headroom:16mm Width:7mm	3mm	1.9mm	6.5mm
Mini Probe - 90° 300mm long	T456CFM3R90D	Headroom:16mm Width:7mm	3mm	1.9mm	6.5mm
Mini Probe - 45° 300mm long	T456CFM3R45D	Headroom:18mm Width:7mm	3mm	1.9mm	6.5mm
Mini Probe - Straight 45mm long	T456CNM3-A	6mm	4mm	6mm	8.5mm
Mini Probe - 90° 45mm long	T456CNM3R90A	Headroom:16mm Width:7mm	4mm	6mm	8.5mm
Mini Probe - Straight 150mm long	T456CNM3-C	6mm	4mm	6mm	8.5mm
Mini Probe - 90° 150mm long	T456CNM3R90C	Headroom:16mm Width:7mm	4mm	6mm	8.5mm
Mini Probe - 90° 400mm long	T456CNM3R90E	Headroom:16mm Width:7mm	4mm	6mm	8.5mm
Mini Probe - 90° Graphite 45mm long	T456CNMG3R90A	Headroom:16mm Width:7mm	4mm	6mm	8.5mm
Mini Probe - 90° Graphite 150mm long	T456CNMG3R90C	Headroom:16mm Width:7mm	4mm	6mm	8.5mm
Mini Probe - 90° Graphite 400mm long	T456CNMG3R90E	Headroom:16mm Width:7mm	4mm	6mm	8.5mm
Straight Probe	T456CF1S	85mm	4mm	4mm	25mm
Straight Probe, sealed	T456CF1E	85mm	4mm	4mm	25mm
Scan Probe	T456CF1U	86mm	15mm	Flat Surface	Flat Surface
Scan Probe, Armoured	T456CF1UARM	140mm	15mm	Flat Surface	Flat Surface
Right Angle Probe	T456CF1R	28mm	4mm	4mm	25mm
Mini Probe - 90°, 45mm long	T456CFM5R90A	Headroom:16mm Width:7mm	4mm	3mm	6.5mm
Mini Probe - 90°, 45mm long, sealed	T456CFME5R90A	Headroom:16mm Width:7mm	4mm	3mm	6.5mm
Mini Probe - 90°, 45mm long, 2m cable, sealed	T456CFME5R90A-2	Headroom:16mm Width:7mm	4mm	3mm	6.5mm
PINIP™ Integral Probe	T456CF1P	170mm	4mm	4mm	60mm
Straight Probe	T456CN1S	85mm	4mm	10mm	10mm
Right Angle Probe	T456CN1R	28mm	4mm	10mm	14mm
Mini Probe - 90°, 45mm long	T456CNM5R90A	Headroom:16mm Width:7mm	4mm	10mm	8.5mm
Mini Probe - 90°, 150mm long	T456CNM5R90C	Headroom:16mm Width:7mm	4mm	10mm	8.5mm
Mini Probe - 90°, 400mm long	T456CNM5R90E	Headroom:16mm Width:7mm	4mm	10mm	8.5mm
Anodiser Probe	T456CN1AS	100mm	4mm	10mm	14mm
PINIP™ Integral Probe	T456CN1P	180mm	4mm	10mm	50mm
Straight Probe	T456CFNF1S	88mm	F: 4mm N: 6mm	F: 4mm N: 26mm	12.5mm
Straight Probe, armoured cable	T456CFNF1ARM	185mm	F: 4mm N: 6mm	F: 4mm N: 26mm	12.5mm
Scan Probe	T456CFNF1U	89mm	15mm	Flat Surface	Flat Surface
Right Angle Probe	T456CFNF1R	38mm	F: 4mm N: 6mm	F: 4mm N: 26mm	12.5mm
PINIP™ Integral Probe	T456CFNF1P	180mm	F: 4mm N: 6mm	F: 4mm N: 26mm	65mm
Straight Probe	T456CF2S	89mm	8mm	4mm	25mm
Scan Probe	T456CF2U	90mm	15mm	Flat Surface	Flat Surface
Right Angle Probe	T456CF2R	32mm	8mm	4mm	25mm
Armoured Probe	T456CF2ARM	138mm	8mm	4mm	25mm
Telescopic Probe - 56 -122cm long	T456CF2T	36mm	8mm	4mm	25mm
Soft Coating Probe	T456CF2B	89mm	8mm	Flat Surface	Flat Surface
Waterproof Probe, 1m cable	T456CF2SW	138mm	8mm	4mm	40mm
Waterproof Probe, 5m cable	T456CF2SW-5	138mm	8mm	4mm	40mm
Waterproof Probe, 15m cable	T456CF2SW-15	138mm	8mm	4mm	40mm
Waterproof Probe, 30m cable	T456CF2SW-30	138mm	8mm	4mm	40mm
Waterproof Probe, 50m cable	T456CF2SW-50	138mm	8mm	4mm	40mm
Waterproof Probe, 75m cable	T456CF2SW-75	138mm	8mm	4mm	40mm
PINIP™ Integral Probe	T456CF2P	174mm	8mm	4mm	60mm
Hi-Temperature PINIP™ Probe- 250°C	T456CF2PHT	174mm	8mm	4mm	60mm
Straight Probe	T456CN2S	88mm	14mm	100mm	150mm
PINIP™ Integral Probe	T456CN2P	185mm	14mm	100mm	150mm
Straight Probe	T456CF3S	102mm	14mm	15mm	40mm
PINIP™ Integral Probe	T456CF3P	184mm	14mm	15mm	45mm
Straight Probe	T456CN3S	170mm	35mm	Flat Surface	Flat Surface
Mini Probe - 45°, 45mm long	T456CFM7R45A	20mm	6.5 mm	-	-
Straight Probe	T456CF6S	150mm	51x51mm 2	35mm	170mm
Straight Probe, armoured cable	T456CF6ARM	190mm	51x51mm 2	35mm	170mm
Straight Probe, armoured cable	T456CF7ARM	200mm	55x55mm 2	40mm	170mm

Packing List

Elcometer 456 Dry Film Coating Thickness Gauge

Calibration foils (integrals only)

Wrist harness

Transit case (T)

Protective case (B, S and T)

Screen protectors (S and T)

1 x screen protector

2 x AA batteries

Operating instructions

USB cable (S and T)

ElcoMaster software (S and T)

Standards

Australian Standard

AS 2331.1.4

Australian Standard

AS 3894.3-B

Australian/New Zealand Standard

AS/NZS 1580.108.1

ASTM

ASTM B 499

ASTM

ASTM D 1186-B

ASTM

ASTM D 1400

ASTM

ASTM D 7091

ASTM

ASTM E 376

ASTM

ASTM G 12

British Standard

BS 3900-C5-6B

British Standard

BS 3900-C5-6A

British Standard

BS 5411-11

British Standard

BS 5411-3

British Standard

BS 5599

DIN

DIN 50981

DIN

DIN 50984

ECCA

ECCA T1

European Standard

EN 13523-1

IMO

IMO MSC.215(82)

IMO

IMO MSC.244 (83)

ISO

ISO 1461

ISO

ISO 19840

ISO

ISO 2063

ISO

ISO 2178

ISO

ISO 2360

ISO

ISO 2808-6A

ISO

ISO 2808-6B

ISO

ISO 2808-7C

ISO

ISO 2808-7D

ISO

ISO 2808-12

JIS

JIS K 5600-1-7

NF T30-124

Swedish Standard

SS 184159

SSPC

SSPC PA 2

US Navy

US Navy PPI 63101-000

US Navy

US Navy NSI 009-32

Accessories

	Jumbo Hand Grip
Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Probes	Dual Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Probes
T9997766
	V-Probe Adaptor
Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Probes	Dual Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Probes
T9997381	T99913133
	Ultra / Scan Probe Replacement End Caps
T456C23956	Replacement Ultra / Scan Probe End Caps (3 per pack)
	Probe Placement Jig
T95012880	Probe Placement Jig
T95013028	Component Hand Vice
T95012888	Cable Release Assembly - ideal for remote measurements
T95015961	Dual FNF Probe Housing Adaptor
T95016896	Mini Probe Housing Adaptor
	Calibration Foils / Coated Standards / Zero Test Plates
	Data Output Controller
T99925387	Elcometer Data Output Controller
Operating Temp	0 to 50°C
Data Input	USB
Data Output	One RS232 serial output via 9 way D-Type connector
Power Supply	Requires 5V 1A (min) DC supply via mini USB. External plug-in mains adapter with interchangeable UK/EU/US/AUS pins supplied
	Packing List
	T99922341
T99921325	USB Cable
T45622371	Benchtop Inspection Stand - for Separate Gauges

Features

■ = standard □ = optional

Group	Feature	Model B	Model S	Model T
Fast, accurate reading rate; 70+ readings per minute	■	■	■
Repeatable & reproducible measurements	■	■	■
Easy to use menu structure; in 30+ languages	■	■	■
Tough, impact, water & dust resistant; equivalent to IP64	■	■	■
Bright colour screen; with permanent back light	■	■	■
Scratch & solvent resistant display; 2.4″ (6cm) TFT	■	■	■
Large positive feedback buttons	■	■	■
USB power supply; via PC	■	■	■
Test certificate	■	■	■
2 year gauge warranty*	■	■	■
Automatic rotating display; 0°, 90°, 180° & 270°	■	■	■
Ambient light sensor; with adjustable auto brightness	■	■	■
Emergency light	■	■	■
Tap awake from sleep	■	■	■
Gauge software updates¹; via ElcoMaster ® software	■	■	■
Data output	■	■	■
Data output	USB; to computer	■	■	■
Data output	Bluetooth ® ; to computer, Android™ & iOS ǂ devices		■	■
On screen statistics	■	■	■
On screen statistics	Number of readings; η	■	■	■
On screen statistics	Mean (average); x	■	■	■
On screen statistics	Standard deviation; ó	■	■	■
On screen statistics	Highest reading; Hi	■	■	■
On screen statistics	Lowest reading; Lo	■	■	■
On screen statistics	Coefficient of variation; CV%	■	■	■
On screen statistics	Elcometer index value²; EIV	■	■	■
On screen statistics	Nominal dry film thickness; NDFT		■	■
On screen statistics	IMO PSPC; %>NDFT, %>90		■	■
On screen statistics	High & low limits; definable audible & visual alarms		■	■
On screen statistics	Number above high limit;		■	■
On screen statistics	Number below low limit;		■	■
Live reading trend graph; in batch mode		■	■
ElcoMaster ® software & USB cable	□	■	■
Replaceable screen protectors	□	■	■
Protective case	■	■	■
Plastic transit case	□	□	■
Integral models; with automatic gauge switch on	■	■	■
Probe type; Ferrous (F), Non-Ferrous (N), Dual (FNF)³	F, N, FNF	F, N, FNF	F, N, FNF
Measurement range	0-13mm	0-1500μm	0-1500μm
Separate models; with automatic probe recognition	■	■	■
Separate models; with automatic probe recognition	Probe type; Ferrous (F), Non-Ferrous (N), Dual (FNF)³	F, N, FNF	F, N, FNF	F, N, FNF
Separate models; with automatic probe recognition	Measurement range	0-31mm	0-31mm	0-31mm
On-screen calibration instructions; in 30+ languages	■	■	■
Multiple calibration methods	■	■	■
Multiple calibration methods	Factory; resets to the factory calibration	■	■	■
Multiple calibration methods	2-point; for smooth and rough surfaces	■	■	■
Multiple calibration methods	1-point; zero calibration	■	■	■
Multiple calibration methods	Zero offset4; for calibration according to ISO19840		■	■
Predefined calibration & measurement methods		■	■
Predefined calibration & measurement methods	ISO, SSPC PA2, Swedish, Australian		■	■
Automatic calibration; for rapid calibration		■	■
Calibration memory type; gauge (g) or gauge & batch (gb)	g	gb	gb
Number of batches; with unique calibrations		1	2,500
Calibration memories; 3 user-programmable memories			■
Measurement outside calibration warning			■
Calibration lock with optional PIN code unlock	■	■	■
Delete last reading	■	■	■
Gauge memory; number of readings	Last 5	1,500	150,000
Individual batch calibrations; sent to PC via ElcoMaster ®	■	■	■
Limits user definable audible & visual pass/fail warnings	■	■	■
Limits user definable audible & visual pass/fail warnings	Gauge (g) or gauge & batch specific (gb) limits		g	gb
Date and time stamp		■	■
Batch types; normal, counted average, IMO PSPC		■	■
Navsea Mode			■
Batch review graph			■
Review, clear & delete batches		■	■
Copy batches and calibration settings			■
Alpha-numeric batch names; user definable on the gauge			■
Scan & Auto Repeat Modes; with Scan probe connected			■
Fixed batch size mode; with batch linking			■

Downloads

PDF

Elcometer 456 Coating Thickness Gauge Digital DFTG Data Sheet

PDF

Elcometer 456 Separate Probe Options Data Sheet

Videos

Elcometer 456 Coating Thickness Gauge / Digital Dry Film Thickness Gauges (DFTG) video

Answers

Frequently asked questions

What measurement ranges are available on the Elcometer 456?

Integral probes cover Scale 1 (0 to 1,500 micrometres), Scale 2 (0 to 5mm), or Scale 3 (0 to 13mm). Separate probes extend the range to 0 to 31mm. Accuracy across all scales is plus or minus 1 to 3% or a fixed floor value.

How many readings can the 456 store, and how are they organised?

Model B stores the last 5 readings. Model S stores 1,500 readings across up to 2,500 batches. Model T stores 150,000 readings across up to 2,500 batches with user-defined alpha-numeric batch names and date and time stamps.

What calibration methods are supported?

All models support factory reset, 2-point calibration for smooth and rough surfaces, and 1-point zero calibration. Model S and T add a zero offset method for ISO 19840 compliance, automatic calibration, and support for ISO, SSPC PA2, Swedish, and Australian predefined methods.

Does the 456 support Bluetooth data output?

Model S and T support Bluetooth output to PC, Android, and iOS devices. Model B is limited to USB. All models can output live readings via USB.

What protection rating does the 456 carry?

The gauge is rated equivalent to IP64, described as tough and resistant to impact, water, and dust. The 2.4-inch TFT display is scratch and solvent resistant. Battery life is approximately 24 hours of continuous use.

Can the 456 be used in IMO PSPC inspections?

Yes. Model S and T display IMO PSPC statistics including percentage above NDFT and percentage above 90% NDFT. All models include a Navsea Mode for naval coating inspection workflows.

Request a quote

Quote on the Elcometer 456 Coating Thickness Gauge / Digital Dry Film Thickness Gauges (DFTG) by close of business.

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