Fast Evolution of Coating Thickness Gages

Today's thickness gages also are more simplified, and are far more advanced and sensitive than in years past.

Understanding what equipment is available and how to use it is critical to ensuring process control, product quality and cost control.

Depending on the type of coating, its thickness range, the substrate material, and the size and shape of the part, operators can turn to any number of measuring techniques.

While there are companies that provide many solutions, here is what some of the experts have to say about a few of today's widely used or new technologies: magnetic, eddy current and ultrasonic coating thickness measurement.

Technology examples:

• Magnetic gages are widely used to measure electroplating, nickel coatings, phosphating, paint, plastic and coatings such as enamel epoxy on steel.

• Eddy-current instruments are used for measuring both non-magnetic, metallic coatings over steel, as well as nonconductive coatings over non-ferrous metals.

• Coating thickness gages that use an ultrasonic principle support or replace destructive measurement techniques for concrete, wood and plastics applications.