Coating Thickness Gauge Selection Tips and Product Recommendations

A coating thickness gauge is an instrument used to measure the thickness of coatings or platings on metal substrates. The measurement principle dictates that different products are needed to test coating thickness on different metal substrates. When selecting one, it's essential to consider multiple aspects such as the actual test material, coating thickness, application scenario, product performance, and manufacturer service. This article outlines several selection tips for coating thickness gauges and recommends high-quality products.

1. Select Based on Test Material

Coating thickness gauges are categorized into two types based on measurement principle: magnetic and eddy current.

Magnetic Principle (Fe): Measures the thickness of non-magnetic coatings on magnetic substrates. For example, measuring paint, porcelain, enamel protective layers, coatings, powder coatings, plastics, rubber, synthetic materials, phosphating layers, chromium, zinc, lead, aluminum, tin, cadmium, etc., on ferromagnetic metal substrates such as steel and iron.

Eddy Current Principle (NFe): Measures the thickness of non-conductive coatings on non-ferromagnetic substrates. For example, measuring coatings like paint, coatings, powder coatings, plastics, rubber, synthetic materials, oxide films, phosphating films, etc., on surfaces of copper, stainless steel, and aluminum.

2. Select Based on Measurement Range

Choose a coating thickness gauge with a suitable measurement range based on the expected thickness of the coating on the object's surface. General paint coatings are relatively thin, so an instrument with a range of 0-1500μm is sufficient. However, some fireproof coatings are quite thick. Therefore, if measuring fireproof or anti-corrosion coatings, it's recommended to purchase a large measurement range gauge. For example YUSHI CM10FH. Its probe can measure up to 10,000μm thick, making it very suitable for measuring thicker coatings.

3. Product Performance

The performance quality of a coating thickness gauge determines its failure rate and service life during our use. These two factors impact work efficiency and data reliability. Key aspects mainly include product functions, operating temperature, measurement range, reading accuracy, measurement parameters, etc. During selection, it's essential to ensure these points meet the application requirements.

YUSHI CM30 coating thickness gauge, developed based on the CM10 series, is a full-range, multi-functional coating thickness gauge. It can be configured with a separate probe; users can choose one or multiple probe types for flexible matching as needed. It features a 2.4-inch color LCD screen, can store 200,000 measurement values, and has passed the IP68 waterproof and dustproof rating standard test.

4. Manufacturer Service and Technical Support

When purchasing a coating thickness gauge, it's crucial to choose a formal and reliable manufacturer, as this represents the quality assurance of the instrument and the manufacturer's service level. Here, "service" refers not only to pre-sales support but also includes professional technical support or maintenance services (after-sales service) encountered during instrument use. This is because users will inevitably encounter technical problems while using the coating thickness gauge.

YUSHI INSTRUMENTS has been dedicated to the R&D, production, and sales of non-destructive testing instruments for many years, providing customers with professional technical support and services.