The high accuracy digital coating thickness gauges are portable instruments designed for the non-destructive measurement of paints, enamels, galvanising and other coatings applied to metallic substrates. This range is intended for applications where greater measurement accuracy is required or where the probe must be selected according to the substrate material, coating thickness or component geometry.
Measuring coating thickness is an essential part of coating processes, electroplating operations and the inspection of protective surface treatments. An uneven or inadequate coating can reduce corrosion protection, affect the appearance of the finished component and compromise process consistency. A high accuracy digital paint thickness gauge makes it possible to carry out this inspection directly on the component, without damaging the coating or removing the applied layer, in applications where precision is particularly important.
The range includes different configurations, to be selected according to the type of metallic substrate, coating thickness and shape of the measuring point.
Models operating in F mode use the magnetic induction principle and are suitable for measuring insulating coatings, such as paints and enamels, or non-ferromagnetic deposits, such as zinc and aluminum, applied to ferromagnetic substrates including iron and steel.
The N mode model operates by means of eddy currents and is intended for measuring insulating coatings applied to non-ferromagnetic, electrically conductive metallic substrates, such as aluminum and other alloys compatible with the method.
The FN configuration supports both F and N measurements by means of dedicated probes for each measuring principle. It is therefore suitable for inspecting coatings applied to different metallic substrates while using a single measuring platform for iron, steel, aluminum and other compatible materials.
A particularly important application for this range is the measurement of the galvanising thickness on iron or steel. Where zinc coatings are relatively thin and inspections demand a higher degree of measurement precision, these galvanising thickness gauges provide a particularly suitable solution. They are designed for inspecting galvanised components used for corrosion protection during production, acceptance testing and routine quality-control activities.
The series also offers two-point calibration, a function that improves measurement accuracy compared with one-point calibration. This is particularly useful where the inspection must be set more carefully for the thickness range to be checked, for example on thin coatings, galvanised deposits or production components subject to repeated inspection.
The SA8850F model is designed for F-mode measurements on iron and steel and is suitable for checking paints, enamels, galvanized coatings and other non-ferromagnetic deposits applied to ferromagnetic substrates.
The SA8850N model is intended for NF-mode measurement of insulating coatings applied to aluminum and other non-ferromagnetic, electrically conductive metallic substrates.
The SA8850FN model can be used on both types of metallic substrates by means of dedicated F and NF probes. It is suitable where components made from different metallic substrates must be inspected within the same production department or quality-control process.
The SA8850F400 model, with a measuring range up to 400 µm, is suitable for F-mode checks on thin coatings and on small components or substrates. Compared with the standard F probe, it provides greater measurement accuracy and can be used on smaller minimum diameters, making it particularly suitable for compact parts or applications requiring enhanced precision within this thickness range.
The SA8850F10 model, with a measuring range up to 9,999 µm, is intended for applications where thicker coatings on ferromagnetic substrates must be measured. Its extended measuring range makes it suitable wherever coating thickness exceeds the capabilities of probes designed for standard industrial coating applications.
For applications involving complex geometries, an optional 90° ferrous probe is available for measurements inside pipes, box sections, concave surfaces and other locations where an angled probe provides easier access. Suitability depends on the available space, the surface geometry and the ability to position the probe correctly on the measuring point.
Typical applications include industrial coating, electroplating treatments, inspection of galvanised components, automotive production, fabricated and metal structures, marine applications, construction products and all processes where coating thickness thickness must be measured with a high degree of accuracy. In these applications, paint thickness gauges make it possible to inspect protective coatings and finishes applied to metallic substrates, while offering a choice of probes matched to the substrate material, coating thickness and component geometry.
The instrument can also be used to measure the thickness of a plastic film applied to a metallic substrate compatible with the selected measuring principle. In these applications, the measurement refers exclusively to the film deposited on a suitable metallic support operating in either F or N mode and cannot be used for free-standing plastic films or coatings applied to incompatible materials.
The internal memory makes this range particularly suitable for managing complete series of measurements on painted, galvanised or surface-treated components. Inspection data can be stored directly during testing, allowing readings from different batches or components to remain organised before being transferred for further analysis.
The data output allows connection to optional software for collecting measurements, improving traceability and reducing transcription errors in quality-control processes. Using internal memory together with optional software facilitates result archiving and the creation of a measurement history for production runs, orders or periodic inspections.
Measurements in F mode are based on the magnetic induction principle defined in ISO 2178, while NF mode uses the eddy-current method specified in ISO 2360. Selecting the most suitable configuration therefore requires consideration of the coating material, the type of metallic substrate, the required measuring range, the geometry of the component and the level of measurement accuracy required for the inspection.
The high accuracy digital coating thickness gauges provide the ideal solution for applications requiring precise non-destructive measurement of paints, galvanised coatings and other protective surface layers. With dedicated probes, extended measuring capabilities and comprehensive data management functions, these paint and coating thickness gauges are well suited for users requiring accurate and repeatable coating thickness measurements on a wide variety of metallic substrates. A calibration report is available on request. A calibration report is available upon request.
Applications
- Non-destructive measurement of paint and enamel thickness on metallic substrates
- High accuracy inspection of galvanising thickness on iron or steel with a galvanising thickness gauge
- Verification of non-ferromagnetic deposits applied to ferromagnetic substrates
- Measurement of insulating coatings on aluminum and other compatible non-ferromagnetic metals
- Inspection of thin coatings and small components with the SA8850F400 configuration
- Measurement of thicker coatings with the SA8850F10 configuration
- Checks inside pipes, box sections and on concave surfaces using the optional 90° probe, where geometry allows correct positioning
- Quality control in industrial coating and electroplating processes
- Measurements on automotive components, marine parts, metal structures and products for the construction sector
- Thickness control of plastic films applied to compatible metallic substrates
- Management of measurement series and inspection history through internal memory and optional software
FAQ – High accuracy digital coating thickness gauges
When should a high accuracy digital coating thickness gauge be selected?
It is suitable where coating thickness inspection requires higher performance than a standard check, for example on galvanising or thin coatings, small components, thicker coatings or components with geometries requiring specific probes.
Can a digital paint thickness gauge also be used for galvanising and other coatings?
Yes. In addition to measuring paints and enamels applied to metallic substrates, F-mode configurations can inspect non-ferromagnetic deposits such as galvanising coatings on iron or steel. This high accuracy range is particularly suitable where the coatings are thin or the inspection requires higher performance.
Which coatings can be measured in F mode?
F mode allows insulating coatings, such as paints and enamels, or non-ferromagnetic deposits, such as zinc and aluminum, to be measured on ferromagnetic substrates including iron and steel.
Which coatings can be measured in NF mode?
NF mode is suitable for insulating coatings applied to non-ferromagnetic, electrically conductive metallic substrates, such as aluminum and other alloys compatible with the method.
Which configuration should be selected for measurements on iron, steel and aluminum?
The FN configuration is suitable where measurements must be carried out on both ferromagnetic substrates and non-ferromagnetic metallic substrates, using probes dedicated to the two measuring modes.
Which gauge should be selected to measure galvanising thickness?
To measure galvanising thickness on iron or steel, an F-mode configuration must be used. Where zinc-coating thicknesses are low or inspection requires high accuracy, this range is particularly suitable thanks to its measuring performance and two-point calibration capability.
What is two-point calibration used for?
Two-point calibration improves measurement accuracy compared with one-point calibration. It is useful where inspection must be set more carefully according to the thickness range of the coating to be checked.
What is the characteristic of the SA8850F400 model?
The SA8850F400 model is intended for F-mode measurement up to 400 µm. It is suitable for thin coatings and small components or substrates, offering higher accuracy than the standard F probe.
When should the SA8850F10 model be selected?
The SA8850F10 model is suitable where thicker coatings on ferromagnetic substrates must be measured, thanks to its measuring range up to 9,999 µm.
What is the optional 90° probe used for?
The optional 90° ferrous rod probe makes it possible to reach areas such as the inside of pipes, box sections, concave surfaces or points requiring an angled geometry. Before measurement, it is necessary to check that the area allows correct probe positioning.
Can the thickness of a plastic film be measured?
Yes, provided that the plastic film is applied to a metallic substrate compatible with the selected measuring principle.
Can the instrument store measurements?
Yes. The range includes an internal memory for managing series of readings. Optional software can also collect and organise the data, which supports traceability and the creation of an inspection history.
Is the software included as standard?
No. The software is optional and can be used with the instrument data output to transfer and organise the readings collected.
Which standards apply to the measuring principles?
F mode, based on magnetic induction, refers to ISO 2178. NF mode, based on the eddy-current method, refers to ISO 2360.
Can a calibration report be requested?
Yes. A calibration report is available on request to support instrument management within company quality-control procedures.
If you want more information on this topic, check out our complete guide to coating thickness measurement. Already found the right model? Scroll back to the top and click the red “Request a Quote” button to get in touch with us right away.
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