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 suitable where inspection requires a high level of accuracy or where a specific probe must be selected according to the substrate, measuring range or component geometry.
Coating thickness measurement is an essential check in coating processes, electroplating treatments and the verification of protective deposits. A non-uniform layer or inadequate thickness can affect the protective capability of the coating, the final appearance of the component and the consistency of the production process. A high accuracy digital paint thickness gauge makes it possible to carry out this inspection directly on the component, without scoring or removing the applied layer, where measurement must be managed with particular care.
The range includes different configurations, to be selected according to the type of metallic substrate, coating thickness and shape of the measurement 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 aluminium, 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 aluminium and other alloys compatible with the method.
The FN configuration allows inspection in both F and NF modes by using probes dedicated to the two measuring principles. It is suitable where coatings applied to different metallic substrates must be checked, using one measuring platform for iron, steel, aluminium and other compatible substrates.
A particularly important application for this range is the measurement of galvanising thickness on iron or steel. Where the zinc coating has low thickness and inspection requires a high level of accuracy, a galvanising thickness gauge in this series is a particularly suitable choice. The range makes it possible to inspect galvanised components intended for corrosion protection, both during production checks and during acceptance and quality-control inspections.
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 intended for F-mode measurement on iron and steel and is suitable for checking paints, enamels, galvanising and other non-ferromagnetic deposits applied to ferromagnetic substrates.
The SA8850N model is intended for NF-mode measurement of insulating coatings applied to aluminium and other non-ferromagnetic, electrically conductive metallic substrates.
The SA8850FN model can be used on both types of metallic substrate with dedicated F and NF probes. It is suitable where components made from different metallic substrates must be inspected within the same department or 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 offers higher accuracy and can operate on smaller minimum diameters, making it particularly useful for measurements on compact components or inspections requiring higher accuracy 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. This configuration extends the range of applications where coating thickness exceeds that managed by probes intended for more common coating thicknesses.
For specific geometric requirements, an optional 90° ferrous rod probe is available for measurements inside pipes, box sections, on concave surfaces or in areas requiring an angled probe configuration. Feasibility must be assessed according to the available space, surface shape and the possibility of positioning the probe correctly at the measurement point.
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 must be checked with high accuracy. In these applications, paint thickness gauges make it possible to inspect protective coatings and finishes applied to metallic substrates, while the available probes allow the configuration best suited to the substrate, thickness and component geometry to be selected.
The instrument can also be used to check the thickness of a plastic film applied to a metallic substrate compatible with the selected measuring principle. The reading therefore relates to the film applied to a support suitable for F or NF mode, not to a free plastic film or one applied to incompatible materials.
The presence of internal memory makes this range suitable for managing series of measurements on painted, galvanised or surface-treated components. Checks can be carried out on different batches or components while keeping collected readings organised before data transfer.
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.
The F mode uses the magnetic induction principle specified in ISO 2178, while NF mode uses the eddy-current method specified in ISO 2360. Selection of the most suitable configuration must therefore consider the type of coating, the nature of the metallic substrate, the required measuring range, component geometry and the level of accuracy required for the inspection.
The high accuracy digital coating thickness gauges are the appropriate solution where measurement of paints, galvanising and protective coatings requires high performance, specific probes and structured reading management. This range meets the needs of users looking for a paint and coating thickness gauge capable of supporting accurate checks on metallic substrates and galvanised components. A calibration report is available on 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 aluminium 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, 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 on iron or steel. This high accuracy range is particularly suitable where the thicknesses to be checked are low 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 aluminium, 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 aluminium and other alloys compatible with the method.
Which configuration should be selected for measurements on iron, steel and aluminium?
The FN configuration is suitable where checks 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 internal memory for managing series of readings. Optional software can also collect and organise the data, supporting 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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