The integrated probe digital coating thickness gauges are portable instruments designed for the non-destructive measurement of paints, enamels and other coatings applied to metallic substrates. Their compact configuration, with the probe integrated directly into the instrument, makes this range particularly practical for rapid checks on accessible surfaces, both in production and during quality-control inspections.
Coating thickness measurement makes it possible to verify that a protective or functional layer has been applied correctly. In industrial coating applications, surface treatments and checks on coatings applied to metal, inadequate thickness can affect substrate protection, result uniformity and component service life. A paint thickness gauge makes it possible to carry out this check without scoring or removing the applied layer.
The range includes different versions, to be selected according to the type of metallic substrate on which the coating is applied.
The F version uses the magnetic induction principle and is suitable for measuring insulating coatings, such as paints and enamels, or non-ferromagnetic coatings, such as zinc and aluminium, applied to ferromagnetic substrates including iron and steel.
The N version operates by means of eddy currents and is intended for measuring insulating coatings applied to non-ferromagnetic, electrically conductive metal substrates, such as aluminium and other alloys compatible with the method.
The FN version incorporates both measurement modes in the same probe. It is therefore the most versatile configuration where checks must be carried out on both ferromagnetic substrates and non-ferromagnetic metallic substrates, without changing instrument according to the material being inspected.
Thanks to the integrated probe, these coating thickness gauges are easy to handle when measuring flat or readily accessible surfaces. They are particularly suitable for users who need to carry out frequent checks directly on the component, for example during a coating stage, after surface treatment or during incoming and final inspection of coated parts.
Applications include industrial coating applications, electroplating treatments, checks on protective coatings, automotive components, marine applications, structures and products for the construction sector, as well as all manufacturing processes where the thickness of a coating applied to metal must be checked.
In the F and FN versions, the instrument can also be used to measure galvanising thickness on iron or steel, for example when inspecting galvanised components intended for corrosion protection. The measurement makes it possible to check the zinc coating without damaging the component, where the substrate is compatible with the measuring principle used. Where galvanising checks require higher accuracy, a high-accuracy digital coating thickness gauge may be more suitable.
The gauges can also be used to check the thickness of a plastic film applied to a compatible metallic substrate. In this case, the reading relates to the film applied to the metal support and not to a free plastic material or one without a suitable substrate.
Integrated-probe models are the most practical solution where the measurement point is easily accessible and a compact instrument is required for immediate readings. Where less accessible areas, surfaces in confined spaces or small components must be reached, an external-probe configuration may be more suitable. For activities requiring internal recording of a series of measurements and statistical data analysis, a multifunction coating thickness gauge with memory may be the more appropriate choice.
The data output allows connection to optional software for measurement collection, improving traceability and reducing transcription errors in quality-control processes. As this range does not include internal memory, values are transferred while the instrument is connected to a PC.
Measurement in F mode uses the magnetic induction principle specified in ISO 2178, while NF mode uses the eddy-current method specified in ISO 2360. The correct version must therefore be selected by considering both the type of coating and the nature of the metallic substrate on which it is applied.
The integrated probe digital coating thickness gauges are a practical solution for non-destructive thickness control of paints, protective coatings and deposits applied to metal, with dedicated or combined configurations according to the substrates to be inspected. A calibration report is available on request.
Applications
- Non-destructive measurement of paint and enamel thickness on metallic substrates
- Inspection of non-ferromagnetic coatings, such as zinc and aluminium, on ferromagnetic substrates
- Verification of galvanising thickness on iron or steel components
- Measurement of insulating coatings on aluminium and other compatible non-ferromagnetic metals
- Quality control in industrial coating and surface-treatment processes
- Inspection of electroplated coatings and coatings intended for corrosion protection
- Checks on automotive components, marine parts and products for the construction sector
- Measurement of plastic-film thickness on compatible metallic substrates
- Incoming inspection, production checks and final verification of coated components
FAQ – Integrated probe digital coating thickness gauges
What is a digital coating thickness gauge used for?
It is used to measure the thickness of paint, enamel or another coating applied to a metallic substrate, without scoring or removing the coating.
What is the difference between the F, N and FN versions?
The F version measures insulating or non-ferromagnetic coatings applied to ferromagnetic substrates, such as iron and steel. The N version measures insulating coatings on non-ferromagnetic, electrically conductive metal substrates, such as aluminium. The FN version combines both modes in the same probe and is suitable where both types of metallic substrate must be inspected.
Which model should be selected to measure paint on steel?
The F version is suitable for paint applied to iron or steel. The FN version is appropriate where, in addition to steel, coatings on non-ferromagnetic metals must also be inspected.
Which model should be used to measure paint on aluminium?
For paint applied to aluminium or another non-ferromagnetic metal substrate compatible with the method, the N version or the FN version is suitable.
Can the gauge be used to inspect galvanising thickness?
Yes. The F and FN versions can measure zinc coatings applied to iron or steel, allowing galvanised components and protective coatings to be checked. Where galvanising inspections require higher accuracy, a high-accuracy coating thickness gauge should be considered.
Why choose a coating thickness gauge with an integrated probe?
The integrated probe makes the instrument compact and easy to use for checks on accessible surfaces. It is a suitable configuration for rapid measurements in production, quality control or coated-component inspection.
When is a coating thickness gauge with an external probe preferable?
An external probe may be more suitable where the measurement point is difficult to reach, the available space is limited or the component geometry makes an integrated probe less practical.
Can the thickness of a plastic film be measured?
Yes, provided that the plastic film is applied to a metallic substrate compatible with the instrument measuring principle.
Does the gauge store the measurements taken?
This range does not include internal memory. However, the data output allows the instrument to be connected to optional software to collect readings during inspection.
Which standards apply to the measuring principles used?
The F mode, based on the magnetic induction principle, refers to ISO 2178. The 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.
Do you need more information on coating thickness measurement?
Learn how the process works and which tools to choose by reading our complete guide to coating thickness measurement.
This clear and practical technical overview can also help you determine if the SA8825 model is the right choice for your needs.
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