The integrated probe digital coating thickness gauges are portable instruments that are designed for the non-destructive measurement of paints, enamels and other coatings that are applied to metallic substrates. With the probe built directly into the instrument, they offer a compact and practical solution for fast measurements 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, proper surface treatment and inspection of coatings applied to metal substrates are essential, since inadequate coating thickness can affect substrate protection, coating uniformity, and component service life. A thickness gauge makes it possible to carry out these inspections without damaging or removing the applied layer.
The range includes different versions, each designed for a specific type of metallic substrate.
The F version operates according to the magnetic induction principle and is suitable for measuring insulating coatings, such as paints and enamels, or non-ferromagnetic coatings, such as zinc and aluminum, applied to ferromagnetic substrates like iron and steel.
The N version operates by means of eddy currents and is designed for measuring insulating coatings on non-ferromagnetic, electrically conductive metal substrates, such as aluminum and other compatible alloys.
The FN version combines both measurement types within a single probe. This makes it the most versatile option for applications involving both ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic metallic substrates, eliminating the need to change instruments when inspecting different materials.
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 perform frequent checks directly on the component, for example when coating a component, after surface treatment or during incoming and final inspection of coated parts.
Typical applications include industrial coating processes, electroplating treatments, inspection of protective coatings, automotive components, marine applications, structures and products in 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 for corrosion protection. The measurement makes it possible to verify the zinc coating thickness without damaging the component, provided that the substrate is compatible with the measurement principle that is being employed. For galvanized coating inspections requiring higher levels of accuracy, a high-accuracy digital coating thickness gauge may be more suitable.
The gauges can also be used to measure the thickness of plastic films applied to compatible metallic substrates. In these cases, the reading refers to the film on the metal substrate, rather than to a free-standing plastic material or one without a suitable supporting substrate.
Integrated-probe models are the most practical solution where the measuring area is easily accessible and a compact instrument is required for immediate readings. For inspections in less accessible areas, surfaces in confined spaces or on small and difficult-to-reach components, an instrument equipped with an external-probe may be more suitable. For activities requiring internal recording of a series of measurements and statistical data analysis, a statistical coating thickness gauge with an internal 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. Since this model does not have an 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 the non-destructive thickness control of paints, protective coatings and deposits applied to metal, with dedicated or combined configurations according to the substrates that need to be inspected. A calibration report is available upon request.
Applications
- Non-destructive measurement of paint and enamel thickness on metallic substrates
- Inspection of non-ferromagnetic coatings, such as zinc and aluminum, on ferromagnetic substrates
- Verification of galvanising thickness on iron or steel components
- Measurement of insulating coatings on aluminum 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 other coatings 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 aluminum. 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 aluminum 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 model 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 upon 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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