The statistical coating thickness gauges are portable instruments designed for the non-destructive measurement of paints, enamels, galvanising and other coatings applied to metallic substrates. Thanks to a single probe capable of operating in both F and NF modes, they allow coatings on ferromagnetic substrates and non-ferromagnetic electrically conductive metals to be inspected without changing the probe according to the substrate.
A digital coating thickness gauge makes it possible to verify the consistency of a coating applied during production, quality control or acceptance inspection of coated components. Thickness measurement helps confirm that the paint system or surface treatment is suitable for the intended application, supporting assessment of component protection and process consistency.
The F mode 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 NF mode 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 defining feature of this range is the multifunction F/NF probe, which allows a coating on steel and a coating on aluminium to be inspected using the same instrument and the same probe. This configuration is particularly practical for companies working with components made from different metallic substrates or managing inspections on several types of coated products.
The range includes one version with a measuring range up to 1,250 µm, suitable for industrial paints and coatings of common thickness, and an extended-range version up to 4,000 µm, intended for applications where thicker coatings must be checked. Selection between the two configurations therefore depends on the range required by the process and the type of coating to be inspected.
Compared with models intended mainly for immediate single-point readings, these gauges include internal memory, statistical functions and average-value calculations for analysing series of measurements. They can therefore be used effectively for inspecting batches of painted, galvanised or surface-treated components, allowing the trend of readings and process uniformity to be assessed rather than relying on a single isolated value.
This is particularly useful for repeated production checks, acceptance inspections and final control activities. Saving measurements in the instrument allows work to be carried out directly on the components and the collected data to be organised afterwards, making it easier to create an inspection history.
The data output allows connection to optional software for measurement collection, improving traceability and reducing transcription errors in quality-control processes. The combination of internal memory and optional software is useful where series of readings must be transferred, inspection results archived or a history of measurements created for different batches, production runs or orders.
Applications include industrial coating, electroplating treatments, automotive components, marine applications, metal structures for construction and all processes where the thickness of a coating applied to metal must be checked non-destructively.
In F mode, the instrument can also be used to measure galvanising thickness on iron or steel, making it suitable for inspecting series of galvanised components intended for corrosion protection. Internal memory and statistical functions make it easier to compare multiple measurements taken on the same component or on parts from the same batch. Where galvanising inspection requires higher accuracy, a high-accuracy digital coating thickness gauge may be more suitable.
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 coating applied to a suitable metal support in F or NF mode, not to a free film.
Compared with integrated-probe or external-probe gauges without memory, this range is suitable where inspection requires better organisation of readings and the possibility of evaluating measurement series. Selection is not based on different accuracy compared with those models, but on the need to use a single F/NF probe, store readings and manage the collected data more effectively.
The F mode uses the magnetic induction principle specified in ISO 2178, while the NF mode uses the eddy-current method specified in ISO 2360. The most suitable configuration must therefore be selected by considering the type of coating, the nature of the metallic substrate and the maximum thickness to be measured.
The statistical coating thickness gauges are therefore a suitable solution for non-destructive inspection of paints, galvanising and protective coatings on different metallic substrates, where practical measurement is combined with the need to store and organise the readings collected. A calibration report is available on request.
Applications
- Non-destructive measurement of paint and enamel thickness on metallic substrates
- Inspection of coatings on ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic substrates using a single F/NF probe
- Verification of non-ferromagnetic coatings, such as zinc and aluminium, applied to iron or steel
- Measurement of galvanising thickness on iron or steel components
- Inspection of insulating coatings on aluminium and other compatible non-ferromagnetic metallic substrates
- Verification of coatings with a measuring range up to 1,250 µm or up to 4,000 µm, according to the selected configuration
- Inspection of batches and series of painted, galvanised or surface-treated components
- Collection and organisation of measurements through internal memory and optional software
- Checks in industrial coating, automotive, marine, construction and electroplating applications
- Measurement of plastic films applied to compatible metallic substrates
FAQ – Statistical coating thickness gauges
What is a statistical coating thickness gauge used for?
It is used to measure the thickness of paints, enamels, galvanising and other coatings applied to metallic substrates without damaging the component. The multifunction configuration allows coatings on ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic substrates to be checked using a single probe.
What do F and NF measurement modes mean?
F mode is used for insulating or non-ferromagnetic coatings applied to iron and steel. NF mode is intended for insulating coatings applied to aluminium and other non-ferromagnetic, electrically conductive metallic substrates.
Are F and NF measurements taken using the same probe?
Yes. This range uses a single multifunction probe capable of operating in both F and NF modes, avoiding the need to change probes when the type of metallic substrate changes.
What is the difference compared with external-probe F/NF coating thickness gauges?
In external-probe F/NF gauges, the two modes use dedicated interchangeable probes. In this range, both modes are available in the same probe. The instrument also includes internal memory and statistical functions for managing measurement series.
When should the version with a range up to 4,000 µm be selected?
The extended-range version is suitable where thicker coatings must be measured than those handled by the configuration with a range up to 1,250 µm. Selection must be based on the coating and measurement range required for the inspection.
Why is internal memory useful for coating inspection?
Internal memory allows several readings to be collected during the inspection of components or production batches without recording each value manually. It is particularly useful where process uniformity, repeatability and measurement trends over time must be assessed.
Can an inspection history be created?
Yes. Internal memory allows series of readings to be saved, while optional software allows data to be collected and organised to support inspection traceability and the creation of a history of completed checks.
Can the instrument be used to measure galvanising thickness?
Yes. In F mode, it can measure the thickness of galvanising applied to iron or steel, allowing galvanised components and protective coatings to be checked. Where a higher level of accuracy is required, a high-accuracy digital coating thickness gauge should be considered.
Can it measure paint applied to aluminium?
Yes. NF mode allows insulating coatings, such as paints and enamels, applied to aluminium and other compatible non-ferromagnetic, electrically conductive metals to be measured.
Can the thickness of a plastic film be checked?
Yes, provided that the plastic film is applied to a metallic substrate compatible with the measuring mode used.
Is the software included as standard?
No. The software is optional and can be used together with the instrument data output to collect and organise the stored measurements.
Which standards apply to the measuring principles used?
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.
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