Located in the province of Lucca, Viareggio is one of the leading global centers of the shipbuilding industry. Shipyards rely on specialized measuring instruments at every stage of construction and refitting. It’s here that yachts and super yachts come to life, shaped by meticulous attention, skilled craftsmanship, and rigorous control.
In a field where the quality of construction defines the value of each vessel, reliable measurement with the right instruments becomes absolutely essential.
Number One Resource for Local Technicians and Shipyards
S.A.M.A. Italia is the only established company in the region specializing in the production, supply, and calibration of measuring instruments, and has been present in Viareggio for over thirty years.
Our offices are located in the heart of the industrial area, yet many technicians are already familiar with us before ever meeting in person, thanks to our consistent activity on LinkedIn—which serves as our virtual headquarters and main source of information for technicians —alongside trade fairs, where we engage with professionals working in product quality control.
After we are contacted, we focus on practical support, by offering on-site technical visits for those equipping laboratories and providing direct assistance to shipyards and companies in the region.
Metrology and Shipbuilding Instruments in Viareggio
Accurate and repeatable measurements are essential at every stage of yacht construction. From composite lamination to surface preparation, from painting cycles to structural inspections, quality is built on the ability to verify each step with reliable instruments.
S.A.M.A. Italia offers tools specifically designed for non-destructive testing and surface inspections, helping shipyards maintain consistency with the standards demanded by the industry.
Ultrasonic Gauges for Measuring Hulls, Bulkheads, and Tanks
Ultrasonic thickness gauges provide a way to measure material thickness without needing any invasive procedures. The model pictured, manufactured by us at S.A.M.A. Italia, is used on fiberglass and carbon hulls, bulkheads, tanks, and metal structures—both during construction and for maintenance or refitting.
This technology makes it possible to detect variations in thickness or signs of wear without altering the components. It is an essential tool for maintaining operational continuity and minimizing the need for additional work.
Archimede Marine has highlighted how effective this device is and how it helps them to perform accurate inspections without having to drill into pipes – a clear example of how non-destructive testing has become a standard practice in shipyards.
Hardness Testers for Metals and Light Alloys
Metal structures on board need to be regularly checked to ensure uniform strength and lasting durability. S.A.M.A. Italia’s portable hardness testers make it possible to perform inspections either in the workshop or directly on site, and they are ideal for steels, light alloys, and mechanical components of different sizes.
For fiberglass, specialized instruments designed for composite materials are used.
The most commonly used models are Shore hardness testers and Barcol hardness testers.
Surface Roughness Testers for Preparing Surfaces
Surface roughness affects primer adhesion and the overall finish of coatings. Roughness testers allow operators to measure parameters like Ra, Rz, and Rq, making sure metals are properly prepared before being painted.
Incorporating this tool into the production process minimizes the risk of defects and helps maintain a consistent workflow in the painting departments.
Instruments for Industrial Coating Applications
Painting is one of the most complex stages in yacht construction. It requires accurate inspections, uniform application, and thickness, gloss, color, and adhesion need to always be carefully checked. S.A.M.A. Italia specializes in instruments for industrial coating control, offering solutions for every step of the process.
Glossmeters help verify surface shine and detect variations between different areas or painting batches. Colorimeters provide accurate measurements of color differences across all coating types. Coating thickness gauges monitor primers, base coats, and polyurethane layers, preventing irregularities and reducing material waste. Roughness testers ensure a proper surface for painting, while adhesion tests and UV or climate chambers assess the long-term durability and stability of coatings.
Explore the 10 essential tools for industrial painting and coating control.
Calibration, Support, and Operational Continuity
Regular instrument calibration is essential for ensuring quality and meeting audit requirements.
S.A.M.A. Italia delivers traceable calibration reports and helps manage scheduling, while our extensive inventory allows urgent orders for new instruments to be fulfilled quickly and efficiently.
Deadlines and Fast Service for Shipyard Professionals
MCR Marine praises S.A.M.A. Italia for our professionalism and quick service, highlighting how crucial fast operations are for those working on site.
Versilia Marine Service valued the accuracy of the service and the ability to meet tight delivery deadlines, receiving their calibrated instruments even ahead of schedule.
Many other shipyards in Viareggio and other regions turn to us to supply them with instruments and calibration services. While internal policies prevent many of them from providing public testimonials, this speaks to the trust and enduring partnerships we have established in the nautical sector.
In addition to the companies already mentioned, numerous clients in Italy and abroad have expressed their satisfaction with our services.
Here are more testimonials about SAMA Tools.
Why Choose S.A.M.A. Italia
S.A.M.A. Italia does more than simply provide instruments. When specific verification is needed, tests can be performed directly on the client’s samples at our laboratory in Viareggio. Comparative testing ensures the most reliable solution for every shipyard application.
This approach minimizes the risk of purchasing the wrong equipment and ensures decisions are based on real data.
Being located at the heart of the nautical district also allows us to provide support, on-site technical visits, immediate testing, and ready-to-use calibrated instruments.
Azimut Benetti has recognized the professionalism and dedication of the S.A.M.A. Italia team, highlighting the strong technical relationship that defines our collaboration with shipyards.
Contact Us
The successful construction of any vessel relies on accurate measurements at every stage. S.A.M.A. Italia provides shipyards with dependable instruments, meticulous calibrations, sample testing, and direct technical support.
Being locally based allows us to understand the needs of nautical professionals and ensure continuous technical support.
To evaluate an instrument or entrust us with your calibrations, visit us at our Viareggio office—we’re here to help.
Feel free to contact us to arrange a personalized technical support session or to check instrument availability.
We welcome clients by appointment only, ensuring each visit receives full technical attention. As we are not a retail store, every appointment is planned to provide hands-on support tailored to your needs.
S.A.M.A. Italia S.r.l.
Via Libeccio 48/F – 55049 Viareggio (LU)
Tel. +39 0584 392342 – 392453
Email: sales@samatools.it
