The coating process requires inspection at every stage to ensure compliance to the specification. From the preparation of the surface to be coated, through climatic condition monitoring to the dry film thickness evaluation, visual assessment and gauge-based testing will ensure adequate process control.

For steel surface preparation, the removal of rust and other contamination and the creation of a surface profile is required to enhance the adhesion of the applied coatings. Elcometer offer a range of visual standards for rust removal and a simple test for dust on blast-cleaned surfaces. In order to determine the level of soluble salt contamination of the blast cleaned surface, a range of salt contamination methods are available including the Bresle Patch Method, the Saturated Filter Paper method and the chloride-specific titration tube method.

For climatic condition monitoring Elcometer offer simple bi-metallic magnetic thermometers and electronic thermometers for temperature measurement, with wet and dry bulb hygrometers and electronic dewpoint meters for the measurement and data-logging of relative humidity and dewpoint temperatures. Oven temperature logging and wind velocity measurement are also available.

For coating thickness Elcometer offer wet film combs, mechanical and electronic non-destructive dry film thickness gauges, the destructive paint inspection gauge and the non-contact powder coating thickness gauge.

For post coating assessment of adhesion and porosity of the coating there is a full range of adhesion testers and low and high voltage holiday detectors.

Coating thickness or dry film thickness (DFT) is an important variable that plays a role in product quality, process control, and cost control. Measurement of film thickness can be accomplished by selecting the best mil gage for the particular application.

Measures the thickness of coatings applied to all metal substrates (steel, aluminum and more).
Wide selection of probes to meet a variety of dry film application

PCE Instruments’ accurate, affordable coating thickness gauge, thickness meter, surface testing and film gauge devices are used for material testing, manufacturing quality control and automotive paint inspection applications. Choose from a variety of coating thickness gauge, mil gage or paint meter products used for the non-destructive measurement of nonmagnetic coating, insulating layer and dry film thickness (DFT) on ferrous and / or non-ferrous metal substrates such as steel and aluminum.

A coating thickness gauge is an essential quality assurance tool when anodizing, galvanizing and applying zinc coating to metallic surfaces. A coating thickness gauge also is used to measure body paint thickness and uniformity on pre-owned cars, revealing repainted spots, identifying hidden damages and exposing undisclosed accidents. This information is important when determining the actual value of a used car. In addition, certain types of thickness gauges can measure wall thickness and determine the hardness of metals, plastics and glass