Coating thickness, paint 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.
Dry film thickness (DFT) or coating thickness is arguably the single most important measurement made during the application and inspection of protective coatings. Coatings are designed to perform their intended function when applied within the DFT range as specified by the manufacturer. Correct paint thickness ensures optimum product performance. Even the most basic specification will require DFT to be measured.
Regular film thickness measurement helps control material costs, manage application efficiency, maintain finish quality, and ensure compliance with contract specifications. Paint manufacturers recommend target ranges to achieve optimum performance characteristics and clients expect these parameters to be met.
See below for more information about coating thickness measurement and paint mil gauges.
The rugged, fully electronic PosiTector 6000 Coating Thickness Gage uses magnetic and eddy current principles to measure coating thickness on both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, accurately and quickly.
Conforms to ISO 2178/2360/2808, ISO 19840, ASTM B244/B499/D1186/D1400/D7091/E376/G12, BS3900-C5, SSPC-PA2, US Navy NAVSEA PPI 63101-000, US Navy NAVSEA 009-32, AS 2331.1.4, AS3894.3-B and others.
The PosiTector 200 Ultrasonic Coating Thickness gage non-destructively measures a wide variety of applications using proven ultrasound technology. Measure paint and coating thickness over wood, concrete, plastic, and more. Advanced models measure up to 3 layers with graphics.
Conforms to ASTM D6132 and ISO 2808.
The PosiTest PC Powder Checker affordably measures uncured powder coatings using non-contact ultrasonic technology to predict a cured thickness.
Conforms to ASTM D7378.
The PosiTest DFT Dry Film Thickness Gage measures paint and other coatings on metal substrates. It is the economical choice that retains the uncompromising quality of DeFelsko coating thickness and inspection instruments.
Conforms to ISO 2178/2360/2808, ISO 19840, ASTM B244/B499/D7091/E376, BS3900-C5, SSPC-PA2 and others.
PosiTest magnetic pull-off thickness gage (banana gauge) for the non-destructive measurement of non-magnetic coatings (paint, enamel, galvanizing, metalizing, plating, etc.) on steel.
Conforms to ASTM D7091/B499, ISO 2808 and others.
PosiPen has a very small, unique magnet which can be placed with pin-point accuracy on extremely small parts, and on peaks and valleys. Ideal for measuring non-magnetic coatings such as paint, enamel, plating, and hot-dip galvanizing on steel.
Conforms to ASTM D7091/B499, ISO 2808 and others.
The PosiTest PG Paint Inspection Gage measures the thickness of one or multiple layers of coating on any substrate using a proven destructive technique.
Conforms to ISO 2808/19399, ASTM D4138, JIS K 5600-1-7, and NF T30-123
Check powder thickness with the DeFelsko Powder Comb before curing to help ensure correctly cured film thickness the first time through the line. Avoid stripping and re-coating which can cause problems with adhesion and coatings integrity.
Notched Wet Film Thickness Gages measure the thickness of paint, enamels, and other wet films quickly and accurately.
Conforms to ISO 2808, ASTM D4414, AS/NZS 1580.107.3, JIS K 5600-1-7, NF T30-125, US NAVY NSI 009-32 and others.
DeFelsko offers a variety of paint meters and probes for a wide range of applications including for measuring wet or dry film coatings on metals and non-metals (wood, concrete, plastic, composites). Gages are also available for measuring uncured powder coating thickness and for destructive measurement of dry film thickness.
Check out our selection of paint thickness meters below.
Magnetic film gages (paint depth gauges) are used to nondestructively measure the thickness of a nonmagnetic coating on ferrous substrates. Most coatings on steel and iron are measured this way. Magnetic paint mil gages use one of two principles of operation: magnetic pull-off or magnetic/electromagnetic induction.
Magnetic pull-off gages use a permanent magnet, a calibrated spring, and a graduated scale. The attraction between the magnet and magnetic steel pulls the two together.
Magnetic induction instruments use a permanent magnet as the source of the magnetic field. A Hall-effect generator or magneto-resistor is used to sense the magnetic flux density at a pole of the magnet. Electromagnetic induction instruments use an alternating magnetic field. A soft, ferromagnetic rod wound with a coil of fine wire is used to produce a magnetic field. A second coil of wire is used to detect changes in magnetic flux.
These electronic instruments measure the change in magnetic flux density at the surface of a magnetic probe as it nears a steel surface. The magnitude of the flux density at the probe surface is directly related to the distance from the steel substrate. By measuring flux density the paint thickness can be determined.
Eddy current techniques are used to nondestructively measure the thickness of nonconductive coatings on nonferrous metal substrates. A coil of fine wire conducting a high-frequency alternating current (above 1 MHz) is used to set up an alternating magnetic field at the surfac of the instrument's probe. When the probe is brought near a conductive surface, the alternating magnetic field will set up eddy currents on thesurface. The substrate characteristics and the distance of the probe from the substrate (the thickness) affect the magnitude of the eddycurrents. The eddy currents create their own opposing electromagnetic field that can be sensed by the exciting coil or asecond, adjacent coil.
For instruction manuals, application notes, and technical articles for coating thickness measurement gages for all metal substrates, please find the following links:
PosiTector 200The ultrasonic pulse-echo technique is used to measure the thickness of paint and other coatings on non-metal substrates (plastic, wood, concrete, and composites) without damaging the coating.
Ultrasonic coating thickness gages (e.g. PosiTector 200) emit a high frequency sound pulse that travels into the coating via a coupling gel and reflects from ANY surface that is different in density. Paint thickness readings are obtained by measuring the time taken for the ultrasonic signal to propagate from the probe to the coating/substrate interface and back. The travel time is divided by two and multiplied by the velocity of sound in the coating to obtain the thickness of the coating.
For more information about the PosiTector 200 and paint thickness measurement on non-metal substrates:
PosiTest PC Powder Checker — Non-contact Uncured Powder Thickness GageThickness measurements of powder can be taken before and after curing. Substrate type, thickness range, part shape, and economics determine the best method to be employed.
For uncured applied powders, height measurement can be performed with DeFelsko Powder Combs. This technique is destructive and may require recoating the part. Coating powders generally diminish in thickness during the curing process so these procedures require a reduction factor be determined to predict cured film thickness.
Non-contact ultrasonic instruments, such as the PosiTest PC Powder Checker also measure uncured powder, but do so without touching the surface. Instead of measuring powder height, they automatically display a predicted cured thickness result. Accurate measurement at the time of application: eliminates over usage, improves quality, controls set-up, reduces rework & waste — saving money.
For after-cure measurement, a variety of hand held paint meters are available. These non-destructive instruments employ either magnetic, eddy current, or ultrasonic principles depending on the substrate.
For more information about the PosiTest PC Powder Checker and powder coating thickness measurement:
Destructive paint inspection gages measure the thickness of single or multiple coating layers by cutting a groove into the coating system using a precise angle and measuring the cut using a 50x microscope and reticle.
The actual paint thickness is measured by multiplying the reticle reading by the conversion factor for the respective cutting tip.
Wet Film Thickness (WFT) is typically measured using a notched film gage where a rigid metal gage with notched sides and tabs of varying heights is pushed perpendicularly into the coating system. After the gage is removed, the coating thickness is determined to be between the deepest notch with paint adhering to it and the next deepest notch without.
