Specialized measuring tools are mainly associated with professional applications. Metrological instruments are used in production, in construction, in engineering and geodetic tasks. At the same time, some devices can be called universal - they also find application in domestic conditions. This includes a thickness gauge. How to use this device without special preparation? Basically, such devices have simple controls with an intuitive interface. Nevertheless, to obtain accurate results, the nuances of operation, the subtleties of data fixation and the conditions of use should be taken into account. But first you need to understand the design and principle of operation of this device - this will help to master the technique of practical use.
The device and principle of operation of the thickness gauge
Most models of thickness gauges are compact hand-held devices with external controls, remote sensing elements for measurement and a display for displaying information. The method of fixing the thickness of the material is determined by the type of probe - that is, the coil, which allows you to determine the distance between the extreme points of the investigated material. For example, to measure coatings made with varnish or paint, it is recommended to use magnetic models.
How to use a thickness gauge of paint coatings using a magnetic apparatus? To do this, just bring the sensitive element to the coating and activate the operating mode. Such devices are called magnetic, but they are designed specifically for non-magnetic coatings that have been applied to metal surfaces.
Eddy current models are used for surfaces that can conduct current. Again, this surface should not be magnetized, since the device will evaluate the thickness based on the characteristics of its own magnetic field with high-frequency currents. The most developed equipment in this segment is represented by ultrasonic models - these are universal devices that allow determining the thickness of both coatings and bases.
What can be checked with a thickness gauge?
The range of directions in which thickness gauges are used is practically unlimited. It all depends on the capabilities of a particular device. However, the most common tasks have long been formed and tool manufacturers mainly focus on them. In particular, checking coatings is considered, if not the most, then one of the most popular types of tasks of this kind. The coatings of automobile bodies, paint in the facade cladding, primer, putty, etc. are checked. In the field of public utilities, the device is used to assess the condition of water or gas pipes. Moreover, in this case, it is not the paintwork that is evaluated, but special anti-corrosion spraying. For this, a contact thickness gauge is often used.
How to use such a model? In the process, the operator must firmly attach the sensor element of the sensor to the analyzed surface. Moreover, experienced employees of public utilities recommend supporting the sensor with a second hand so that small vibrations do not affect the received data.
Preparing the tool for work
Like any high-precision device, the thickness gauge requires careful verification of sensitive elements (in this case, the probe), the housing and the display. Test measurements will evaluate how correctly the internal filling of the device works. In this case, you must have already prepared a set of template blanks, data on the characteristics of which are known. Often, such samples are contained in sets with devices - they are made of aluminum and steel.
In the matter of how to use the thickness gauge, the charging method also plays a significant role. Before starting work, it is necessary to check whether the battery pack is sufficiently full of energy - most often this type of battery is used. It is desirable that the level should be at least 60-70%, since otherwise incorrect measurement is possible. If all the conditions for the preparation of the device are met, you can proceed to the next step - surface preparation.
Preparing the target surface for measurement
Close to the actual values of the thickness of the coating can be obtained only on a flat surface. In any case, it should be cleaned of dirt, debris, grease stains and foreign objects. As an optimal cleaning agent, glycerin or machine oil can be used. As practice shows, traces of these tools do not affect the quality of the data that the thickness gauge reflects. How to use the device if the surface texture is rough? Such situations are mainly faced by workers in the metallurgical industry who need to fix the processing parameters of a corroded base.
There are no restrictions on measurements of this kind, but it is important to keep in mind a large error. In any case, the roughness of the structure will cause a deviation from the calculated value, therefore, the control object must first be correlated with the passport data in which specific deviation values are recorded. Such passports for different types of metals are also attached in the specification to the instruments, not to mention the documentation for the rough workpiece.
Instructions for working with a thickness gauge
Work starts with starting the device with the corresponding OFF / ON button. The sensor at this time should be directed into the air. At the same time, the display is activated, on which the indicator lights up, indicating that it is ready to measure. Next, the sensing element is applied to the target area.
How to use a thickness gauge if you plan to measure a large area? For this, a serial study is carried out at several points. The maximum indent should be 20 cm. In such measurements, it is important to consider that the average value will be obtained as the final data, while the spread in the data can be significant at different sites. At each point in the process of recording readings, the device should be delayed for several seconds, while stationary. After fixing the data, depending on the model, the device will offer subsequent processing of the received information - these capabilities are determined by a set of software functions.
How to use the LKP thickness gauge?
The study of car paintwork is the most delicate, since it is necessary to work with thin layers. For example, a factory paint coating may have a thickness of 100-150 microns. Areas that were previously repaired often have coatings of 1000 microns. Therefore, special calibration of the device may be required.
How to use an LKP thickness gauge? The algorithm of actions also involves bringing the sensitive sensor to the working surface, but the type of device will be of greater importance. Typically, magnetic devices are used to study body thickness. If we are talking about aluminum bases, then it is better to use an eddy current thickness gauge. The most problematic surface is plastic. It makes up a small part of the area in the form of individual parts that are present in the body. To work with such fundamentals it is not recommended to use eddy current and magnetic devices. An ultrasound apparatus is best suited, the mechanics of action of which are universal in terms of interaction with different materials.
Features of working with popular models
You should start the review with the ultrasonic model PosiTector 200. This is one of the most effective solutions in its segment. The device is good in that it practically does not require preliminary calibration - it is performed automatically. The user only needs to bring the sensitive element (it can change depending on the type of material) and within a few seconds to receive data on the display.
The magnetic thickness gauge ET-10P is also interesting. How to use this device? Unlike the previous model, this device requires calibration on complete samples. After this, the device must be transferred to the research mode and brought to the target surface. A feature of this device is the possibility of continuous measurement in motion. That is, the user can hold the handle and move the sensitive organ in the direction of the studied area, at the same time registering information in the electronic unit.
How can you “fool” a thickness gauge?
Knowledge of the methods of "deception" can be useful to ordinary motorists in those cases when you have to apply for repainting in a car service. Unscrupulous masters often resort to tricks that allow them to hide the poorly applied coating from the owner of the car. In this case, special types of grinding with polishes help. They form a special base texture that corrects the data of the measuring apparatus.
How to use a thickness gauge in order to get the correct data despite the tricks with grinding? As a rule, it is sufficient to use an electronic ultrasonic device, the accuracy of which reaches about 1.0 mm.
General recommendations for working with the device
Before the first operation session, all protective factory shells should be removed, as they can affect the quality of the measurement. Already in the process of measurement it is impossible to turn off the device, which performs work operations. This is especially true when magnetic paint thickness gauge is used. How to use the devices in conditions of high humidity and temperature is also an important issue. It is recommended in such situations to either not use the device at all, or to make discounts on errors allowed by the instructions.
Conclusion
How high-quality the measurement operation will be depends not so much on the preparation and observance of the measurement instructions as on the selection of a suitable model. After all, if a device with an improper operating principle is initially used, then everything else will not matter. True, in everyday tasks, a universal combined thickness gauge often justifies itself.
How to use similar devices? They operate according to general rules with the installation of a sensitive element and reading data on the display. The operator is only required to transfer the device to the desired mode of use - magnetic or eddy current. Ultrasonic models support only one mode, which in itself is universal.