The application of coatings on the surface of building structures, equipment housings and automobiles must be carried out in accordance with the clear requirements of operational standards. One of the parameters of high-quality external processing is thickness. Although an inexperienced user of the same car can be guided by the law “more is better”, in practice this rule does not work for a number of technical and physical reasons. Professionals, in turn, use special devices to determine this parameter. The common name for a paint thickness gauge is a thickness gauge, although in highly specialized areas it is used in the form of a micrometer.
General device thickness gauge
The first devices of this type had large dimensions and powerful equipment, thanks to which the measurement principle was realized. In modern, including ultrasonic models, there is no need for a massive filling - these are compact devices that are easy to control and take readings. A standard instrument for measuring the thickness of this type of paintwork consists of a housing, a sensing element, a function keypad and a display. That is, the user receives the data in electronic form. Moreover, in some versions it is possible to instantly send the received information to the computer database for further processing. Batteries are most often used as a battery, which allows measurements to be taken away from the mains. By the way, some modifications support the function of notifying the operator of an imminent discharge.
What is the difference between an ultrasonic thickness gauge?
Almost all modern instruments for measuring the thickness of coatings are divided into two groups - magnetic and ultrasonic. The first category also has several subgroups that differ in how they work. An ultrasonic device for measuring the thickness of the paint coating is considered the most progressive instrument of this kind, as it allows you to obtain more accurate data, and also has an extensive range of applications.
Models operating on ultrasonic pulses allow working with both metallic and non-metallic bases, which is a cardinal difference from magnetic and electromagnetic analogues. In this case, the measurement principle is based on the propagation of pulses in the form of longitudinal ultrasonic waves. This means that a paint thickness gauge of this type will read data by registering the time period during which the sound signal caused by the outgoing pulse will be reflected.
User's manual
Before starting work operations, make sure that the device is calibrated and ready to provide optimal readings for accuracy. Next, the desired sound speed is selected. This parameter together with the speed of sound will be determined by the type of target material - again, metallic or non-metallic. For example, a car thickness gauge can work with pulses, the speed of which is about 5900 m / s. Before direct measurement, the working area must be treated with a special lubricant that will improve the ability of the sensitive transducer to interact with the surface. Also, even at the preparation stage, it is desirable to maximally clean the surface from various kinds of contaminants and deposits. The correctness of the readings will depend on this.
The measurement process itself consists in installing an external transducer in direct proximity to the target material. Within a few seconds, depending on the modification of the device, the characteristics of the examined coating will be displayed on the screen. Moreover, even in standard versions, a modern paint thickness gauge allows you to reflect a comprehensive set of data, including pulse readings, which may be of value to specialists.
Maintenance Instructions
In the process of long-term use, the user is required to carry out simple preventive measures. In addition to regular battery updates, you will need to read the case with checking the status of functional elements. Special care is required when handling the sensor adapter. As a rule, it is made of propylene, so any damage can deform its structure. Also, the device for measuring the thickness of the paintwork needs periodic test tests on the samples. The wider the set of material base from which you can take data on the characteristics of interaction with pulses, the higher the probability of obtaining high-quality measurement results. It is these data that become the basis for the selection of the aforementioned range and speed of propagation of sound waves.
TESTBOY Model Reviews
This is a specialized line of ultrasound models designed for use in various fields. In particular, modification 72 allows you to work with all types of non-magnetic coatings from varnishes and enamels to copper and zinc coatings. According to users of the TESTBOY family of devices, the models are characterized by a high degree of accuracy, ergonomic handling and mechanical resistance. The automobile thickness gauge of this brand is especially praised, since it provides a minimum radius of calculation for curvature of surfaces of 1.5 mm. For a household appliance, this is a very worthy result.
PosiTector Model Reviews
In the family of this manufacturer, version 6000 deserves special attention, which is distinguished by a combined principle of operation. Users note both effective ultrasonic measurement and support for magnetic induction calculations. Such devices are recommended for servicing non-ferrous and ferrous metals, since in both cases not only an accurate, but also fast result is provided. In addition, the PosiTector paint and varnish thickness gauge is famous for modern ergonomics. In this case, we are talking not only about the structural advantages, but also about the means of controlling the functions of the device with improved navigation. And this is not counting the automatic calibration and the abundance of indicators that inform about the performance of the device.
MEGA-CHECK Product Reviews
Users of the devices of this company have established themselves in several operational characteristics. First of all, the developers sought to protect the device as much as possible from external influences, therefore, it is possible to use the equipment both at home and on the construction site with the threat of accidental shock. Also use this device to measure the thickness of the paintwork of the car and pipelines. In these areas, increased measurement accuracy is required and, according to the owners of MEGA-CHECK devices, these requirements are fully justified.
Conclusion
I must say that the high cost of ultrasonic measuring devices makes you responsibly approach the choice of model. By the way, even the simplest modifications with a minimum set of additional functions can cost about 20 thousand rubles. Accordingly, you need to choose an ultrasonic thickness gauge with a clear understanding of the tasks that will be solved with its help. What is the main thing in choosing this device? The basic characteristic is the maximum coating height, which, in principle, can be fixed by the device. On average, it is 2-4 mm. Further, attention should be paid to deviations from the actual results - that is, the accuracy of the readings. This value varies from 3 to 10 microns, which is equivalent to hundredths of a millimeter. As additional parameters, it is also worth indicating the form factor, methods for providing data, the function of storing measurements and other optional inclusions.