Car Paint Thickness Tester
Content
Technically, the thickness gauge is an electronic device. It is battery operated, so freezing air temperatures in winter affect the accuracy of the readings.
A thickness gauge is a device used to measure the thickness of a vehicle's paintwork. The device allows you to find out if the surface has been repainted, whether the paint layer meets the requirements of the standard. This information can be useful not only for motorists.
What type of surface do thickness gauges work on?
A special device for measuring the thickness of the coating was created by technicians in the automotive industry, but later it began to be used in shipbuilding, in factories where they work with metals, as well as in everyday life.
An example of a non-professional household application is measuring the paint layer when buying a second-hand machine.
How to check if the paint is "factory" or not
Usually buying a used vehicle starts with a description of the physical characteristics. Car owners pay attention to the item indicating repainting. You can sell an unpainted car for more than a car after repair. Therefore, it is important for buyers to determine whether the machine is covered with “factory” paint or if there are more than 2-3 layers.
Car paint measurement
To use a car paint thickness gauge, you need to know how the device works. The complexity of the measurement lies in the definition of norms. For example, for a Mercedes car, the limit will be 250 microdistrict, and for other brands, the norm will be 100 microdistrict.
What coatings are measured by thickness gauges
Types of coatings where thickness gauges are used can be different:
- on iron or steel they work with an electromagnetic thickness gauge;
- aluminum, copper, bronze and alloys can be measured with eddy current instruments;
- the combined instrument works on all types of metals.
Most often, devices are used on metal bases. If the base coat is made of composite or plastic, then an echolocation device will have to be used.
How to measure paintwork with a thickness gauge
You will need a car paint thickness tester if you are going to buy a car in the secondary market. When you set up your device, pay attention to the step of calibrating.
Device calibration
Like all electronic technical devices, the thickness gauge requires special settings. When is calibration needed?
- if the device has not yet been used;
- when the standard values have changed;
- if the device was damaged or the settings were lost due to external reasons.
A standard is needed to fix standard values. Manufacturers supply a set of reference sheets with the instrument.
Calibration procedure
The procedure consists of several steps. For the convenience of users, the manufacturer produces special calibration plates that are not coated with anything. This means that when measuring the layer of the reference plate, the instrument should show a value close to zero.
If, when measuring the layer thickness, the device shows a value greater than zero, then this indicates a loss of accuracy. To update the thickness gauge, you will need to perform a factory reset.
Measurement procedure
To measure the thickness of the paint on a car, you need to bring the device as close as possible to the surface, then fix the result.
How to interpret painting values:
- above 200 microns - in most cases - repeated;
- from 300 microns - masking a deep scratch;
- about 1000 microns - a serious bodywork, after an accident;
- more than 2000 - several layers of putty under a layer of paint.
In some cases, the indicators are associated with the characteristics of the brand of the car.
Measurement in winter
Technically, the thickness gauge is an electronic device. It is battery operated, so freezing air temperatures in winter affect the accuracy of the readings.
The way out of this situation, according to experts and consumer reviews, may be an additional calibration on the street before starting to use the device.
Types of thickness gauges, TOP of the best
The basis for the classification of devices for measuring the thickness of paint on a car is the principle of operation. The devices are based on magnets or ultrasonic waves of a special type. Some varieties run on LEDs.
Best LED Thickness Gauge
The category of combined thickness gauges includes an X-ray fluorescent device that operates with the help of special LEDs and sensitive sensors. Such a meter is able to determine the thickness of the chemical coating layer and analyze the obtained data.
Paint Thickness Check
In the automotive industry, LED meters are almost never used, since the devices require complex calibration and require maintenance rules.
Best Magnetic
The device demanded by motorists is a magnetic thickness gauge. Works due to the presence of a magnet. The device is made in the form of a pencil with a scale applied on the surface. The device can be mechanical or electronic. The action is based on the ability of a magnet to be attracted to a metal surface. Then the values of the thickness of the LC coating are determined on the working field.
The best model of electromagnetic thickness gauge: Etari ET-333. The device is easy to use. The measurement accuracy is close to the reference.
The minus users consider the lack of memory for previous manipulations and the impossibility of continuous measurement. This means that the device only works pointwise.
Best Digital
The Eurotrade company produces the best thickness gauges, well known in the automotive market. The Etari ET-11P model looks like a temperature measuring device and works on a similar principle. The value appears on the display after the device is brought close to the surface. The device is distinguished by increased frost resistance, as well as an improved triggering mechanism adapted to the conditions of use.
Model Etari ET-11P measures the thickness of the paint layer on all types of metal surfaces. Experts believe that this is one of the best brands among digital thickness gauges.
The best high precision
When extreme measurement accuracy is required, combined devices are used. Model ET-555 was created on the basis of electromagnetic devices, but modified and improved technically.
The meter is designed as a small pocket device, in a red case. The display does not fade in the bright sun, which motorists consider a significant plus. The cost of the model starts from 8900 rubles, which is slightly higher than the average.
A device for measuring the thickness of a car's paintwork is useful for those who deal with used cars. A good meter will help you determine in a few minutes if the car has been painted, how many coats have been applied to the base coat. In order for the device not to fail, it is necessary to properly calibrate it in accordance with the instructions.
