28 best thickness gauges

The development of small businesses has revealed the need for entrepreneurs in various services and products, including tools. One of the services is the determination of the thickness of the protective and decorative coating on various surfaces. For example, it is necessary for buyers of used cars, in order to identify the repainting of elements of the car, if the latter has been in an accident. Determination of the size of the coating is performed using a specialized tool - thickness gauge. There are many manufacturers on the market, offering various devices with different characteristics from each other. Which one is the best? How to choose without overpaying? We invite you to read and consider the model closer.

Thickness gauge which company choose

Thickness gauge - a device for measuring the total thickness of a part or workpiece, as well as a protective and decorative coating (primer, putty, mastic, varnish, paint, etc.). The tool allows you to determine the size of the surface layer without disturbing it.

The device according to the principle of operation, purpose, method of measurement is divided into:

• ultrasonic;
• magnetic;
• eddy current (electromagnetic);
• combined;
• universal;
• mechanical.

The review was prepared on the basis of the analysis of customer feedback and users of devices, as well as on sales ratings in retail outlets.

The principle of operation of the ultrasonic thickness gauge is based on the passage of a sound signal through the coating, reflection from the base, followed by registration by the sensor. The range of error of the device ± 3%. Determined coating size of 0.08 mm.

The devices of domestic and foreign manufacturers are presented:

1. Megeon (Russia)

2. TESTBOY (Germany)

3. LLC "IC Fizpribor" (Russia)

4. Acoustic Control Systems (Russia)

5. TechnotestMarket LLC (Russia)

Corporate communications and the economic situation allow brand owners to place orders abroad.

The basis of the magnetic thickness gauge - the properties of magnets. Non-magnetic coatings applied to a magnetic base are measured. The calculation is made by changing the force of attraction between the magnetic surface and the magnet of the device.

Magnetic thickness gauges are presented:

1. Megeon (Russia)

2. ETARI (Taiwan)

3. AUTO – MAG (Poland)

4. Allsun (China)

5. Blue Technology (Poland)

The effect of the eddy current gauge is based on the creation of eddy currents in a conductive base. The Foucault currents, in turn, generate their own electromagnetic field, which is opposite to the primary one. The latter is produced by the coil of the instrument. The generated secondary alternating magnetic field is captured by the instrument, the coating thickness is calculated. The feeler gage steadily works only on conductive bases - ferrous metal, non-ferrous metals and alloys.

Devices are represented by trademarks:

1. ETARI (Taiwan)

2. Megeon (Russia)

3. KEEPER (China)

4. Horstek (Germany)

5. LLC Kontrol. Izmerenie.Diagnostika (Russia)

Combined thickness gauges combine two methods based on the eddy current and magnetic readings. This makes it possible to use the tool on magnetic and non-magnetic substrates.

Combined devices are produced by many companies, including:

1. CEM (China)

2. ETARI (Taiwan)

3. ADA (Hong Kong)

4. Condtrol (Russia)

5. Megeon (Russia)

Universal thickness gauges are used to work with all types of bases (metals, polymers, glass, ceramics, concrete, wood, etc.) and determine the thickness of the coatings of dielectrics, magnetic and conductive materials.

High-quality products are manufactured under the brands:

1. Gradient (Russia)

2. TIME Group Inc (Russia)

3. Constanta (Russia)

4. Elcometer (United Kingdom)

5. DeFelsko (USA)

The mechanical method is used in many industries, including mechanical engineering, metalworking, plumbing. Required for taking readings from the outside of the product.

Devices are represented by trademarks:

1. ZUBR (Russia)

2. Fit (Canada)

3. Matrix (Germany)

Best Ultrasonic Thickness Gauges

Megeon 19100

The instrument makes accurate measurements of coatings in the range of 1200–225000 μm (1.2–225 mm). It is used for materials that conduct and reflect ultrasound, for example, polymers, glass, ceramics, and also ferrous and non-ferrous metals. It is widely used in industry to control the thickness of various coatings.

Pros:

• Extended range of materials studied;
• Existence of function of self-calibration;
• Accuracy ± 0.1 µm;
• Up to 10 measurement modes;
• The function of remembering the last 10 results;
• Ability to conduct more than 10,000 cycles;
• 12 adjustable measurement speeds.

Minuses:

• Roads for domestic purposes;
• The need to perform additional operations - the imposition of a binder.

TESTBOY 72

It is used to work with all types of non-magnetic surfaces (paint coatings, non-ferrous metals, chrome). It is possible to measure the thickness of coatings on non-magnetic substrates (aluminum foil). Found application in auto repair shops and retail outlets for determining coatings applied after accidents.

Benefits:

• High accuracy of measurements on thicknesses of 0–1000 microns;
• Ability to work on forms with small rounding (1.5 mm);
• Protection against weathering and solar radiation;
• Complete wiring to access remote locations.

Disadvantages:

• The high price does not justify the investment for individual entrepreneurs;
• Lack of self-calibration function.

UT-907

Used to control the thickness of metal, polymer and ceramic parts. Measurements are carried out with one-way access to the surface. Used in industry when working with pipes, tanks, tanks and other products, whose surface is destroyed by contact with aggressive substances.

Advantages:

• Included in the State Register;
• Ability to identify stratification of the material;
• Defines local thinning;
• Detects corrosion sites;
• Non-volatile memory for 1000 files;
• Single wire interface;
• USB port.

Disadvantages:

• High price;
• A trained specialist is required for work.

A-1207

One of the smallest thickness gauges. It is used to determine the wall thickness of various structures (metal and plastic pipes, boilers, vessel lining, etc.). Used in almost all types of industry. Convenient for rapid tests.

Benefits:

• Small overall dimensions and weight;
• The possibility of express control;
• Verification;
• Duration of work on one charge - up to 25 hours;
• Operating temperature range -30 - + 50 ° C.

Disadvantages:

• High price;
• The specificity of the application is large industry.

TEMP UT-2

General purpose device. It is used to control the wall thickness of parts from metallic and non-metallic materials. Measurements are carried out in the process of manufacturing, repairing or operating products with or without coating.

Pros:

• Existence of the built-in sample with control thickness;
• Memorization of parameters;
• Memory for 4000 test results;
• Durable case;
• Measurement time, not more than 0.3 seconds;
• Auto shut off.

Minuses:

• High price for start-up entrepreneurs.

Top Magnetic Thickness Gauges

Megeon 19200

Simple in design, the device used to test non-magnetic coatings on a magnetic base. Equipped with a liquid crystal display. Powered by finger batteries.

Pros:

• Measurements in the range of 0–1.8 mm;
• Base calibration;
• Compact, weight 64 grams;
• Quick preparation and measurement;
• Price.

Minuses:

• According to customer feedback, no specific flaws were found.

ETARI ET-444

It is used to determine the thickness of paint coatings on ferrous metals and steels with magnetic properties.Popular when inspecting a purchased car in order to identify retouched body defects.

Advantages:

• Measurements in the range of 0–2000 μm;
• Ambient temperature from -25 to 50 ° C;
• Russified menu;
• Ease of use;
• High measurement accuracy;
• Application on non-ferrous metals and alloys after additional adjustment is possible.

Minuses:

• Perhaps a little overpriced.

BIT-3003

Small dimensions, made in the form of a marker, the tester will allow you to perform measurements of the coating and to identify previously performed body work.

Pros:

• Compact;
• "Unkillable";
• Works in cold and heat;
• Price.

Minuses:

• Low accuracy;
• Suitable only for ferrous metals;
• Price (subjective assessment).

ET-05 (allsun em2271)

Tester for determining the thickness of applied coatings on ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Easy to use. Convenient for determining repainted body parts.

Advantages:

• Small dimensions;
• Weight 23 g;
• Convenient to use;
• Speed ​​performance.

Disadvantages:

• Works in test mode;
• Low measurement accuracy.

Mini A-10 Fe

Miniature thickness gauge to determine the size of various coatings on a magnetic base. Used for pre-inspection when inspecting a car body.

Benefits:

• High measurement accuracy;
• Fast determination of thickness (0.3 sec.);
• Large display;
• Year round operation;
• Ease of use.

Disadvantages:

• Price;
• Work only on ferrous metals.

The best eddy current (electromagnetic) thickness gauges

ETARI paintwork ET-110

The device is designed as a cell phone model. It is used by buyers, repairmen, appraisers, agents in the control of car coatings.

Pros:

• Measured coating thickness 0–1000 µm;
• Speed, no more than 1 sec .;
• Light weight;
• Convenient form;
• Russified menu;
• Year-round use.

Minuses:

• Work only on ferrous metals;
• Lack of self-calibration.

Megeon 19080

The device determines the thickness of paint, polymer coatings on metal conductive surfaces. It has no damaging effects on the surface.

Advantages:

• Convenience, simplicity;
• High speed;
• Autocalibration;
• Accuracy of measurements.

Disadvantages:

• Price;
• The need to reset the previous results with continuous monitoring.

KEEPER LK PRO

Makes measurements in continuous and single measurements. Designed for use in car centers, workshops, insurance and appraisal companies.

Pros:

• High measurement accuracy;
• Curve radius 1.5 mm;
• Autocalibration;
• Memory for 320 parameters;
• Communication with PC;
• Software.

Minuses:

• Price (subjectively).

Horstek TC-515

The thickness gauge is used to measure the coating applied to ferrous metals or aluminum. High-speed device is in demand in car repair shops, insurance agents, appraisers.

Benefits:

• High measurement accuracy;
• Speed ​​no more than 0.2 seconds;
• Ergonomic body;
• Russified menu;
• Display backlight;
• Compact and lightweight (50 grams);
• Simple control.

Disadvantages:

• High enough price.

W-201

The tool is used to measure non-magnetic coatings on conductive materials, including aluminum, copper, titanium. Included in the State Register.

Benefits:

• Measurement accuracy;
• Wearproof probe tip;
• Charge operation mode up to 25 hours;
• Memory for 5000 measurements;
• The possibility of programming.

Disadvantages:

• Price;
• Rather narrow specialization.

The best combined thickness gauges

CEM DT-156

Specialized device for determining the size of the coating of coatings, polymers, deposited on a metal or other surface. Used in the automotive industry, car services, trading companies, offering used cars.

Advantages:

• Measured on ferrous and non-ferrous metals;
• High accuracy;
• The minimum radius is 1.5 mm;
• Two modes: permanent, single;
• Alarm size function;
• Quick preparation;
• USB port.

Disadvantages:

• Price;
• Narrow specialization.

ETARI paintwork ET-350

It operates on magnetic (ferrous metals) and conductive surfaces (non-ferrous metals).Determining the type of surface in automatic mode with the display on the display. Installation of units of measure.

Strengths:

• Compact, lightweight;
• Convenience of use;
• Several calibration steps;
• Extended equipment.

Weak:

• Lack of self-calibration;
• Indications float at low temperatures.

ADA ZCT 888 A00359

A tool of semi-professional orientation. It conducts measurements of coatings on ferrous metals and non-ferrous alloys. It is used in auto repair shops, laboratories of aviation and shipbuilding, chemical industry.

Benefits:

• High measurement accuracy;
• Memory for 2500 measurements;
• Continuous and single modes;
• Ability to calibrate;
• USB port;
• Two modes.

Disadvantages:

• Lack of self-calibration;
• Price (subjectively).

Condtrol INFINITER InCO

A device for accurate measurements of the thickness of coatings on metallic magnetic and conductive bases. Designed for the automotive industry, laboratories involved in the control of finished products.

Pros:

• High measurement accuracy;
• Large display;
• The relationship with the computer;
• Memory for 320 parameters;
• Carrying case.

Minuses:

• No significant deficiencies by users.

Megeon 19125

Portable tool for quick measurement of coverage without damage. It is applied on magnetic steels and non-ferrous metals. Equipped with a beep.

Advantages:

• Accuracy of measurements;
• Single or group metering;
• Minimum, average and maximum parameter;
• Conclusion to zero;
• Calibration;
• USB port;
• Backlight screen.

Disadvantages:

• Lack of self-calibration;
• Price (subjectively).

Best Universal Thickness Gauges

Gradient TP-2000

It is intended for removal of indications from all types of the bases on coverings from metal, conducting material or dielectric. Used scaffold method. It is applied in the construction, road industry.

Strengths:

• Compactness;
• Remote probe;
• Accuracy of measurements;
• Ability to calibrate;
• Included in the State Register.

Weak sides:

• Preliminary preparation is required;
• Needs training.

TT-210

Ultra-compact tool with an internal sensor that determines the thickness of the coating on a magnetic or conductive material. It is used in many sectors of the economy, including scientific and technical laboratories.

Benefits:

• Material recognition;
• Minimum, average, maximum value;
• Error calculation;
• Memory for 500 parameters;
• Single and continuous modes;
• Communication with the computer.

Disadvantages:

• Negative qualities of the device by consumers are not detected.

Constant MK4-PD

Compact device for working with many types of coatings on metallic and non-ferromagnetic materials. Used in the automotive and construction industries, laboratories to monitor the quality of the protective coating.

Advantages:

• Matrix indicator;
• Included in the State Register;
• Battery or external power supply;
• High efficiency on a single charge (> 60000 cycles);
• 3 year warranty;
• Small size.

Disadvantages:

• Price (subjectively).

Elcometer 456 Top

Digital device with interchangeable control sensors that allow measurements on many types of coatings, polymers, mastics applied on different types of bases. It is used in various industries.

Strengths:

• Compactness;
• Universality;
• High accuracy;
• Ease of use;
• Color contrast display;
• Russified menu;
• Weatherproof housing.

Weak:

• Price (subjective assessment).

PosiTector 200

It is used to determine the thickness of the coating for many types of base, including concrete, asphalt, wood and products of its processing, etc. It is used in the construction, road industry, the production of composite products.

Benefits:

• Immediately ready for action;
• It is possible to measure several layers;
• Russified menu;
• The ability to work with the device with one hand;
• Durable and resistant to various substances;
• Communication with a computer;
• Work with the printer;
• Software;
• Memory for 10,000 readings;
• Backlight screen.

Disadvantages:

• Price.

Top Mechanical Thickness Gauges

BISON EXPERT 34480-25

Mechanical tool for working with small parts with high measurement accuracy. The end surfaces of the probes are made flat with a high degree of smoothness.

Advantages:

• Simple application;
• Durable and reliable metal case;
• High resource exploitation;
• Accuracy of measurements;
• Lack of backlash.

Weak sides:

• Disadvantages users do not mark.

FIT IT 19909

External device for taking parameters or controlling factory sizes. Designed in the form of a bracket and rotational-measuring mechanism.

Strengths:

• Price;
• Durable tool steel;
• Wear resistance of the probe surface.

Weak:

• Buyers are not marked.

MATRIX 317255

Precision tooling tool steel. Takes readings from parts up to 25 mm thick.

Pros:

• Accuracy of measurements;
• Lack of backlash;
• Workmanship.

Minuses:

• Users are not marked.

What thickness gauge to buy

Methods and purposes of measurement are different. From here, every consumer needs his own measuring device:

1. Single purchase of a car. The purpose of the device is to identify the retouched body repair points. The budget model Megeon 19200 or Mini A – 10 Fe will cope with its tasks.

2. It is assumed to buy another car in the near future, then you should pay attention to the thickness gauge Megeon 19080. This device can bring additional income when you rent it.

3. Do you have a car repair shop? Are you an insurance agent or appraiser? Then, at your service, ETARI LPC ET – 110, Horstek TC – 110 or Condtrol INFINITER InCO.

4. You are busy in the engineering industry. You constantly need to control the size of small parts. Micrometer BISON Expert 34480-25 will be, by the way.

5. Serious device for accurate measurements. Megheon 19125, Elcometer 456 Top or PosiTector 200 is useful for industry.