Thickness gauge - how to use? Step-by-step instruction

A specialized measuring instrument is mainly associated with professional applications. Metrological instruments are used in production, in construction, in engineering and geodetic tasks. In this case, some devices can be called universal - they also find application in the home. This includes the thickness gauge. How to use this device without special training? Basically, these devices have a simple control with an intuitive interface. Nevertheless, to obtain accurate results, it is necessary to take into account the nuances of operation, the fineness of the fixation of data and the conditions of use. But first you need to understand the design and principle of this device - this will help you master the technique of practical use.

The device and principle of operation of a thickness gauge

Most models of thickness gauges are compact hand-held devices with external controls, remote sensing elements for metering and a display for information output. 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 material being studied. 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 and varnish layers using a magnetic device? To do this, it is sufficient to 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 advanced equipment in this segment is represented by ultrasonic models - these are universal devices that allow you to determine the thickness of both coatings and substrates.

What can I check with a thickness gauge?

The range of directions in which thickness gauges are used is practically unlimited. Everything depends only on the capabilities of a particular device. However, the most common tasks have long been formed and the tool manufacturers are mainly oriented towards them. In particular, the testing of paint coatings is considered, if not the most, one of the most popular types of tasks of this kind. The coatings of car bodies, the paint in the facade lining, the primer, the putty, etc. are checked. In the field of communal services, the device is used to assess the condition of water or gas pipes. And in this case, not paint, but special anti-corrosion coatings are evaluated. To do this, often use a contact thickness gauge.

How to use this model? During operation, the operator must tightly attach the sensor element of the sensor to the analyzed surface. Moreover, experienced employees of municipal utilities recommend to support the sensor with the second hand, so that small vibrations are not reflected in the received data.

Preparing the tool for work

Like any high-precision device, the thickness gauge requires a careful check of the sensing elements (in this case - the feeler gauge), the case and the display. Test measurements will allow to estimate, how correctly the internal stuffing of the device works correctly. In this case it is necessary to have an already prepared set of template blanks, the 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 question of how to use a thickness gauge, a considerable role is played by the charging method. Even before the work starts, it is necessary to check whether the battery pack is full of energy - this type of battery is most often used. It is desirable that the level is not less than 60-70%, since otherwise an incorrect measurement is possible. If all the conditions for preparing the device are met, you can proceed to the next stage - surface preparation.

Preparing the target surface for measurement

Close to the actual values of the thickness of the coating can be obtained only on an even surface. In any case, it should be cleaned of dirt, debris, grease stains and foreign objects. As an optimal cleaning agent, glycerol or machine oil can be used. As practice shows, traces of these tools do not affect the quality of data, which reflects the thickness gauge. How to use the device if the surface is rough in texture? With such situations, mainly employees of the metallurgical industry are faced, who need to fix the parameters of processing corroded substrates.

There are no restrictions on measurements of this kind, but it is important to bear in mind a large error. Unevenness of the structure in any case will cause a deviation from the calculated value, therefore the control object must be previously correlated with the passport data, in which specific deviation values are fixed. Such passports for different types of metals are also attached in the specifications for the instruments, not to mention the documentation for the rough workpiece.

Instruction for work with a thickness gauge

Operation starts with the start of the device with the corresponding OFF / ON button. The sensing element must be directed into the air at this time. At the same time, the display is activated, which will light up the indicator, indicating the readiness for metering. The sensor is then 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 performed at several points. The maximum indentation should be 20 cm. In such measurements, it is important to take into account that as the final data an average value will be obtained, while in different areas the scatter in the data may be significant. At each point in the process of registering the readings, the device should be held for a few 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 LKP thickness gauge correctly?

The study of cars LKP 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 μm. Sites previously repaired often have coatings of 1000 μm. Therefore, a special calibration of the device may be required.

How to use LKP thickness gage? The algorithm of actions also assumes the delivery of a sensitive sensor to the working surface, but the type of instrument will be more important. Usually, to investigate the thickness of the bodywork, magnetic devices are used. 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 is an insignificant part of the area in the form of individual parts present in the body. Eddy current and magnetic devices are not recommended for working with such bases. It is best to use an ultrasonic device whose mechanics of action are universal in terms of interaction with different materials.

Features of working with popular models

Start reviewing stands with the ultrasonic model PosiTector 200. This is one of the most effective solutions in its segment. The device is good because it practically does not require preliminary calibration - it is performed automatically. The user only has to bring the sensor (can change depending on the type of material) and within a few seconds to get the data on the display.

The magnetic thickness gauge ET-10R 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 switched 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 body in the direction of the studied area, in parallel with this registering information in the electronic unit.

How can you "deceive" a thickness gauge?

Knowledge of methods of "deceit" can be useful to the ordinary motorist in those cases when it is necessary to apply for repainting in car-care center. Unscrupulous masters often resort to tricks, which allow them to hide a poorly applied coating from the owner of the car. In this case, special types of grinding polishers help. They form a special texture of the base, which corrects the data of the measuring apparatus.

How to properly use a thickness gauge to get correct data in spite of polishing with polishing? As a rule, it is enough to use an electronic ultrasonic device, the accuracy of which reaches approximately 1.0 mm.

General recommendations for operation with the device

Before the first operation, all protective covers must be removed, as they can affect the quality of the measurement. Even during the measurement, you can not turn off the device that is performing work operations. This is especially true when using a magnetic thickness gauge paint. How to use instruments in conditions of high humidity and temperature is also an important question. It is recommended in such situations or not to use the device at all, or to make discounts on the errors permitted by the instruction.

Conclusion

How qualitative the measurement operation will be, depends not so much on preparation and observance of the measurement instruction, as on the choice of a suitable model. After all, if the device is initially used with an inappropriate principle of action, then everything else will not matter. True, in universal tasks a universal combined thickness gauge often justifies itself.

How to use similar devices? They operate according to the general rules with the installation of a sensing element and the reading of data on the display. The operator only needs to transfer the device to the desired mode of use - magnetic or eddy current. Ultrasound models support only one mode, which in itself is universal.