How to choose a thickness gauge: rating of popular models, review, prices

When deciding which car paintwork thickness gauge to choose, it is worth turning to ultrasonic devices. They have a high measurement accuracy, which allows you to get real data on the thickness of the paint. Also, these devices are used in other industries. Including in the aircraft industry, where the thickness of the paint must be even over the entire surface of the aircraft. Irregularities will reduce streamlining and greatly increase the weight of the aircraft.

TEMP UT-2

It is a versatile instrument that is often used by technicians to measure paint layer and other data. It can also measure the thickness of metal and non-metal parts and walls. The device meets state standards and is actively used in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan.

Specifications:

• working range 0.8 - 200 mm;
• discreteness is set manually;
• powered by KRONA or NIKA batteries;
• memory for 4,000 measurements;
• operating time on a single charge up to 10 hours;
• automatic shutdown.

A-1207

This is a small and handy thickness gauge that is considered to be quite good. It can be used to measure various quantities. It is compact and can be used in almost all industries. The tip is replaceable and durable, which is an important advantage. Recommended for working with ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

Specifications:

• working range 0.8 - 100 mm;
• resolution 0.1 mm - 0.01 mm ;;
• LCD display;
• frequency 4 MHz;
• operating time on a single charge up to 16 hours;
• automatic shutdown.

UT-907

When choosing which thickness gauge is better, you can opt for this versatile device. It can provide measurement results for metals, ceramics, plastics and other materials. It is clear, small and functional enough. Included in the State Register and used throughout the EAEU. The presence of a USB port allows charging from a PC.

Specifications:

• working range 0.6 - 500 mm;
• resolution 0.01 mm;
• frequency 0.6 - 12 MHz;
• 16 typical charts;
• memory for 1000 measurements;
• OLED display.

TESTBOY 72

When deciding which thickness gauge is better to buy for measuring non-magnetic coatings, it is worth making a choice in favor of this model. This device allows you to work on a wide variety of surfaces, measuring material thickness in seconds. There is an internal memory that allows you to remember the results of the last measurements. This model is often used by paint companies. The controls are simple, and the price is affordable.

Specifications:

• working range 0.6 - 2000 mm;
• resolution 0.01 mm;
• memory for 10 measurements;
• work with rounded materials;
• monochrome display.

Megeon 19100

This is probably the best ultrasonic car paint thickness gauge. It is recommended for use by professional builders and installers. However, the scope of its application is much wider. The range of measured thickness depends on the material itself, and the error does not exceed 1%. There is an internal memory for storing the results of the latest tests. Powered by three AAA batteries. The gadget is quite compact.

Specifications:

• working range 1.2 - 255 mm;
• resolution 0.01 mm;
• memory for 10 measurements;
• automatic shutdown;
• maximum working humidity 90%;
• work in single and continuous modes is supported.

This is the most popular ultrasonic type device. However, there are several other thickness gages that are actively used in industry.

Best Magnetic Thickness Gauges

When deciding which one is better to choose a paint coating thickness gauge, it is necessary to take into account what exactly has to be painted. If the material is magnetic, then you can choose magnetic type devices. They will allow you to get an accurate result, and the cost of the product is affordable. However, the field of application of such thickness gauges is very limited.

Mini A-10 Fe

It is a miniature device that is often used to check the paint quality of an automobile body. However, it can be used in other areas of industry. The measurement results are quite accurate, which makes the device popular. It is convenient to work with him, since you do not need to figure out how to make measurements for a long time.

Specifications:

• maximum material thickness 990 mm;
• measurement speed 0.3 seconds;
• error 3%;
• powered by a Krone battery.

ET-05 (allsun em2271)

A budget and convenient thickness gauge that can be used in everyday life. It has good quality indicators and takes up little space. It can be used all year round, since the operating temperature range is wide. The product is equipped with a drawstring for easy wearing.

Specifications:

• maximum material thickness 2,000 mm;
• measurement speed 1 second;
• error 2%;
• powered by CR2032 battery.

BIT-3003

This device is from a Polish manufacturer. If you need a good LPK thickness gauge, which is relatively inexpensive, then this option is worth considering. It is small in size so you can carry it in your pocket. However, it is not recommended to use the product where high measurement accuracy is required, because the error is quite high.

Specifications:

• maximum material thickness 750 mm;
• mechanical type;
• error 3%;
• decoding the result by color.

ETARI ЕТ-444

The model is suitable for amateurs and professionals who need to determine exactly how thick the paint layer is. Here there is the possibility of automatic calibration, and the measurements themselves take place quite quickly. An important competitive advantage is the ability to work with any metal that has magnetic properties. The display menu is Russified.

Specifications:

• maximum material thickness 2,000 mm;
• 2 AAA batteries are required for operation;
• error 0.5%;
• automatic calibration;
• Russified menu;
• measurement speed 1 second.

Megeon 19200

This is probably the best paint thickness gauge for magnetic type cars. It provides fast results with minimal error. This allows you to use the tool in a professional manner. The price is small. There is an LCD display that shows the result. This model is especially popular in the chemical industry. Requires AAA batteries - 2 pcs.

Specifications:

• maximum material thickness 1 800 mm;
• 2 AAA batteries are required for operation;
• Maximum humidity 95%;
• error 0.5%;
• automatic calibration;
• auto shutdown;
• measurement speed 0.15 seconds;
• there is a display backlight.

Important... Magnetic gadgets can only be used with metals that have the required properties. However, there is no way to apply them on other surfaces. Therefore, the area of ​​use is very limited.

Best Eddy Current Thickness Gauges

These gadgets allow you to take measurements on almost any surface. They are used in many areas, their cost is quite affordable. Thus, when deciding which paintwork thickness gauge is better to buy, you can pay attention to devices of this type. They can be used at home and on a professional basis.

VT-201

A convenient device that has the ability to save the last measurement on the screen. Work is carried out with most surfaces, which makes the gadget versatile. Light weight and clear interface have become the reason for the high popularity of the product. However, the margin of error is higher than some of the other models in this rating.

Specifications:

• material thickness up to 6,000 mm;
• error up to 4%;
• LCD screen;
• wear-resistant tip;
• work from the Krone battery.

Horstek TC-515

This device is recommended for use with aluminum and ferrous metals. Therefore, it is used in various production sites, as well as in airlines. High reliability allows you to work in almost any conditions. The error is small.

Specifications:

• material thickness up to 1 250 mm;
• error up to 2%;
• display backlight;
• automatic shutdown;
• work with 2 AAA batteries.

KEEPER LK PRO

It is a versatile device that allows you to measure the thickness of materials, save the results and display them on a PC for quick data processing. Recommended for use in large car services and other specialized companies, where it is necessary to perform particularly accurate measurements.

Specifications:

• material thickness up to 1 250 mm;
• error up to 3%;
• USB cable included;
• synchronization with a PC is possible;
• auto-calibration;
• memory up to 320 measurements;
• works with almost all materials.

Megeon 19080

A reliable and powerful instrument that is essential for measuring LKEP on metal or metal-containing surfaces. The measurement is made in just 0.15 seconds. You can also work with plastics, ceramics and a number of other coatings, which is an important advantage. There is an automatic calibration. Work in single and continuous modes is provided. The battery is a CR2032 battery.

Specifications:

• maximum material thickness 2,000 mm;
• automatic calibration;
• works in continuous and single mode;
• automatic shutdown;
• humidity up to 80%;
• power supply - CR2032.

ETARI LCP ЕТ-110

This device is a small cell phone, but it has good characteristics. It is used in many fields to measure the thickness of paintwork, to detect the presence of corrosion or material delamination, and so on. Controlling the gadget is easy, all data is displayed on the screen. There is a soft display backlight.

Specifications:

• maximum material thickness 2,000 mm;
• UV banknote detector built-in;
• error 5%;
• measuring speed 1.5 seconds;
• there is a flashlight;
• works from -25 to +50 degrees.

Thus, if electromagnetic devices are needed, then it is worth choosing among these. They are considered the most reliable on the market.

Best Combined Thickness Gauges

These are professional models that can be used with almost any surface. They provide accurate measurement results and have a number of useful functions that professionals need. But their price is quite high when compared with household devices.

Condtrol INFINITER InCO

This is a quality product that implements two types of measurement: magnetic and electromagnetic. Thus, you can work with almost all surfaces. Recommended for work in industrial facilities where it is necessary to measure galvanic and paint coatings. Using a USB cable, measurements can be transferred to a PC to quickly process the results. Calibration plates included.

Specifications:

• memory for 320 measurements;
• thickness up to 1250 mm;
• error 3%;
• there is USB;
• Calibration plates included.

ADA ZCT 888 A00359

An excellent professional model that allows you to work in almost any conditions. It is used in many areas of industry and in laboratory conditions. The sensor works on the principle of magnetic induction and vortex flow. The sensor type is detected automatically, but you can set the parameters manually. There is a display backlight that allows you to read information in a low-light room. The tip is hemispherical and strong enough. Measurement results can be transferred to a PC via USB or Bluetooth cable.

Specifications:

• Russified menu;
• the sensor can be manually calibrated;
• memory for 2 500 measurements;
• error indication;
• USB or Bluetooth;
• automatic shutdown.

ETARI LCP ЕТ-350

A compact device that is used when working with conductive surfaces. It has a stylish design and is comfortable to work with. The surface type is determined automatically. That is, there is no need to spend time on this to obtain a highly accurate result.The user himself can choose the unit of measurement, depending on the needs.

Specifications:

• automatic detection of the type of surface;
• thickness up to 1 350 mm;
• error 3%;
• work with 2 AAA batteries.

CEM DT-156

This device can be used to work with non-ferrous and ferrous metals. Thus, it can be used in many industries. The work can be carried out in single and continuous mode. The gadget itself is handy and small. Up to 320 measurements can be stored in the built-in memory. There is no automatic calibration, so you need to set up the device yourself. It requires three little-type batteries to work. You can connect devices to a computer so that the results are automatically transferred there. To do this, you need to use the USB cable that comes with the kit.

Specifications:

• manual calibration;
• thickness up to 1 250 mm;
• error 3%;
• the minimum radius of curvature is 1.5 mm.

Megeon 19125

A small device with a high level of strength. It allows you to get accurate data during measurement. Its cost is democratic. The device is recommended for professional use. There are two independent sensors at once: magnetic and vortex. Thus, it is possible to work with different surfaces. The obtained measurements can be stored in the internal memory of the device. Included is a USB cable that is used to synchronize with a computer.

Specifications:

• automatic calibration;
• thickness up to 1 250 mm;
• error of 1.5%;
• memory for 12 measurements;
• work with two AAA batteries.

How to choose a thickness gauge

Today there are several types of thickness gauges. It is necessary to consider in what cases which models should be used. This information will allow you to make the right choice, taking into account the peculiarities of the operation of the product.

Table. Types of thickness gauges

Thickness gauge type	Short description
Ultrasonic	These are the most advanced and expensive devices. They allow you to receive data with maximum accuracy. Users can work with a variety of surfaces, which is an important competitive advantage.
Magnetic	These thickness gauges can work with different materials. They have a higher error than ultrasonic ones, but this is enough for use in specialized companies. You can estimate the thickness by how strong the magnetic field is.
Eddy current or electromagnetic	This uses the Hall effect and magnetic induction during operation. Such gadgets are quite expensive and are recommended for use by professionals in various industries. The error usually does not exceed 3%. The weaker the electromagnetic field, the thicker the layer. In this way, the value can be determined based on the product limit values.
Combined	These gadgets have two sensors. Usually it is magnetic and electromagnetic. But sometimes it can be electromagnetic and ultrasonic. The latter are very expensive and are used by large companies in production.

Important... Also, all devices can be divided into mechanical and electronic. The former do not need a power source, the latter are battery operated.Almost all thickness gages listed in this rating are electronic.

Thus, taking into account all these nuances, you can choose the optimal device that will satisfy the needs in a particular case. It is necessary to understand that an error of up to 5% is normal. However, for large industries it is not permissible, so they are ready to overpay and buy a device with an error of less than 2%.

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