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      • Published 30 Nov 2023
      • Last Modified 14 Dec 2023
    • 7 min

    Guide to Thickness Gauges

    Knowing how to gauge the thickness of cable trunking coating is essential to ensure operational efficiency, compliance and overall safety.

    thickness-gauges

    Guide to thickness gauges

    When it comes to industries such as engineering, manufacturing, and quality control, precision is paramount. Thickness gauges play a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability and integrity of measurements in many cases, as they offer businesses a way to measure coating thickness, sample sizes, and gaps in space with unparalleled accuracy.

    In this guide, we will look at what thickness gauges are, the types of thickness gauges available on the market, and their common applications and features. We will also review what businesses should consider when choosing a thickness gauge. This way, decision makers can make informed choices that are better aligned with operational demands.

    Types of thickness gauges

    Thickness gauges come in various types, and they are each designed for their own specific applications and materials. Below are some common types of thickness gauges.

    Browse RS PRO Thickness Meter

    Coating thickness gauge

    Coating thickness gauges are highly versatile tools designed to measure the thickness of insulation and non-magnetic coatings on ferrous materials. This includes things such as steel, brass, and plastic, and it is usually applied to industrial-grade tools.

    A coating thickness gauge can measure the thickness of moulded plastic on industrial saws, drills, and grinding tool handles as well as medical products used in dentistry and surgery.

    When it comes to how to measure paint thickness, it can also be done using a coating thickness measurement gauge.

    Ultrasonic thickness gauge

    Ultrasonic thickness gauges use sound waves to measure the thickness of a sample. This is done by measuring the amount of time taken for sound to travel through the sample and back to the ultrasonic thickness meter, making them very versatile.

    An ultrasonic thickness meter is particularly useful for assessing material integrity without damaging its surface.

    Mini thickness gauge

    Mini thickness gauges are compact, portable devices designed for ease of use and convenience. They are suitable for applications where space tends to be limited or when the user needs a handheld solution.

    Digital mini thickness gauges provide precise readings and often come with user-friendly interfaces, while analogue mini thickness gauges are simpler in design and rely on analogue displays for thickness readings.

    Thickness meter

    Thickness meter

    A thickness meter is a general term that encompasses devices that measure the thickness of materials. It can also refer to various types of thickness gauges. Digital thickness meters offer accurate digital readings and may also come with additional features such as data logging. Handheld thickness meters are usually portable devices suitable for on-the-go measurements in various industries.

    Browse Sauter TC Thickness Meter

    Common applications of thickness gauges

    There are various applications of thickness gauges depending on the industry, as these tools help with quality control, efficiency, and accuracy. Below are some common applications of thickness gauges in specific business sectors.

    Mechanical engineering

    When it comes to how to measure coating thickness, coating thickness gauges are used in mechanical engineering for assessing the thickness of components, such as pressure vessels, pipes, and structure elements, to ensure they meet design and safety specifications. They are also used to help verify the thickness of welds and identify potential defects or inconsistencies that occur.

    Metal fabrication

    Thickness gauges help ensure the uniform thickness of metal sheets and plates during the fabrication process. They are also used to verify the thickness of applied coatings, such as paint or protective layers, to meet industry standards.

    Vehicle Restoration

    Thickness measuring gauges are used to measure the thickness of vehicle body parts to identify areas that may require repair or restoration. They also assess the thickness of paint layers on vehicles to detect any potential issues or errors that come up.

    Accuracy and quality control

    When it comes to quality control, thickness gauges are used to verify the thickness of precision components in manufacturing processes to maintain high-quality standards. They also conduct non-destructive testing to assess the integrity of materials without causing damage.

    Hong Kong engineering and industrial regulations

    According to Hong Kong’s 2022 General Specification for Buildings, the specifications for finishes and coatings state that wall and ceiling finishes should have a maximum deviation of 3mm from a 1,800mm straight edge.

    Additionally, the thickness of a wall render should be at a minimum of 10mm, while pipes that pass through roofs should be less than 50mm in diameter.

    Stone slabs used for paving wall facings of fittings should not be less than 20mm thick, while slabs for paving surfaces shall not be less than 32mm thick.

    For mosaic tiles, the thickness will depend on the type of mosaic tile. More specifically:

    • Glass mosaic tiles shall be 4mm thick and regular in shape
    • Glazed ceramic mosaic tiles shall be 5mm thick with square edges
    • Unglazed vitreous mosaic tiles shall be 4 or 5mm thick with matching coved tiles

    Recently in Hong Kong, Kwong Wah Hospital cable trunking coating was inspected by the Hospital Authority (HA). Although the thickness of the cable trunking coating does not pose additional risks to the hospital, insufficient thickness may limit the durability of trunking and shorten its lifespan. Thickness gauges are one of the many tools used to ensure that regulations and standards are being kept in buildings.

    Non-destructive testing

    Many modern thickness gauges use ultrasonic technology for non-destructive testing. Here, ultrasonic waves are transmitted into the material, and the gauge measures the time taken for the waves to return. This provides users with information about the thickness of the object without causing it any damage.

    Digital or LCD displays

    Digital displays or LCD screens provide a clear and easy-to-read presentation of measurement values. Some models even come with a backlight feature for improved visibility in low-light conditions, so they can be used anytime, anywhere.

    High level of accuracy

    The accuracy of a thickness gauge is crucial for reliable results. High-quality gauges provide precise measurements to users, which is essential for maintaining quality standards in manufacturing and other industries. The ability to provide measurements with high resolutions ensures that even small changes in thickness are accurately detected.

    External features

    Most thickness gauges are designed to be comfortable and ergonomic, which enhances the user experience during prolonged use. They also tend to be made using robust and durable materials to ensure the gauge can withstand challenging environments and resist wear and tear. Thickness gauges are also compact and lightweight to facilitate easy portability, allowing users to take the gauge to different locations for inspections.

    What should you consider when selecting a thickness gauge?

    When selecting a thickness gauge, several factors should be considered to ensure that it meets your specific requirements and provides reliable results. Here are some key considerations:

    Accuracy tolerance

    You should choose a thickness gauge that has a high level of accuracy, especially if your applications require precise measurements. Also consider the tolerance level specified by the gauge, ensuring it aligns with your quality control standards.

    Another thing to keep in mind is the resolution, which determines the smallest change in thickness that the gauge can detect. Higher resolution allows for more precise measurements.

    The gauge’s measurement range should also align with the minimum and maximum thickness values required for your work. It should cover the full spectrum of thicknesses you expect to encounter.

    Certification of equipment

    Verify that the thickness gauge complies with relevant industry standards and certifications. Certifications ensure the equipment adheres to specific quality, accuracy, and safety standards. Some thickness gauges may adhere to ISO standards, providing an additional layer of assurance regarding their performance.

    Budget and cost considerations

    While the initial purchase cost is important, also consider the total cost of ownership. This includes ongoing maintenance, calibration, and any additional accessories or probes required. You should also evaluate the features and performance against the price to determine the gauge’s overall value for your specific needs.

    The bottom line

    As businesses continue to grow and strive for excellence in industries such as quality control, manufacturing, construction, and more, the role and importance of thickness gauges become increasingly evident.

    By carefully choosing the right thickness gauge and considering the specific needs of one’s task being performed, you can improve the efficiency, accuracy, and productivity of your operations while also minimising the cost of waste materials.

    At RS Components, we have a wide selection of high-quality thickness gauges to meet your needs. Whether you are an engineer or a procurement specialist, you will be able to find the most appropriate instrument for you in any quantity.

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