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Good thickness vibrations: handheld ultrasonic instruments provide an easy-to-use, accurate, nondestructive way to measure coating thickness on wood and plastic substrates.

Article Excerpt
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Coatings are designed to perform their intended function best when they are applied within the tight thickness range specified by the manufacturer. For example, conversion varnishes used on wood are harder than other coatings and should not be used in excess of 5 mils dry thickness in order to prevent cracking or other finish failures. Nitrocellulose lacquer usually should be kept lower than 3 mils. A consistent mil thickness is paramount when applying lacquer basecoats and crack coats to achieve a desired crackle finishing effect.

On medium density fiberboard (MDF), powder coating thickness typically ranges between 3 and 9 mils. Usually, the thicker the mil coverage, the more durable the finish. Factory specifications often call for a stated [+ or -]1 mil tolerance. This level of quality cannot be determined just by looking at the coating; instead, it must be measured with precise instruments.

There are other benefits to measuring the finish thickness precisely. When companies check and verify the coating quality of incoming material, they avoid wasting money reworking product. By checking the spray operators' technique, they ensure that the coating is being applied in compliance with the manufacturers' recommendations. Additionally, applying the right film thickness can ensure a high level of overall efficiency. Finally, regular testing can reduce the number of customer returns due to finishing defects.

Over metal, the coating thickness commonly is measured for quality control and inspection purposes. When the base metal is carbon steel, a magnetic method is...

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