Film thickness measurement method _Defelsko comparison of several different Thickness Gauges
This article details the use of DeFelsko's coating Thickness Gauges in the galvanizing industry. It describes the different types of handheld instruments, some precautions to take during measurements, and frequently asked questions about the application in the Q&A section.
background
Steel corrodes when an electrolyte (such as water) connects the anode and cathode on the steel surface. The corrosion of batteries is caused by flakes of iron oxide called rust.
To avoid rust, it is necessary to prevent the formation of corroded cells. Two common methods for corrosion protection of steel:
Catholic protection (using sacrificial anode).
Create a barrier that blocks the electrolyte from contacting the steel.
galvanizedIs the process in which a zinc sacrificial anode layer is used to provide corrosion protection to the steel surface. The final step in the process is to check:
●Coating thickness
● Appearance
● Adhesion
● Uniformity
● The thickness of the galvanized coating is directly related to:
● Service life
● Number of corrosion protection
● Quality
● Thicker coating of galvanized results in a longer life of the coated part. Therefore, coating thickness inspection is an important step in determining the quality of a galvanized coating.
Galvanized layer thickness measurementThe size, shape and number of fragments to be tested will determine the appropriate test method. The specified test methods are divided into destructive and non-destructive.
There are four methods to measure galvanizing thickness:
Magnetic principle Thickness Gauge
Strip and weigh
Weighing part before and after galvanizing
Optical microscope(ASTM B487)
The most practical test is the non-destructive testing method that uses magnetic principles to determine the thickness of the coating. this test is
non-destructive
simple, fast and cheap
Meets internationally recognized standards including
ASTM d7091
,CSA G164M
and ISO 2808
Because it is non-destructive,
Magnetic thickness measurement
Galvanized layer thickness is a commonly used method for evaluation.
Magnetic principle Thickness Gauge
Coating Thickness Gauge, using the magnetic principle for measuring non-magnetic coatings applied to ferrous metals. The three common types of magnetic principle Thickness Gauges can be divided into two categories:
Compare Magnetic Thickness Gauge Types
mechanical meter
Measure the strength needed to pull the steel away from the magnet. Thicker zinc, weaker magnetic attraction.
A: Magnetic coating Thickness Gauges measure measurements in units of linear distance, not coating weight. However, a code reader can easily be converted to an expression for coat weight through a conversion table or multiplication factor.
Q: What kind of coating Thickness Gauge reads on G90 galvanized coating?
A: According toASTM A653According to the requirement, the amount of G90 coating zinc on both sides of the steel sheet is 0.90 oz/square foottwoMagnetic Thickness Gauges measure only one side.
therefore:
0.45 oz/ sqft x 1.684 = 0.76 mils/part
0.45 oz/ sqft x 42.78 = 19 μm /section
ASTM standard
extractASTM A123Standard Specification for Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized) Coatings for Iron and Steel Products:
The coating thickness of the test specimen shall be averaged over a minimum of 5 readings at widely dispersed points.
This average value shall not be less than the value in the specification table below the coating thickness class.
The thickness should be between 1.4 and 3.9 ml (35 and 100 µm) depending on the paint grade.
ASTM E 376Practice for measuring coating thickness by magnetic field and eddy current (electromagnetic) test methods
ASTM/a123m A123Standard Specification for Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized) Coatings for Iron and Steel Products
ASTM a153/a153mGalvanized (Hot Dip) Steel Hardware to Standard Specifications
ASTM a653/a653mStandard specification steel sheet, galvanized (electroplating) or galvanized iron alloy (alloy) by hot-dip galvanizing process
ASTM a767/a767mGalvanized (electroplated) steel bars for reinforced concrete
ASTM d7091Standard Practice for Nondestructive Measurement of Dry Film Thickness of Nonferrous and Nonmagnetic Coatings for Magnetic, Nonconductive Coatings Applied to Nonferrous Metals