Ultrasound for coating thickness measurement of lacquer and metal
There are essentially 3 measuring methods to carry out non-destructive coating thickness measurements of, for example, frame material or car body sheet metal or paint thickness measurements on car bodies:
- The magnetic-inductive measuring method for measurements on ferritic substrates such as sheet metal
- The eddy current method for measurements on non-ferrous substrates such as aluminium
- Ultrasound for substrate-independent measurements or multilayer measurements.
The application of Ultrasound we use to determine the Material thickness, of both aluminium and steel sheet. We carry out this method regularly, especially in the body and frame area, and compare the values with the technical drawings of the vehicle manufacturer. The important thing here is that we can determine the sheet thickness without being disturbed by paint and filler build-up and, of course, non-invasively!
We can also determine the thickness of the paint layer or any type of material thickness. Ultrasound is used in particular for examining the paint thickness on GRP and CFRP, so we can also identify a first-paint vehicle here!
With the ultrasonic method, you are independent of the material in all cases! Layer thicknesses can also be measured on different substrates such as metals, plastics, wood or even GRP or CFRP! Furthermore, not only the total thickness, but also the individual layer thicknesses can be measured in only one measuring process - which is an enormous advantage compared to electromagnetic methods!