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!
There are essentially 3 measuring methods to carry out non-destructive layer thickness measurements, for example of frame material or body sheet 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 multi-layer measurements.
We use ultrasonic to determine the material thickness, including aluminium and steel sheet. In the body and frame area we use this method frequently to compare the material thicknesses with the technical drawings of the vehicle manufacturers. The important thing here is that we can measure the sheet metal skills without measuring lacquer, filler or other materials and of course in a non-invasive way! How does it work? The speed of sound of each material varies and therefore we can differentiate each material and measure the exact thickness using the speed of sound of the material in question, calibrating the ultrasonic machine and receiving a result in mm.
We can also determine the paint layer thickness or any type of material thickness. Ultrasound is used in particular to examine the thickness of the paintwork on glass and carbon fibre, so we can also identify a first paint vehicle here!
With the ultrasonic method you are material independent in all cases! It can also be layer thicknesses on different substrates such as metals, plastics, wood or GRP. Measure CFRP! In addition, not only the total thickness, but also the individual layer thicknesses can be measured in just one measuring process - which is an enormous advantage over electromagnetic methods!


You can get an impression in the following video: