Coating thickness measurement – ensuring surfaces and materials look exactly as intended.
Coating thickness measurement tells you how thick the paint or protective layer on a surface is. In the automotive industry, it ensures flawless finishes. In manufacturing, it protects against rust. And in metal finishing, it’s simply essential.
In short: without coating thickness measurement, consistent high quality wouldn’t be possible in many industries.
What really matters in coating thickness measurement
Coating thickness measurement relies on various physical principles to precisely determine the thickness of paints, coatings, or other layers.
There are two main approaches: destructive and non-destructive measurement methods.
Destructive measurement methods
Destructive measurement methods are used when other techniques reach their limits. They are ideal for measuring particularly thick layers or complex coating systems.
However, these methods come with a major drawback: they damage the workpiece and alter its surface, making the tested material unusable afterward.
In contrast, QNix® gauges offer non-destructive measurement – precise, fast, and without damaging the material.
Non-Destructive Measurement Methods
Do you want to inspect coatings quickly and efficiently without damaging the material?
Our coating thickness measurement saves you time and costs by allowing you to reliably measure coating thicknesses in series production.
Two methods are used for this purpose: the magnetic induction method for steel and the eddy current method for non-ferrous metals.
This makes them ideal for use in ongoing production processes.
Measurement methods in detail
At QNix®, we rely on two proven methods that enable fast and non-destructive coating thickness measurement.
This method generates a magnetic field that interacts with the magnetic properties of the material.
The measuring device detects how much the magnetic field is altered and uses this information to calculate the coating thickness.
In this method, an electric field generates so-called “eddy currents” within the material. These currents respond to the substrate, allowing the coating thickness to be determined. It’s ideal for non-ferrous metals such as aluminum or copper.
The right solution for every measurement task.
QNix® offers a comprehensive range of coating thickness gauges tailored to different requirements.
QNix® 1500
The classic in vehicle evaluation
Proven for vehicle evaluation and paint inspection.
No calibration required: simply place it, read the result, and you’re done.
QNix® 4500
All-rounder with a wide range of applications
Reliable results for a wide range of applications.
Compact design and one-button operation for quick and easy use.
QNix® 4600
The global player for added convenience
Perfect for frequent measurements.
The convenient color display rotates automatically and remains clearly visible even when upside down.
QNix® 5500
The easiest way to perfect measurement
Withstands dust, moisture, and harsh environments.
Interchangeable probes offer maximum flexibility on various materials (ferrous or non-ferrous).
QNix® 9500
A field of application like no other
Captures even complex coating systems.
Offers extensive documentation options and integrated software for storing and analyzing data.
Why QNix is the best choice for your industry
Our QNix® coating thickness gauges deliver precise results across a wide range of applications – even under challenging conditions.
Precision that hits the mark.
Standards and regulations in coating thickness measurement
Standards and norms ensure that measurements are always reliable and comparable.
At QNix®, we naturally comply with all relevant national and international standards. That means our coating thickness gauges consistently deliver clear and trustworthy data – giving you the confidence you need in your work.
And the best part: you can rely on that accuracy with every single measurement.
We’ll gladly put it in writing – all relevant certificates are available here.
Have questions about our certified procedures or the applications of our measuring devices?
We’re happy to advise you personally. Just contact us by email or phone.
Challenges, solutions, and practical tips
Measuring coatings can sometimes be challenging depending on the application.
But don’t worry – with the right QNix® gauge and a few helpful tips, you’ll be equipped to handle even the most demanding tasks:
Dealing with complex coating systems
When multiple layers are applied on top of each other or special coatings are used, precise measurement becomes especially important.
High-quality coating thickness gauges automatically detect the type of material you’re measuring – whether it’s steel, iron, or non-ferrous metals.
This means there’s no need for manual adjustments – your results are always accurate and reliable.
Calibration and Maintenance
Many coating thickness gauges don’t require constant calibration, but regular checks are still recommended – especially with frequent use.
This ensures that your device remains accurate and that you can rely on correct measurement results at all times.
Choosing the right measurement method
Depending on the material, different measurement methods are required. Some devices offer multiple options, such as magnetic induction for iron and steel or eddy current methods for non-ferrous metals. This allows you to always choose the appropriate method and stay flexible in your application.
Error prevention and quality assurance
Small mistakes, such as applying incorrect pressure or using a probe tip that hasn’t been properly cleaned, can distort measurement results.
Make sure to keep the probe tip clean and apply the correct pressure during measurement. This helps prevent errors and ensures your work meets the highest quality standards.
Allgemeine Fragen zu QNix®
Warum ist die Schichtdickenmessung wichtig?
Sie sorgt dafür, dass Lacke, Farben oder andere Beschichtungen die richtige Stärke haben. Das ist wichtig für Qualität, Haltbarkeit und ein makelloses Erscheinungsbild.
Welche Methoden der Schichtdickenmessung gibt es?
Man unterscheidet zwischen zerstörenden und zerstörungsfreien Verfahren. Zerstörungsfreie Methoden sind zum Beispiel die magnetinduktive Messung und die Wirbelstromprüfung.
Was ist die Wirbelstromprüfung?
Die Wirbelstromprüfung misst die Schichtdicke auf nicht ferromagnetischen Metallen, zum Beispiel Aluminium oder Kupfer. Ein Magnetfeld regt kleine Ströme in der Oberfläche an. Das Gerät erfasst diese Ströme und berechnet daraus die Dicke der Beschichtung.
Wie funktioniert die magnetinduktive Messung?
Sie wird bei Stahl oder anderen ferromagnetischen Metallen eingesetzt. Das Gerät erzeugt ein Magnetfeld und misst, wie stark dieses Feld durch die Beschichtung beeinflusst wird. So kann es die Schichtdicke ermitteln.
Was sind die Vorteile zerstörungsfreier Messverfahren?
Sie beschädigen das Werkstück nicht. Die Messung geht schnell und kann direkt in der Produktion erfolgen. Zudem spart man Zeit und Kosten, weil man die Bauteile weiterverwenden kann.
Welche Normen sind für die Schichtdickenmessung relevant?
Wichtige Normen sind zum Beispiel DIN EN ISO 2808, ISO 2178 und ASTM D 7091. Sie schreiben vor, wie genau und unter welchen Bedingungen gemessen werden soll. So sind die Ergebnisse weltweit vergleichbar.
Wie oft sollten Messgeräte kalibriert werden?
In der Regel empfiehlt sich eine regelmäßige Kalibrierung, damit die Messergebnisse verlässlich bleiben. Das kann jährlich oder nach einer bestimmten Anzahl von Messungen erfolgen. Genaue Angaben finden Sie in den Herstellerhinweisen oder in den Normvorgaben.
Get in touch with us.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Simply select the relevant topic and let us know how we can assist you. Our team will get in touch with you promptly and answer all your questions.
Your contact person
Metin Tek
Director Sales & Marketing
Head of Sales & Marketing
Tel: +49 221 91 74 55-23
Mobile: +49 160 92 75 69 97
E-Mail: m.tek@automation.de
