Thickness gauges play an integral role in the automobile, manufacturing, marine and piping industries, where measuring thickness of a component is a key task. Thickness gauges use various technologies for measurement. Some of the commonly used technologies are mechanical, ultrasonic, eddy current, radiography and coulometric.

The classification of thickness gauges available in the market falls under different categories such as an analog or a digital thickness gauge, a destructive or a non-destructive thickness gauge and a contact or a non-contact thickness gauge. Digital thickness gauges are more accurate than analog thickness gauges.

The selection of thickness gauges depends on the following parameters:

1. Material of the testing sample
2. Maximum range of measurement of the thickness gauges
3. Required accuracy and the resolution of the measurement

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose an appropriate gauge from a range of thickness gauges

There are a wide variety of thickness gauges such as a film thickness gauge, a material thickness gauge and a paint thickness gauge. Each gauge is suitable for a specific application. For example, for measuring the thickness of a paper or a rubber component, an ultrasonic thickness gauge is the best-fit product.

I recommend: Elcometer is a major manufacturer of different thickness gauges such as a coating thickness gauge and a metal thickness gauge, also called a metal gauge thickness. A thickness gauge distributor may also describe a steel thickness gauge as a steel gauge thickness. Eastern Industries offers various types of steel gauge thickness. Mahr specializes in lightweight thickness gauges.

Buy thickness gauges from a retailer

You can buy thickness gauges from a reputable retailer who can provide you various types of thickness gauges at attractive prices.

I recommend: Inspection Equipment is a one-stop shop for various measuring equipments including thickness gauges. meaureNOW is another retailer which offers coating thickness gauges manufactured by Defelsko Corporation.

Lease thickness gauges

If your requirement for thickness gauges is not persistent or you want to save on gauging costs, you can lease a thickness gauge from a manufacturer or a retailer.

I recommend: Ashtead Technology rents various non-destructive testing equipments including thickness gauges. Instruments Direct is a retailer that offers ‘shop by rental’ services for ultrasonic thickness gauges. You can also contact Newco, a reputable manufacturer of thickness gauges, to rent ultrasonic thickness gauges.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Keep the metal thickness gauge in a non-corrosive environment, as corrosion may hamper the accuracy of the instrument.
• •  Check the warranty of the thickness gauges at the time of purchase.