12 best thickness gauges

It can be successfully used both for amateur and professional purposes to perform a wide range of tasks, which are based on measuring the thickness of the layer deposited on the surface. Its small size and ergonomic design make it the most convenient tool for car paint testers. The thickness gauge works with the use of eddy magnetic currents, which allows you to measure the size of the paint layer on any surface.

In the reviews, the owners of the device especially highlight the high measurement accuracy, which corresponds to more professional and expensive models. The analysis takes place almost instantly, and the information is immediately displayed on the liquid crystal display. Lightweight and compact, it fits easily into your pocket, making it easy to have the instrument close at hand.

This device is comparable in size to a key fob from a car alarm. The thickness gauge looks like it and outwardly. Here, too, a segment display is used, on which a few readings are displayed. To the right of the screen are buttons responsible for turning the device on and off, as well as switching between different types of metal. The degree of error is surprising - the manufacturer claims an insignificant 1%.

Owners of CarSys DPM-816 PRO note that this is the best choice for a person involved in vehicle resale. Checking the paintwork is carried out literally in one second.If the given numbers seem strange to you, you can perform self-calibration, and then measure again. Even buyers are delighted with the ability to work even with surfaces that contain too much paint - the maximum allowable thickness is 3000 microns.

This device is included in the state register of measuring instruments and has a certificate of accuracy (certificate of verification). TM-20MG4 is a modern and reliable tool for determining the depth of the paintwork. In addition, it can be used to measure the galvanic layer (chrome plating, zinc plating, etc.), protective film. The thickness gauge is widely used in mechanical engineering and electrical equipment manufacturing.

The owners who used the TM-20MG4 to check the car's paintwork were satisfied with the effectiveness of the device. With its help, areas with deviations in the thickness of the paint layer were identified, which indicates restoration repairs after an accident - a fact that sellers try to keep quiet about. The reviews also note the ergonomics of the device and its autonomy in operation. The built-in memory captures about 200 measurements, which can be sent via a wired interface to a laptop or computer.

Most of all, this model is similar to a barcode scanner. Or on the remote control for a radio-controlled car. Here the same form is used, and the main button is also located directly under the index finger.Auxiliary keys should be looked for on the side panel - they are used to switch between indicators stored in memory, turn on the backlight of the display and change the type of metal. The device is powered by one battery, the slot for which is contained in the handle.

Paint thickness, according to customer reviews, is measured using the Etari ET-11P without any problems. The error here is no more than 3%, like most other instruments in this price segment. A distinctive feature of the device is the continuous measurement mode. This allows you to drive the thickness gauge along the car body, thereby finding out whether the paintwork is evenly laid on it. For this, the thickness gauge earned high marks not only from buyers, but also from the automotive press - in particular, the Russian magazine Za Rulem named the Etari ET-11P the best choice.

A simple and compact thickness gauge that perfectly copes with the function superimposed on it. The measurement error in the calibrated state is only one micrometer, which satisfies the high requirements of control both in production and in service conditions. Of course, the Richmeters GY910 was more widely used in checking aftermarket cars than in a real production process. The ability to measure the thickness of the paint coating not only on putty, but also on freshly painted parts makes this thickness gauge a reliable control device that stands out from the background of the vast majority of competitors.

Advantages:

• compactness;
• low cost;
• high accuracy (small measurement errors);
• excellent design;
• convenience and ease of use.

Flaws:

• not detected.

A good tool for checking the paint layer on the car body. Easy to use, has an intuitive interface that allows you to master the device in minutes. The thickness gauge is equipped with a double sensor for measurements: magnetic and eddy current. By scanning the surface, it automatically determines the type of metal (ferrous or non-ferrous) under the paintwork layer, and makes a diagnosis using a suitable sensor. This versatility allows you to explore the paint layer on modern cars with aluminum body parts.

Owners who have chosen CONDTROL Paint in their reviews express their complete satisfaction with the characteristics of the device. It measures the depth of coverage with a minimum error, is easy to use, informative display - and this is not all of its advantages. The package includes thickness standards (6 samples) that allow you to calibrate the device to increase the accuracy of measurements.

The universal thickness gauge from Aktakom combines two methods for measuring the thickness of layers: eddy current, used to work with non-ferrous metals, and magnetic, to measure coatings on ferrous metals. Auto mechanics and employees of service stations very often turn to its use, less often - ordinary consumers for household diagnostics.Able to function in two measurement modes - continuous and single, for localization and verification of a surface area, respectively. One measurement group includes 80 measurements. From this calculation, the device's memory is optimized to store reports for four groups with 80 measurements each. Thus, Aktakom ATE 7156 is a serious device for the comprehensive diagnostics of car paintwork, which is more appropriate to use in large service centers.

Advantages:

• acceptable price;
• the ability to connect to a PC via a USB interface;
• the amount of internal memory;
• good measurement accuracy.

Flaws:

• third-party magnetic fields adversely affect the accuracy of the device.

Ergonomic trigger thickness gauge that allows you to measure the thickness of the paint layer on magnetic and non-ferrous metal structures. It is widely used in the field of automotive diagnostics, but it is also involved in the chemical and even in the shipbuilding industry. The efficiency of its work lies in the automatic (and error-free) determination of the base material and the adjustment of the parameters to the appropriate measurement mode. The memory of the CHY-115 is designed to store the results of 255 test runs, which can be transferred to a personal computer via a USB connection. The 4-digit LCD is equipped with a power saving function and automatically turns off after 15 seconds of inactivity.

Advantages:

• high measurement accuracy;
• ergonomics and original design;
• the amount of built-in memory;
• the presence of a USB connector;
• the possibility of continuous measurement of the thickness of the layers.

Flaws:

• the interface is not translated into Russian;
• indications float due to the influence of electromagnetic fields.

Lightweight and compact device with a well-readable display in any light. Able to measure the coating thickness of both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. The check can be carried out even in the cold - the operating temperature starts from -25 ° C. The measurement range starts from zero and ends at 1000 µm (2000 µm in the case of ferrous metals). Pleasant bonuses are the display backlight and a flashlight that switches to ultraviolet mode at the touch of a button.

That this is the best thickness gauge among those belonging to the combined type is evidenced by the mass of positive ratings given by its owners. Low error, convenient use and the ability to measure on curved surfaces are noted. The tool supports calibration, but it is extremely rare to spend time on this process. Buyers complain only about the lack of a case and batteries, which the manufacturer showed in promotional photos.

A model that provides accurate measurement of the thickness of non-magnetic coatings. MEGEON 19220 functions due to the magnetic induction that occurs in the measurement zone, which ensures high accuracy. However, an ultrasonic device is extremely sensitive to the induction of electromagnetic fields from other electrical objects and may give incorrect information.For a device of this level, the price of not having protection from extraneous influence is a big minus.

Other advantages include a liquid crystal display with a moderate backlight, thanks to which the device is comfortable to use even in poorly lit rooms. As a small gift to users, the developers have provided a small storage case in the kit - a useful thing when transporting the thickness gauge frequently.

Advantages:

• high measurement accuracy;
• quality performance;
• comfortable LCD screen with backlight;
• the presence of a case for transportation.

Flaws:

• high price;
• exposure to the influence of extraneous magnetic fields.

One of the most reliable devices in the segment of ultrasonic thickness gauges. TEMP-UT1 is designed to measure the thickness of metal, alloy, cast iron, plastic and rubber parts. Despite the somewhat clumsy design, it has advanced functionality and an extremely reliable measurement system that does not allow failures. One set of rechargeable batteries is enough for about a year of operation, which indicates its efficiency. The interface is optimized and, according to users, is very easy to learn.

But, unfortunately, the device is not without its drawbacks. Buyers are frightened by the high price, which is positioned by the distributors as "tolerable". In addition, before each measurement of a new material, the thickness gauge must be calibrated. Fortunately, the calibration process itself is relatively simple.

Advantages:

• simple but reliable case;
• convenient control interface;
• undemanding in terms of energy consumption;
• internal memory is designed to store the results of 100 measurements.

Flaws:

• high price;
• the need to calibrate the thickness gauge for new material.

An excellent ultrasonic thickness gauge operating over a very wide range. To use it, the thickness of the material applied to the surface must be from 1 to 300 mm. The measurement is carried out using a remote sensor connected to two connectors in the top panel. In total, the device is equipped with two such accessories with different diameters. The measurement result is displayed on a large segment display. The screen is also able to notify that it is time to replace the three AAA batteries that are used here as batteries.

Judging by the reviews, this is the best thickness gauge among those with an ultrasonic type of measurement. Such a tool is useful when searching for defects in blanks, material or finished products. Customers also appreciated the kit, which is complemented by a practical case, binder and calibration plate. People are not happy only with the price, which seems excessive even to seasoned professionals.