The challenging and frustrating part about making any purchase is the process of going through the options you have and trying to figure out which product, within your budget, is best for you. Sooner or later it then becomes evident to you that the cost has very little to do in this whole process, and you become even more frustrated.
If you are looking for information on how best to choose a paint thickness gauge that will serve and grow with your business then you are in the right place. In this post, we are going to compare paint thickness gauges from 3 different manufacturers together with their specifications to help lessen your burden of choosing the right thickness gauge manufacturer. We will also help you understand what features to look out for to get a satisfying experience out of your paint gauges. Please read on.
I. Defelsko Paint Thickness Gauge
1. About Defelsko
Defelsko corporation has been in the paint thickness gauge test instruments manufacture since 1965. They have produced over seventy models of paint thickness gauges so far and the number is set to continue growing. Their instruments are easy to use and give accurate results.
It is a company that prides itself in being the first at many industry innovations with the most notable being the first ultrasonic thickness gauge for non-metal materials like plastic and concrete. The company has its headquarters in the U.S (New York), but has distributors for their products all across the globe, bringing them closer to their customers.
2. Popular Defelsko Models
PosiTector 6000
- Description
The PosiTector 6000 is a paint thickness gauge that has many incredible features and is available in standard model and advanced model, with the advanced model automatically having more features. One of the features that make this instrument stand out from other thickness gauges is that the probe tip and instrument closure are hardy and resistant to wear. This means, it will serve you for a long time, it will grow with your business.
- Specifications
Instrument dimensions are 5″ x 2.6″ x 1″ / 127 x 66 x 25.4 mm |
Uses the magnetic induction and eddy-current measuring principles for ferrous and non-ferrous materials |
Can operate at a maximum temperature of 120 °F or 49 °C |
Powered by 3 AAA batteries |
Solvent, acids, oil, water, and dust resistant |
Weight 4.9 oz. / 137 grams without the batteries |
Probe Cable Length is 1 meter |
- Price Range
PosiTest DFT
- Description
The PosiTest DFT has been designed to appeal to those who believe simplicity is key. It is a thickness gauge that is economical yet powerful enough to give great resolutions and accurate results. The main difference between the PosiTest DFT and other advanced PosiTest models is that it does not come with downloading features or internal storage memory. It is an instrument that finds use in car dealerships and for painting and coating inspection in other fields.
- Specifications
Measurement range of 0 – 40 mils or 0 – 1000 µm |
Has an accuracy of ± 0.1 mils + 3% and ±2 µm + 3% |
Instrument size is 108 x 43 x 20 mm or 4.25 x 1.7 x 0.8 inches |
Weight 54 g or 1.9 oz. without the batteries |
Calibration Adjustment of 1 point for complex applications |
It has nan onscreen averaging for data for up to 99 readings |
- Price Range
II. Elcometer Paint Thickness Gauge
1. About Elcometer
Elcometer is one of the leading companies in the manufacture and distribution of material testing instruments, with over 70 years of experience in the industry. They have over the years produced instruments that are not only cost-effective but also clean, in that they are safe for the environment and the technicians who use them alike.
The company has produced some classy paint thickness gauges and still continues improving. In their bid to have their products all over the world, Elcometer has offices in ten different countries such as the UK, France, some Asia countries, United Arab Emirates, and product distributors across the continent.
2. Popular Elcometer Models
Elcometer 456 Separate Coating Thickness Gauge
- Description
This is an instrument that comes with a multitude of features that make it versatile and with increased accuracy for several kinds of thickness testing. The first important feature is the instrument’s ability to use a range of different types of probes. You can be able to customize the thickness gauge depending on what kind of material you are testing. The other characteristic is that it is available in three models each with its own capabilities.
- Specifications
It has a 2.4” (6cm) display with a QVGA color TFT screen with a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels |
Uses 2 x AA batteries and can also use rechargeable batteries |
The battery lasts about 24 hours during continuous scanning |
Gauge dimensions of 14.1cm H x 7.30cmW x 3.70cmD |
Instrument weight including batteries is 161g |
Operates at a temperature range of -10 to 50°C |
- Price Range
Elcometer 415 Paint & Powder Coating Thickness Gauge
- Description
This is a paint thickness gauge that carries the same features and accuracy as any standard paint thickness gauge but it is especially made for applications where powder-based material coatings are done. Powder-based paints tend to add more depth to a surface as compared to oil or water paint and that is why it is important to use the right instrument for thickness testing.
- Specifications
Uses 2 x AA Batteries or a USB Cable for rechargeable batteries for power |
Has an alkaline battery life of approximately 16 hours during continuous use and a Lithium battery life of approximately 24 hours of use |
Dimensions for the gauge in cm are 14.1H x 7.30W x 3.70D |
Weighs 156g including batteries |
Gauge operating temperature is -10 to 50°C |
Applies 1- and 2-point calibration for accurate measurements |
Data transmission is through Bluetooth or USB to a PC or mobile device (iOS and Android) |
III. Defelsko vs Elcometer: Which is the Best for you?
Both manufacturers have demonstrated their experience and expertise in the paint thickness gauge manufacturing industry, with providing high accuracy, easy to use gauges that can be adopted in any industry that does material painting or casting.
Here is a breakdown of some of the specifications to look out for instruments from both Defelsko and Elcometer when choosing a paint gauge model.
For the Defelsko paint thickness gauges
- Resolution. The PosiTector 6000 has a resolution of 1 mil / 0.02 mm
- Speed. They are designed to be fast performing, delivering 60+ repeatable measurement readings per minute.
- Measurement Range. They have a measurement range of 0-40mils or 0-1000 micrometers.
- Instrument Accuracy. Accuracy is +/- 0.1mils + 3% or +/- 2 micrometers +3%.
- Types of Materials. Soft ergonomic casing for proper grip.
- Price.
For paint thickness gauges manufactured by Elcometer
- Resolution. The resolution is 0.01mil: 0 – 5mils, 0.1mil: 5 – 40mils
- Speed. Fast performing gauges that deliver up to 70+readings per minute.
- Measurement Range. The measurement range is 0 – 1,000μm or 0 – 40mils
- Instrument Accuracy. The accuracy is +/- 1-3% or +/- 2.5micrometers
- Types of Materials. Ergonomic material for safe and comfortable use
- Price.
While both manufacturers have supplied quality products that are efficient to use in their applications, paint gauges from Elcometer have proved to have more superior features and specifications.
IV. Comparison with Other Brands of Paint Thickness Gauge: Defelsko vs Elcometer vs NDT-KITS
To expand your knowledge on paint thickness gauges, manufacturers and products, let us introduce NDT-KITS as our third manufacturer. NDT-KITS is a non-destructive instrument manufacturer that has over 40 years of experience in making easy-to-use and high-precision paint thickness gauges that have been used in different industries across the globe.
Popular paint thickness gauges by NDT-KITS are the UE0061 and the UE060 whose notable features are the high quality, accuracy, and probe selection feature which allows the instrument to use up to 4 different probes depending on the type of applications.
Specifications for NDT-KITS paint thickness gauge:
- Resolution. Instrument uses a high/low resolution in the metric mode.
- Speed.
- Measurement Range. they have a measurement range of
- 0- 10,000 micrometers depending on the probe’s and working principle
- Instrument Accuracy. Accuracy is +/- 2% H + 2
- Types of Materials. It is housed in an aluminum case
- That is wear-resistant and pleasant looking
- Price.
V. Your Perfect Pick: NDT-KITS
Although choosing the right paint thickness gauge comes down to what you intend on using the gauge for, there are also other factors to consider which include accuracy, how the instrument stores and transfers data, measurement range, and type of display. The instrument’s material (casing) is also an important factor that tends to get overlooked.
The UE0061 by NDT-KITS gets a tick on all the above factors, including the aluminum material used for the casing which makes it durable. This does not come as a surprise owing to our 40 years of experience in the NDT sector, our experienced engineers, and the high class and modern technology which we employ in the manufacture of every instrument for your testing solutions. We provide instruments that are calibrated according to international standards, making them great for use no matter where you are.
Conclusion
There are many paint thickness measurement models and manufacturers all over the globe but that does not mean that selecting a paint thickness gauge for your business will be easy. There are factors that need to be considered when selecting the best paint gauge for you, which include accuracy, range, simple use, and maintenance among others.
NDT-KITS understands that purchasing a testing instrument may be a challenge for you and that is why we have a dedicated support team who are industry experts and will take you through the process of choosing, buying, and after-sales training, all in an effort to ensure you get the best paint thickness gauge for your work.