Film Thickness Gauge
BYK-Gardner · byko-test Fe/NFe
Dry Film Thickness Gauge
Non-destructive gauges measure coating thickness on ferrous and non-ferrous substrates using magnetic induction and eddy-current principles. The instrument automatically identifies the substrate and delivers instant Pass/Fail results. Suitable for smooth, rough and curved surfaces — equally at home on the production line and in the laboratory.
BYK-Gardner · BYK-µPELT
Multi-Layer Thickness Gauge
Ultrasonic PELT Multi-Layer Film Thickness gauges measure each individual layer within a multi-layer coating stack — non-destructively, in a single pass. A short pulse reflects from each coating interface; the time between echoes converts to layer thickness. Applicable to any substrate: metal, plastic, glass, wood and composites.
BYK-Gardner – byko-cut (PIG)
Dry Film Thickness (PIG)
A precision cutter incises through the coating at a defined angle; the exposed cross-section is read under a built-in 50× LED microscope. Substrate-independent and capable of multi-layer analysis on steel, non-ferrous metals, plastics and wood. Also used for cross-cut adhesion testing and Buchholz indentation hardness.
BYK-Gardner · Wet Film Thickness Gauge
Wet Film Thickness Gauge
Measuring wet film immediately after application predicts and controls the final dry film build — preventing under- or over-application before the coating cures. Comb gauges push into the film; wheel (Inmont) gauges roll across moving surfaces such as press rollers. Both types are durable, require no calibration, and give immediate on-the-spot readings.
Why measure film thickness?
Quality control
Catch thickness deviations at each production step — from primer to topcoat — before they become costly rework. Portable instruments deliver real-time Pass/Fail feedback directly on the line, while lab instruments feed data into SPC systems for trend analysis.
Material savings
Avoiding over-application significantly reduces coating material consumption. Wet film monitoring at the point of application directly predicts the final dry film build, allowing the operator to adjust immediately rather than discovering excess after curing.
Standards compliance
Film thickness specifications are contractually defined in automotive, oil & gas and coil coating industries. Instruments certified to ISO, ASTM and OEM standards provide traceable documentation for every batch, eliminating customer disputes and reducing returns.
Measurement technologies
Magnetic induction (Fe)
Measures coatings on ferromagnetic steel and iron substrates. The probe generates an alternating magnetic field; the return signal is attenuated by the distance to the substrate, giving the coating thickness directly.
Eddy current (NFe)
Measures coatings on non-ferrous metals — aluminium, copper, brass, stainless steel. A high-frequency field induces eddy currents in the substrate; probe lift-off is proportional to film thickness.
Ultrasonic pulse-echo (PELT)
Works on any substrate. A short ultrasonic pulse reflects from each coating interface; the time between echoes is converted to layer thickness — all layers resolved in one non-destructive measurement.
Mechanical incision
A precision cutter creates a V-groove through the coating at a defined angle. The exposed cross-section is read under a microscope. Substrate-independent and suited to multi-layer analysis on any material.
Industries We Serve
Need help selecting the right Film Thickness Gauge?
Our team advises on the right instrument for your application, substrate and applicable standards.