Coatmaster: Calibration-free coating thickness measurement via material database

Typically, contacting gages based on the eddy current or magnetic-inductive principle are used for coating thickness measurement in the cross-linked state. The disadvantage of these gauges is a complex calibration procedure, since the geometry, conductivity and magnetizability of the underlying workpiece must be taken into account. On complicated shaped objects, such as car wheels, a new calibration is necessary for almost every set measuring point, which makes an area-wide measurement of the coating thickness practically impossible. Measuring devices for non-contact coating thickness measurement based on Advanced Thermal Optics, on the other hand, are based on the thermal properties of the coating. Although the thermal properties of different paints and coatings are very similar, they show measurable differences.

Coatmaster AG, in cooperation with Eurolacke Powder Coatings, has now created a material database for the Coatmaster Flex non-contact coating thickness gauge, which enables calibration-free and µm-accurate coating thickness measurement of Axalta powder coatings on metallic substrates after baking. The database has calibrations of over 400 different RAL shades. The individual calibrations can be used universally for smooth and textured coatings. Coaters will be able to access the material database and transfer finished calibrations to their equipment via the coatmaster.cloud website from March 13, 2023. Tore Sievers from Eurolacke Powder Coatings explains: "We always want to offer our customers the best possible service. With the material database, our products can always be measured accurately - without additional calibration." Prof. Dr. Nils Reinke from Coatmaster adds, "The Coatmaster Flex is an enormous help, as quality specifications from Qualicoat and GSB can already be determined before baking. The material bank is therefore continuously being expanded with calibrations for powder coatings before baking. Calibrations of products from other powder coating manufacturers will also be added step by step."