Non-contact coating thickness measurement

Non-contact coating thickness measurement is a technique for determining the thickness of a coating on a substrate without the need for physical contact with the surface. This method is used in a variety of applications, particularly in industries such as automotive manufacturing, aerospace, electronics manufacturing and surface coating, where accurate control of coating thickness is critical.

One of the most common methods for non-contact coating thickness measurement is the use of radiation, such as X-rays or gamma rays. These rays penetrate the coating and the substrate and are detected by a detector on the opposite side. The intensity of the radiation that reaches the detector depends on the thickness of the coating. The coating thickness can be precisely determined by measuring the absorption or scattering of the radiation.

Another non-contact method is ultrasonic testing, in which ultrasonic waves are sent through the coating. The transit time of the sound waves is measured and makes it possible to calculate the thickness of the coating, as the speed of sound through the material is known. Optical methods such as the laser reflection method use laser beams to scan the surface of the coating. By measuring the reflected intensity, the coating thickness can be calculated as the reflection rate depends on the thickness of the coating.

These non-contact methods provide a precise and non-invasive way to measure coating thickness, which is of great importance in many industrial applications. They enable efficient quality assurance and process control without damaging the material.