10 best thickness gauges

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

How to Pick a Good Thickness Gauge

The speed of technology change is sometimes amazing, but current trends are less affected by such market segments as thickness gages and related complex instruments. Nevertheless, even despite a certain stagnation in the change of generations, these devices have a number of features that must be taken into account when choosing. Among the main directions, the Internet magazine recommends paying attention to the following aspects:

1. Display type. The most trivial, but at the same time the most necessary parameter that directly affects the nature of the measurements. The first models of thickness gauges were equipped with simple indicator strips, the build-up of which in the process of measurement meant an increase in the thickness of the paintwork. But, since people were more interested in quantitative indicators, displays quickly replaced indicators, on which information was presented already in the form of numbers. We strongly recommend that you take a closer look at more modern versions due to the banal information content of displays in comparison with display screens.
2. Display dimensions. Many users associate the display size with the great functionality of thickness gauges, and, in fact, are not far from the truth. Modern production trends are reduced to a gradual increase in screen diagonal, which, by chance, accompanies the introduction of more and more functions and programs. If you think in terms of convenience, ergonomics, then in the case of buying a multifunctional device, be sure to pay attention to the size of the display.
3. Battery capacity. Quite an important technical parameter of the thickness gauge, which determines the duration of its autonomous operation. Currently, there are two principles for powering devices on the market: from a set of batteries or from full-fledged lithium-ion batteries. In the first case, the elements are most often subject to replacement, and their service life is calculated in months (less often years). In the second case, the energy element is subject to repeated charging processes, and its capacity is sufficient to operate from several days to several weeks. In principle, in terms of reliability, both options are equivalent, and everything depends only on your personal preferences.
4. Execution. According to this parameter, the thickness gauges are subdivided into trigger and clamp. A more classic option is a device with a remote pressure sensor, which allows measurements in hard-to-reach places. Kurkovye models, in turn, are distinguished by an increased warranty period of 1-1.5 years. But, if in the case of an external sensor there is a possibility of its replacement, then the wear of the trigger sensor is practically beyond repair and replacement.

Rating of the best thickness gauges

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best paint thickness gauges	1	CONDTROL Paint Pro	RUB 9,990
	2	Etari ET 11P	RUB 7,180
	3	Delta T 415	RUB 6 600
	4	RECXON RM-660	RUB 2,710
The best universal thickness gauges	1	Etari ET 740	RUB 7,180
	2	CHY-115	RUB 7,100
	3	AKTAKOM ATE 7156	RUB 9 381
Best Ultrasonic Thickness Gauges	1	Megeon 19220	RUB 29 800
	2	TEMP-UT1	RUB 49,200
	3	MEGEON 19100	RUB 10,500

The best paint thickness gauges

CONDTROL Paint Pro

Rating: 4.9

The thickness gauge of the combined type, intended for use in the fields of automotive and construction, when carrying out laboratory research or a set of actions in the field. It can work with both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, automatically selecting the most convenient diagnostic method (eddy current and magnetic, respectively). It has a wide measurement range, registering paint coating thickness from 0.1 to 1600 micrometers, while the error value in the calibrated state does not exceed 3% of the real parameter.

CONDTROL Paint Pro has a nominal weight of 0.08 kilograms, making it the lightest in its class. Its popularity is due to its widespread prevalence in the circle of professional diagnosticians of the condition of the car during the sale, mainly for the ease of use and the greater reliability of the measured data. One of the best offers on the market, worthy of priority consideration among purchase offers.

Advantages

• wide range of thickness measurement (0.1 – 1600 micrometers);
• high measurement accuracy (the actual error is only 3%);
• extremely low weight of the device (80 grams);
• optimal ratio of price and quality parameters.

disadvantages

• not identified.

Etari ET 11P

Rating: 4.8

Semi-automatic pistol-type thickness gauge, which came to the market as a Russified alternative to the CHY-115 model. In addition to fully adapting the interface to the Russian user, Eurotrade has worked hard to modernize the performance of its product, making it resistant to low temperatures (the lower limit of the temperature range is -25 degrees Celsius). Combined, it is able to work with both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, using several methods for diagnosing paintwork.

The Etari ET 11P measures thicknesses from 0 to 2000 micrometers, being the most functional instrument in this category. The magnitude of the error is also small, which guarantees high reliability of the data obtained, even when measuring in the field. Representatives of car services and companies preparing for the sale of used cars work with this device most often – such a 'pistol' has not gained much popularity among private diagnosticians.

Advantages

• the ability to measure coating thicknesses from 0 to 2000 micrometers;
• adaptability to work on ferrous and non-ferrous metals;
• improved conditions of use at low temperatures;
• high degree of ergonomics.

disadvantages

• not found.

Delta T 415

Rating: 4.7

The Delta T 415 is a typical example of a 'public darling' that, for all its faults, delivers excellent sales figures. This thickness gauge is mainly used by independent auto experts and multi-brand service centers with a moderate flow of serviced vehicles. The limited flow here plays an important role, since the thickness gauge has a very subtle nuance: the volume of its memory is enough to memorize 10 measurements, and therefore, alas, it will not be possible to take a quick measurement over the entire body.

The greatest strength of the Delta T 415 is its reliability, both mechanical and thermal. Designed specifically for use in Russian conditions, the device can withstand up to -35 degrees Celsius, without spontaneous shutdowns, lags and freezes. If the component of protective protection and durability is your primary concern, then this model will be the perfect purchase option.

Advantages

• interface adapted for domestic users;
• high degree of mechanical reliability;
• small overall dimensions;
• low exposure to low temperatures.

disadvantages

• the memory is designed for 10 measurements.

RECXON RM-660

Rating: 4.7

Similar to competitors in the segment, the measurement of paint coatings thickness in RECXON RM-660 is implemented using the principles of EMP (for ferrous metals) and eddy currents (for non-ferrous). Thickness measurements here range from 0 to 1250 micrometers, which is the most modest result in the selection, but sufficient to establish the degree of serviceability of the body and painted metal for use. The amount of possible deviation from the true result is quite consistent with the range of acceptable ones, but it is also not optimal: ± 20 micrometers can play a cruel joke when it comes to the boundary values.

Being a product of European design, RECXON RM-660 is unable to withstand low temperatures, so the use of the device in winter is strictly limited. In fact, malfunctions are observed already at a temperature of -5 degrees Celsius, which is the weakest point of the current assembly. However, in terms of work in the summer period, consumers have no complaints about the model: the reliability of determining broken and grounded places on cars is 97%, and with such indicators, it is more than possible to develop expert inspection activities.

Advantages

• extremely simple control principle;
• portability;
• Russified management interface.

disadvantages

• small operating temperature range (from -5 to +40 degrees Celsius);
• measurement error (not suitable for measuring particularly critical coatings).

The best universal thickness gauges

Etari ET 740

Rating: 4.9

Until recently, it was the CHY-115 that kept the mark of the most productive and popular thickness gauge, but the release of the Etari ET 740 brought dramatic changes to the segment. Firstly, the device set new standards of performance quality, being equipped with an internal memory for 10 thousand measurements, a fully (and correctly) Russified menu, a measurement range from 0 to 15000 micrometers (which is very, very much for magnetic devices), and also providing accuracy in the region of 0.05 micrometer. Secondly, for all its uniqueness, the cost did not surpass the previous market leaders too much, so the rate of gaining popularity was accelerated.

According to experts, the uniqueness of the Etari ET 740 lies in the ability to accurately determine the thickness even on a surface with coarse roughness, which in normal conditions is greatly hampered by the insufficient sensitivity of the inductor. In many ways, many surveyors mistakenly attribute this thickness gauge to the number of German products, although Taiwanese masters were entirely engaged in its production. Be that as it may, we have before us a clear leader in the segment for the coming seasons, as well as another proof of the growth in the quality of export production of Asian (read, Chinese) companies.

Advantages

• Excellent value for money and quality;
• wide range of measured thicknesses (0-15000 micrometers);
• the ability to connect the device with a personal computer via an infrared port;
• the ability to save information about 10 thousand measurements.

disadvantages

• not detected.

CHY-115

Rating: 4.8

A kind of legend among thickness gauges that ever entered the domestic market, it simply could not remain without a place in the ranking of the best. Positioning itself as a device for checking the thickness of the paint layer of car bodies, CHY-115 managed to go beyond the nominal field of application and began to appear in the field of chemical, construction and even shipbuilding.

The main motivation for using this model for users was not so much the outstanding parameters of the measurement accuracy, but also the ability to record 255 measurements, which can subsequently be transferred to a PC for further analysis. In addition, for its age, the CHY-115 is equipped with a very good LCD display with flexible settings for brightness, backlight and the ability to set a power saving mode. To carry out correct measurements, the thickness gauge requires a preliminary calibration, after which the reliability of determining the quality of the coating reaches a whopping 99% – none of the presented thickness gauges has such an indicator.

Advantages

• high accuracy and reliability of measurements;
• large memory capacity, designed to store 255 readings;
• the presence of a USB connector for connecting a computer;
• ergonomics.

disadvantages

• non-Russian interface.

AKTAKOM ATE 7156

Rating: 4.7

Like all devices like it, AKTAKOM ATE 7156 uses a combined principle for measuring the thickness of the paintwork: eddy current – for non-ferrous metal, and magnetic – for ferrous metal. Its audience most often becomes car mechanics and independent appraisers, for whom the speed of the control operation and the reliability of the indicators obtained are important.

The versatility of this model is also expressed in the possibility of working in a dual mode: continuous and single, which allow you to localize and, accordingly, spontaneously check a specific area of ​​the surface. At the same time, up to 80 values ​​can be included in one general group, and the amount of internal memory is designed to memorize them. Not bad, considering that more expensive competitive models don't have half of that memory capacity. In general, the AKTAKOM ATE 7156 thickness gauge is positioned as a serious device for complex diagnostics, the use of which is most expedient in service centers with a large flow of serviced vehicles.

Advantages

• the presence of a USB connector for connecting the device with personal computers;
• high accuracy of measurements;
• internal memory reserves (the ability to save up to 80 measurement results);
• dual mode of operation (continuous and single).

disadvantages

• the likelihood of the measurement being influenced by extraneous magnetic fields.

Best Ultrasonic Thickness Gauges

Megeon 19220

Rating: 4.9

A later development of the MEGEON company, devoid of the shortcomings of earlier models. It can be used as a traditional thickness gauge that works exclusively with coatings, but it determines the thickness parameter equally well on solid metal, cast iron, polymer, ceramic and other (reflecting ultrasonic waves) products. The range of its measurements varies in the range of 0-18000 micrometers, slightly losing in size to the MEGEON 19100 model.

The main drawback of this thickness gauge, which is noted by both users and market experts, is the lack of protection against the guidance of extraneous magnetic fields. In view of this circumstance, the checkpoint should be located as far away from other electrical devices as possible (preferably in the field), otherwise the results will be unreliable. However, in other components 19220 demonstrates enviable constancy of a high level, such as: the presence of an LCD display and a convenient control interface, a complete case for transporting the device without the risk of mechanical damage, low cost, satisfactory for independent car appraisers, low measurement error, etc. .

Advantages

• low basic measurement error;
• the presence of a backlight on the liquid crystal screen;
• complete with a case for safe transportation of the device;
• ergonomic body, high quality performance;
• large range of measured thicknesses (0-18000 micrometers);
• The optimum ratio of price and quality.

disadvantages

• lack of a screen from the guidance of stray magnetic fields.

TEMP-UT1

Rating: 4.8

TEMP-UT1 is one of the most reliable devices in the entire segment of industrial thickness gauges. It is mainly used to control the thickness of metal and cast iron products, but with no less efficiency it can work with rubber, glass and plastic surfaces. It is noteworthy that the calibration of the device made it possible to significantly increase the accuracy of the measurements – so much so that the error on average for individual points does not exceed 0.1 micrometer.

As consumers note, the TEMP-UT1 energy consumption component has undergone a thorough study, and therefore one set of batteries can be enough for a year of uninterrupted and comfortable operation. The optimization and intuitiveness of the adapted interface, which is understandable even for an absolute beginner in thickness measurements, stands out. Ultimately, if not for the high cost, this thickness gauge could be considered a reference.

Advantages

• memory capacity allows storing the results of 100 measurements;
• clear management interface;
• low power consumption;
• moderately reliable body that protects the filling from mechanical damage.

disadvantages

• high level of cost;
• requires constant calibration of the thickness gauge for a specific type of material.

MEGEON 19100

Rating: 4.7

A very cool device from domestic manufacturers, capable of measuring thicknesses from 1200 to 225000 micrometers. It is the most powerful tool in the segment, for which it naturally pays with a slight inconvenience in use. This is the urgent need to apply a special lapping solution on the controlled surface, which gives the most tight contact between the coating and the receiver.

The widespread use of MEGEON 19100 is due to the ability to control not only metal products, but also polymer, glass and ceramic surfaces, i.e. all those that reflect ultrasonic waves. Among the most significant advantages of the thickness gauge, consumers also include the ability to carry out up to 10 thousand measurement cycles, a choice of 12 measurement speeds, excellent accuracy (about 0.1 micrometer), as well as the presence of a self-calibration function against a standard. From the point of view of operation, everything looks more than good, but in fact, the acquisition of a device does not look so hassle-free. Simply because the manufacturer is distinguished by large demands, which can only be pulled by car services and a small part of vehicle appraisal experts.

Advantages

• widespread in car services and industrial enterprises;
• large range of measured thicknesses (1200-225000 micrometers);
• high measurement accuracy (0.1 micrometer);
• the ability to select the measurement speed (from 12 modes).

disadvantages

• high price;
• the need to apply lapping paste for the correct operation of the receiver.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.