Eddy Current / Electromagnetic Thickness Gages
Description
Eddy Current / Electromagnetic Thickness Gages are instruments used to measure the thickness of conductive materials. They operate by inducing eddy currents in the material and measuring changes in these currents to determine thickness.
Working Principle
Eddy Current Thickness Gages work on the principle of electromagnetic induction. An alternating current flows through a coil in the probe, generating an oscillating magnetic field. When this field is brought near a conductive material, it induces eddy currents in the material. These eddy currents generate their own magnetic field, which interacts with the probe's field. Changes in the material's thickness or surface irregularities affect the eddy currents and the resulting magnetic field, altering the impedance of the probe coil. This change in impedance is measured and used to determine the thickness of the material. Eddy current testing is particularly useful because it is a non-destructive testing method, allowing for the inspection of materials without causing damage.
Applications
Eddy Current Thickness Gages are commonly used in various industries for specific applications. For example, they are used to measure the thickness of coatings such as liquid or powder coatings over aluminum and non-magnetic stainless steel, as well as anodized layers over aluminum. These gages are also employed in the inspection of metal tubes, pipes, and other conductive materials to detect flaws such as cracks and corrosion.
Advantages over other Thickness Gages
Eddy Current Thickness Gages offer several advantages over other types of thickness measurement devices. They are particularly effective for non-destructive testing, allowing for the inspection of materials without altering them. This makes them ideal for applications where maintaining the integrity of the material is crucial. Additionally, these gages can provide high-resolution measurements near the surface of the material, making them suitable for detecting surface defects.
Limitations
One limitation of Eddy Current Thickness Gages is their reduced penetration depth in materials with high conductivity. This means they are less effective for measuring thickness in such materials compared to other methods. Additionally, variations in the material's magnetic permeability can generate noise, which may limit the resolution of flaw detection.
Considerations
When selecting Eddy Current Thickness Gages, several factors should be considered. Initial costs can vary depending on the complexity and capabilities of the device. Operating expenses may include calibration and maintenance costs. Durability and accuracy are important factors, as more durable and accurate devices may have higher initial costs but lower long-term expenses. Replacement and maintenance costs should also be considered, as regular calibration and potential repairs can impact the overall cost of ownership.
from Micro-Epsilon Group
The thicknessGAUGE O.EC is a compact inline measuring system in a stable O-frame design with an aluminum roller and an integrated control cabinet. The system is used for precise thickness measurements of plastic strips and coatings up to 3 mm material thickness and web widths up to max. 1250 mm. To... [See More]
- Gaging Technology: Electronic; Eddy Current / Electromagnetic
from ABB Measurement & Analytics
MTG Box Gauge is designed for use in aluminium break-down mills and aluminium continuous casters. [See More]
- Gaging Technology: Electronic; Eddy Current / Electromagnetic
from Hitachi High-Tech America
The CMI255 General Purpose Gauge is a handheld coating thickness gauge for quality assurance professionals who require quick, easy, accurate and repeatable measurements. Featuring on-board statistics and greater accuracy than basic inspection gauges, this dual technology gauge (magnetic induction... [See More]
- Gaging Technology: Electronic; Eddy Current / Electromagnetic; Magnetic
- Thickness Gauge Application: Coating Thickness
from Phase II Plus
There are many uses for the Phase II brand coating thickness gauges, (paint meters, paint thickness meters, paint gauges) in the automotive industry. One such application for these portable paint thickness meters would be for fast and accurate detection of a refinished surface. Auto auctions/car... [See More]
- Gaging Technology: Electronic; Eddy Current / Electromagnetic; Magnetic
- Thickness Gauge Application: Coating Thickness
from Fischer Technology, Inc.
With the DUALSCOPE ® FMP100 and FMP150, Fischer offers high-performance handheld measurement instruments for demanding, variable tasks in professional coating thickness measurement. Equipped with a touchscreen and the Windows ™ CE operating system, the instruments are fast and intuitive to... [See More]
- Gaging Technology: Electronic; Eddy Current / Electromagnetic; Magnetic
- Thickness Gauge Application: Coating Thickness
from Kett US
The world's first and only portable coating thickness tester with an integrated printer, the 200 provides the complete solution where statistics and hard-copy documentation are required. The thermal printer can be stopped to conserve battery power and paper. These handheld systems include 1500... [See More]
- Gaging Technology: Eddy Current / Electromagnetic; Magnetic
- Thickness Gauge Application: Coating Thickness
from Fischer Technology, Inc.
Using phase-sensitive measurement techniques, the PMP10 and PMP10 DUPLEX are also suitable for coating thickness measurement on rough surfaces or for nickel layers on steel. The PMP10 DUPLEX is the ideal solution for the automotive industry, where the coating thicknesses of paint on aluminum or... [See More]
- Gaging Technology: Electronic; Eddy Current / Electromagnetic
- Thickness Gauge Application: Coating Thickness
from Kett US
These handheld units provide great portability with cable probes. Up to eight on-line calibrations can be stored as well as 1500data points with a full statistical package (average, standard deviation, hi/lo measurement) that is easy for any operator to use. The full 80 character LCD displays all... [See More]
- Gaging Technology: Eddy Current / Electromagnetic; Magnetic
- Thickness Gauge Application: Coating Thickness
from Fischer Technology, Inc.
Compact, handy and robust – instruments from the MP0 and MP0R series make it easy and fast to measure coating thicknesses non-destructively. With two displays, a particularly strong casing and wear-resistant probe tip, they are the ideal companion for reliable usage directly onsite. Features:... [See More]
- Gaging Technology: Electronic; Eddy Current / Electromagnetic; Magnetic
- Thickness Gauge Application: Coating Thickness
from Kett US
Small in stature, but large in performance. The 900 Series feature a one-piece integrated electronic gauge. Economically priced, accuracy is comparable with high-end competitive units. Systems are battery operated, store one or two calibrations(depending on the version), display in mils or um and... [See More]
- Gaging Technology: Eddy Current / Electromagnetic; Magnetic
- Thickness Gauge Application: Coating Thickness