Thickness Gauges

Thickness gauges, also known as thickness testers, are digital or LCD instruments used for accurately measuring the material thickness of parts or coatings across a wide spectrum of applications. Typically used in engineering, these industrial gauges either utilise a mechanical jaw that is closed and reset to zero, then opened to fit the material or part and then a readout of the measurement reading is given.

Types of Gauges

Understanding the specific capabilities of each type will help you select the ideal instrument from our catalogue for your application.

• Coating Thickness Gauge: Measures the thickness of coatings on metals, such as paint and powder coatings, applied to metallic substrates like steel or aluminium. They are widely used in quality control, surface treatment, and automotive industries and typical accuracy ranges can be within a few microns or mils, depending on the gauge and coating.
• Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge: Provides a non-destructive method for measuring the thickness of various materials, including metals, plastics, and glass. They are essential for inspecting pipes, tubes, and tanks. Accuracy typically ranges from a few hundredths to a few tenths of a millimetre.
• Mini Thickness Gauge: Compact, portable instruments designed for quick and convenient thickness measurements. They’re often used in areas where space is limited or the user needs a handheld tool to work with. Material compatibility varies depending on the specific technology used, and typical accuracy can range from a few microns to tenths of a millimetre.
• Thickness Meter: General term for thickness measuring tools (mechanical, digital, ultrasonic). As such, material compatibility is broad, and typical accuracy ranges will vary significantly depending on the specific type and model of thickness meter being used.

Things to consider

Thickness gauges have different accuracy tolerances so always consider the accuracy, resolution, minimum and maximum measurement required for the work you are undertaking to have the best tool for the job.

Important Features of Thickness Gauge

The thickness gauges in our selection offers several important features designed for accurate and efficient material assessment.

• Non-Destructive Testing: Many of our ultrasonic thickness gauges employ non-destructive testing methods, allowing you to measure material thickness without causing any damage to the component. For example, you can inspect pipelines for corrosion without needing to cut into the material.
• High Level Of Accuracy: Achieving precise surface measurement is paramount, and thickness gauges provide a high degree of accuracy, ensuring reliable readings for critical quality control in manufacturing and engineering applications.
• Digital, LCD Display: All our gauges feature a clear digital readout, often with an LCD display for easy viewing. Many models are also digital thickness gauges with backlit display, ensuring readability even in poorly lit environments.
• Ultrasonic Gauges Only Require Single Sided Access: A significant advantage of ultrasonic thickness gauge models is their ability to measure material thickness when access is limited to only one side of the object, such as when inspecting large tanks or complex structures.
• Simple And Quick To Use: Our battery-powered handheld gauge models are designed for ease of use and rapid measurement. Meanwhile, features like multi-material calibration allows for quick setup and accurate readings on a variety of materials, making them efficient tools for any industrial gauge application.

Industrial Applications of Thickness Gauge

Thickness gauges are versatile tools with crucial applications across a multitude of industrial sectors, often used in industrial QA/QC processes to ensure material integrity and product quality.

Automotive

In the automotive industry, electronic and coating thickness gauges are essential for measuring paint thickness on vehicle bodies. This ensures consistent paint application and adherence to quality standards, contributing to the vehicle's finish and corrosion resistance.

Construction

The construction sector utilises ultrasonic thickness gauges extensively for corrosion detection in structural steel, bridges, and pipelines. Regular inspections with these gauges help to identify material degradation and ensure the safety and longevity of infrastructure.

Aerospace

Aerospace inspectors utilise thickness gauges for immediate and non-destructive testing on components like wings, fuselages, ducts, panels, and fan blades. Ultrasonic thickness testing can be conducted both during the manufacturing process and after installation to confirm the correct wall thickness of these critical parts.

Manufacturing

Thickness meters are used for precise thickness measurement of pipes and metals, as well as for controlling the material thickness of plastics and other materials during production processes. This ensures consistent product dimensions and adherence to specifications.

How to Choose the Right Thickness Gauge

Selecting the appropriate thickness tester is crucial for obtaining accurate and reliable measurements. Consider the following key factors before buying from RS Australia:

• Material Type: Different materials may require specific measurement technologies, such as ultrasonic for composites and plastics and eddy current for metals. Ensure the gauge is compatible with your material thickness being tested.
• Coating Type: If you need to measure the thickness of a coating, ensure the coating thickness gauge is suitable for the specific type of coating and substrate material. Some gauges are designed for particular coating types.
• Measurement Range: Determine the expected range of thicknesses you will be measuring and select a thickness meter that comfortably covers this range with the required precision.
• Surface Conditions: The condition of the surface measurement area can affect accuracy. Some ultrasonic thickness gauges and other advanced models are better suited for rough or curved surfaces than basic mechanical gauges.
• Portability Requirements: Consider whether you need a stationary benchtop gauge or a handheld gauge powered by batteries like AA batteries for field use and on-site inspections.
• Display & Data Storage Features: Evaluate the display clarity and whether the gauge offers data logging, storage, and transfer capabilities, which can be important for quality control and reporting purposes.

Thickness Gauge Manufacturer, Supplier & Distributor in Australia

RS Australia is your trusted source in Australia for all your thickness gauge needs, functioning as a key manufacturer, extensive supplier, and efficient distributor. We stock a broad selection of instruments, from precise coating thickness gauges to advanced ultrasonic thickness gauges, featuring top brands such as Mitutoyo, Sauter, and RS PRO.

Count on RS Australia for a strong supply chain and readily available industrial gauges and other tools like calipers, backed by our expertise to help you buy the perfect thickness meter for accurate material thickness assessment.

Buy Thickness Gauge Online from RS

Looking for high-quality thickness gauges in Australia? RS Australia offers a comprehensive online range, from coating thickness gauges to advanced ultrasonic thickness testers. Our comprehensive range includes advanced technologies like the ultrasonic thickness gauge, which employs non-destructive testing methods, and the coating thickness gauge, specifically designed for surface measurement of applied layers.

Our straightforward ordering process ensures a hassle-free experience, and we provide dependable nationwide doorstep delivery, getting your thickness meter to you quickly. For more information, visit our Delivery page.

Discover the perfect industrial gauge for your material thickness measurements. Shop at RS Australia today!