Max. thickness (ferrous met.)
The maximum coating thickness that the instrument can detect when measuring on ferrous metals such as steel. With a larger coating thickness, the thickness gauge sensor simply cannot “catch” on the metal surface under the paint, and effective measurement will not be possible. This parameter is indicated in micrometers — thousandths of a millimetre; the larger it is, the more versatile the device is, the wider the possibilities for its use. On the other hand, a large maximum measurement thickness can adversely affect the accuracy when measuring small values.
For modern thickness gauges, the maximum thickness
up to 1000 microns is considered small,
from 1000 to 1500 microns — small,
from 1500 to 2000 microns — medium,
more than 2000 microns — significant. In the most advanced professional-level models, this figure can reach 20 – 30 cm.
Max. thickness (non-ferrous met.)
The maximum coating thickness that the instrument can detect when measuring non-ferrous metals such as aluminium alloys. With a larger coating thickness, the thickness gauge sensor simply cannot “catch” on the metal surface under the paint, and effective measurement will not be possible. This parameter is indicated in micrometers — thousandths of a millimetre; the larger it is, the more versatile the device is, the wider the possibilities for its use. On the other hand, a large maximum measurement thickness can adversely affect the accuracy when measuring small values.
For modern thickness gauges, the maximum thickness
up to 1000 microns is considered small,
from 1000 to 1500 microns — small,
from 1500 to 2000 microns — medium,
more than 2000 microns — significant. In the most advanced professional-level models, this figure can reach 20 – 30 cm.
Max. error
The maximum measurement error provided by the device, in other words, the largest deviation from the real value of the measured value that may occur during the measurement process. The smaller this indicator, the more accurate the device, the smaller the error it gives in the measurement process; on the other hand, high accuracy has a corresponding effect on cost.
Specifically, in thickness gauges, an accuracy of 10% is considered low, 5% is average, 3% is good, and less than 3% is excellent.
Display backlight
The presence of a
backlight on the display of the device. The backlight allows you to see the data on the screen even in complete darkness. It can be turned on either manually, by pressing a separate button, or automatically, when the results of the next measurement are displayed on the screen.
Operating temperature
The temperature range at which the thickness gauge can normally perform its functions. If you go beyond this range, the device may not break down immediately, but you won’t have to talk about accurate measurements. Note that you have to pay attention to this parameter mainly in cases where the device is planned to be used outdoors. So, for use in winter, it is worth making sure that the device is able to operate at
temperatures below zero, and for hot climates, it is desirable that the upper limit of the range is
+40 °C and above.
