Surface profile gauges are used to measure the profile height of a surface. The degree of the surface profile affects a coating’s overall performance and determines aspects such as adhesion, coverage and volume of coatings used.
To ensure correct surface preparation, the profile height of a surface needs to be accurately assessed and measured. This measurement is taken using a surface profile gauge.
Standards Committees have determined the correct measurement technique to be used when measuring surface profile. The ASTM and AS standards organisations have ruled that ten readings are required, with ASTM determining that either the average or the highest reading should be used. The SANS standardisation, however, requires the average of only five readings for a surface profile measurement.
Taking the standards authorities’ recommendations into account, Elcometer has amended the Elcometer 224 Digital Profile Gauge and it now has a choice of measurement modes:
Immediate mode is available only on the Model T and allows single measurements to be taken, displayed on the gauge and saved into the batch memory. This mode allows gauges to be used in the same way as older models.
Custom mode allows the user to take either five or ten readings that are displayed on the gauge and saved into the batch memory. This option is available only in the Model T. Alternatively, the average or the highest or lowest measurement of each set of readings can be selected.
In the standards mode, the user can take measurements in accordance with AS 3894.5, ASTM 4417-B or SANS 5772 specifications.
The calibration methods on the gauge have also been modified and simplified, with a choice of calibration methods for the Model T gauge.