Metal finishing coating thickness measurements with benchtop XRF and electromagnetic thickness gauges

Functional and decorative metal finishing coatings play an important part in the performance, longevity and appearance of many components. Ensuring plating is the right thickness is a key part of the quality control process within metal finishing and plating shops. If the coating is too thin, then the part may corrode, have a poor appearance, or have other performance issues. In some cases, a coating that’s too thick can also have detrimental effects, as well as add to the plating costs.

XRF analysis equipment and electromagnetic thickness gauges are non-destructive and will take an accurate measurement without damaging the appearance or integrity of the coated layer or layers. It’s important to choose the right analyzer for the type of coating and substrate and Hitachi offer a range of instruments to meet a variety of applications.

Typical applications for metal finishing coating thickness measurements

  • Electroplating: XRF for plating thickness and electromagnetic thickness gauges for rapid, non-destructive testing of electroplated coatings on a wide range of substrates
  • Industrial and automotive paint and powder coating: Handheld and benchtop electromagnetic digital thickness gauges
  • Anodized layers: Electromagnetic gauges for anodized thickness measurement

  • Galvanized coatings: XRF and electromagnetic gauges for zinc (Zn) coating thickness analysis for hot dip and electro-galvanizing operations

Hitachi High-Tech products for metal finishing coating thickness measurements

FT200 Series: Small-spot XRF with advanced features for high-volume testing

FT200 Series: Small-spot XRF with advanced features for high-volume testing 

The FT200 Series XRF coatings analyzers are designed to simplify and accelerate testing of components and assemblies making it easier to measure more parts in less time. With features such as Find My Part™ smart recognition, automated sample focusing and a wide view camera, the FT230 and FT210 reduce set up time and user error to increase throughput and productivity. Let your XRF make decisions for you.

X-Strata920 benchtop XRF for analyzing a wide range of samples

X-Strata920 benchtop XRF for analyzing a wide range of samples

This benchtop XRF is ideal if your plating shop deals with a wide range of samples of varying shape and size. Choose between an SDD or proportional counter model and select from different stage options, including a deep well option for tall samples. Both X-Strata920 models come with up to six collimators for you to optimize the measurement time and accuracy for each analysis.

FT110A benchtop XRF for large samples and powerful analysis

FT110A benchtop XRF for large samples and powerful analysis

The FT110A is an ideal benchtop XRF if you need to analyze large samples, or you would like to load several different samples at once. The large sample stage, powerful X-ray source and automated positioning functionality all speed up the measurement process, and the rugged and durable design mean that this powerful analyzer can support your production round the clock.

 

Electroplating and galvanizing gauges

Electroplating and galvanizing gauges

Suitable for automotive / aerospace components, appliances, general industrial parts and architectural pieces, our range of thickness gauges support quality control in your electroplating and galvanizing operations.

 

Paint and powder thickness gauges

Paint and powder thickness gauges

Easy to use by high-volume manufacturers, body shops and hobbyists alike, our range of paint thickness gauges helps to ensure a consistent coating thickness on ferrous and non-ferrous substates.

 

X-MET8000 handheld XRF for analysis anywhere

X-MET8000 handheld XRF for analysis anywhere

This handheld XRF analyzer provides quick and non-destructive at-line testing to measure coating thickness, coating weight and plating bath solutions. Use it also for heavy and bulk items when it’s not practical to use a benchtop instrument.

Hitachi metal finishing coating analyzers in action

Watch how Hitachi analyzers can make the difference for general metal finishing within plating shops.

Using your XRF for metal finishing coating analysis

Webinar: Experts tips for making faster decisions with X-ray fluorescence XRF

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Webinar: What you don’t know about your XRF could hurt your results 

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Webinar: Current growth markets for general metal finishing

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Webinar: Applications of XRF for coating thickness measurement

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Brochures and Industry Guides

Find out more about our XRF analyzers and electromagnetic thickness gauges and how they can help you meet stringent metal finishing quality targets.

Contact us for expert advice

For more information on the best instrument for your metal finishing coating application, get in touch to speak with one of our experts.

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