How to Measure Paint Thickness on Steel Using Landtek CM-8826FN Malaysia

How to Measure Paint Thickness on Steel Using Landtek CM-8826FN Malaysia

Introduction

Measuring paint thickness on steel is an important part of industrial coating inspection, steel fabrication quality control and corrosion protection maintenance.

In Malaysia, steel structures, industrial machinery, equipment housings and fabricated metal components are frequently protected with paint or other coating systems.

The thickness of these coatings can affect their protective performance, appearance and compliance with project specifications.

A coating that is too thin may not provide the intended level of protection. Excessively thick coatings may also cause problems, depending on the coating system and manufacturer's requirements.

The Landtek CM-8826FN Coating Thickness Meter is a portable instrument designed for non-destructive coating thickness measurement on suitable ferrous and non-ferrous metal substrates.

For painted steel surfaces, the instrument uses its Fe magnetic induction measurement function.

This guide explains how to measure paint thickness on steel using the Landtek CM-8826FN, including instrument preparation, probe positioning, calibration checks, common measurement errors and practical industrial applications.

1. Why Is Paint Thickness Measurement Important?

Paint and protective coatings are widely used to protect steel surfaces against environmental exposure and corrosion.

For industrial applications, coating thickness is often specified during the design, manufacturing or maintenance process.

Dry Film Thickness (DFT) refers to the thickness of a coating after it has dried or cured.

Measuring DFT helps inspectors determine whether the applied coating meets the relevant requirements.

Common Reasons for Measuring Paint Thickness

Corrosion Protection

Protective coating systems are designed to provide a barrier between the steel substrate and its environment.

Quality Control

Manufacturers can verify coating thickness during production and final inspection.

Project Compliance

Engineering contractors may need to demonstrate that coating thickness meets specified acceptance criteria.

Maintenance Inspection

Industrial maintenance teams can monitor coating condition and identify areas requiring further investigation.

Coating Process Improvement

Measurement records can help manufacturers identify variations in paint application.

However, coating thickness alone does not establish overall coating quality. Adhesion, surface preparation, curing and coating integrity may also require separate evaluation.

2. What Is the Landtek CM-8826FN?

The Landtek CM-8826FN is a digital coating thickness meter designed for measuring compatible coatings on metallic substrates.

The instrument supports two measurement principles.

Fe - Magnetic Induction

Used for measuring suitable non-magnetic coatings on ferromagnetic substrates such as steel and iron.

NFe - Eddy Current

Used for measuring suitable electrically non-conductive coatings on compatible non-ferrous conductive substrates such as aluminium.

For paint thickness measurement on ordinary carbon steel, users should select the Fe measurement function and appropriate probe.

Main Features

Dual Fe and NFe Measurement Capability

External Probe Design

Non-Destructive Coating Measurement

Portable Digital Instrument

Suitable for Industrial Coating Inspection

The external probe configuration allows the operator to position the sensor independently from the display unit.

This can be convenient when inspecting steel panels, fabricated structures and industrial machinery.

3. Understanding the Magnetic Induction Measurement Principle

The magnetic induction method is commonly used for measuring non-magnetic coatings applied to ferromagnetic substrates.

Examples include:

Paint on carbon steel

Powder coating on steel

Suitable protective coatings on iron

Non-magnetic finishing layers on steel machinery

Compatible industrial coatings on fabricated steel components

The instrument responds to the separation between its probe and the underlying ferromagnetic substrate.

This separation is related to the coating thickness.

The coating thickness is displayed digitally, commonly in micrometres (碌m).

Example

Suppose a painted steel panel produces a reading of:

125 碌m

This indicates an instrument-measured coating thickness of approximately 125 micrometres at that measurement location.

It does not automatically mean the coating passes inspection.

The result must be compared with the coating specification, measurement uncertainty and applicable acceptance procedure.

4. Equipment Required for Paint Thickness Measurement

Before starting an inspection, prepare the following equipment.

1. Landtek CM-8826FN Coating Thickness Meter

The main instrument used for measuring coating thickness.

2. Appropriate Fe Probe

Use the correct probe for ferrous substrate measurement.

3. Reference Foils or Thickness Standards

Used for instrument checks or adjustments according to the manufacturer's instructions.

4. Suitable Uncoated Steel Reference Surface

Where required, use an appropriate uncoated substrate representative of the component being measured.

5. Cleaning Materials

A clean, suitable cloth can be used to remove loose dust and contamination.

6. Inspection Record

Record measurement locations, readings, inspection date and other relevant information.

For formal quality control, the inspection procedure may also require identification of the instrument, calibration status and operator.

5. Step-by-Step Guide - How to Measure Paint Thickness on Steel

Step 1 - Identify the Steel Substrate

Confirm that the component is made from a suitable ferromagnetic material.

Common examples include:

Carbon steel plates

Mild steel structures

Steel machinery frames

Fabricated steel brackets

Painted steel enclosures

Some stainless steels are not ferromagnetic and may not be suitable for the Fe measurement method.

Do not assume that every material described as steel will produce valid Fe readings.

Step 2 - Select the Fe Probe

For suitable painted steel surfaces, use the Fe magnetic induction probe.

The CM-8826FN supports both Fe and NFe functions, but the correct measurement function must match the substrate.

Using an inappropriate probe can result in invalid readings or measurement errors.

Step 3 - Inspect the Probe and Surface

Before measurement, check the probe contact surface.

Ensure that it is free from visible damage and contamination.

Inspect the painted steel surface for:

Loose dirt

Oil contamination

Debris

Surface damage

Irregular deposits

Remove loose contamination where appropriate without damaging the coating.

Step 4 - Verify Instrument Performance

Before taking measurements, verify the instrument according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Use appropriate reference materials and calibration or adjustment procedures.

Where necessary, use an uncoated steel reference surface representative of the actual component.

This is particularly important when measuring coatings on:

Rough steel surfaces

Thin steel components

Curved steel surfaces

Small fabricated parts

Important: Instrument adjustment using reference foils is not necessarily equivalent to a formal traceable calibration certificate.

Step 5 - Position the Probe Correctly

Place the Fe probe against the painted steel surface.

For reliable measurement:

Keep the probe properly aligned with the surface.

Avoid excessive tilting.

Ensure stable probe contact.

Avoid dragging the probe across the coating.

Keep the probe away from edges unless the measurement procedure permits edge measurements.

Incorrect positioning can influence the reading.

Step 6 - Take the Measurement

Allow the instrument to obtain a stable measurement according to its operating instructions.

Read the displayed coating thickness.

For example:

Reading 1: 118 碌m

Record the value and measurement location.

Avoid interpreting one reading as representative of an entire coated component.

Step 7 - Measure Multiple Locations

Repeat the measurement at locations defined by the inspection plan.

For example:

Measurement PointReadingPoint 1118 碌mPoint 2124 碌mPoint 3121 碌mPoint 4127 碌mPoint 5120 碌mArithmetic Average122 碌m

These values are illustrative only.

The arithmetic average is calculated as:

Average Thickness = Sum of Readings / Number of Readings

For the example above:

Average Thickness = 610 / 5 = 122 碌m

However, the number of readings, measurement locations and acceptance criteria must follow the relevant inspection specification.

An average value alone may not be sufficient to determine compliance.

Step 8 - Compare Results with the Coating Specification

After measurement, compare the results against the project or coating manufacturer's requirements.

For example, an illustrative project specification may require a nominal dry film thickness of 120 碌m.

The acceptance decision must consider the specified minimum, maximum, permitted variation and relevant inspection standard.

Do not automatically reject or accept a coating based only on whether an individual reading is above or below the nominal thickness.

Step 9 - Record the Inspection Results

A useful inspection record may include:

Project or component identification

Substrate material

Coating system

Instrument model

Probe identification

Calibration or verification information

Measurement locations

Individual readings

Applicable acceptance criteria

Inspector name and inspection date

Good documentation supports consistent industrial quality control.

6. How to Measure Dry Film Thickness on Structural Steel

Structural steel coating inspection is a common industrial application.

Steel beams, columns, frames and fabricated components may be coated to provide corrosion protection.

The inspection process typically involves:

Surface Identification

Confirm the substrate and coating system.

Instrument Verification

Check instrument performance using suitable reference materials.

Measurement Planning

Identify the required inspection areas and number of measurements.

DFT Measurement

Measure the coating thickness using the appropriate Fe probe.

Result Evaluation

Evaluate the readings against the project specification and applicable inspection procedure.

For blast-cleaned steel surfaces, surface profile can affect the measurement.

Depending on the applicable standard, specific adjustment or correction procedures may be required.

7. Paint Thickness Measurement on Steel Machinery

Industrial machinery manufacturers frequently apply protective or decorative coatings to steel components.

Examples include:

Machine frames

Equipment covers

Steel control cabinets

Fabricated brackets

Industrial machinery panels

The Landtek CM-8826FN can support coating thickness checks during production or final inspection.

Benefits for Manufacturing Quality Control

Consistent Inspection

Operators can monitor coating thickness at defined measurement locations.

Early Identification of Variation

Measurement records may reveal areas with unusually high or low coating thickness.

Reduced Destructive Testing

Suitable coatings can be measured without removing the finish.

Better Process Documentation

Results can be included in manufacturing quality records.

For critical applications, measurement results should be evaluated alongside other required coating quality tests.

8. Measuring Powder Coating Thickness on Steel

Powder coating is widely used for steel furniture, machinery components, enclosures and fabricated products.

A coating thickness gauge can measure the dry thickness of compatible cured powder coatings on steel.

Typical inspection considerations include:

Coating thickness requirements

Surface geometry

Probe positioning

Substrate thickness

Calibration or adjustment conditions

Measurement repeatability

The CM-8826FN Fe function is relevant for suitable powder-coated steel components.

For powder-coated aluminium, the appropriate NFe function should be used instead.

9. Common Paint Thickness Measurement Errors

Error 1 - Incorrect Probe Selection

Using an inappropriate measurement function can produce invalid results.

Solution: Confirm the substrate and select the appropriate Fe probe.

Error 2 - Measuring Near an Edge

Measurements near component edges can be affected by geometry and the instrument's probe characteristics.

Solution: Follow the manufacturer's minimum edge-distance requirements.

Error 3 - Measuring Curved Steel Surfaces

Surface curvature may influence probe response.

Solution: Verify the instrument's curvature limitations and perform appropriate adjustment where required.

Error 4 - Ignoring Surface Roughness

Blast-cleaned steel may have a rough surface profile that influences coating thickness readings.

Solution: Follow the applicable inspection standard for surface profile correction or instrument adjustment.

Error 5 - Poor Probe Contact

Tilting or unstable positioning may affect measurement consistency.

Solution: Position the probe correctly and repeat measurements where necessary.

Error 6 - Inadequate Measurement Sampling

A single measurement may not represent the entire coated area.

Solution: Follow a defined inspection sampling procedure.

Error 7 - Confusing Coating Thickness with Metal Thickness

A coating thickness meter does not directly measure the remaining wall thickness of the steel substrate.

Solution: Use an appropriate ultrasonic thickness gauge when metal wall thickness measurement is required.

10. Coating Thickness Measurement Standards

Industrial coating inspection may involve recognised standards and project-specific procedures.

Examples include:

ISO 2808

Paints and varnishes - Determination of film thickness.

ISO 19840

Paints and varnishes - Corrosion protection of steel structures by protective paint systems - Measurement of, and acceptance criteria for, the thickness of dry films on rough surfaces.

ASTM D7091

Standard practice for nondestructive measurement of dry film thickness of nonmagnetic coatings applied to ferrous metals and nonmagnetic, nonconductive coatings applied to non-ferrous metals.

SSPC-PA 2 / AMPP Requirements

Commonly referenced for dry coating thickness measurement and conformity assessment in specified protective coating projects.

The applicable standard depends on the coating system, contract and inspection requirements.

Important: Using a coating thickness gauge does not automatically establish compliance with any particular standard. The instrument, calibration status, sampling plan and measurement procedure must also satisfy the relevant requirements.

11. Applications for Malaysian Industries

Steel Fabrication

Fabricators can measure suitable paint and powder coatings on steel components.

Construction and Engineering

Contractors may perform dry film thickness checks on protective-coated structural steel.

Industrial Manufacturing

Quality control departments can verify coating thickness on manufactured steel products.

Automotive Component Manufacturing

Manufacturers may inspect compatible paint systems on steel components.

Industrial Maintenance

Maintenance personnel can perform coating thickness checks on suitable equipment and structures.

Protective Coating Contractors

Contractors can use coating thickness measurements as part of documented coating inspection procedures.

12. Landtek CM-8826FN vs Other Coating Thickness Meters

When selecting a coating thickness meter, consider the instrument's measurement configuration.

CM-8826F

Suitable for businesses that only require compatible ferrous substrate measurement.

CM-8826N

Suitable for businesses that only require compatible non-ferrous conductive substrate measurement.

CM-8826FN

Suitable for businesses requiring both Fe and NFe measurement capability.

The CM-8826FN offers greater substrate flexibility when a company handles both steel and aluminium components.

However, buyers should still verify measurement range, probe limitations and calibration requirements.

13. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can the Landtek CM-8826FN measure paint thickness on steel?

Yes. The Fe magnetic induction function is designed for suitable non-magnetic coatings on ferromagnetic substrates such as carbon steel.

Q2. What unit is used for paint thickness measurement?

Paint thickness is commonly expressed in micrometres (碌m) or mils.

One mil equals 25.4 碌m.

Q3. Can the CM-8826FN measure powder coating on steel?

Yes, provided the coating and substrate are compatible with the instrument's Fe measurement method.

Q4. Can the instrument measure wet paint thickness?

The CM-8826FN is intended for compatible coating thickness measurements using its magnetic induction and eddy current principles.

For wet film thickness measurement, a dedicated wet film thickness gauge is generally more appropriate.

Q5. Does the CM-8826FN damage the paint surface?

The instrument uses a non-destructive measurement method when operated correctly on suitable surfaces.

Care should still be taken to avoid scratching delicate coatings with the probe.

Q6. How many measurements should be taken?

The number of measurements depends on the inspection area, project specification and applicable standard.

There is no universal number suitable for every inspection.

Q7. Can the CM-8826FN measure steel wall thickness?

No. It measures compatible coating thickness, not the remaining thickness of the steel substrate.

Q8. Where can I buy a Landtek CM-8826FN in Malaysia?

Contact MTM Precision Sdn. Bhd. for model selection, quotation and availability enquiries.

14. Conclusion

Accurate paint thickness measurement on steel is an important part of industrial coating inspection and quality assurance.

The Landtek CM-8826FN Coating Thickness Meter provides a practical solution for measuring compatible non-magnetic coatings on steel using its Fe magnetic induction function.

Its external probe design and dual Fe/NFe configuration make it relevant to manufacturers and inspection teams working with different metal substrates.

For reliable results, users should focus on:

Correct substrate identification

Appropriate Fe probe selection

Instrument verification and adjustment

Proper probe positioning

Representative measurement sampling

Compliance with applicable coating specifications

By following a consistent measurement procedure, Malaysian industrial users can improve coating inspection reliability and maintain better quality control records.

Contact MTM Precision Malaysia

Looking for a Landtek CM-8826FN Coating Thickness Meter in Malaysia?

MTM Precision supplies industrial measuring and testing instruments for manufacturing, engineering, maintenance and quality control applications.

For product selection, technical enquiries, pricing and availability, contact:

MTM Precision Sdn. Bhd. (744811-A)

Telephone: +603-8080 7172

WhatsApp: +6016-660 7346

Email: mtmpre@yahoo.com / enquiry@mtmpre.com.my

Website: www.mtmpre.com.my

Showroom & Service Centre:

No. 29-1 & 29-2, Jalan Bandar 18,

Pusat Bandar Puchong,

47160 Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia.

Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM.

We welcome enquiries from Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Penang, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, Pahang, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis, Sabah and Sarawak.

Send us a photo of your coating application, substrate material or inspection requirements through WhatsApp for assistance.

MTM Precision - Your Industrial Measuring and Testing Instrument Supplier in Malaysia.