A new magnet-inductive precision measuring probe for the coating thickness measurement of coatings on ferromagnetic steels extends the range of application of the modular QNix® 8500 measuring system.

The development of a new and innovative magnet-inductive QNix® 8500 pen-shaped measuring probe MI Fe 500 μm extends the modular QNix® 8500 measuring system
particularly regarding precision measurements of thin coatings to open up new applications in the quality management including small parts and measurements near edges.

In addition to the standard probes based on the Hall sensor principle, AUTOMATION Dr. Nix, a specialist for non-destructive coating thickness measuring devices, now offers the users of the QNix® 8500 measuring system a new magnet-inductive pen-shaped measuring probe with a measuring range of 0 to 500 µm. This new interchangeable probe takes extremely precise measurements within the lower measuring range, even of particularly thin non-ferromagnetic coatings on small parts.
Precise measurements of micro-coatings on small parts.
In praxis, small steel parts such as screws or bolts are protected against corrosion by applying a coating. Only the correct coating thickness usually within the lower micrometer range guarantees a good adhesion and a sufficient corrosion protection. Due to optimising the new QNix® pen-shaped probe MI Fe 500µm, interfering measurement effects at the edges are reduced considerably, allowing measurements closer to edges and therefore accurate measurements on small parts. This guarantees a reliable quality control of corrosion protection on small surfaces or near edges.

Thus, precise coating thickness measurements of thin, non-ferromagnetic metal coatings such as chromium, zinc etc as well as lacquer, enamel or synthetic coatings on steel substrates are now possible. The precision measurements are taken according to DIN EN ISO 2178, ISO 2808 and ASTM B499 standards based on the magnetic inductive measuring method.
In addition, the new probes pen shape offers an optimum of control when manually aligning the probe to the measuring object. Furthermore, if particularly high accuracy is required, the measuring probe can be mounted on a measuring stand, for which sample holders are also available.
Flexible use in the quality management of major projects.
The well-known user-oriented advantages of the QNix® measuring devices, their reliable quality and easy operation also characterise the new pen-shaped probes, allowing easiest use and particularly convenient measurements of thin-coated small parts by means of customer-specific calibrations.
As a module of the QNix® 8500 measurement system the new pen-shaped probe increases application flexibility, opening up a wide range of new applications of coating thickness measurements on brackets, washers, screws, bolts, nuts and frictional connections. Thus, a reliable inspection of the protective coating of steel pins and nuts is now possible during the quality management of large steel structures, as used for instance for rotor mounts of wind energy plants, for bridges or window fastenings.
Moreover, the new pen-shaped probe is especially suited for PVD coatings such as TiN, TiCrN, CrN and TiAIN.
Practical device development “Made in Germany”
Quality by Excellence: constantly proven by the particularly user-oriented details of the QNix® product range:
The new interchangeable pen-shaped probe now allows for optional combination of magnet-inductive and Hall-effect measuring methods in one single gauge.
The probe alignments are exceptionally easy, due to the special pen shape.
The digital measurement electronics are linked to the measuring probe keeping a zero balance even after changing probes.
Individual naming of calibration programs and memory also show that this innovation from AUTOMATION Dr. Nix is the result of practical realistic development work.

The modular QNix® 8500 measurement system can be combined with various measuring probes and is supplemented by a user-oriented PC software offering a variety of options for practical device configurations and data analysis. A wireless data connection of the software to the PC allows statistical analysis and a complete documentation directly via radio using the spreadsheet program Excel.

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In the field of investigation of damages and appraisals the new lacquer coating thickness measurement system Coating Check is used for the preparation of expert‘s opinions on third party liability, hull insurance, vehicle appraisals on the return of leased cars as well as technical expert‘s opinions for the preservation of evidence by order of individuals, car dealers or courts.

The motor vehicle experts test the exterior parts of the car’s body, usually when coated, for evidence of repainting regardless of these parts consisting of metal or aluminium. Using the new TÜV SÜD measurement system Coating Check from AUTOMATION Dr. Nix GmbH, Cologne repainting on such parts, probably indicating a repaired prior damage, can be reliably detected and then documented.

Determination whether the affected parts were merely repainted or if traces of priming are still evident underneath the coating is just as easy. Determination of the flat coat’s thickness simplifies the decision whether the prior damage has been repaired in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and if the damage has been repaired professionally. Too thick a flat coat may indicate unprofessionally repaired damage. Repaired accidental damage may reduce the current replacement value of the vehicle considerably, even in case of total damage or the calculation of actual damage for determination of a cars selvage value. Preservation of evidence during the preparation of a technical expert’s opinion is often necessary during determination of concealed prior damage. If such a damage is detected, the contract of sale may be rescinded or the purchase price may be reduced.

The state-of-the-art coating thickness measurement technology of Coating Check, based on the new modular measurement system QNix® 8500 provides more safety and security for all involved.

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