Coating Thickness Testing

Overview

Coating Thickness Testing, commonly referred to as Dry Film Thickness (DFT) measurement, is a critical quality control procedure used to verify the application of protective paint systems on industrial assets. For heavy lifting equipment, offshore cranes, and structural steelwork, the integrity of the coating is the primary defence against aggressive environmental corrosion. If a coating is applied too thinly, it will fail to provide adequate barrier protection, leading to rapid rust, structural degradation, and costly premature maintenance. Conversely, if a coating is applied excessively thick, it risks cracking, flaking, and poor adhesion under mechanical stress. Our comprehensive Coating Thickness Testing services utilize calibrated magnetic induction and eddy current gauges to accurately measure DFT over both magnetic (steel) and non-magnetic (aluminium) substrates, ensuring strict adherence to the manufacturer's coating specification and AS 3894.3 standards.

The verification of protective coatings is an essential component of the fabrication, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance lifecycle of high-value plant. Beyond simply measuring thickness, our NACE/AMPP-aligned inspection procedures encompass the complete assessment of the corrosion protection system. This provides assurance to principal contractors and facility owners that protective treatments applied during crane manufacture or post-repair refurbishment will deliver their engineered design life. In aggressive maritime or industrial environments, documented proof of coating compliance is frequently a mandatory contractual requirement. We provide authoritative, statistical reporting that details minimum, maximum, and average DFT readings across the structure, empowering HSE and asset managers to enforce quality standards and protect their capital investments from insidious environmental decay.