Measurement of Polymer Coating Thickness on Wood
DeFelsko manufactures a hand-held, non-destructive coating thickness gage that is ideal for measuring the thickness of Polymer Coatings applied to wood.
Measurement Challenges (Polymer Thickness on Wood - MDF)
The primary challenge is to non-destructively measure the thickness of polymer coatings applied to wood substrates. A secondary challenge is to individually identify primer layers so that they can be removed from the thickness calculations.
Dry Film Thickness Measurement Solutions
The ultrasonic PosiTector 100 C is ideal for non-destructive measurement of polymer coating thickness up to 4500 μm (175 mils). Figure 1 is an application photo of the instrument measuring Polymer coating over MDF.
Figure 1 Polymer Coating over MDF
In multi-layer mode, the PosiTector 100 is also capable of individually identifying the 125 mm (5 mil) primer layer. As illustrated by the Screen Capture image in Figure 2, the instrument is capable of providing both numerical and graphical representations of the measurement result. The right side of the screen presents a graphical representation of the ultrasonic pulse reflections of both the polymer and primer layers. The left side of the screen provides the numerical values corresponding to these layers, including the total thickness summation (S).
Figure 2 Screen Capture Image of Polymer and Primer Layers
The ultrasonic PosiTector 200 is a cost effective alternative for total thickness measurement of polymers on wood. The measurement range of the gage is 25 and 1000 microns (1 and 40 mils).
Free Consultation
For current pricing or to order these instruments, please contact us by telephone (315) 393-4450, fax (315) 393-8471, or e-mail techsale@defelsko.com. If you require additional technical information or have questions relating to your particular application, we encourage you to take advantage of our years of experience in recommending the best gage for your application.
Background on Polymer Coatings
What is the Application?
Polymer coatings are applied to wood based materials such as MDF (medium density fiberboard), plywood, chipboard and particle board to provide an aesthetic durable finish.
Entire industries have been developed around the use of polymer coatings. As an example, the polyester based GranicoatÒ is sprayed on to wood surfaces such as portable buffet tables, kitchen countertops, bath vanities, as well as desk and bar tops. The polymer coating is subsequently machined and sanded into a durable, heat-resistant, marble-look surface. The actual thickness of the applied coating is dependent on the application.
Why measure?
Manufacturers applying polymer coatings are primarily interested in controlling material costs while ensuring adequate coating coverage. Also, if applied too thick, some polymer coatings may cause deformation of the substrate. It is therefore important to control manufacturing processes by accurately measuring applied coatings. The PosiTector 100 is specifically designed to measure coatings such as polymer on wood, making it a unique, cost effective alternative to commonly used destructive measurement techniques.
Where is the market?
Due to its durability, high gloss finish and the ability to repair, the popularity of polymer based protective coatings is expanding the market for this measurement technology. Manufacturers applying these polymer coatings on wood are a hybrid of the marble, woodworking and fiberglass industries.
NOTE: Granicoatâ is a registered trademark of the SAFAS Corporation, Clifton, NJ, USA