Pfund Thickness Gauge

The Pfund Thickness Gauge is a mechanical tool used to measure wet film thickness by analyzing the diameter of a circular mark left by a glass lens, ensuring correct coating application before curing.

Applying a coating at the correct thickness is essential to ensure performance, durability and cost efficiency. The Pfund Thickness Gauge is a simple and reliable tool designed to measure wet film thickness directly after application, helping you avoid common coating defects before curing begins.

Why Measure Wet Film Thickness?

Measuring wet film thickness allows you to control the application process in real time, before the coating dries.
Applying too much coating can lead to material waste, cracking during curing and longer drying times, while applying too little may result in insufficient substrate coverage and reduced protection.

The Pfund Thickness Gauge provides a fast, non-destructive way to verify coating thickness while the film is still wet.

What Is the Pfund Thickness Gauge?

The Pfund Thickness Gauge is a mechanical instrument designed to measure the thickness of wet coatings, especially translucent materials such as varnishes and oils.

It consists of:

• Two concentric cylinders, one sliding inside the other.
• A spherical glass lens mounted on the central cylinder.

When the lens is gently pressed into the wet coating, it leaves a circular mark. The diameter of this mark is directly related to the coating thickness.

Using the supplied conversion table, the wet film thickness can be quickly and accurately determined.

How Does the Pfund Thickness Gauge Work?

1. Press the spherical glass lens vertically into the wet coating.
2. Remove the gauge carefully to avoid smearing.
3. Measure the diameter of the circular mark left on the surface.
4. Convert the diameter into thickness using the provided table.

This method is particularly useful when dry film thickness can only be measured destructively.

Key Features and Technical Data

Main Features

• Ideal for translucent coatings (varnishes, oils, clear finishes).
• Simple mechanical design, no electronics required.
• Fast and repeatable wet film measurements.
• Suitable for laboratory and on-site use.

Measurement Range

• 2.25 – 360 µm
• 0.09 – 14.17 mils

Benefits of Using a Pfund Thickness Gauge

• Prevents coating defects before curing.
• Reduces material waste and rework.
• Improves coating quality and consistency.
• Allows process control during application.
• Reliable method for coatings that cannot be measured non-destructively once dry.

Typical Applications

• Paints, varnishes and clear coatings.
• Industrial and decorative coatings.
• Quality control during application.
• Laboratory testing and production environments.
• Situations where wet film thickness must be verified immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a Pfund Thickness Gauge used for?

It is used to measure the wet film thickness of coatings immediately after application, helping ensure correct coating thickness before drying.

Why measure thickness while the coating is still wet?

Wet film measurement allows immediate process control and avoids defects such as cracking, poor coverage or excessive material use.

What types of coatings can be measured?

It is especially suitable for translucent products such as varnishes, oils and clear coatings.

Is the Pfund Thickness Gauge destructive?

No. It leaves only a small mark in the wet film, which disappears as the coating levels or cures.

How accurate is the measurement?

Accuracy depends on correct use and reading of the conversion table, providing reliable and repeatable results for process control.