The innovative probe technology and factory calibration in the PosiTector 6000 means that it arrives ready-to-measure — usually there is no need to perform a two-point calibration adjustment. Ruby or alumina probe tips on standard probe models eliminate wear, meaning that the factory calibration is maintained throughout the lifetime of the probe. Whether out of the box or after years of use, PosiTector 6000 will continue to provide accurate results.

For highest confidence and best measurement accuracy, observe our “golden rule” — simply check ZERO (or the known thickness of a shim) on the uncoated part, adjust if necessary, and then measure the coated part. This ensures that the probe is properly adjusted for substrate characteristics including mass, metallurgy, curvature, temperature and roughness.

PosiTector 6000 probes have different capabilities depending on the model.

• ‘Ferrous’ model probes (order code beginning in ‘F’ ex. FS1) can measure non-magnetic coatings applied to ferrous (magnetic) metals, typically carbon steel.
• ‘Non-ferrous’ model probes (order code beginning in ‘N’ ex. NRS3) can measure non-conductive coatings applied to non-ferrous metals.
• ‘Combination model probes (order code beginning in ‘FN’ ex. FNTS1) can measure non-magnetic coatings applied to ferrous (magnetic) metals, AND non-conductive coatings applied to non-ferrous metals

All coating thickness gages are influenced to some degree by substrate roughness, as shown in the below image. It is generally accepted that coating thickness should be measured from the highest ‘peaks’ in the rough surface thus ensuring they are covered by the protective coating. However, coating thickness gages will instead measure the coating thickness from the ‘effective magnetic plane, which is located somewhere between the highest peaks and deepest valleys of the profile.

SSPC-PA 2 proposes several solutions depending upon the instrument type and the particular situation. Similar methods are suggested by ASTM D7091 and ISO 19840.

One option is to verify the gage reads zero on the uncoated steel substrate, and adjust to zero if necessary. This is a popular solution when the metal surface is relatively smooth.

Since it is difficult to ensure that the probe tip is sitting on the highest peaks of the surface profile, another option is to place a plastic shim of a known thickness that is close to the expected thickness of the applied coating between the probe and substrate and adjust to the stated thickness of the shim- referred to as a 1-point adjustment. The plastic shim sits on the peaks of the surface profile over a greater area than the probe tip, ensuring that the adjustment is being taken ‘over the peaks’. This best simulates a coating covering the peaks of the surface profile.

“Stainless steel” is a term used to generally categorize a wide variety of corrosion and heat-resistant alloys. In specific terms of metallurgy, a “stainless steel” is any iron-based alloy containing a minimum of 10.5% chromium content by mass. Some stainless steel alloys have a relatively low magnetic response (often called “partially/weakly magnetic”). Others have no magnetic response whatsoever, and some possess a ferromagnetic response similar to carbon steel.

The PosiTector 6000 is uniquely able to measure partially magnetic stainless steel alloys, an application that is challenging for many competitive instruments. PosiTector 6000 FN (combination ferrous/non-ferrous) probe models can often measure consistently on partially magnetic substrates with a simple Zero adjustment. For more challenging applications, the “N-Lock” measurement mode permits accurate measurement of non-conductive coatings applied to partially magnetic substrates.

The PosiTector 6000 FXS and FHXS Xtreme probes are ideal for measuring coating thickness on hot and/or rough surfaces (250°C, 500°F maximum). All PosiTector 6000 probe are capable of measuring on hot surfaces. Standard probe models can operate at environments up to 50˚C (120˚F). However, if the probe is lifted clear of the surface as soon as a reading is taken and is allowed to cool, measurements can be taken at higher temperatures. Simply ensure that the probe remains at a temperature of less than 50˚C (120˚F), and cool enough to handle with an unprotected hand.

To ensure a part’s dimensions are suitable for a PosiTector 6000 probe, simply check ZERO on the uncoated part and adjust if necessary. Verify accuracy by measuring a plastic shim placed on the uncoated part. If the measurement is within the combined tolerances of the shim and probe, the probe is suitable for measuring the coated part.

While the PosiTector gage body and probe connector are not suitable for immersion in water, PosiTector 6000 regular cabled probes are hermetically sealed and ideal for underwater use. Extended cables are available (up to 75 m/250 ft) for underwater or remote measuring.

While the PosiTector 6000 is not designed as an intrinsically safe device, the PosiTest mechanical gages are ideal for measuring coating thickness in hazardous operating environments.

Yes, but it depends upon the particular type of nickel coating that has been applied to the steel.

• ‍When nickel plating is deposited by a process of electrolysis (employing an electric current in the nickel bath), the resultant coating – commonly called “e-nickel” – is always conductive and magnetic to some degree and cannot be accurately measured by our gages when applied to ferrous or non-ferrous metals.
• Electroless nickel coatings are deposited by an autocatalytic process which does not involve the addition of an electric current. If the nickel bath in this process contains a minimum concentration of ~8% phosphorus, the resulting nickel plating is effectively non-magnetic and its thickness can be accurately measured on ferrous steel with a magnetic principle coating thickness gage such as a PosiTector 6000 F model.