Gardco Type IC Precision Wet Film Thickness Gauge

The Gardco IC gauge is in the form of a stainless steel wheel approximately 2" in diameter made up of 3 disk sections approximately 5/8" thick. Machined from a single piece of stainless steel stock, the two outer disks are of the same diameter. The center disk is somewhat smaller and is eccentric to the outer disks.

When the gauge is rolled over a wet film the eccentric disk will pick up the material only at and below the actual thickness which permits its immediate and direct reading. The mil scale is engraved on one side of the gauge, and the micron scale on the other side.

Whenever, wherever and however coatings are applied, the thickness of application is of paramount importance. If the film is too thin, the hiding power will be poor, and the substrate will show through. In addition, there will be a reduction in the protective capabilities of the coating. If the coating is too thick, not only may there be a loss in intended physical properties, but there will be a reduction in coverage and a proportional increase in cost. The use of the Gardco IC gauge will not only promote uniform application of the specified amount of coating materials, but will also insure optimum designed results from the coating used at minimum cost.

Clasp the gauge with the thumb and forefinger so that the gauge body is free to turn. Place the 0 - 1 mil range gauge on a freshly coated surface at the 1.0 mil (25 micron) graduation mark and roll the gauge one-half a revolution to the "0" mark. Lift the gauge and place on another part of the surface with the 1.0 mil mark in contact with the coating.

Then roll the gauge in the opposite direction to the "0" mark. Examination of the center disk will show thickness at which pickup of the wet coating thickness has taken place and the averaging of these values may be the true wet coating thickness.

IC Thickness Gaugeis rolled over the film and the wet film thickness is read directly on either side of the gauge. Resolution of 0.05 mils (1.0 microns).

A brand NEW ergonomic gauge handle is now available for use with the Gardco IC gauge with the exception of the skinny type. It offers a very comfortable precision grip handle that can be quickly and firmly attached to or removed from the gauge. It is useful as an aid in aligning the gauge on the test surface.

When the gauge is used on a moving surface, the handle aids the user to keep his hand at a distance from such surface. It also may prevent the possibility of dropping the precision instrument onto a costly rotating roller.