Surface Profile Measurement Devices

Why is Surface Profile Measurement Important?

Steel is often abrasive-blast cleaned or otherwise roughened prior to painting. The peak-to-valley height of the resultant "surface profile" is a critical and determining factor in the performance of applied paint and other protective coatings. A surface profile height that is too low may reduce coating bond strength (adhesion). Too high and the peaks may receive insufficient coverage leading to premature rusting, and often require additional paint (and labor costs to apply it) to cover the anchor profile.

Emerging research over the past 15 years has shown surface profile height is not the only important parameter. Peak density (also known as peak count), the number of peaks in the surface profile per unit area, has been shown to be a strong determinant of coating adhesion and resistance to corrosion. In fact, studies have found that peak density may be a better predictor of coating performance than peak-to-valley height.  

Surface profile height can also be relevant for other industries, as a way to quantify the profile height of non-skid surfaces, and to evaluate the Concrete Surface Profile (CSP) prior to applying coatings on concrete.

Digital Surface Profile Gauges for Blasted Steel, Textured Coatings, and Concrete Profile

PosiTector SPG Surface Profile Gage

Surface Profile Gages use a digital depth micrometer fitted with a fine pointed probe to measure and record peak-to-valley surface profile eights in preparation for the application of coatings.

Conforms to ASTMD4417-B, ASTM D8271 (SPG TS only), AS 3894.5-C (with optional 30° tip), U.S.Navy NSI 009-32, Navy NAVSEA 009-32, US Navy NAVSEA PPI 63101-000, SSPC PA 17, SANS 5772, and others.

Digital Replica Tape Reader for Blasted Steel and Textured Coatings

PosiTector RTR H Replica Tape Reader

Digital spring micrometers measure and record surface profile parameters using Testex Press-O-Film™ replica tape (Testex Tape)—producing a more accurate peak-to-valley surface profile height measurement for blasted steel and textured coatings.

Conforms to ASTM D4417, ISO 8503-5, NACE SP0287, SSPC-PA 17, SSPC-SP5, SP6, SP10, SP11-87T, and others.

Digital Replica Tape Reader for Measuring and Recording 2D/3D Surface Profile Parameters

PosiTector RTR 3D Replica Tape Reader - Add to product

Digital replica tape imagers measure and record 14 common 2D/3D surface profile parameters using Testex Press-O-Film™ replica tape. Download high resolution .SDF files for further analysis (Advanced models only).

Conforms to ASME B46, ASTM D4417, ISO 8503-5, NACE SP0287, SSPC-PA 17, SSPC-SP5, SP6, SP10, SP11-87T, and others.

Can you measure the surface profile on a curved surface?

Yes you can, you would need the SPGOS probe to do so.

Does this measure Pit Depth?

No it does not, you would need to purchase a pit depth gauge for this.

  • Replica Tape Reader Peak Density Gauge

    Replica Tape Reader Peak Density Gauge

    PosiTector® RTR 3D   Replica Tape Reader to Measure and Record 2D/3D Surface Profile Parameters Digital spring micrometers measure and record surface profile parameters using Testex Press-O-Film™ replica tape. Create a...
    $1,995.00
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  • PosiTector® RTR Replica Tape Reader

    PosiTector® RTR Replica Tape Reader

    SIMPLE Automatically subtracts the 50.8 μm (2 mil) incompressible film from all readings Minimizes inspector workload by reducing the number of replicas needed to ensure accuracy. See linearized peak height (HL) High contrast,...
    $425.00
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  • DeFelsko Surface Profile Probe

    DeFelsko Surface Profile Probe

    PosiTector® SPG   Surface Profile Gages for Blasted Steel, Textured Coatings and Concrete Profile Digital depth micrometer measures and records peak to valley surface profile heights Solvent, acid, oil, water, and dust resistant –...
    $410.00
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