BlastOne carries the top line surface profile gauges from top brands like DeFelsko® and Testex. Whether you are seeking to measure blasted steel, concrete or textured coatings, 2D or 3D, electronically or manually – we have the gauge for you. With a price to fit every budget.
Integral Digital Depth
Micrometer for Blasted
Steel
Cabled Digital Depth
Micrometer for Blasted
Steel
Replica Tape Reader
for Blasted Steel and
Textured Coatings
Replica Tape Reader for
2D/3D Surface Profile
Parameters
Integral Digital Depth Micrometer for Concrete
Testex Analog
Spring Micrometer
Best Scenarios
Blasted steel
On-site use
When large numbers of readings are required in a short time
Integral probe for one-handed use
On-site use
When large numbers of readings are required in a short time
Cabled probe for use in extended reach measuring
For use where an Inspector has a preference for replica tape, rather than a depth gauge or drag stylus
Works with Flat,
curved, or irregular
surfaces
For use where either standards or facility management call for reporting in 2D or 3D format
For use where an Inspector has a preference for replica tape, rather than a depth gauge or drag stylus
Ideal measurement
tool for surface
profile of concrete
created by blasting,
scarifying, grinding,
etching
Range: 0 – 6350µm
Can measure
from 20.32µm – 162.56µm
Legacy replica tape system
For use where an Inspector has a preference for replica tape, rather than a depth gauge or drag stylus.
Benefits
60° tip angle
30° tip angle (available)
Solvent, acid, oil,
water, and dust
resistant (weatherproof)
Can achieve up
to 50 readings/
minute, making
it perfect
to quickly and
accurately
measure big
surfaces
Durability of probe
Cable extends the reach of the probe from the gauge body. Ideal where the inspector has to reach to get a reading.
Provides more accurate peak-to-valley height measurement
Used test Testex tapes can be retained on file with other quality inspection records for reference
Displays 2D &
3D parameters
of replica tape
within seconds of
burnishing
60° tip angle
Ability to measure up to 6350µm/6mm. Necessary for measuring profile on concrete. Very limited alternative.
The original replica tape system. In use internationally for decades. Remains a reliable source of profile data.
Disadvantages
Is a spot measurement rather than an area measurement
Time required to place and burnish test strip.
Time required to place and burnish test strip.
Time required to place and burnish test strip.
Not a accurate on the lower end of range of measurement capabilities
Increased possibility of human error when reading a dial gauge rather than LED screen.
Time required to place and burnish test strip.
Standards
ASTM D4417
BASTM D8271
(SPG TS only)
AS 3894.5-C (with
optional 30° tip)
US Navy NSI
009-32
Navy NAVSEA
009-32
US Navy NAVSEA
PPI 63101-000
SSPC PA 17
SANS 5772
and more
ASTM D4417
ISO 8503-5
NACE RP287
SSPC-PA 17
SSPC-SP5, SP6,
SP10, SP11-87T
and more
ASTM D4417
ISO 8503-5
NACE RP287
SSPC-PA 17
SSPC-SP5, SP6,
SP10, SP11-87T
and more
ASME B46
ASTM D4417
ISO 8503-5
NACE SP287
SSPC-PA 17,
SSPC-SP5, SP6,
SP10, SP11-87T
and more
ASTM D8271
ISO8503-5,
AS3894-5
AS1627-4
Surface Profile Gauge Videos
New DeFelsko® PosiTector® Gauge Body
Surface Profile vs. Class of Blast
DeFelsko® SPG Product Overview
Is your surface profile costing you in paint?
How is a Surface Profile Needle Gauge as Accurate as Testex Tape?
Why use a surface profile gauge?
A variety of problems can arise from incorrect surface profiles. Both too much and too little can be problems. If there is insufficient profile then coating adhesion may be compromised. This is more pronounced with high-build industrial coatings. Too much profile and you risk rogue peaks. These can have very little coating film cover and risk initiating corrosion issues. Over profile can also increase paint consumption. This is a problem with thinner build coatings such as finishing coatings. Surface profile is affected by many factors including abrasive type, abrasive size, quantity of abrasive recycles, blast angle, nozzle distance, nozzle pressure, as well as substrate conditions. Both facility management and coating suppliers can specify profile. Ask them prior to starting work what their specifications are.
Common issues with surface profile gauges
A depth micrometer is fast but it is a spot measurement only not a view of an area and the full range of highs and lows.
A profile tape reader gives a bigger picture (with some models able to provide a 3D magnification of the test area) but it takes time to apply the tape and burnish it. There is also the ongoing cost of the test strips.
The moving stylus type of profile gauge provides similar capabilities to a profile tape system but the stylus is quite delicate and is best suited to laboratory use.
Important considerations when choosing the right surface profile gauge
As in many coating inspections systems there are trade-offs to consider.
Do you need to take a large number of readings quickly? A depth gauge type has the highest testing rate but provides a limited view.
Are you working on-site? The depth gauge type is the most robust. The moving stylus type provides a greater picture but is more fragile.
Want to get a panoramic view rather than a spot image, but you’re working in the field? The profile gauge type unit is more robust than the moving stylus, but it takes longer to stick the test pieces down and burnish them than other methods and there is the ongoing costs of the test strips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are surface profile gauges calibrated in the factory?
Surface profile gauges arrive fully calibrated and ready to measure. A Long-Form Certificate of Calibration traceable to NIST or PTB should be included, this documents actual readings taken by your instrument at the calibration laboratory on standards traceable to a national meteorology institute. Beware of ‘Certificates’ or ‘Certificates of Conformance’ offered by seemingly low-coast suppliers. These typically do not include actual instrument readings, and are often insufficient to meet common quality requirements.
Gauge accuracy and correct operation can be verified using the included metal shim and glass zero plate.
Can I measure curved surfaces with a profile gauge?
Yes, it is possible to measure the peak-to-valley surface profile height of convex abrasive blast cleaned surfaces such as pipes and tanks.
The PosiTector SPG OS probe features an integral V-groove and optional Large V-groove Adapter to assist with proper probe positioning on cylindrical parts. Simply align the V-groove along the axis of the curved surface using the notches on the probe face and/or the indicator arrows on the face of the adapter.
Can the surface profile gauges be used on non-metallic substrates?
Yes! While primarily used to measure blasted steel, surface profile gauges can be used for many applications. Some gauges also feature an extended range and larger radius probe tip to suit a wide range of applications. Including…
the surface profile of textured coatings.
the surface profile of concrete.
Why are there 30˚ and 60˚ tips for the PosiTector SPG?
The PosiTector SPG uses a durable tungsten carbide tip for long life and continuous accuracy. If required, SPG probe tips can be replaced by the gauge operator.
The 60° tip complies with most test standards including ASTM D 4417 B.
30° tips are available for conformance to Australian standard AS 3994.5-C.
How often should surface profile be re-calibrated?
Quality surface profile gauges include a Certificate of Calibration showing traceability to NIST or PTB included (Long Form) with each probe—with no expiry or end date. They have no shelf life, therefore the length of time in the field is not a good indicator for recalibration intervals. Many organizations with quality programs and recertification programs require annual re-calibrations, and this is a good starting point for most users. It is recommended that customers establish calibration intervals based upon their own experience and work environment. A one year calibration interval from the date the instrument was placed in service is a good starting point.