Using an ultrasonic thickness meter

[J.B. Welding]

I'm just wondering if anyone knows the answer to this question as it's buggin me
When using the meter the surface on which the gel and probe are placed must be free from paint, but does paint on the other side of the plate need to be removed also, to get an accurate reading?
Many thanks
JB

 

[Reckless_engineer]

They can read through paint on both sides no problem.

 

[eSCHEn]

You get all the fun toys don't cha ^_^

This for the new project?

 

[J.B. Welding]

You get all the fun toys don't cha ^_^

This for the new project?

One of them matey!
There are a couple of different types of meter, the expensive to the not soo, the latter requiring paint removal for a good contact with a gel between the probe and steel. Was wondering if blind side paint is an issue to consider.

 

[Richard.]

One of them matey!
There are a couple of different types of meter, the expensive to the not soo, the latter requiring paint removal for a good contact with a gel between the probe and steel. Was wondering if blind side paint is an issue to consider.

No I believe it the ultrasonic waves will give you a reading no matter what is on the back as it just requires a surface to bounce back from. The reason it probably needs removable on the side your testing from is possibly to do with the probe more than the process.

 

[citizen kane]

You only need to remove the paint on the side you are inspecting from, the time of flight measurement will be taken from the first significant reflection after the front surface, this will be the back face of the plate you are inspecting, the ultrasound will continue on through the paint layer and produce another reflection from the paint to air interface but this will be later in time. Don't forget to calibrate for the material you are inspecting. Its possible to leave the paint on the front surface but it would be necessary to isolate the reflection from the paint to plate and use this as the trigger point for subsequent timings.