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Home / Blasted Steel Surface Profile Gauge Buying Guide

Industrial Sandblasting Surface Profile Gauge Buying Guide

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.

Name Description Best Scenarios Benefits Disadvantages Standards
DeFelsko® PosiTector SPG Surface Profile Gauge Probe DEFELSKO® POSITECTOR SPG SURFACE PROFILE GAUGE PROBE Integral Digital Depth Micrometer for Blasted Steel
  • Blasted steel
  • On-site use.
  • When large numbers of readings are required in a short time.
  • Integral probe for one-handed use.
  • 600 tip angle
  • 300 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
  • Is a spot measurement rather than an area measurement
  • 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
DeFelsko® PosiTector® SPGS Probe - Cabled DEFELSKO® POSITECTOR® SPGS PROBE – CABLED Cabled Digital Depth Micrometer for Blasted Steel
  • On-site use.
  • When large numbers of readings are required in a short time.
  • Cabled probe for use in extended reach measuring.
  • Cable extends the reach of the probe from the gauge body. Ideal where the inspector has to reach to get a reading.
  • Time required to place and burnish test strip.
  • ASTM D4417
  • ISO 8503-5
  • NACE RP287
  • SSPC-PA 17
  • SSPC-SP5, SP6,
    SP10, SP11-87T
  • and more
PosiTector RTR H Probe Only tape reader POSITECTOR REPLICA TAPE READER (RTR–PROBE ONLY) Replica Tape Reader for Blasted Steel and Textured Coatings
  • For use where an Inspector has a preference for replica tape, rather than a depth gauge or drag stylus.
  • Provides more accurate peak-to-valley height measurement
  • Used test Testex tapes can be retained on file with other quality inspection records for reference
  • Time required to place and burnish test strip.
  • ASTM D4417
  • ISO 8503-5
  • NACE RP287
  • SSPC-PA 17
  • SSPC-SP5, SP6,
    SP10, SP11-87T
  • and more
DEFELSKO® 3D REPLICA TAPE READER DEFELSKO® 3D REPLICA TAPE READER Replica Tape Reader for 2D/3D Surface Profile Parameters
  • 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.
  • Displays 2D &
    3D parameters
    of replica tape
    within seconds of
    burnishing
  • Time required to place and burnish test strip.
  • ASME B46
  • ASTM D4417
  • ISO 8503-5
  • NACE SP287
  • SSPC-PA 17,
    SSPC-SP5, SP6,
    SP10, SP11-87T
  • and more
DeFelsko® PosiTector SPGTS Surface Profile Gauge Probe DEFELSKO® POSITECTOR SPGTS SURFACE PROFILE GAUGE PROBE Integral Digital Depth Micrometer for Concrete
  • Ideal measurement
    tool for surface
    profile of concrete
    created by blasting,
    scarifying, grinding,
    etching,
  • Range: 0 – 250mils
  • 600 tip angle
  • Ability to measure up to 250 mils/ 6 mm. Necessary for measuring profile on concrete. Very limited alternative.
  • Not a accurate on the lower end of range of measurement capabilities
  • ASTM D8271
Testex Tape Measurement Dial Thickness Gauge TESTEX TAPE MEASUREMENT DIAL THICKNESS GAUGE Testex Analog Spring Micrometer, mil/thou
  • Can measure
    from 0.8 to 6.4
    mils
  • Legacy replica tape system
  • For use where an Inspector has a preference for replica tape, rather than a depth gauge or drag stylus.
  • The original replica tape system. In use internationally for decades. Remains a reliable source of profile data.
  • Increased possibility of human error when reading a dial gauge rather than LED screen.
  • Time required to place and burnish test strip.
  • ISO8503-5,
  • AS3894-5
  • AS1627-4

  DeFelsko® PosiTector SPG Surface Profile Gauge Probe DeFelsko® PosiTector® SPGS Probe - Cabled PosiTector RTR H Probe Only DEFELSKO 3D REPLICA TAPE READER DeFelsko® PosiTector SPGTS Surface Profile Gauge Probe Testex Tape Measurement Dial Thickness Gauge
DEFELSKO® POSITECTOR SPG SURFACE PROFILE GAUGE PROBE DEFELSKO® POSITECTOR® SPGS PROBE – CABLED POSITECTOR REPLICA TAPE READER (RTR – PROBE ONLY) DEFELSKO® 3D REPLICA TAPE READER DEFELSKO® POSITECTOR SPGTS SURFACE PROFILE GAUGE PROBE TESTEX TAPE MEASUREMENT DIAL THICKNESS GAUGE
Description 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,
mil/thou
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 – 250mils
  • Can measure
    from 0.8 to 6.4
    mils
  • Legacy replica tape system
  • For use where an Inspector has a preference for replica tape, rather than a depth gauge or drag stylus.
Benefits
  • 600 tip angle
  • 300 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
  • 600 tip angle
  • Ability to measure up to 250 mils/ 6 mm. 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 Gage 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 a 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 decided.

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.

    Gage 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 gage 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.

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