Test Equipment for Coating Thickness Measurements

X-ray fluorescence technology was originally developed as a measurement device because the penetration depths that x-rays are able to achieve allow XRF to measure coatings that other techniques can not. 
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While the application reach of the non-destructive testing technology has grown, the measurement of coatings and thin films continue to be an ideal, and popular, use of XRF.  This critical quality control technology is relied upon in a wide range of facilities - from general plating shops to aerospace, automotive, and military manufacturing plants.
Benefits that XRF offers in Coating/Composition include:
  • Fast and Precise Results
  • Nondestructive Analysis
  • Multi-functional; variety of layers and composition
  • Report Functions; quickly develop and store reports
Potential coating thickness applications can range from single-layer measurements (Au/Cu, etc) to very complex multi-layer alloy coatings...with compositional analysis.  It is possible, for instance, to analyze a three-element alloy coating on an intermediate layer of a five element base material (Au-Cu-Cd over Ni on a Stainless Steel base). 
Common Coating Thickness Applications Include:
  • Single Layer Coatings; one metal coating (Zn, Ni, Cr, Cu, etc) over a substrate
  • Binary Alloy Coatings
  • Multiple Layer (multilayer) Coatings; two or more layers over a substrate (Cr/Ni/Cu)
    • common applications in electronics are ENIG and ENEPIG per IPC 4552 and IPC 4556
  • Composite coatings over a substrate (AuNi/Cu and ZnNi/Cu)
    • composition of the alloy coating can be identified as well
  • Thin film measurements (ie wafer fab quality control in semiconductor industry)
  • Solution analysis of plating baths
  • Measurement methods according to ASTM standards when applicable
Eastern Applied Research is able to offer a number of options for fast, accurate, and reliable coating thickness measurements - from the latest developments in the technology to an always changing inventory of certified used XRF analyzers to simple and effective contact gauges.

Options for Thickness Measurement Needs

Link to: New XRF Analyzers by Hitachi High-Tech:
     - FT-110A: multiple chambers, basic coating thickness applications
     - FT-160: ultra thin-film measurements w/ small spot sizes
Link to: Used XRF Analyzers: Often the lowest cost XRF analyzers are offered in a rotating selection of Used XRF analyzers.  Systems obtained in trade can often be rebuilt to 'like new' conditions and are offered as a popular option for organizations working with a tight budget or just adding a second/back-up analyzer.

​Link to: Thickness Gauges: Not all coating thickness measurement needs require x-ray fluorescence.  Applications in electroplating, automotive, powder coatings, etc will simply require a basic contact gauge and Eastern Applied is able to offer a variety of gauges for these interests. 
ADDITIONAL READING:
     Top 3 Concerns When Looking into XRF for Coatings
     XRF Standards for Coating Thickness Measurements
     Detector Technology That's Good for Common Coatings