Elcometer 112 User manual

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Elcometer
112 • 115 • 154 • 3230 • 3236 • 3238
Wet Film Combs and Wheel
Operating Instructions

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is a registered trademark of Elcometer Limited.
All other trademarks acknowledged.
© Copyright Elcometer Limited. 2008-2015.
All rights reserved. No part of this Document may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored (in a
retrieval system or otherwise) or translated into any language, in any form or by any means (electronic,
mechanical, magnetic, optical, manual or otherwise) without the prior written permission of
Elcometer Limited.
A copy of this Instruction Manual is available for download on our Website via www.elcometer.com
Doc.No. TMA-0365 Issue 08
Text with Cover No: 19811

CONTENTS
Section Page
1 About this gauge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2 Using a Wet Film Comb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3 Using a Wet Film Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4 Cleaning after a test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
5 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
6 Technical specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
7 Elcometer Wet Film Combs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
8 Elcometer Wet Film Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
9 Wet Film Wheel accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
10 Related equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Elcometer 112 Elcometer 115 Elcometer 154 Elcometer 3230 Elcometer 3236 Elcometer 3238
MICRONS
WET FILM
THICKNESS
GAUGE

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Thank you for your purchase of this Elcometer Wet Film Comb/Wheel. Welcome to Elcometer.
Elcometer are world leaders in the design, manufacture and supply of inspection equipment for coatings
and concrete. Our products cover all aspects of coating inspection, from development through application
to post application inspection.
With the purchase of this product you now have access to the worldwide service and support network of
Elcometer. For more information visit our website at www.elcometer.com
1 ABOUT THIS GAUGE
This gauge is a simple but effective instrument used to determine the thickness of wet paints and similar
coatings immediately after application. The expected dry film thickness can then be calculated.
1.1 WET FILM COMBS
The edge of the comb is placed into the wet film and then removed. The thickness of the wet film is
determined by examining the paint left on the teeth of the comb and the thickness scale marked on the front
face of the comb.
Elcometer 112 & Elcometer 3236
Precision formed in stainless steel to be long-lasting and reusable, these hexagonal wet film combs are
supplied in a range of thicknesses up to a maximum of 3000 µm (120 mils). This high upper value allows
measurement of thick coatings which are difficult totest byother methods. An aluminiumversion is available
(Elcometer 112AL); this model is not as accurate as the high precision versions but it does provide a low
cost alternative for measurement of wet film thickness.

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Elcometer 115
These precision film combs, formed in stainless steel to be long-lasting and reusable, are supplied in Metric
or Imperial values. Four separate ranges of thicknesses are available up to a maximum thickness of
1250 µm (50 mils). Each comb has 10 measurements (or teeth) per comb.
Elcometer 154
Made from ABS plastic, the Elcometer 154 Wet Film Combs are designed to be used only once and kept
as a record of wet film thickness measurement for your ISO or customer requirements. Both Metric and
Imperial values are on the same comb, 50 to 800 µm on one side, 2 to 32 mils on the other.
Elcometer 3238
Similar to the Elcometer 115, the Elcometer 3238 provides the user with more measurement points (teeth).
These rectangular wet film combs are available in 3 ranges up to amaximumthickness of 1200 µm (50 mils)
- supplied either separately or in a set of 3.
1.2 WET FILM WHEEL
Elcometer 3230
Formerly known as the Elcometer 120, the Elcometer 3230 wet film wheel consists of a central eccentric
wheel and two outer concentric wheels. The diameter of the outer wheels is greater than that of the central
wheel. The gauge is rolled across the wet paint film and at some point the central wheel will touch the paint.
A scale on the outside of the wheel indicates the paint film thickness at this point. Various measurement
ranges from 0 to 25 µm to 0 to 1000 µm (0 to 1 mil - 0 to 40 mils) are available.
Coil Coating Wet Film Wheel; similar to the Elcometer 3230 wet film wheels, but the outer wheels are
knurled to allow measurements to be taken on slippery coatings or on fast moving substrates.

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1.3 STANDARDS
Your Elcometer Wet Film Comb/Wheel can be used in accordance with the following National and
International Standards (depending upon model).
1.4 WHAT THE BOX CONTAINS (EXCEPT ELCOMETER 154 & 112AL)
• Elcometer Wet Film Comb/Wheel
• Storage case
• Operating instructions
Standard Elcometer Models
112 115 154 3230 3236 3238
AS/NZS 1580.107.3  -
ASTM D 1212-A - - - --
ASTM D 4414-A  --

ISO 2808-1A supersedes BS 3900-C5-7B, ISO 2808-7B  -
ISO 2808-1B supersedes BS 3900-C5-7A - - - --
NF T30-125 
US Navy NSI 009-32  --

US Navy PPI 63101-000  --


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2 USING A WET FILM COMB
Before you start, ensure your Elcometer Wet Film Comb is clean
and undamaged.
1. Hold the comb perpendicular to the wet film and press the
edge of the comb into the film until it is stable on the
substrate.
2. Remove the comb from the wet film.
3. Examine the teeth of the comb and locate the last tooth
which is wetted. Read the thickness value of this tooth.
The wet film thickness is between this value and the
thickness value of the next dry tooth.
In the example shown, the wet film thickness lies between
2400 µm and 2600 µm.
To use the comb on pipes, ensure it is placed parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the pipe.
On rough surfaces, measurements will be made from the
surface peaks and therefore will represent the minimum
wet film thickness.
650
700
750
800
850
900
1000
1100
1200
1400
1600
1800
2000 2200 2400
2600
2800
3000
25
50
75
100
125
150
175
200
225
250
275
300
350 400 450 500 550 600
substrate
wet film

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3 USING A WET FILM WHEEL
Take care to avoid damaging your Elcometer Wet Film Wheel. Damage to the circumference of the
wheel will affect the readings and the gauge will have to be replaced.
Before you start, ensure your Elcometer Wet Film Wheel is clean and undamaged. Read and understand
the test procedure described in the applicable test standard.
The procedure depends upon which standard you are testing to. Consult your test standard for further
details.
1. Using a finger and thumb, hold the wheel by its central
spindle with the maximum reading on the scale nearest to
the paint film.
2. Place the wheel into the wet film ensuring that the wheel
is perpendicular to the film.
3. Roll the wheel across the film through 360°/180°
(depending upon standard) and then remove from the
surface.
4. Locate the first point on the central wheel where the paint
has adhered. Read the wet film thickness from the scale
on the side of the wheel at this point.
Repeat the procedure at least twice in different places to obtain representative results.
To use the wheel on pipes, roll the wheel at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the pipe.
On rough surfaces, measurements will be made from the surface peaks and therefore will represent the
minimum wet film thickness.
0
max
Wet film
Substrate

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4 CLEANING AFTER A TEST
Clean your gauge after a test (except Elcometer 154 Plastic Wet Film Comb).
Do not use very aggressive solvents or wire brushes, metal scrapers, metal files or other metallic tools
for cleaning.
Clean the gauge using a suitable solvent only.
After cleaning, ensure that all materials are removed and that the gauge is dry.
Use the case provided to store the gauge when it is not being used.
5 MAINTENANCE
Elcometer products are designed to give many years reliable service under normal operating and storage
conditions.
Regular calibration checks over the life of the gauge are a requirement of quality management procedures
e.g. ISO 9000 and other standards. For checks and certification contact Elcometer or your local supplier.
6 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Material: Stainless steel, aluminium or plastic (depending upon model)
Accuracy - Model 112, 115, 3236, 3238: ± 5% or 2.5µm whichever is the greater
Accuracy - Model 3230: ± 5% of full scale dimension
Accuracy - Model 112AL, 154: Nominal Values
Depending upon model, your Elcometer Wet Film Comb/Wheel may be packed in a cardboard and foam
package. Please ensure that this packaging is disposed of in an environmentally sensitive manner. Consult
your local Environmental Authority for further guidance.

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7 ELCOMETER WET FILM COMBS
Metric (microns) Imperial (mils)
Model Scale (µm) Part Number Model Scale (mils) Part Number
Elcometer 112: 25-3000 B112----1B Elcometer 112: 1-120 B112----2B
Elcometer 112/AL:a
a. These models have metric and imperial units - metric on one side, imperial on the other.
25-3000 B112AL12473-3 Elcometer 112/AL:a1-118 B112AL12473-3
Elcometer 115: 20-325 B11529455M Elcometer 115/1: 1-13 B11529451E
Elcometer 115: 50-450 B11529456M Elcometer 115/2: 2-18 B11529452E
Elcometer 115: 50-750 B11529457M Elcometer 115/3: 2-30 B11529453E
Elcometer 115: 125-1250 B11529458M Elcometer 115/4: 5-50 B11529454E
Elcometer 115: Metric Comb Set B1152959WM Elcometer 115: Imperial Comb Set B1152959WE
Elcometer 154:a50-800 B154----1 Elcometer 154:a2-32 B154----1
Elcometer 3236: 20-370 K0003236M201 Elcometer 3236: 0.5-15 K0US3236M203
Elcometer 3236: 25-2000 K0003236M202 Elcometer 3236: 1-80 K0US3236M204
Elcometer 3238: 5-120 K0003238M201 Elcometer 3238: 0.5-6 K0US3238M201
Elcometer 3238: 25-600 K0003238M202 Elcometer 3238: 1-24 K0US3238M202
Elcometer 3238: 50-1200 K0003238M203 Elcometer 3238: 2-48 K0US3238M203
Elcometer 3238: Metric Comb Set K0003238M204 Elcometer 3238: Imperial Comb Set K0US3238M204