How to Measure Paint Thickness for an Enclosure

[LesPiles]

Hello everyone,

We produce electrical and electronic products and our client specifies a certain thickness of paint for the cabinets. However, it does not specify where to take these measures! Those who have already worked with painted metal products know that it is difficult to have a uniform thickness of paint. It is generally expected to have a different thickness at the bottom of doors, for example, and a fairly thick paint (or thin as applicable) on the sides.


Our products are inspected by a representative of the client. He wants to inspect the bottom and sides. Our Production Manager meanwhile recommends a measurement at CENTER of the door.


The question is: "Who is right?" And ... what would be the sustaining explanations for your answer?


Obviously, the discovery of non-conformance has important economic consequences, as you might expect.

Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[Jim Wynne]

Re: How to measure paint thickness for an enclosure ?

Hello everyone,

We produce electrical and electronic products and our client specifies a certain thickness of paint for the cabinets. However, it does not specify where to take these measures! Those who have already worked with painted metal products know that it is difficult to have a uniform thickness of paint. It is generally expected to have a different thickness at the bottom of doors, for example, and a fairly thick paint (or thin as applicable) on the sides.


Our products are inspected by a representative of the client. He wants to inspect the bottom and sides. Our Production Manager meanwhile recommends a measurement at CENTER of the door.


The question is: "Who is right?" And ... what would be the sustaining explanations for your answer?


Obviously, the discovery of non-conformance has important economic consequences, as you might expect.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Although it's a little bit late in the game to be asking this type of question (as I'm sure you're aware), ususally the best approach is to take a few typical parts and measure them in various places and find out what you actually have for overall film build. Share this information with the customer, and tell them what the limitations are. If you're doing powder coating, for example, thickness might be greater near edges and more uniform across a broad, flat surface. The thickness is not likely to be the same all over the part. Make sure your customer understands the limitations of the process, and that if a given thickness is required in a certain area, the thickness in other places on the part will be different.

 

[t.PoN]

Re: How to measure paint thickness for an enclosure ?

I agree with above to consider the process.

Paints on metal are used to protect from corrosion.
Hence, You need to answer two main questions:
The first Question: What surface is more effected by the environment. this is the surface you need to consider.

the second question; what type of surfaces design you have: welded parts, edges, bolts ...etc. this is the second criteria

 

[Jim Wynne]

Re: How to measure paint thickness for an enclosure ?

I agree with above to consider the process.

Paints on metal are used to protect from corrosion.
Hence, You need to answer two main questions:
The first Question: What surface is more effected by the environment. this is the surface you need to consider.

the second question; what type of surfaces design you have: welded parts, edges, bolts ...etc. this is the second criteria

Paint on metal is sometimes used primarily for cosmetic/decorative purposes and corrosion resistance might be a secondary consideration, if it's considered at all. Consider paint on aluminum, for example.

 

[t.PoN]

Re: How to measure paint thickness for an enclosure ?

oh.... u r right lol.
u know what they say, if u assume, u make .... my fault
I just had a similar experience and the thickness was only considered because of corrsoison and durability issues. and recalling the event, the used paint was the major issue rather than the coating thickness.

even though never thought of anybody asking to measure thickness for decorative purposes.
but it would be interesting to know what is the purpose of testing the thickness.

 

[Wilderness Woody]

Our products are inspected by a representative of the client. He wants to inspect the bottom and sides. Our Production Manager meanwhile recommends a measurement at CENTER of the door.


The question is: "Who is right?" And ... what would be the sustaining explanations for your answer?

Who do you think is right?! Hmmm... the customer always say they are right

Working out what to measure and how to measure should include reasonable input from the customer. There may be historical standards and industry standards to use as a guide.

Check out these links:

http://www.defelsko.com/applications/powdercoating/powdercoating.htm

http://www.defelsko.com/technotes/coating-thickness/coating-thickness-measurement.htm

Planned sample locations agreed upon by all parties is the way to go for consistency in measurement and to address known weaknesses in painting/coating processes.