Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 30
SPECIAL FEATURE
Does Your Coating
Thickness Meet Spec?
Instantaneous handheld coating thickness gauges that can be operated
by virtually any technician deliver lab-quality readings even on curved
and complex surfaces.
by Del Williams
rom the aerospace OEM assembly line
and spray booth, to soaring mission
critical maneuvers and the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) hangar, it is vital that leading-edge aircraft
be made to spec and precisely coated
for reliable performance, protection
and prolonged life.
The aerospace industry needs accurate coating
thickness measurement whenever plating, anodizing,
powder coating or when other coatings are required.
This is particularly important when the coatings play
a critical role in preventing the corrosion or wear of
metal substrates.
Properly applied coatings, with thickness measured
in mils (.001 inch) or microns (.001 mm) are crucial
to avoid coating breaches leading to corrosion of the
underlying substrate. Precise application to spec,
along with coating measurement, can also help to
prevent leaks and other safety issues.
However, until recently, conducting frequent laboratory-quality coating thickness tests throughout
the manufacturing process or in the field has been
difficult. Traditionally, this required meticulous sampling and preparation, as well as taking the sample
to the lab for evaluation. Although portable coating
thickness gauges are not new, most fail to provide the
30
APRIL/MAY 2020
accuracy, speed, or simplicity required for anyone to
conduct quick checks as needed on the production
line or in the field.
Fortunately, handheld devices are now available
that allow personnel to easily and quickly perform labquality coating thickness measurements. Some options
offer instant coating thickness measurement of almost
any non-magnetic coating on both ferrous (magnetic)
and non-ferrous (non-magnetic) substrates. This is possible using only one hand, even on curved and complex
surfaces. By simplifying the process, aerospace OEMs
and MROs can increase the quality of their products
and services from start to finish.
The Many Benefits of Coating
Thickness Readings
Coating thickness directly affects aircraft and component quality, whether for paint, electroplating, anodizing, or a wide range of other coating applications. For
example, checking the paint coating consistency on
an aircraft or component not only provides a superior
finish, but can also offer essential data about paint
consistency when it is wet. Incorrect paint consistency
can affect drying times or eventual flaking of the paint
film. Too little paint coating and you are left with
cosmetic issues in opacity, and protective issues like
corrosion, wear and exposure.
AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY
Aircraft Maintenance Technology
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Aircraft Maintenance Technology
Editor's Takeoff: We Are Alone, Together
Developing a Strong Bond
Tech Spotlight: Meeting Military Standards
Paints and Coatings: State of the Industry Report: Aircraft Paints & Coatings
Special Feature: Does Your Coating Thickness Meet Spec?
MRO Feature: The Journey of Elliott Aviation
Product Focus: Ladders, Stands & Platforms - Build, Tear Down, Reuse
ARSA Insight: What Relief Looks Like
GAMA Insight: Strengthening the General Aviation Workforce
Professionalism: Compassionate Leadership During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Shop Talk: Welcome to Papa's Playhouse
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 1
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 2
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 3
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - Editor's Takeoff: We Are Alone, Together
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 5
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 6
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 7
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 8
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 9
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - Developing a Strong Bond
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 11
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 12
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 13
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 14
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 15
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - Tech Spotlight: Meeting Military Standards
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 17
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 18
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 19
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 20
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 21
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 22
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 23
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - Paints and Coatings: State of the Industry Report: Aircraft Paints & Coatings
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 25
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 26
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 27
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 28
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 29
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - Special Feature: Does Your Coating Thickness Meet Spec?
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 31
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 32
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 33
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - MRO Feature: The Journey of Elliott Aviation
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 35
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 36
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 37
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - Product Focus: Ladders, Stands & Platforms - Build, Tear Down, Reuse
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 39
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 40
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 41
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 42
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 43
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - ARSA Insight: What Relief Looks Like
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 45
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - GAMA Insight: Strengthening the General Aviation Workforce
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 47
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - Professionalism: Compassionate Leadership During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 49
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - Shop Talk: Welcome to Papa's Playhouse
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 51
Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 52
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