Coating thickness · QC5 and QC3 series

Portable coating thickness gauges.

QC5 and QC3 series Ferrous and non-ferrous substrates

The QC line measures the thickness of dry coatings on ferrous and non-ferrous substrates: paint, varnish, anodising, galvanising and chrome plating. It works both on the production line and in the quality control lab, and is complemented with special probes for complex geometries, tight spaces, thick coatings and curved surfaces.

CE marking ISO 2178 (ferrous substrate) ISO 2360 (non-ferrous substrate) ASTM D7091 / E376 ASTM D1186 (ferrous substrate) ASTM D1400 / B244 (non-ferrous substrate) 5-year warranty
Before you continue

Is this your line?

Yes, if you need to

  • Measure the thickness of a dry coating —paint, varnish, anodising, galvanising, chrome plating— on metal.
  • Work on ferrous, non-ferrous or both substrates; auto-detect models switch substrate with no manual adjustment.
  • Control on the production line or in the lab, with data logging and traceability.
  • Reach complex geometries, tight spaces or curved surfaces with special probes.

No, if you need to

  • Measure the thickness of the metal wall itself, not the coating: that's a QS series (ultrasonic).
  • Measure wall thickness on plastic, glass or rubber: that's a QB series (Hall effect).
  • Measure a coating on a non-metallic substrate (plastic, wood): outside the scope of the QC.

Not sure? Tell us about your application

Series

Two series, one standard of precision.

QC5 series

Advanced coating thickness gauges

The most complete models in the line: standard 0–1500 µm probes with built-in CalTag calibration, 9 calibration modes and compatibility with the full range of special probes.

Model Substrate Suitable if…
QC5 DLF Ferrous Works on steel and iron only.
QC5 DLN Non-ferrous Works on aluminium, copper, brass or non-magnetic stainless steel only.
QC5 DLC Automatic (ferrous and non-ferrous) Switches between ferrous and non-ferrous substrates with no change of setting.
Automatic substrate detectionIdentifies ferrous/non-ferrous with no manual selection (DLC model)
Calibration modes9 modes
Range and accuracy0–1500 µm, ±1–3% or ±2.5 µm (standard probe)
Best forQuality control labs that need traceability, data logging and flexibility across substrates
dmq QC5 coating thickness gauge
dmq QC5 coating thickness gauge
QC3 series

Coating thickness gauges

Mid-range, solid and versatile: interchangeable CalTag probes, 3 calibration modes, measures non-ferrous on ferrous and non-metallic on non-ferrous.

Model Substrate Suitable if…
QC3 DLF Ferrous Always measures on steel and iron.
QC3 DLN Non-ferrous Always measures on aluminium, copper, brass or non-magnetic stainless steel.
Calibration modes3 modes
ProbesStandard 0–1500 µm
Memory5,000 readings
Best forDaily quality control use with data logging, one step below the QC5's automation
dmq QC3 coating thickness gauge
dmq QC3 coating thickness gauge
How it works

Magnetic induction and eddy currents.

The QC measures the thickness of non-conductive coatings (paint, varnish, anodising, galvanising) on two types of substrate, using a different measuring principle for each.

On a ferrous substrate (steel, iron), the probe generates a magnetic field that attenuates according to the coating thickness; the gauge converts that attenuation into a thickness reading. On a non-ferrous substrate (aluminium, brass, non-magnetic stainless steel), the probe induces high-frequency currents in the base metal and measures the change in impedance caused by the coating. Combined models automatically detect which substrate they're on, with no manual selection.

It's the fastest, non-destructive way to verify paint, galvanising, anodising or chrome-plating thickness, both on the production line and in final quality control, without damaging the part or the coating.

Read the guide: coating or wall thickness

dmq QC coating thickness measurement
Comparison

The two series, side by side.

  QC5 QC3
Probe architecture Interchangeable (0–1500 µm) + special probes Interchangeable (0–1500 µm) + special probes
Automatic substrate detection Yes (C/DLC models) No, manual F/N selection
Memory 32,000 5,000
Data logging Yes, with DataCenter USB output Yes, with DataCenter USB output
Accessories

Probes for every substrate and geometry.

Standard, miniature, extended-range and V-notch, plus calibration bases and shims. The same standard and special probes are compatible with both the QC5 and the QC3.

Straight probe for dmq QC coating thickness gauge

Straight probes

General purpose, Ø12 mm, 0–1500 µm range. Three versions depending on substrate: ferrous (steel, iron), non-ferrous (aluminium, copper, brass, non-magnetic stainless steel) or combined, which recognises the substrate type and measures on both.

V-notch probe for dmq QC coating thickness gauge

V-notch probes

V-shaped tip to seat the probe on curved surfaces: pipes, round profiles and cylindrical parts. Available for ferrous, non-ferrous or combined substrate.

Miniature probe for dmq QC coating thickness gauge

Miniature probes

Reduced tip for edges, corners, recesses and very narrow spaces. Straight, 45° or 90° tips, plus an extra-long version built to length in segments. Ferrous substrate only.

Extended-range probe for dmq QC coating thickness gauge

Extended-range probes

Measure thick coatings, up to 0–5000 µm. Ferrous substrate only; use their own dedicated 75 × 75 mm calibration base.

Calibration base for dmq QC coating thickness gauge

Calibration bases

Rectangular carbon steel or aluminium (30 × 50 mm), depending on ferrous or non-ferrous substrate, and square carbon steel (75 × 75 mm) for the extended-range probe.

Calibration shims

Calibration shims

Sets of 3 shims (low, medium and high) or made to order, for standard or extended-range probes.

Base and shims kit

Base and shims kit

Ferrous or non-ferrous base, standard or extended-range, with a set of 3 shims included.

LinQ USB interface cable

LinQ USB interface cable

Sends measurements to Excel or Word in real time with no software to install.

What's included when you buy here

  • See it in action. The manufacturer can arrange a demo video call using your own parts and materials.
  • 5-year warranty limited to the electronic unit, when the equipment is registered at www.demeq.com within the first year.
  • Service across Europe. Technical support for everyday use, plus recalibration and repair, in and out of warranty.
  • Documentation. Manufacturer's Certificate of Conformity included. Traceability certificate on request when you ask for your quote.

Ferrous, non-ferrous, or both?

Tell us what metal you're measuring, what coating and what thickness range you need. We'll confirm the series, model and probe for you.