TESTING & MEASURMENT
ZIRCONIA-FACED PROBES: A TOUGHER STANDARD FOR COATING INSPECTION BY DEFELSKO Accuracy and durability sit at the heart of coating inspection. From offshore assets to structural steel, inspectors depend on reliable thickness measurements to ensure coatings perform as intended. Now, DeFelsko Corporation has introduced a significant advancement with its zirconia-faced probes—engineered to meet the growing demands of modern inspection environments. Traditionally, probe tips have used materials such as soft core metals to deliver consistent readings. While effective, these can wear over time when used on abrasive surfaces like thermal spray coatings or hot-dip galvanised steel. As coatings become thicker and substrates rougher, probe durability has become increasingly important in maintaining measurement accuracy and consistency. Zirconia-faced probes with ruby tips address this challenge directly. Manufactured using zirconia-toughened alumina, the probe face offers exceptional hardness and resistance to mechanical wear. This makes it particularly well suited to harsh, real-world conditions where conventional probe materials may degrade more quickly. The result is a longer-lasting probe that maintains performance across extended use. This technology is now available across a wide range of DeFelsko probe models,
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including the PosiTector 6000 FS, FTS, FNS, FNDS, FNTS, FRS, and PosiTector 6000 FNRS. This ensures inspectors can benefit from enhanced durability across ferrous, non-ferrous substrates. For inspectors, the advantages are clear. Improved wear resistance means probes retain calibration for longer, reducing the need for frequent checks and replacements. This not only improves efficiency but also builds confidence in measurement results over time. On rough or uneven coatings, zirconia-faced probes provide more stable and repeatable readings, helping to minimise variability caused by probe wear. Alongside durability improvements, DeFelsko continues to push performance in demanding environments. The PosiTector 6000 FXS and PosiTector 6000 FHXS are purpose-built for hightemperature applications, capable of measuring coatings on surfaces up to 250°C. These probes enable inspection without the need for cooling, improving efficiency in industries such as oil and gas, power generation, and heavy manufacturing.
Speed is another area where modern inspection demands more. When paired with the Advanced body of the PosiTector 6000, zirconia-faced probes benefit from high-speed scan modes capable of exceeding 200 readings per minute. This allows inspectors to cover large surface areas quickly, identify inconsistencies in real time, and meet industry standards without compromising on accuracy. Flexibility remains a key strength of the PosiTector platform. Its modular design allows users to switch between probes effortlessly, with each probe storing its own calibration data. Zirconia-faced probes integrate seamlessly into this system, offering a straightforward upgrade in durability and performance without disrupting established workflows. As coating technologies continue to evolve, inspection equipment must keep pace. By combining advanced ceramic materials with high-speed measurement capabilities and specialised solutions for extreme conditions, DeFelsko has delivered a practical response to the challenges faced by today’s inspectors. Zirconia-faced probes represent more than just an incremental improvement— they reflect a broader shift towards tougher, faster, and more reliable inspection tools. For UK professionals working in demanding environments, that means greater efficiency, reduced downtime, and confidence in every measurement. For more information on the PosiTector 6000 range and the full range of paint test equipment from DeFelsko, please contact Mark Conlon at DFT Instruments, proud authorised UK agent and service centre for DeFelsko. Telephone: 01442 879494 Email: sales@dftinstruments.co.uk Visit site:www.dftinstruments.co.uk