Infralytic NG2 Portable Infrared Oil Film Thickness Gauge
| Origin | Germany |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported Instrument |
| Model | Infralytic NG2 |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
Overview
The Infralytic NG2 Portable Infrared Oil Film Thickness Gauge is an engineered solution for non-contact, real-time quantification of organic thin films on metallic substrates. It operates on the principle of near-infrared (NIR) absorption spectroscopy—specifically leveraging characteristic C–H bond vibrational overtones in hydrocarbon-based oils and coatings (e.g., rust inhibitors, passivation layers, fingerprint-resistant polymers, and insulating varnishes). Unlike contact-based or beta-backscatter methods, the NG2 employs dual-wavelength differential absorption analysis to eliminate substrate interference and minimize baseline drift. Its optical architecture is calibrated against NIST-traceable reference standards and validated per ISO 2808 (paints and varnishes — determination of film thickness) and ASTM D7091 (standard practice for nondestructive measurement of dry film thickness of nonmagnetic coatings applied to ferrous metals). Designed for inline process verification and lab-grade quality control, the NG2 delivers traceable, repeatable measurements without surface contact, sample preparation, or consumables.
Key Features
- Single-second measurement cycle with integrated auto-zero stabilization
- Optical path optimized for high signal-to-noise ratio across 1.65–1.75 µm spectral window
- Temperature-compensated detector array ensuring stability across ambient conditions (10–40 °C)
- Ergonomic handheld design weighing <280 g, IP54-rated enclosure for shop-floor durability
- Internal rechargeable NiMH battery supporting >8 hours continuous operation per charge
- On-device LCD with backlight and intuitive icon-driven interface—no external PC required for basic operation
- Calibration memory stores up to 12 substrate-specific calibration curves (e.g., cold-rolled steel, galvanized Zn, Al-mg alloy, electrical steel)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The NG2 is validated for use on flat or gently curved metallic surfaces with reflectivity ≥45% in the NIR band. Compatible substrates include: cold-rolled carbon steel, hot-dip galvanized (HDG) steel, electrolytic zinc-coated steel, aluminum alloys (e.g., AA3003, AA5182), grain-oriented and non-oriented electrical steels, and tinplate. It measures oil-based lubricants (mineral, synthetic, ester-based), chromate and trivalent passivation layers, acrylic and silicone-based fingerprint-resistant coatings, epoxy-phenolic insulating varnishes, and UV-curable resin topcoats. All factory calibrations are performed in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025-accredited procedures. The instrument meets CE marking requirements (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, RoHS 2011/65/EU) and supports GLP-compliant audit trails when paired with optional software modules.
Software & Data Management
The NG2 interfaces via USB 2.0 or Bluetooth 4.2 to the Infralytic Control Suite (v3.1+), a Windows-based application enabling full data governance. Features include: configurable measurement templates with pass/fail thresholds; statistical process control (SPC) charting (X̄–R, Cp/Cpk); automated report generation in PDF/CSV formats compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (electronic signatures, audit trail, user access levels); and secure export to LIMS or MES platforms via ODBC. Raw spectral data (absorbance vs. wavelength) is stored with metadata (timestamp, operator ID, calibration ID, environmental sensor readings), ensuring full traceability for internal audits or regulatory inspections.
Applications
- Real-time monitoring of rolling oil residuals post-cold rolling of steel and aluminum strip
- Verification of chromate-free passivation layer mass (g/m²) on galvanized automotive body panels
- Quantitative assessment of insulating coating uniformity on transformer core laminations
- In-process control of resin solids deposition on beverage can stock prior to curing
- Validation of fingerprint-resistant polymer coverage on appliance-grade stainless steel
- Lab-based comparative analysis of alternative lubricant formulations during R&D trials
FAQ
Does the NG2 require daily recalibration?
No—factory calibration remains stable for ≥6 months under normal operating conditions. A quick verification check using the included reference standard is recommended before each shift.
Can it measure on painted or pre-coated substrates?
Yes, provided the underlying paint layer is NIR-transparent (e.g., thin acrylic primers) and the target oil film resides on top. Substrate-specific calibration is mandatory in such cases.
Is the measurement affected by surface roughness?
Surface roughness up to Ra = 1.6 µm has negligible impact; beyond Ra = 3.2 µm, measurement uncertainty increases due to scattering—optical coupling gel or averaging over multiple points is advised.
What is the minimum measurable film thickness?
Detection limit is 0.05 g/m² for typical mineral oils on steel, corresponding to ~0.07 µm assuming density ≈ 0.85 g/cm³. Accuracy improves above 0.2 g/m² (±0.02 g/m² repeatability at 95% confidence).
Is training and technical support available internationally?
Yes—Infralytic-certified application engineers provide remote and on-site training, method development assistance, and ISO 17025-aligned validation documentation packages upon request.
