thin polymer film

[sdlocsrf]

I am currently coating a thin polymer film on biomedical implant parts. Coatings are typically 3-4 uM thick. Having difficulty finding method of measuring coating thickness for quality control purposes. Any thoughts apreciated.

 

[unclesyd]

Here are just a few of the electronic coating thickness gauges out there. You can get about any precision you need. There is a whole series of magnetic lift off instruments not as accurate but may work in your case. .

http://www.checkline.com/coating_thickness_gauges/?referrer=adwords&gclid=CK6L7d_0hpYCFQNfFQodwCYEEA

http://measureitall.com/paint/paintthicknessgauge.htm

 

[sdlocsrf]

Thanks for the response.

I have come across these. But it appears that most rely on eddy currents. My substrate is non-magnetic.

I also should have mentioned that my parts are small, approx 1 mil in diameter. These handheld contact probes would not be appropriate

 

[unclesyd]

If you part is a constant one mil in diameter why can't you physically measure the OD and subtract the core?

Can you give us better description of your part.

By the way when we were working on implants Al was a definite no,no.

If your film is clear you could talk to Filmetrics.

http://www.filmetrics.com/

You could use this laser micrometer from Keyence to measure you coating.

http://www.keyence.com/dwn/downloadls_5000_ka.pdf

 

[sdlocsrf]

It is a clear polymer in fact. I called the guys at Filmetrics, they were very helpful. They are going to run a free sample measurement for me. Will let you know if this works for my application.

Thanks again!

 

[unclesyd]

Glad you got a positive response from Filmetrics.

Please, let the forum know how this turns out. Results, either good or bad will help someone else down the line.