data sheet

Elcometer 121/3 Universal Paint Inspection Gauge

The Elcometer 121/3 Universal Paint Coating Thickness Gauges

Inspection Gauge (P.I.G) provides a
quick, versatile method of coating
examination and destructive
measurement of coating thickness and
cross hatch adhesion in a portable,
easy-to-use gauge.
The gauge can be used on single or
multiple coats on virtually all substrates
including wood, plastics and metal.
A bright white LED ensures clear vision
through the integrated 50x microscope
with graticule scale.
Elcometer 121/3 Universal Paint
Inspection Gauge
Compact and convenient:
- Destructive
Destructive thickness
measurement is often the
only guaranteed method
available to test certain
coating / substrate
combinations including paint
applied to concrete, wood,
plaster, plastic etc.
When it is necessary to
measure the individual layer
thickness of multiple-layer
coating system, the most
accurate method available is
the Paint inspection Gauge
(P.I.G) coating thickness
gauge.

At a glance: Holds three knife sizes and one

Destructive coating
thickness gauge used to
measure multi-layer
coatings
Universal dial also allows
for hardness and cross
hatch adhesion testing
cross cut knife and is small in size
to facilitate the use of the gauge in
confined areas.
Ergonomic design:
Simply rotate the cutter holder to
change the cutting tool.
Lightweight and durable:
Made of titanium anodised
aluminium for durability.

Bright LED light source:

Can be used in accordance with: Bright white LED lights to ensure
clear vision through the integrated
ASTM D 4138 ASTM D 3359-B microscope.
BS EN 3900-CS-5B BS EN ISO 2815
DIN 53151 DIN 53153
ISO 2808-5B ISO 2409

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data sheet
Range 2µm to 2000µm (0.08 mils to 70 mils)
Microscope magnification 50x with graticule
Accuracy Depends upon tool cut angle and user’s readings
Body material Titanium anodised aluminium
Battery type 4 x AG3 coin cell batteries
Size 110 x 60 x 25mm (4.3 x 2.3 x 1”)
A121----3
Part Numbers
A121----3C with calibration certificate
Elcometer 121-3 Universal P.I.G, 1, 2 and 3 cutters (with Calibration
Packing list Certificates if ordered), 3.0mm hexagonal wrench, black maker pen,
wrist strap, leather carry case, operating instructions

Spares / Accessories
PIG Cutters
Cutter No. 1: 20µm to 2000µm (0.8 mils to 70 mils) T12120256-1
Cutter No. 2: 10µm to 1000µm (0.4 mils to 40 mils) T12120256-2
Cutter No. 3: 5µm to 600µm (0.2 mils to 24 mils) T12120256-3
Cutter No. 4: 2µm to 250µm (0.08 mils to 8 mils) T12120256-4
Cutter No. 1: 20µm to 2000µm (0.8 mils to 70 mils) with calibration certificate T12120256-1C
Cutter No. 2: 10µm to 1000µm (0.4 mils to 40 mils) with calibration certificate T12120256-2C
Cutter No. 3: 5µm to 600µm (0.2 mils to 24 mils) with calibration certificate T12120256-3C
Cutter No. 4: 2µm to 250µm (0.08 mils to 8 mils) with calibration certificate T12120256-4C
Cross Hatch Cutters
Cross Hatch Cutter ISO 1mm T12120256-5
Cross Hatch Cutter ISO 2mm T12120256-6
Cross Hatch Cutter ISO 3mm T12120256-7
Cross Hatch Cutter ASTM 1mm T12120256-8
Cross Hatch Cutter ASTM 1.5mm T12120256-9
Cross Hatch Cutter ISO 1mm with calibration certificate T12120256-5C
Cross Hatch Cutter ISO 2mm with calibration certificate T12120256-6C
Cross Hatch Cutter ISO 3mm with calibration certificate T12120256-7C
Cross Hatch Cutter ASTM 1mm with calibration certificate T12120256-8C
Cross Hatch Cutter ASTM 1.5mm with calibration certificate T12120256-9C
Miscellaneous
Black Marker Pen T12120201
Allen Key 3mm T1212594-

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data sheet
Test Method

The PIG test method is a destructive test to measure the thickness of a coating which is over certain
coating/substrate combinations and to also measure individual layers of a multi-layer coating system.

1. Take the coated product

2. Using the marker, mark a line across the coating

3. Using the PIG, make a cut at right angles to the marker line, all the
way down to the substrate

4. Using the microscope, measure the number of graticule divisions

across a coating layer, using the sharp cut

5. Using the Scale factor (number of microns or mils per division),

calculate the coating thickness

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 data sheet
Related Products:
ENGLAND
Elcometer have a wide range of other equipment Elcometer Instruments Ltd
for testing and measuring the characteristics of Edge Lane
coatings. Manchester M43 6BU
Tel: +44 (0)161 371 6000
Fax: +44 (0)161 371 6010
Elcometer 141 Paint Inspection Gauge is a quick, e-mail: sales@elcometer.com
versatile method of examination and measurement www.elcometer.com
of coatings in a portable, easy to use instrument.
Ergonomically designed to give a balanced weight USA
Elcometer Inc
distribution for a more consistent cut – even on 1893 Rochester Industrial Drive
thick and hard coatings. Rochester Hills Michigan 48309
Elcometer 141 PIG
Tel: +1 248 650 0500
Toll Free: 800 521 0635
Fax: +1 248 650 0501
Elcometer 121 Paint Inspection Gauge is easy to e-mail: inc@elcometer.com
www.elcometer.com
use and provides the user with a cutter,
microscope and light all in a single housing. CANADA
Elcometer Ltd
PO Box 622, 401 Ouelette Avenue
Elcometer 121 PIG
Windsor, Ontario N9A 6N4
Tel: +1 248 650 0500
Elcometer 195 Säberg Drill works in a different way Toll Free: 800 521 0635
to paint inspection gauges. Whereas the PIG Fax: +1 248 650 0501
e-mail: ca_info@elcometer.com
makes a linear cut along the coating, the www.elcometer.com
Elcometer 195 Säberg Drill makes a small hole in
order to measure the coating thickness layer, ASIA & THE FAR EAST
minimising damage to the coating being tested. Elcometer (Asia) Pte Ltd
896 Dunearn Rd
Sime Darby Centre #3-09
Singapore 589472,
Elcometer 195 Säberg Drill Republic of Singapore

Elcometer 107 The coating may be continuous and Tel: +65 6462 2822
look good, but how well is it connected to the Fax: +65 6462 2860
substrate? The Elcometer 107 Cross Hatch Cutter e-mail: asia@elcometer.com
www.elcometer.com
provides an instant assessment of the quality of the
bond to the substrate. Due to its rugged BELGIUM
construction this gauge is ideal for thin, thick or Elcometer SA
tough coatings on flat or curved surfaces. An ideal Rue Vallée 13
B-4681 Hermalle /s Argenteau
field or laboratory test.
Tel: +32 (0)4 379 96 10
Elcometer 107 Cross Hatch Fax: +32 (0)4 374 06 03
Cutter e-mail: be_info@elcometer.be
www.elcometer.be
Elcometer 1542 Simple but effective method for
determining the adhesion of a large variety of FRANCE
Elcometer SARL
coatings. This instrument is ideal for thin coatings 97 Route de Chécy
on flat surfaces, available with three different 45430 BOU
spacings, corresponding to the thickness of layer to
be tested. Tel: +33 (0)2 38 86 33 44
Fax: +33 (0)2 38 91 37 66
e-mail: fr_info@elcometer.fr
www.elcometer.fr
Elcometer 1542 Cross Hatch
Adhesion Tester GERMANY
Elcometer Instruments GmbH
Himmlingstraβe 18
D-73434 Aalen

Tel: +49 (0)7366 91 92 83

Fax: +49 (0)7366 91 92 86
e-mail: de_info@elcometer.de
www.elcometer.de

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