1. Introduction
The WH81 Coating Thickness Gauge is a portable and precise instrument designed for measuring coating thickness on Fe (ferrous) materials. It provides quick, accurate, and non-destructive measurements, making it suitable for both laboratory and engineering environments. This device is widely utilized in manufacturing, metal processing, chemical industries, inspection, and field testing, serving as an essential tool for material protection and quality control.
2. Product Features
- Capable of measuring coating thickness quickly, accurately, and without causing damage.
- Suitable for both laboratory and engineering applications.
- Primarily designed for Fe-based materials.
- Bluetooth version for enhanced connectivity.
3. Package Contents

The WH81 Coating Thickness Gauge package typically includes the main gauge unit, a protective carrying case, a set of calibration foils (e.g., 50um), and a ferrous (Fe) calibration substrate. These components are essential for accurate measurement and calibration of the device.
- WH81 Coating Thickness Gauge Unit
- Protective Carrying Case
- Calibration Foils (various thicknesses)
- Ferrous (Fe) Calibration Substrate
- User Manual (this document)
4. Setup
4.1 Battery Installation
- Locate the battery compartment on the back of the WH81 gauge.
- Slide open the battery compartment cover.
- Insert two (2) AA batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+/-) as indicated inside the compartment.
- Close the battery compartment cover securely.
4.2 Powering On/Off

The main power button is centrally located on the device's control panel. Press and hold this button to turn the gauge on or off. The display will illuminate upon successful power-on.
- To Power On: Press and hold the central power button (⏻) until the display illuminates.
- To Power Off: Press and hold the central power button (⏻) until the display turns off.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Measurement Principle
The WH81 gauge operates on the Magnetic Method (Fe-type probe), which is suitable for measuring non-magnetic coatings on magnetic (ferrous) substrates. This principle relies on the magnetic flux density between the probe and the magnetic substrate, which is influenced by the thickness of the non-magnetic coating.
5.2 Basic Measurement

To perform a measurement, place the probe firmly and perpendicularly onto the coated surface. The gauge will automatically detect the coating thickness and display the reading on the screen. Ensure the surface is clean and free of debris for accurate results.
- Ensure the gauge is powered on.
- Place the probe tip gently and perpendicularly onto the surface to be measured.
- Hold the gauge steady until a stable reading appears on the display.
- Lift the gauge from the surface to prepare for the next measurement.
5.3 Calibration
For optimal accuracy, regular calibration is recommended. The WH81 supports both zero calibration and two-point calibration.
5.3.1 Zero Calibration
Zero calibration is performed on an uncoated ferrous substrate to establish a baseline.
- Place the probe on the bare ferrous calibration substrate.
- Press the 'CLEAR' button (or 'ZERO' if labeled) to perform zero calibration. The display should read close to 0.0 µm.
5.3.2 Two-Point Calibration
Two-point calibration uses a known thickness foil on the ferrous substrate to refine accuracy across a range.
- Perform zero calibration first.
- Place a calibration foil of known thickness (e.g., 100 µm) on the bare ferrous substrate.
- Place the probe on the calibration foil.
- Use the 'UP' and 'DOWN' arrow buttons to adjust the displayed reading to match the known thickness of the foil.
- Confirm the calibration (refer to specific device menu instructions if available).
5.4 Unit Switching
The WH81 gauge supports measurement units in micrometers (µm) and mils (mil).

Locate the 'Um/mil' button on the control panel. Press this button to toggle between micrometers (µm) and mils (mil) units. The current unit will be displayed on the screen.
6. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Wipe the gauge body with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents. Keep the probe tip clean and free of dust or debris.
- Storage: Store the gauge in its protective carrying case when not in use. Keep it in a dry environment, away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight.
- Battery Replacement: Replace batteries promptly when the low battery indicator appears on the display to ensure accurate readings and proper operation. Remove batteries if the device will not be used for an extended period.
- Probe Care: Avoid dropping the gauge or subjecting the probe to impact, as this can damage the sensor and affect accuracy.
7. Troubleshooting
- Gauge does not power on: Check battery installation and ensure batteries are fresh.
- Inaccurate readings: Perform zero and two-point calibration. Ensure the probe is clean and placed perpendicularly on the surface. Verify the substrate is ferrous for Fe-type probe.
- Display shows 'Err' or 'OL': This may indicate an out-of-range measurement or a sensor error. Re-position the probe or check the surface. If the issue persists, contact support.
- Unstable readings: Ensure the gauge is held steady during measurement. Avoid vibrations or movement.
8. Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | WH81 |
| Principle | Magnetic Method (Fe-type probe) |
| Range | 0-1250 µm |
| Accuracy Error (Zero Calibration) | ± (1 + 3% H) |
| Accuracy Error (Two-point Calibration) | ± [(1% ~ 3% H)] H + 1.5 |
| Power Supply | 2 * AA battery (not included) |
| Unit | Um/mil |
| Operating Temperature | 0-40 ℃ (32-104 ℉) |
| Operating Humidity | ≤85% RH |
| Minimum Substrate Size | 10 * 10mm |
| Minimum Curvature (Convex) | 5mm |
| Minimum Curvature (Concave) | 5mm |
| Thinnest Substrate | 0.4mm |
| Weight | 99g (without batteries) |
| Size | 110mm * 65mm * 30mm |
| Manufacturer | HFCC |
| ASIN | B0B45M9T7V |
9. Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the documentation provided with your purchase or contact the seller directly. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
For further assistance, you may also visit the HFCCYBGS store on Amazon: HFCCYBGS Store