LS236 Coating Thickness Gauge User Manual
Please read this manual carefully before using and reserve it for reference.
I. Product Introduction
The Linshang LS236 coating thickness gauge is professionally used for measuring the thickness of car paint. It is designed for metal materials commonly found in car bodies, such as iron and aluminum, as well as non-metallic materials like carbon fiber and plastic. The gauge can accurately measure car paint thickness on iron and aluminum substrates. It can also identify ferrous putty layers and galvanized iron. The device features two displays: a front LCD display for clear visibility under strong light and a top OLED display for normal operation in low temperatures down to -40°C. It also includes a 3-color backlight display.
The device is designed with the following standards:
- DIN EN ISO 2808: Paints and Varnishes-Determination of Film Thickness
- JJG-818-2005: Verification Regulation of Magnetic and Eddy Current Measuring Instrument for Coating Thickness
- GB/T 4956-2003: Non-magnetic Coatings on Magnetic Substrates-Measurement of Coating Thickness-Magnetic Method
- GB/T 4957-2003: Non-conductive Coatings on Non-magnetic Basis Metals-Measurement of Coating Thickness-Eddy Current
II. Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
| Probe tip | Ruby |
| Measuring principle | Fe: Hall Effect / NFe: Eddy current |
| Probe type | Built-in integrated probe |
| Measuring range | 0.0-5000µm |
| Resolution | 0.1µm/1µm/10µm |
| Accuracy | 0-3000µm: ≤±(3%H+2µm), H is the standard value; 3000-5000µm: ≤±(5%H+2µm), H is the standard value |
| Unit | µm / mil |
| Measuring interval | 0.5s |
| Minimum measuring area | Ø = 25mm |
| Minimum curvature | Convex: 5mm / Concave: 25mm |
| Minimum substrate thickness | Fe: 0.2mm / NFe: 0.05mm |
| Display | Front: 128×48 dot matrix LCD, Top: 128×64 dot matrix OLED |
| Power supply | 2 pcs of 1.5V AAA alkaline battery |
| Operation temperature range | -40°C-50°C |
| Storage temperature range | -50°C-60°C |
| Gauge size | 100*60*24 mm |
| Weight(with battery) | 80g |
| Supply Voltage | DC3V |
| Operating Current | 20mA |
| Operating Power Consumption | 60mW |
III. Features
- No calibration required, only zero adjustment.
- Simple operation with a single button press.
- Fast measurement with a 0.5s measuring interval.
- Dual display design shows measured values simultaneously, allowing for convenient data viewing at different angles.
- Utilizes both LCD and OLED displays for optimal visibility in various lighting and temperature conditions.
- Can identify ferrous putty and galvanized iron substrates, featuring a 3-color backlight display.
- Equipped with a wear-proof ruby probe tip for long-term use.
- Dual-use probe supports both iron and aluminum substrates, automatically identifying the substrate and switching measurement modes.
- Measures non-magnetic coating thickness on metal substrates and non-conductive coating thickness on non-magnetic substrates.
- Employs advanced digital probe technology for high accuracy and stability, unaffected by temperature changes.
IV. Operation
1. Power on/off
Power on: Short press the power button. The gauge displays the version number and serial number, followed by the last recorded measurement.
Power off: Long press the power button to shut down. The gauge also automatically shuts down after 3 minutes of inactivity.
2. Device setting
To enter the setting interface, long press the power button for 3 seconds while the device is off. The gauge will automatically shut down after 20 seconds of inactivity in the setting interface. Short presses navigate settings, while long presses (3-5 seconds) confirm selections or exit.
Language settings
The instrument supports Chinese, English, Russian, Turkish, Ukrainian, and German. To change the language: navigate to the 'Language' option in the main setting interface, confirm with a long press, select the desired language with a short press, and confirm again with a long press.
Unit setting
The device can be set to metric (µm) or imperial (mil) units. The factory default is metric. To change the unit: select 'Unit' in the main setting interface, confirm, choose the desired unit, and confirm again.
Tricolor Screen Setting
The three-color backlight can be set to ON or OFF. The default setting is ON. To change: select 'Tricolor Screen' in the settings main interface, confirm, choose ON or OFF, and confirm to exit.
Rotation Setting
The screen rotation function can be set to ON or OFF. The default is OFF. When Rotation is ON, the short button press rotates the screen. When OFF, it queries history records. To change: select 'Rotation' in the settings main interface, confirm, choose ON or OFF, and confirm to exit.
Resolution Setting
The instrument allows resolution settings of 0.1µm, 1µm, and 10µm. The factory default is 0.1µm. To change: select 'Resolution' in the settings main interface, confirm, choose the desired resolution, and confirm to exit.
Reset
To reset the device to factory default settings: select 'Reset' in the main settings interface, confirm, choose 'Yes' or 'No', and confirm to exit. After a reset, default parameters include Language: English, Unit: µm, Tricolor Screen: ON, Rotation: ON, Resolution: 0.1µm.
3. Zero adjustment
Zero adjustment is required for first-time use, after battery replacement, or when working with different materials or ambient temperatures. It is recommended to perform this on an uncoated original substrate. If not possible, use the provided Fe or NFe zero reference plates.
- Measure the uncoated substrate. Ensure the probe tip is placed perpendicularly and evenly.
- Hold the probe still and long press the button for 3 seconds. The display will show “zero reference place probe” with a downward arrow and “AUTO Fe”.
- After a buzzer sound, the display will show “Lift off probe at least 15 cm” with an upward arrow. Lift the probe at least 15 cm away from the surface.
- The zero adjustment is complete when a second buzzer sounds and the LCD displays “0.0 µm” with “AUTO Fe”.
- After adjustment, place a standard film on the substrate. If the measurement is stable and within ±3µm of the standard value, the gauge is ready for normal use.
Note: Minor variations in readings (not always 0µm) may occur on the same spot after zero adjustment due to surface roughness, dirt, or scratches. Proper and proficient operation is key to stable measurements.
4. Measurement
- Hold the device using the non-slip groove.
- Press the probe vertically against the tested object surface. Keep it stable without tilting or shaking. The measurement value will appear with buzzer alerts.
- To continue measuring, lift the probe and repeat step 2.
- The device will prompt “Ferrous putty” when it identifies ferrous putty, and display ‘FeZn’ for galvanized iron.
- The backlight color indicates the measured thickness:
- White backlight: <170µm
- Yellow backlight: 170µm - 350µm
- Red backlight: >350µm
5. Check measurement records
In measurement mode, short press the button to check historical data. The gauge stores up to 9 sets of data. Older data is automatically deleted when new data exceeds this limit. Recorded data is retained even after powering off.
V. APP Operation
The coating thickness gauge features built-in Bluetooth communication for connection to a mobile app.
1. Mobile APP installation and use
- Mobile APP installation: Scan the QR code on the instrument using your phone's browser or scanner. Follow the instructions to download and install the “Coating Thickness Gauge” software. For iPhones, search for it in the App Store. The app icon, labeled “CTGauge”, will appear on your phone's desktop.
- Connect the device: Open the app. If no Bluetooth device is paired, go to the Bluetooth settings. Click “Start Searching” to find available devices. Click “Stop Searching” to end the search. Select the gauge's serial number to bind it. Upon successful connection, the main measurement interface will appear, showing a Bluetooth icon. The app will automatically search for and connect to a bound device when available.
VI. Precaution
- Always perform zero adjustment using the appropriate iron-base or aluminum-base zero adjustment plates to avoid misidentification of ferrous putty and galvanized iron substrates.
- Some car bodies may be misjudged as iron-zinc due to base material variations.
- Do not slide the probe on the car body surface, as this can damage both the paint and the device.
- Ensure the car paint surface is clean. Dust, dirt, and foreign objects can affect measurement accuracy.
- Replace batteries when the device displays “Low Battery”.
VII. Packing list
| No. | Description | Quantity | Unit |
| 1 | Coating Thickness Gauge | 1 | Set |
| 2 | Fe zero-adjustment plate | 1 | pcs |
| 3 | NFe zero-adjustment plate | 1 | pcs |
| 4 | Standard film | 1 | pcs |
| 5 | User manual | 1 | pcs |
| 6 | Drawstring bag | 1 | pcs |
| 7 | Certificate / Warranty card | 1 | pcs |
| 8 | 1.5V AAA alkaline battery | 2 | pcs |
VIII. Service
The gauge comes with a one-year warranty. For abnormal operation, please send the entire gauge to Shenzhen Linshang Technology Co., Ltd. for maintenance.
Shenzhen Linshang Technology Co., Ltd. provides:
- Spare parts and lifelong maintenance services.
- Gauge calibration services.
- Free technical support for the long term.
Manufacturer: Shenzhen Linshang Technology Co., Ltd.
Website: www.linshangtech.com
Service hotline: +86-755-86263411
Email: sales21@linshangtech.com
