Testex RTM Digital Micrometer Thickness Gage

See More Surface Profile Gauges

Custom-designed to be the optimal tool for measuring replica tape

Makes taking measurements and creating reports easier than ever

The Testex RTM Digital Micrometer Thickness Gage makes using Testex Replica Tape even easier. It is custom-designed to be the optimal tool for measuring replica tape, and makes taking measurements and creating reports easier than ever.

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Kit Contents
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Testex RTM Digital Micrometer Thickness Gage
USB Cable
Certificate of Calibration
1 AAA battery
Case
Instruction Manual

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Features
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Easy to Use

Bright, high-contrast digital color display with large numerals for easy viewing in bright or dark environments
Measures in both Microns and Mils
Built-in memory for up to 250 readings with on-screen statistics. View and download measurements on any computer using the included USB cable. No software required.
Durable, all-metal housing
Powered by a single AAA battery

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Designed for Replica Tape

Simply select the appropriate replica tape grade to automatically apply the appropriate conversion factor and subtract the 50 µm (2 mils) backing thickness
In 'Average mode', the Micrometer prompts the user and averages two readings, in compliance with international standards
A traceable Certificate of Calibration is included with each digital micrometer

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Download to a PC or Mac

Fully compatible with powerful PosiSoft Software for archiving and reporting measurement data
USB Drive mode retrieves data in a manner similar to a flash drive in .csv format. No software to install or internet connection required

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Specifications
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Measuring Range	0 - 40 mils	0 - 1000 µm
Accuracy	0 - 10 mils: ±0.2 mils 10 - 40 mils: ±(0.2 mils + 1%)	0 - 250 µm: ±5 µm 250 - 1000 µm: ±(5 µm + 1%)
Resolution	0.1 mils	1 µm
Closing Force	1.1 N
Anvil Diameter	0.25"	6.35 mm
Units	Microns/Mils Switchable
Certified	Yes

How It Works line


Prepare	Burnish	Measure
Clean the surface with a putty to remove dust and other contaminants. Use cleaning putty to remove dust, debris, or residual blast media from the measurement site by firmly pressing the putty onto the surface to be tested using your fingers and remove.	Select the appropriate grade of replica tape, then pull a single piece of tape free of its release paper and apply to blasted surface. Firmly compress replica film using burnishing tool by applying sufficient pressure in a circular and x-y rubbing motion. When complete, remove tape from surface.	Insert the compressed replica tape between the micrometer's measurement anvils and take a reading. Ensure the tape is properly positioned so that the burnished region is centered in the anvils with the adhesive side down.

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DeFelsko RTBURNISHHA High Accuracy Burnishing Tool

Burnishing tool includes a built-in spring mechanism ensuring that consistent force is used, regardless of how hard the tool is pressed against the surface

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DeFelsko STDRTSHIMS Precision Shim Set

Used to verify the accuracy and operation of Testex and other spring micrometer replica tape readers

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DeFelsko RTRPUTTY Surface Cleaning Putty

To clean the surface of debris prior to burnishing

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DeFelsko STDRTCSS Certified Shim Set

Used to verify the accuracy and operation of all Testex micrometers. Ideal for fulfilling both ISO and in-house quality control requirements. Includes Certificate of Calibration traceable to PTB

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DeFelsko RTBURNISHPL Legacy Burnishing Tool

Round-end plastic rubbing tool to compress replica film on the blasted surface

line Related Products line

Testex Press-O-Film Replica Tape

Measures surface profile by creating a replica of the surface, which can be measured using a micrometer

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Downloads
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Testex Digital Micrometer Thickness Gage - Quick Guide

Testex Digital Micrometer Thickness Gage - Instruction Manual

Testex Digital Micrometer Thickness Gage - Instruction Manual Eupore

Testex Digital Micrometer Thickness Gage - Instruction Manual Asia

F.A.Q.

What is replica tape?

Testex Press-O-Film replica tape consists of a layer of crushable plastic microfoam coated onto polyester film of highly uniform thickness. It is sold in a number of grades to accommodate measurements in different profile ranges.

What is Press-O-Film HT?

Testex Press-O-Film HT is an improved version of Press-O-Film (discontinued in 2010). Press-O-Film HT (High Temperature) is formulated for better performance at high temperatures (up to 140°F or 60° C) encountered in the most challenging environments.

How does replica tape work?

Replica tape consists of a layer of compressible foam affixed to an incompressible polyester substrate. When pressed against a roughened (steel) surface, the foam collapses acquiring an impression of the surface. Placing the compressed tape between the anvils of a micrometric thickness gage, and subtracting the contribution of the incompressible substrate (50 µm or 2 mils), gives a measure of the surface profile. Consequently, the thickness of the compressed tape equals the average maximum peak-to-valley profile plus the thickness of the incompressible polyester substrate. A spring-loaded micrometer gage is used to measure the thickness of the replica.

How accurate is Testex Press-O-Film Replica Tape?

There are multiple ways of expressing the accuracy or precision of an instrument or test method. The most common method in our industry is to measure on traceable standards in a calibration laboratory. This is challenging for surface profile measurement instruments because no traceable surface profile standards exist. For some instruments, such as depth micrometers (ASTM D4417 Method B), accuracy can be estimated using calibrated height standards. For replica tape, the ASTM D01.46 committee used a set of panels blasted with a range of surface profiles, and compared the results from replica tape against measurements taken on the same panels using a calibrated drag stylus micrometer (ASTM D4417 Method D). Across the 0.8-4.5 mil (20-115 micron) primary range of replica tape, the readings differed by less than ± 0.3 mils (± 9 microns), as summarized in the table below. However, this tests the accuracy of the instrument or apparatus, but not necessarily the overall test method. For most users, it is more important that measurements are consistent between the various parties (for example, the specifier or contract author, the contractor, and the inspector). Because blasted surfaces are complex, random shapes, the ability of an instrument to measure height in a laboratory is not necessarily indicative of its ability to measure surface profile in a consistent, repeatable manner in the field. In 2011 the ASTM D01.46 committee preformed an interlaboratory study, which measured the reproducibility of measurements made by multiple users and laboratories (stated as the range that 95% of measurements from all operators across all laboratories fall within). The results are summarized as follows: The accuracy/reproducibility values are specified at 3 mils in the above table, and typically vary across the range of an instrument. For Replica Tape: In summary, independent studies have shown that Testex Press-O-Film replica tape is a highly accurate measurement method with industry-leading reproducibility

Why is measuring surface profile important?

Industrial steel in bridges, ships, railcars, etc., is almost always painted or otherwise coated to prevent corrosion. Before they can be painted, these metal surfaces must be cleaned and roughened to ensure that the paint adheres. This is usually done by grit or shot blasting the surface. If the resulting surface is too smooth, the paint or coating will not stick. If the surface is too rough, the peaks may poke through the coating allowing rusting to occur.

Is it necessary to average the measurements from two pieces of replica tape?

Most international standards instruct users of replica tape to take two replica tape readings in each measurement area, and average those two readings together to yield a 'Profile Measurement'. As with any test, averaging multiple measurements improves repeatability and accuracy. If a measurement made with either Coarse or X-Coarse replica tape is in the 'overlap range' of 38 to 64 µm (1.5 to 2.5 mils), a second measurement should be taken in the same spot with the other grade of tape. If BOTH readings are in the above Overlap Range, record the average of the two measurements as the peak-to-valley roughness. If EITHER reading is outside of the Overlap Range, record it as the profile height.

Do I need to use two different grades of replica tape to take a measurement?

In 2024, a peer-reviewed study introduced improvements to the replica tape test method including an increased range for Coarse, X-Coarse, and X-Coarse Plus replica tapes and a new conversion technique. The resultant conversion table can be used with analog micrometers and provides a simpler alternative to the legacy ‘averaging’ technique. The conversion table is not required for the Testex Digital Micrometer as it makes the calculations automatically.

Previously, if readings made with either the legacy Coarse or X-Coarse replica tape fell within the 'overlap range' of 38 to 64 µm (1.5 to 2.5 mils), a second reading was be taken in the same spot with the other grade of tape. If BOTH readings were within the above 'overlap range’, the average of the two readings were recorded as the ‘Profile Measurement’. If only one reading was outside of the Overlap Range, it was recorded as the first reading and a second reading was taken with the same grade of replica tape. Averaging those two readings together yielded a 'Profile Measurement'. The legacy averaging technique is still valid and supported by international standards.

What is the High Accuracy Burnishing Tool?

The High Accuracy Burnishing Tool includes a spring-loaded burnishing ball which is depressed into the base of the tool exerting the perfect amount of pressure to burnish (create) a replica. It reduces operator influence, providing an extended range and ±8 µm (0.3 mil) accuracy for Testex Replica Tape.

For concave surfaces, the narrower curved top of the tool can be used to create replicas.

The Classic Stick-type Burnishing Tool remains a valid measurement practice and is recognized by international standards. Care should be given to avoid applying too much force. Excessive force can lead to inaccurate measurements

What has changed with the new replica tape format and packaging?

All versions of Coarse and X-Coarse replica tape use the same trusted replica foam, incompressible backing, and HT (high temperature) formulation that have been sold for decades. There is no functional difference between the legacy rolls of Coarse and X-Coarse replica tape, and the new strips of Coarse and X-Coarse replica tape that are packaged in cartons.

The new 'strips' of Coarse and X-Coarse replica tape simply feature a modernized design and packaging.

Strips of X-Coarse Plus replica tape feature thicker foam to allow an increased measurement range of 100-150 µm (4.0-6.0 mils). Strips and rolls of X-Coarse Plus replica tape should not be used interchangeably.

Improvements include:

Easy-Open, Easy-Close Carton
Improved 'Strip' format with Easy-Remove 'Peel-Here' Tab
Increased X-Coarse Plus Range—100-150 µm (4.0-6.0 mils).

Returning Features

Same trusted Coarse and X-Coarse replica foam
Same High Temperature (HT) Formulation for better performance on hot surfaces
50 strips (impressions) per carton/roll

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Testex RTM Digital Micrometer Thickness Gage	$350.00

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Testex RTM Digital Micrometer Thickness Gage

$350.00

Testex RTM Digital Micrometer Thickness Gage

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Testex RTM Digital Micrometer Thickness Gage

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