Dry Film Thickness (DFT)

Definition

The thickness of a fluid-applied material after it has dried (cured).

Purpose

Dry Film Thickness (DFT) is a critical measurement in coatings and painting applications, ensuring that the applied material meets specified thickness requirements for performance, durability, and appearance.

Examples of Use

1. Protective Coatings: Ensuring that protective coatings on metal surfaces are thick enough to prevent corrosion and wear.
2. Paint Applications: Verifying that paint on walls, vehicles, or equipment meets aesthetic and protective standards.
3. Industrial Finishes: Used in quality control processes to check the thickness of industrial coatings applied to machinery and components.

Related Terms

• Wet Film Thickness (WFT): The thickness of a coating when it is still wet, measured immediately after application.
• Coating: A covering applied to a surface for protection, decoration, or other functional purposes.
• Micrometer: A precision instrument used to measure the thickness of thin films and coatings.

Notes

• Proper measurement of DFT is crucial for ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of coatings.
• Specialized tools like magnetic thickness gauges or ultrasonic gauges are used to measure DFT.