Document Blast-Cleaned Surface Profile with a Simple, Standards-Recognized Replica Tape Method
Measure the peak-to-valley surface profile molded in the Elcometer 122 Press-O-Film Replica Testex Tape, made of foam with a non-compressible backing. The foam side is pressed into the surface providing a permanent mould of the peak-to-valley profile, which can then be measured using the Elcometer 124 Gauge. The Tape is available in three profile ranges; It is important to match tape grade to the profile being measured, to avoid a “false” reading. There are 50 tests in each roll.
The Elcometer 124 Thickness Gauge is designed for use with Elcometer 122 Testex® Replica Tape to determine the peak-to-valley height of blast-cleaned surface profiles. The tape creates a physical replica of the prepared surface, which is then measured with the spring-loaded gauge to obtain a quantitative surface profile reading.
This method is particularly useful when inspectors need both a measurable profile value and a physical record of the tested surface. After measurement, the replica tape can be retained as part of the inspection documentation, providing a permanent mould of the surface profile.

Press-O-Film Testex Tape – Metric Add to cart
Press-O-Film Testex Tape – Imperial Add to cart
Conforms to:
ASTM D 4417-C, BS ISO 8503-5, NACE RP 0287, US Navy NSI 009-32, US Navy PPI 63101-000
Measuring Surface Profile manually with Elcometer 124
Direct-Reading Setup for Faster Inspection
The Elcometer 124 can be adjusted to compensate for the 50µm (2mil) thickness of the Testex® backing. Once configured this way, the gauge displays the surface profile directly, eliminating the need to manually subtract the backing thickness from each measurement.
Select the Correct Testex® Tape Grade
Replica tape must be selected according to the expected surface profile. Elcometer 122 Testex® Tape is available in four ranges: Coarse Minus for 12–25µm (0.5–1.0mil), Coarse for 20–64µm (0.8–2.5mils), X-Coarse for 38–115µm (1.5–4.5mils), and X-Coarse Plus for 116–127µm (4.6–5.0mils). Using the correct grade is important because a profile exceeding the tape’s working range can produce an incorrectly low measurement.
Retain a Permanent Record of the Surface Profile
Unlike direct-reading gauges that provide only a numerical measurement, replica tape preserves a physical impression of the tested surface. The backing can be replaced after measurement and the replica retained for inspection records, traceability, or later review.
| Technical Specifications – Elcometer 124 Thickness Gauge (Metric) | |
| Range | 5mm |
| Gauge dimensions (h x w x d) | 120 x 95 x 25mm |
| Weight | 254g |
| Scale Resolution | 2µm |
Testex Press-O-Film Tape Thickness Gauge – Metric
Testex Press-O-Film Tape Thickness Gauge – Imperial
Testex Press-O-Film Tape:
Testex Press-O-Film Tape is available in three profile ranges. It is important that the tape grade chosen is reflective of the profile being measured, as using tape grade below the actual value may provide a “false” reading.
- For profiles between 12 & 25µm (0.5 & 1.0mils): Coarse Minus Tape
- For profiles between 20 & 38µm (0.8 & 1.5mils): Coarse Tape
- For profiles between 38 & 64µm (1.5 & 2.5mils): Average of Coarse and X-Coarse Tape
- For profiles between 64 & 115µm (2.5 & 4.5mils): X-Coarse Tape
- For profiles greater than 115µm (4.5mils): X-Coarse Plus Tape
Order your Testex tape here:
Testex Press-O-Film Tape | Coarse Minus | Coarse | Extra-Coarse | Extra-Coarse Plus
Instructions:
- Placing the replica tape on the blasted surface
- Make sure you select the right tape
- Rub the center of the tape with the burnishing tool until it turns gray
- Place the tape into Elcometer 124
- Subtract the thickness of the tape of the dial
- Conduct the reading
Download user manual
SLASH YOUR COSTS BY GETTING THE LARGER PROJECTS INSPECTION KIT 5
Related products on partner sites:
Document Blast-Cleaned Surface Profile with a Simple, Standards-Recognized Replica Tape Method
Measure the peak-to-valley surface profile molded in the Elcometer 122 Press-O-Film Replica Testex Tape, made of foam with a non-compressible backing. The foam side is pressed into the surface providing a permanent mould of the peak-to-valley profile, which can then be measured using the Elcometer 124 Gauge. The Tape is available in three profile ranges; It is important to match tape grade to the profile being measured, to avoid a “false” reading. There are 50 tests in each roll.
The Elcometer 124 Thickness Gauge is designed for use with Elcometer 122 Testex® Replica Tape to determine the peak-to-valley height of blast-cleaned surface profiles. The tape creates a physical replica of the prepared surface, which is then measured with the spring-loaded gauge to obtain a quantitative surface profile reading.
This method is particularly useful when inspectors need both a measurable profile value and a physical record of the tested surface. After measurement, the replica tape can be retained as part of the inspection documentation, providing a permanent mould of the surface profile.

Press-O-Film Testex Tape – Metric Add to cart
Press-O-Film Testex Tape – Imperial Add to cart
Conforms to:
ASTM D 4417-C, BS ISO 8503-5, NACE RP 0287, US Navy NSI 009-32, US Navy PPI 63101-000
Measuring Surface Profile manually with Elcometer 124
Direct-Reading Setup for Faster Inspection
The Elcometer 124 can be adjusted to compensate for the 50µm (2mil) thickness of the Testex® backing. Once configured this way, the gauge displays the surface profile directly, eliminating the need to manually subtract the backing thickness from each measurement.
Select the Correct Testex® Tape Grade
Replica tape must be selected according to the expected surface profile. Elcometer 122 Testex® Tape is available in four ranges: Coarse Minus for 12–25µm (0.5–1.0mil), Coarse for 20–64µm (0.8–2.5mils), X-Coarse for 38–115µm (1.5–4.5mils), and X-Coarse Plus for 116–127µm (4.6–5.0mils). Using the correct grade is important because a profile exceeding the tape’s working range can produce an incorrectly low measurement.
Retain a Permanent Record of the Surface Profile
Unlike direct-reading gauges that provide only a numerical measurement, replica tape preserves a physical impression of the tested surface. The backing can be replaced after measurement and the replica retained for inspection records, traceability, or later review.
| Technical Specifications – Elcometer 124 Thickness Gauge (Metric) | |
| Range | 5mm |
| Gauge dimensions (h x w x d) | 120 x 95 x 25mm |
| Weight | 254g |
| Scale Resolution | 2µm |
Testex Press-O-Film Tape Thickness Gauge – Metric
Testex Press-O-Film Tape Thickness Gauge – Imperial
Testex Press-O-Film Tape:
Testex Press-O-Film Tape is available in three profile ranges. It is important that the tape grade chosen is reflective of the profile being measured, as using tape grade below the actual value may provide a “false” reading.
- For profiles between 12 & 25µm (0.5 & 1.0mils): Coarse Minus Tape
- For profiles between 20 & 38µm (0.8 & 1.5mils): Coarse Tape
- For profiles between 38 & 64µm (1.5 & 2.5mils): Average of Coarse and X-Coarse Tape
- For profiles between 64 & 115µm (2.5 & 4.5mils): X-Coarse Tape
- For profiles greater than 115µm (4.5mils): X-Coarse Plus Tape
Order your Testex tape here:
Testex Press-O-Film Tape | Coarse Minus | Coarse | Extra-Coarse | Extra-Coarse Plus
Instructions:
- Placing the replica tape on the blasted surface
- Make sure you select the right tape
- Rub the center of the tape with the burnishing tool until it turns gray
- Place the tape into Elcometer 124
- Subtract the thickness of the tape of the dial
- Conduct the reading
Download user manual
SLASH YOUR COSTS BY GETTING THE LARGER PROJECTS INSPECTION KIT 5
Related products on partner sites:
0 items




