Columbia, Maryland, United States | October 1, 2025 | Paul N. Gardner Company (GARDCO)
Paul N. Gardner Company—worldwide distributors, producers, and designers of quality physical and inspection instruments for the paint, coatings, and related industries—introduces a new offering: a premium line of dry film thickness gauges, the byko-test 9500 series.
Two new versions of the byko-test 9500 have replaced the byko-test 8500 series. The 9500 series represents BYK-Gardner’s new, premium line of dry film thickness gauges for measurements on Fe and NFe substrates. Both models come with a detachable probe and a cable for different modes of operation. They have functions to store, archive, and document measured values. You can easily change device settings on a PC by using the software and then pre-configuring it, for example by setting pass/fail limits.
The premium model has the option to create up to 100 jobs (order numbers, batches, components, etc.) with 100 areas each, and offers functions to comply with established ISO and SSPC methods. Both instruments have a fiberglass-reinforced plastic housing, which is dust-tight and protected against water spray in accordance with IP65. The instruments come with an ISO 17025 certificate.
(3677) Premium + Model Features:
- Premium model total memory: 2,000,000 readings
- Option to create up to 100 jobs
- Continuous measurement function
- Combined measurement; Fe and NFe coating in one measurement
- Adjustment for ISO 19840 and SSPC Zero Offset, as well as two-point accuracy verificationÂ
(3676) Basic Model Features:
- Basic model total memory: 10,000 readings
Combined Standard Features:
- Measurements on ferrous and non-ferrous substrates
- Temperature compensation directly in the sensor
- Precise measurements on curvatures and small parts
- Easy adjustment on rough, smooth, or curved substrates
- 61 mm (2.4”) color display; resistant against scratches and chemicals (Level H6)
- Stainless steel probe with dust protection membrane (IP65)
- Optimal readability of flip display; adjustable brightness (automatic or manual)
- Simple and fast creation of documentation and reports
- Multiple languages
- IP65 dust and splash water protection
- USB connectivity and PC software
- ISO 17025 certificate included
The byko-test 9500 premium line of dry film thickness gauges was designed specifically to fit customer needs. It is ideal for measurements on both ferrous and non-ferrous substrates, as well as for precise measurements on curvatures and small parts. It is adjustable for rough or smooth substrates, and has a modular design to accommodate a wide range of applications.
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About the Paul N. Gardner Company (GARDCO)
The Paul N. Gardner Company, Inc. (GARDCO) has its origin with the alliance of pioneer paint chemist Dr. Henry Alfred Gardner, Sr., Director of the Institute of Paint and Varnish Research in Washington, D.C., and his son Paul Norris Gardner in 1935 and the subsequent incorporation of the Henry A. Gardner Laboratory in Bethesda, Maryland. After his father retired, Paul was named President and later Board Chairman until 1964, when he decided to retire. Maintaining contact with the industry, Paul formed the Paul N. Gardner Company, Inc. for the distribution, import, and export of scientific instruments and laboratory equipment. A short time later, he relocated the business to Pompano Beach, Florida. After his passing in 1995, Paul N. Gardner, Jr. assumed the Presidency of GARDCO; and his sister, Sandra Gardner Bride, later joined the company as the Vice President.
On July 1, 2019, the Paul N. Gardner Company became a part of the Altana family, as we were acquired by the BYK-Gardner / Altana Group.
Many of the GARDCO employees have been with the company for 20–30 years, and share the same principles of appreciation, openness, empowerment, and trust that are a major part of Altana’s vision. We are excited to be a part of such a successful global corporation that shares the same core values and industry standards that have made the Gardner name synonymous with quality for physical testing equipment.
We are confident that our combined strengths will provide new and innovative solutions to improve quality testing worldwide.