Nuclear Gauge Mounting Challenges: Industrial Physics Calls for Urgent Rethink in Coating Thickness Measurement

Published: September 03, 2025

The regulatory, logistical and administrative challenges of using nuclear gauge technology in coating thickness measurement are becoming insurmountable – and the technology is on the verge of being unviable.

Alongside rising regulatory burdens, escalating costs and growing disposal challenges, production leaders across paper, film and flexible packaging are facing a critical decision: evolve now, or risk facing challenges in the near-term.

Global packaging, material, and coatings test and measurement partner, Industrial Physics, is urging the industry to act now and protect its measurement integrity. A new guidebook developed by Industrial Physics’ Principal Technologist, Vivek Komaragiri, examines the feasibility of nuclear gauges in 2025 - exploring what businesses must do to ensure operational resilience in a non-nuclear future.

In the downloadable resource, readers will find:

• A deep-dive analysis of the mounting regulatory, logistical, and cost challenges of nuclear gauge technology
• Visual explainer video and animations demystifying the differences between nuclear and non-nuclear approaches
• An introduction to Industrial Physics’ SpecMetrix solution—a non-nuclear, non-contact, and non-destructive alternative to coating thickness measurement

For decades, nuclear sources including promethium, krypton and strontium have been used in transmission beta gauges and backscatter beta gauges to measure coating thickness across many industries. Recent developments have accelerated the level and complexity of sourcing and handling challenges for these materials, including the conflict in Ukraine. The cost of nuclear sources has increased and the logistics of sourcing and disposing of nuclear materials has become more difficult.

Industrial Physics’ principal technologist, Vivek Komaragiri, commented: “Nuclear gauges were groundbreaking in their time, but today they represent more risk than reward for many. The combination of regulatory burdens, disposal challenges, procurement difficulties, safety, environmental concerns and technological limitations should spur companies to move fast on non-nuclear alternatives.

“Many manufacturers are facing these challenges but do not have time to put together a business case for switching or even know that a non-nuclear alternative exists. I developed the guidebook to provide the support and insights that will enable the future proofing of measurement approaches, and therefore stronger operations.”

Download Industrial Physics’ free nuclear gauge resource pack here: https://industrialphysics.com/