DeFelsko PosiTector RTR H Replica Tape Reader

Reading replica tape electronically for blast profile

The DeFelsko PosiTector RTR H is a digital micrometer that reads Testex Press-O-Film replica tape and converts the burnished tape thickness to a surface profile height for blasted steel and textured coatings. The operator cleans the site with putty, selects the tape grade, burnishes a piece of tape onto the surface with the burnishing tool, then inserts the compressed tape between the measurement anvils. The gage applies the conversion factor for the selected tape grade and subtracts the 50 micrometre (2 mil) backing thickness automatically. The method follows ASTM D4417, ISO 8503-4 and NACE SP0287, and the tape leaves a permanent record of the surface.

Technical specifications

Ordering codes and replica tape grades

The ordering guide lists RTR H1 as a gage with a Standard body and RTR H3 as a gage with an Advanced body, each with the same micrometer probe specification. Standard bodies include storage of 1,000 readings per probe; Advanced bodies store 250,000 readings in up to 1,000 batches, add live graphing and a touchscreen keyboard, and include WiFi and Bluetooth. The datasheet states that every gage comes complete with a high-accuracy burnishing tool, five cleaning cards, check shims, surface cleaning putty, a rubber holster, wrist strap, three AAA batteries, instructions, a nylon carrying case with shoulder strap, a lens shield and a long-form Certificate of Calibration. The replica tape itself is a consumable ordered separately.

The instruction manual selects the tape grade from the expected profile height and gives the order codes below. If a reading falls outside the range of the grade used, the manual says to disregard it and measure again with the correct grade. A 2024 study quoted in the manual gives accuracy of +/-8 micrometres (0.3 mils) for Coarse and X-Coarse tape and +/-10 micrometres (0.4 mils) for X-Coarse Plus, when the stated procedure and the high-accuracy burnishing tool are used and at least two replicas are measured per location.

Replica tape gives a record that can be attached to a report and measures on surfaces where a depth micrometer cannot sit stably. A depth micrometer such as the reads directly with no consumable and measures faster. Both are accepted methods in ASTM D4417, so the choice usually follows the specification, the surface geometry and the reporting requirement. Related instruments on this site include the Elcometer 224 digital surface profile gauge; see all portable test and measurement instruments.

Documents and quotation

The attached DeFelsko datasheet describes the models. Please confirm before ordering the Standard or Advanced version, the replica tape grades you need and the procedure you inspect to, and send them with your enquiry so the code can be checked against the manufacturer documentation.