Product information
What is the Linshang LS236 Paint Thickness Gauge used for?
The orange-bodied LS236 is a field model equipped with a top OLED screen in addition to the front LCD, maintaining readability in cold environments. On the dual-screen gauge, the front and top screen arrangement facilitates viewing the result from different working angles when the device is held perpendicular to the panel; the OLED screen is listed for conditions down to −40 °C.
In the orange body option, the device measures coating thickness on iron and aluminum bodies; it can recognize non-metallic surfaces but does not measure the coating thickness of plastic parts. In the LS236 workflow, screen warnings alone do not prove vehicle history; results are interpreted with repeated measurements on the same vehicle and physical inspection findings.
Vehicle and part coverage
On which vehicles is the Linshang LS236 Paint Thickness Gauge used?
A make-model software list, as found in diagnostic devices, does not apply to this product. Compatibility is determined by the part to be measured, the electrical system, the operating range, the probe or connection method, and the manufacturer's safety limits.
- Vehicle make
- Evaluated not by brand, but by the product's technical measurement or service limit.
- Vehicle model
- Further evaluated if the system to be measured and connection condition are within the technical range.
- Technical limitation
- Dual-screen body, −40 °C to 50 °C operation, Built-in ruby probe, 2 x AAA batteries
- Diagnostic Scope
- Does not include vehicle control unit software or make-specific service menus.
- Measurement range and safe connection conditions are verified from the product's official technical documentation.
Open official sources and coverage connectionsProduct details
What does the LS236 measure?
The LS236 measures the thickness of paint on a magnetic iron or steel substrate and the thickness of insulating coatings on a non-magnetic aluminum substrate without damaging the surface. On the dual-screen gauge, it switches between the Hall effect and eddy current principles depending on the surface type.
In the orange body option, the screen indicates Fe for iron, Al for aluminum, and FeZn for galvanized iron; non-metallic bodies are also reported. In the LS236 workflow, when putty containing metallic iron particles is detected, the device may provide two audible warnings and a visual alert based on the model's screen structure.
In the cold-resistant design, this recognition is not a laboratory analysis that definitively diagnoses all types of putty or every repair method.
- Paint thickness on steel panels
- Coating thickness on aluminum panels
- Galvanized iron surface indicator
- Audible and visual warning for metallic putty
- Non-metallic body notification
Product details
Verified Technical Specifications
Linshang's current product page provides a range of 0–5000 µm for the LS236. On the dual-screen gauge, the resolution transitions through steps of 0.1 µm, 1 µm, or 10 µm depending on the measured thickness.
In the orange body option, accuracy in the 0–3000 µm section is listed as a maximum of ±(3%H + 2 µm), and in the 3000–5000 µm section, it is a maximum of ±(5%H + 2 µm); H refers to the reference thickness. In the LS236 workflow, the minimum substrate thickness for iron is 0.2 mm, and for aluminum, it is 0.05 mm.
In the cold-resistant design, these values are manufacturer specifications; dirt, curvature, edges, temperature, and probe angle can affect field results.
- Measurement range
- 0–5000 µmUp to 5 mm of paint or coating
- Measurement interval
- 0.5 secondsManufacturer's current model value
- Minimum measurement area
- Ø25 mmSurface area required by the probe
- Probe
- Built-in integrated ruby probeWear-resistant ruby tip
- Screen
- Front 128 × 48 LCD + top 128 × 64 OLEDModel's reading display
- Operating temperature
- −40 °C to 50 °COfficial technical range
- Dimensions
- 100 × 60 × 24 mmMain unit size
- Weight
- 80 g, including batteryManufacturer value
Product details
Difference of this model within the family
When selecting the LS236, the probe, screen, power supply, and operating temperature are examined together.
Colors in the Linshang family are not just aesthetic choices: the blue LS220 has a battery-powered compact body, the orange LS236 has a dual screen and low-temperature support, the pink LS237 has a rechargeable battery with a rotating color screen, and the purple LS238 has a rechargeable body with a small external probe.
On the dual-screen gauge, therefore, model code and probe type are prioritized over color selection when ordering. In the orange body option, the 0–5000 µm range within the same family does not make the usage ergonomics of each device the same.
- LS236: Built-in integrated ruby probe
- Power supply: 2 × 1.5 V AAA alkaline batteries
- Display: Front 128 × 48 LCD + top 128 × 64 OLED
- Operating environment: −40 °C to 50 °C
Product details
Initial setup and zero adjustment
The LS236 does not require multi-point user calibration; zero adjustment is performed on the correct surface plate. On the dual-screen gauge, the device is turned on away from metal, the probe is cleaned, and first placed perpendicular to the Fe plate. In the orange body option, if there is an aluminum panel on the vehicle to be measured, the Al or NFe plate is also used.
In the LS236 workflow, the zero adjustment is renewed when the body material changes, the device is not used for a long time, the battery or power status changes, and the ambient temperature differs significantly. In the cold-resistant design, if the plate is scratched, dirty, or warped, a reference error may occur; a standard film is not used instead of the zero plate.
- 1. Clean the probe and plate
- 2. Turn on the device away from metal
- 3. Zero on Fe and, if necessary, Al plate
- 4. Take a reference film for control value
- 5. Repeat the process when the surface type changes
Product details
Correct measurement sequence on the vehicle
The panel must be dry and clean before starting measurement. The LS236 probe is placed perpendicular to the surface; the device is not tilted, slid with pressure, or lifted before a result is obtained. On the dual-screen gauge, the roof is useful for initial reference on most vehicles, but it is not assumed to be original on every vehicle.
In the orange body option, the hood, front fender, front door, rear door, rear fender, and trunk lid are measured in symmetrical order. At least three comparable points are selected on a panel. In the LS236 workflow, values near edges, folds, welds, embossments, and body gaps are noted separately.
- Prepare a clean and dry surface
- Apply the probe perpendicularly and with stable contact
- Select the same points on symmetrical panels
- Create a group of measurements instead of a single value
- Mark edge and fold results separately
Product details
How is the micrometer value read?
The number on the LS236 screen shows the total coating thickness in micrometers under the probe. The value is not directly labeled as "original," "painted," or "replaced." On the dual-screen gauge, factory, production line, panel material, and repair history can produce different results, even on the same model vehicles.
In the orange body option, first, the distribution within the same panel is examined, then the symmetrical panel, and nearby body parts. Fe and Al results are not combined into a single average.
In the LS236 workflow, the feZn indicator reports a galvanized iron substrate; for decisions on aftermarket or original parts, connection points, labels, and panel geometry are examined separately.
- Record the numerical µm value
- Record the surface type with the result
- Check the symmetrical panel difference
- Test putty warnings with surrounding measurements
- Indicate physical inspection findings separately
Product details
Bluetooth application and report layout
The manufacturer's current product family for the LS236 lists support for collecting measurement data and generating vehicle reports via the mobile application. On the dual-screen gauge, the phone's operating system, Bluetooth permission, and application version affect the connection.
In the orange body option, after the vehicle record is opened, panel names are selected sequentially; the measurement value, surface type, and control point are kept under the same vehicle. Automatic evaluation in the application does not replace physical inspection.
In the LS236 workflow, if personal plate, chassis, or customer information is added, the report is shared only with authorized personnel, and access to old records is checked upon device change.
- Check Bluetooth and application permissions
- Open a new report for each vehicle
- Match panel order with field workflow
- Preserve Fe, Al, and FeZn information
- Securely store personal vehicle data
Product details
Package contents and delivery check
The manufacturer's LS236 package list includes the main measuring device, Fe zero adjustment plate, Al or NFe zero adjustment plate, standard film, user manual, and certificate/warranty card.
On the dual-screen gauge, the inclusion of batteries, charging cable, carrying case, or other accessories in the delivery may vary depending on the sold package; only items listed in the live product offer are accepted as included. In the orange body option, upon opening the box, the model label, probe type, screen, power connection, and reference parts are compared with a photo.
In the LS236 workflow, if there are scratches on the probe tip, dents on the cable, or warpage on the plates, a record is created before measurement begins.
- LS236 main unit
- Fe zero adjustment plate
- Al/NFe zero adjustment plate
- Standard film
- User manual
- Certificate and warranty card
Product details
Scenario: measurement distribution on the same panel
The LS236 takes measurements from the front, middle, and rear sections of the hood. On the dual-screen gauge, if one of the points differs significantly from the others, the probe is lifted, surface cleanliness is checked, and the same area is measured again. In the orange body option, if the difference persists, additional values are recorded in a circle around the point.
In the LS236 workflow, it is written to the report whether the distribution occurred at a single point or over a wide area. In the cold-resistant design, this method helps distinguish between accidental probe angles and actual coating differences; it does not solely determine if the panel has been replaced or the type of repair.
- Select front, middle, and rear points
- Repeat the diverging value in the same location
- Create an additional measurement ring around it
- Map the distribution on the panel diagram
Product details
Scenario: steel, aluminum, and galvanized body
The LS236 displays the Fe, Al, or FeZn indicator on the screen for panel changes. On the dual-screen gauge, when the hood is aluminum and the fender is steel, instead of directly comparing the magnitude of the two values, each surface is examined within its own reference group.
In the orange body option, when the feZn warning is observed, the device is zeroed on the appropriate plate, and the indicator is checked at several points on the same panel.
In the LS236 workflow, the non-metallic warning may appear in cases such as plastic, carbon fiber, the probe not seating properly on the surface, or the measurement area not conforming to the device's limits; probe position and surface structure are visually verified.
- Group Fe and Al results separately
- Verify the FeZn indicator at multiple points
- Check probe contact for non-metallic warning
- Verify panel material through physical inspection
Product details
Scenario: delivery check after bodywork
The body shop can measure different areas of the repaired panel and adjacent panels with the LS236 using the same plan. On the dual-screen gauge, the goal is not just to find a high or low number but to document the application distribution.
In the orange body option, measurement points are matched with the panel name in the work order; surface type, minimum, maximum, and repeat count are recorded. In the LS236 workflow, the device does not measure paint color, gloss, surface orange peel, panel gap, or connection quality.
Made with cold-resistant construction, visual surface inspection during delivery check, panel geometry, and applied paint system technical record are kept separate from the measurement report.
- Create a measurement plan for the repaired panel
- Use adjacent panels for comparison
- Report minimum and maximum values
- Check visual quality separately
Product details
Vehicle inspection in cold open air
The LS236 is designed to keep measurement results visible on its top OLED screen during winter conditions when vehicles are left outdoors. In a dual-screen meter, when the device is moved from a warm environment to a cold outdoor setting, direct measurement does not begin immediately; the device body is allowed to approach ambient temperature, and the zero setting is refreshed.
With the orange body option, the probe is not applied until water, ice, or condensation on the car body is cleaned. In the LS236 field workflow, the value displayed between the front LCD and the top OLED pertains to the same measurement; the technician can read the appropriate screen based on their viewing angle while holding the device perpendicular to the panel surface.
Made with cold-resistant construction, cold weather support does not eliminate the need for surface preparation and repeat measurements.
- Acclimate the device to ambient temperature
- Do not measure on wet or icy panels
- Refresh zero setting when temperature changes
- Maintain perpendicular probe contact
Product details
Dual-screen usage on roof and lower panels
In a dual-screen meter, when measuring the roof, rocker panel, and panel curves, the front of the device may not always face the technician. The LS236's top screen helps read measurements at these angles without tilting the device.
With the orange body option, a reference is first taken at a flat and accessible point; then, the probe is held perpendicular to the surface at the difficult angle. In the LS236 field workflow, tilting the device solely to view the screen can alter probe contact and affect the result. The main benefit of the dual screen is the ability to read the result while maintaining measurement geometry.
Made with cold-resistant construction, values very close to edges, sharp curves, and weld lines are marked separately.
- Do not tilt the device to view the screen
- Read the top screen at difficult angles
- Mark measurements at edges and curves
- Keep flat panel reference
Product details
Maintenance, storage, and usage limits
The LS236 probe makes point contact with the surface during measurement; the probe tip is not dragged across the panel. In a dual-screen meter, the device must be protected from liquids, solvents, strong magnetic fields, impacts, and extreme temperatures. Reference plates are stored in their dry cases without rubbing against each other.
With the orange body option, for battery-powered models that will not be used for a long time, batteries are removed to prevent leakage risk; the battery of a rechargeable model is not left completely discharged. In the LS236 field workflow, warranty period and service coverage are determined by the invoice of the sold package and live offer conditions, not by the manufacturer's general claims.
Made with cold-resistant construction, user-induced impacts, crushed probe cables, or scratched reference parts can reduce measurement reliability.
- Do not drag the probe tip
- Store reference plates without scratching
- Keep away from liquids and solvents
- Protect the power source according to the model type
- Keep the invoice and serial number
