Linshang · Service maintenance and measuring devices
Linshang LS238 Paint Thickness Gauge
The Linshang LS238 is an automotive paint gauge with a range of 0–5000 µm, featuring an external wired small probe for measurements in areas like the engine bay, pillars, and panel gaps.
What is the Linshang LS238 Paint Thickness Gauge used for?
The purple-bodied LS238, with its small cabled probe, is a specialized model that facilitates access in engine compartments, pillars, and body curves. With the external probe purple meter, the external ruby probe brings the measurement tip to narrow points while keeping the main body in view; a minimum area of Ø15 mm and a response time of 0.3 seconds support serial detail checks.
For the narrow area focus 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 LS238 inspection workflow, screen alerts do not solely prove vehicle history; results are interpreted with repeated measurements on the same vehicle and physical inspection findings.
What would you buy this for?
Narrow points in engine compartments and door interiors
Access on A, B, and C pillars
Inspectors requiring controlled contact with an external probe
Detailed vehicle inspection with Bluetooth reports
Measurement and maintenance features
External cable ruby probe
Ø15 mm minimum measurement area
0.3-second measurement interval
Type-C charging and 1200 mAh battery
Vehicle and part coverage
Which vehicles is the Linshang LS238 Paint Thickness Gauge used on?
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
External cable ruby probe, Ø15 mm minimum measurement area, 0.3-second measurement interval, Type-C charging and 1200 mAh battery
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.
The LS238 measures the thickness of paint on magnetic iron or steel substrates and insulating coatings on non-magnetic aluminum substrates without damaging the surface. With the external probe purple meter, it switches between the Hall effect and eddy current principles based on the surface type.
For the narrow area focus option, the screen displays Fe for iron, Al for aluminum, and FeZn for galvanized iron; non-metallic bodies are indicated separately. In the LS238 inspection workflow, when putty containing metallic iron particles is detected, the device may provide two audible alerts and a visual warning based on the model's screen structure.
With the cabled probe structure, this detection is not a laboratory analysis that definitively diagnoses all putty types or repair methods.
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 LS238. With the external probe purple meter, the resolution transitions to increments of 0.1 µm, 1 µm, or 10 µm depending on the measured thickness.
For the narrow area focus option, accuracy in the 0–3000 µm range is listed as ±(3%H + 2 µm) maximum, and in the 3000–5000 µm range as ±(5%H + 2 µm) maximum; H denotes the reference thickness. In the LS238 inspection workflow, the minimum iron substrate thickness is 0.2 mm, and for aluminum, it is 0.05 mm.
With the cabled probe structure, 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
0.3 secondsManufacturer's current model value
Minimum measurement area
Ø15 mmSurface area required by the probe
Probe
External cable small ruby probeWear-resistant ruby tip
When selecting the LS238, the probe, screen, power supply, and operating temperature are considered 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.
With the external probe purple meter, therefore, the model code and probe type are prioritized over color selection when ordering. For the narrow area focus option, the 0–5000 µm range within the same family does not make the usability of each device identical.
LS238: External cable small ruby probe
Power: 3.7 V / 1200 mAh rechargeable battery
Display: 128 × 48 LCD, three-color backlight
Operating environment: −20 °C to 50 °C
Product details
Initial setup and zero adjustment
The LS238 does not require multi-point user calibration; a zero setting is performed on the correct surface plate. With the external probe purple meter, the device is turned on away from metal, the probe is cleaned, and then brought into perpendicular contact with the Fe plate first.
For the narrow area focus option, if aluminum panels are present on the vehicle to be measured, the Al or NFe plate is also used. In the LS238 inspection workflow, when the body material changes, the device is not used for a long time, the battery status changes, or the ambient temperature differs significantly, the zero setting is refreshed. With the cabled probe structure, if the plate is scratched, dirty, or warped, a reference error can occur; standard films are not used in place of zero plates.
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 LS238 probe is held perpendicular to the clean panel surface; the result is evaluated not from a single point but from a group of comparable measurements on the same panel.
The panel must be dry and clean before starting measurement. The LS238 probe is lowered perpendicular to the surface; the device is not tilted, slid with pressure, or lifted before a result is obtained. With the external probe purple meter, the roof is useful for initial reference on most vehicles, but it is not assumed to be original on every vehicle.
For the narrow area focus option, measurements are taken symmetrically on the hood, front fender, front door, rear door, rear fender, and trunk lid. At least three comparable points are selected on a panel. In the LS238 inspection workflow, values near edges, curves, 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 LS238 screen shows the total coating thickness in micrometers under the probe. The value is not directly a label of "original," "painted," or "replaced." With the external probe purple meter, even in vehicles of the same model, factory, production line, panel material, and repair history can yield different results.
For the narrow area focus option, the distribution within the same panel is considered first, followed by symmetrical panels and nearby body parts. Fe and Al results are not combined into a single average.
In the LS238 inspection 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 LS238 lists support for collecting measurement data and generating vehicle reports via a mobile application. With the external probe purple meter, the phone's operating system, Bluetooth permissions, and application version affect the connection.
For the narrow area focus option, after opening the vehicle record, 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 LS238 inspection workflow, if personal plate, chassis, or customer information is added, the report is shared only with authorized personnel, and access to old records is controlled upon device replacement.
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 LS238 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.
With the external probe purple meter, the inclusion of batteries, charging cable, carrying case, or other accessories in the delivery may vary depending on the sold package; only parts listed in the live product offer are accepted as included. For the narrow area focus option, upon opening the box, the model label, probe type, screen, power connection, and reference parts are compared with photographs.
In the LS238 inspection workflow, if there are scratches on the probe tip, crushing on the cable, or warping on the plates, a record is created before measurement begins.
LS238 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
Values are taken from the front, middle, and rear sections of the hood with the LS238. With the external probe purple meter, 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.
For the narrow area focus option, if the difference persists, additional values are recorded in a circular pattern around the point. In the LS238 inspection workflow, it is noted in the report whether the distribution occurred at a single point or over a wide area.
With the cabled probe structure, 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 LS238 displays Fe, Al, or FeZn indicators on the screen for panel replacements. With the external probe purple meter, when the hood is aluminum and the fender is steel, each surface is examined within its own reference group rather than directly comparing the magnitudes of the two values.
For the narrow area focus option, when an feZn alert is observed, the device is zeroed on the appropriate plate, and the indicator is checked at several points on the same panel.
In the LS238 inspection workflow, a non-metallic alert can occur in situations such as with plastic, carbon fiber, the probe not seating properly on the surface, or the measurement area being outside the device's range; 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 a repaired panel and adjacent panels with the LS238 using the same plan. With the external probe purple meter, the goal is not just to find a high or low number but to document the application distribution.
For the narrow area focus option, measurement points are matched with the panel name in the work order; surface type, minimum, maximum, and number of repetitions are recorded. In the LS238 inspection workflow, the device does not measure paint color, gloss, surface orange peel, panel gap, or connection quality.
With the cabled probe structure, visual surface inspection during delivery check, panel geometry, and the technical record of the applied paint system 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
Narrow area measurement in engine compartments and pillars
While holding the LS238 main unit in one hand, the small probe is placed perpendicular to the edges of the engine compartment, door interiors, and pillar surfaces with the other hand. With the external probe purple meter, the cable is not stretched to pull the probe sideways; the contact point is held steady and lifted after the audible result.
For the narrow area focus option, the minimum area of ø15 mm helps measure smaller surfaces that large internal probe bodies cannot reach. In the LS238 inspection workflow, bolt heads, sharp edges, weld seams, and curves are not directly used as reference points.
With the cabled probe structure, the value in a narrow area is compared with the measurement taken from a nearby flat surface and the symmetrical opposite side.
Hold the main unit steady with one hand
Place the probe perpendicular without straining the cable
Measure away from welds and sharp edges
Compare with the opposite pillar or symmetrical area
Product details
Probe position in detailed inspection report
With the external probe purple meter, for measurements taken with the external probe, simply writing the panel name in the report is not sufficient; the point name such as "upper left A-pillar," "door interior hinge side," or "engine compartment fender interior" should be added. Although the LS238 produces sequential values at a fast interval, the probe is not dragged across the surface.
For the narrow area focus option, with each result, the probe is lifted, placed perpendicularly on a new point, and the surface type indicator is checked. In the LS238 inspection workflow, the vehicle diagram in the application organizes the point sequence; physical photos and observation notes are kept separate from claims of putty or panel replacement.
Write the exact probe position in the report line
Do not drag the probe tip on the surface
Check surface type with each contact
Separate measurement, photo, and physical findings
Product details
Maintenance, storage, and usage limits
The LS238 probe makes point contact with the surface during measurement; the probe tip is not dragged across the panel. With the external probe purple 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.
For the narrow area focus 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 LS238 inspection 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.
With the cabled probe structure, 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
Related pages
Related content for Linshang LS238 Paint Thickness Gauge
Frequently asked questions about Linshang LS238 Paint Thickness Gauge
Does the LS238 measure paint thickness on plastic bumpers?
No. While the LS238 can recognize non-metallic surfaces, it is not designed to produce micrometer values for coatings on plastic bumpers.
Does the LS238 reliably detect putty?
The device may provide an alert for metallic putty containing iron particles. With the external probe purple meter, it is not assumed to definitively identify all types of non-metallic filler or repair methods; surrounding measurements and physical inspection are required.
Does the LS238 require calibration?
With the external probe purple meter, instead of multi-point calibration by the user, a zero setting is applied on the Fe and Al/NFe plates. The setting is refreshed when temperature, power source, or surface type changes.
What does the 5000 µm measurement range mean?
With the external probe purple meter, the manufacturer lists the device for coating thicknesses up to 0–5000 µm, or 5 mm. The accuracy tolerance in the upper range differs from the 0–3000 µm section.
Does the LS238 offer a Turkish menu?
With the external probe purple meter, the current official model page lists six display languages, including Turkish. For the narrow area focus option, the language menu is checked upon initial startup of the delivered device's software version.
Does the color on the screen directly indicate a painted panel?
No. With the external probe purple meter, the color backlight is a quick indicator for thickness range or metallic putty alerts. For the narrow area focus option, definitive interpretation is made with the actual µm value, surface type, repeated measurements, and physical findings.
Can measurement reports be prepared with the LS238?
With the external probe purple meter, the current version with Bluetooth support can send data to the manufacturer's application and generate vehicle reports. For the narrow area focus option, phone permissions, application version, and device pairing are checked before connection.
Comparison
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≈ $1728,490 TL charged · VAT included · import duties excludedOut of stock
