Designation: E 376 03

Standard Practice for

Measuring Coating Thickness by Magnetic-Field or Eddy-
Current (Electromagnetic) Examination Methods1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 376; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope D 1400 Test Method for Nondestructive Measurement of

1.1 This practice covers the use of magnetic- and eddy- Dry Film Thickness of Nonconductive Coatings Applied to
current-type thickness instruments (gages) for nondestructive a Nonferrous Metal Base3
thickness measurement of a coating on a metal substrate. E 1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations4
1.2 More specific uses of these instruments are covered by E 543 Practice for Agencies Performing Nondestructive
the following test methods issued by ASTM: Test Methods Testing4
B 244, B 499, B 530, D 1186, D 1400, and G 12. G 12 Test Method for Nondestructive Measurement of Film
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as Thickness of Pipeline Coatings on Steel5
standard. The inch-pound units in parentheses are for informa- 2.2 ASNT Standards:6
tion only and may be approximate. SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice for Personnel Qualifi-
1.4 Measurements made in accordance with this practice cation and Certification in Nondestructive Testing
will be in compliance with the requirements of ISO Interna- ANSI/ASNT-CP-189 Standard for Qualification and Certi-
tional Standard 2178 as printed in 1982. fication of NDT Personnel
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the 2.3 AIA Standard:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the NAS 410 Certification and Qualification of Nondestructive
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- Testing Personnel7
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 2.4 International Standard:
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. ISO 2178 Nonmagnetic Coatings on Magnetic Substrate
Measurement of Coating ThicknessMagnetic
2. Referenced Documents Method8
2.1 ASTM Standards: NOTE 1See Appendix X1.
B 244 Test Method for Measurement of Thickness of An-
odic Coatings on Aluminum and of Other Nonconductive 3. Terminology
Coatings on Nonmagnetic Basis Metals with Eddy-Current 3.1 DefinitionsDefinitions of terms relating to electro-
Instruments2 magnetic examination are given in Terminology E 1316.
B 499 Test Method for Measurement of Coating Thick-
nesses by the Magnetic Method: Nonmagnetic Coatings on 4. Significance and Use
Magnetic Basis Metals2 4.1 GeneralNo presently available thickness gage is ap-
B 530 Test Method for Measurement of Coating Thick- plicable to all combinations of coating-substrate thicknesses
nesses by the Magnetic Method: Electrodeposited Nickel and materials. The limitations of a particular instrument are
Coatings on Magnetic and Nonmagnetic Substrates2 generally delineated by its manufacturer.
D 1186 Test Methods for Nondestructive Measurement of 4.2 MagneticMagnetic-type gages measure either mag-
Dry Film Thickness of Nonmagnetic Coatings Applied to netic attraction between a magnet and a coating or its substrate,
a Ferrous Base3

4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.03.
1 5
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nonde- Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 06.02.
6
structive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.07 on Available from The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), P.O.
Electromagnetic Method. Box 28518, 1711 Arlingate Ln., Columbus, OH 43228-0518.
7
Current edition approved March 10, 2003. Published May 2003. Originally Available from Aerospace Industries Association of America, Inc., 1250 Eye
approved in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 1996 as E 376 96. St., NW, Washington, DC 20005. (Replacement standard for MIL-STD-410.)
2 8
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 02.05. Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 06.01. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.

Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 E 376 03
or reluctance of a magnetic flux path passing through the rate, a greater number of measurements will provide an
coating and substrate. These gages are designed to measure average value that is more truly representative of the overall
thickness of a nonmagnetic coating on a magnetic substrate. coating thickness. Roughness also may cause certain instru-
Some of them will also measure thickness of nickel coatings on ments to read high since their probes may rest on peaks.
a magnetic or nonmagnetic substrate.9 5.8 Direction of Rolling of Base MetalInstruments with
4.3 Eddy CurrentEddy-current-type thickness gages are two pole pieces may be sensitive to direction of rolling of the
electronic instruments that measure variations in impedance of base metal; that is, gage readings may change depending on
an eddy-current inducing coil caused by coating thickness alignment of pole pieces with surface of specimen or part under
variations. They can only be used if the electrical conductivity examination.
of the coating differs significantly from that of the substrate. 5.9 Residual Magnetism in Base MetalResidual magne-
tism in base metal may affect readings of magnetic- and
5. Interferences eddy-current-type instruments.
5.1 Thickness of CoatingThe precision of a measurement 5.10 Stray Magnetic FieldsStrong magnetic fields, as
changes with coating thickness depending on method used and from arc welding, can seriously interfere with operations of
instrument design. Generally, the precision is a percentage of certain thickness gages.
the coating thickness except at the lower end of the ranges 5.11 Cleanness of Probe and Test SurfaceMeasurements
where it is a fixed thickness. are sensitive to foreign material that prevents intimate contact
5.2 Magnetic Properties of Basis MetalMagnetic thick- between probe and coating surface.
ness gages are affected by variations of the magnetic properties 5.12 Pressure of ProbeInstrument readings can be sensi-
of the basis metal. For practical purposes, magnetic variations tive to pressure with which probe is applied to test surface.
in low-carbon AISI 1005-1020 steels may be considered to be 5.13 Probe PositionSome magnetic-type gages are sensi-
insignificant. To avoid the influences of severe or localized heat tive to position of probe relative to the earth. For example,
treatments and cold working, the instrument should be stan- operation of gage in a horizontal or upside-down position may
dardized using a reference standard having a base metal with require a new standardization or may be impossible.
the same magnetic properties as that of the test specimen or, 5.14 TemperatureEddy-current instruments may be af-
preferably and if available, with a sample of the part to be fected by temperature variations.
examined before application of the coating.
5.3 Thickness of SubstrateFor each method there is an 6. Basis of Application
effective depth of penetration of field created by the instrument 6.1 The following items are subject to contractual agree-
probe. This is the critical depth or thickness beyond which the ment between the parties using or referencing this standard.
instrument will no longer be affected by increase of substrate 6.2 Personnel Qualification
thickness. Since it depends on the instrument probe and 6.2.1 If specified in the contractual agreement, personnel
substrate, it should be determined experimentally. performing examinations to this standard shall be qualified in
5.4 Structure and Composition of Coating and Substrate accordance with a nationally or internationally recognized
Eddy-current instruments are sensitive to variations of struc- NDT personnel qualification practice or standard such as
ture, composition, and other factors affecting electrical con- ANSI/ASNT-CP 189, SNT-TC-1A, NAS-410, or a similar
ductivity and magnetic permeability of the coating and document and certified by the employer or certifying agency,
substrate. For example, such instruments are sensitive to as applicable. The practice or standard used and its applicable
differences between: (1) aluminum alloys, (2) chromium coat- revision shall be identified in the contractual agreement be-
ings deposited at different temperatures, and (3) organic tween the using parties.
coatings containing variable amounts of metallic pigments. 6.3 Qualification of Nondestructive Testing AgenciesIf
5.5 Edge EffectAll examination methods are sensitive to specified in the contractual agreement, NDT agencies shall be
abrupt surface changes of test specimens; therefore, measure- qualified and evaluated as described in Practice E 543. The
ments made too near an edge or inside corner will not be valid applicable edition of E 543 shall be specified in the contractual
unless the instrument is specifically standardized for such a agreement.
measurement. The effect usually extends 3 to 13 mm [18 to 12 6.4 Procedures and TechniquesThe procedures and tech-
in.] from the discontinuity, depending on method probe con- niques to be utilized shall be as specified in the contractual
figuration, and instrument. Edge effect is usually a function of agreement.
coil diameter. 6.5 Surface PreparationThe pre-examination surface
5.6 Curvature of Examination SurfaceThickness mea- preparation criteria shall be in accordance with 5.11 and
surements are sensitive to curvature of the specimen. This requirements specified in the contractual agreement.
sensitivity varies considerably between instruments and be- 6.6 Timing of ExaminationThe timing of examination
comes more pronounced with increasing curvature. shall be in accordance with the applicable contractual agree-
5.7 Smoothness of Surface, Including That of Base Metal ment.
Since a rough surface may make single measurements inaccu- 6.7 Extent of ExaminationThe extent of examination shall
be in accordance with the applicable contractual agreement.
9 6.8 Reporting Criteria/Acceptance CriteriaReporting cri-
Autocatalytically deposited nickel-phosphorus alloys containing more than 8 %
phosphorus are sufficiently nonmagnetic to be measured by this method, as long as teria for the examination results shall be in accordance with
the measurement is made prior to any heat treatment. Section 9 unless otherwise specified. Since acceptance criteria

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 E 376 03
are not specified in this standard, they shall be specified in the exceed the critical thickness) and make readings independent
contractual agreement. of substrate thickness.10
6.9 Reexamination of Repaired/Reworked Items 7.10 If the curvature of the coating to be measured is so
Reexamination of repaired/reworked items is not addressed in arched as to preclude standardization on a flat surface, then the
this standard and if required shall be specified in the contrac- curvature of the coated standard or of the substrate on which
tual agreement. the foil is placed should have the same contour.
7. Calibration and Standardization 8. Procedure
7.1 Each instrument should be calibrated in accordance with 8.1 Operate each instrument in accordance with the manu-
the manufacturers instructions and standardized before use by facturers instructions giving appropriate attention to factors
employing suitable thickness standards. Standardization should listed in Section 5.
be checked at frequent intervals during use. Attention should 8.2 Check the instrument calibration at the site each time the
be given to Section 5 and Section 8. instrument is put into service and at frequent intervals during
7.2 Reference standards of uniform thickness are available use to assure proper performance.
in either of two types, foil or coated substrate, as supplied or 8.3 Observe the following precautions:
recommended by the manufacturer of the instrument. There are 8.3.1 Thickness of SubstrateWhen thickness of the sub-
instances, however, where reference standards are made by strate is less than the critical thickness (see 5.3), and cannot be
other than instrument manufacturers. backed up by the same metal, measurements with eddy-current
7.2.1 Standardization Foils (Shims)Standardization foil is gages should not be made over metal surfaces, or other
placed on the surface of uncoated base metal when standard- electrically conducting materials.
izing the instrument. Foils are advantageous for standardizing 8.3.1.1 With magnetic gages the effective thickness of a flat
on curved surfaces and are often more readily available than a substrate can be increased by placing it on a flat layer of
coated standard. To prevent measurement errors due to poor material of the same magnetic properties.
contact between foil and substrate, make sure of intimate 8.3.2 Edge EffectsReadings should not be made closer
contact between them. Foils are subject to indentation and than 13 mm [12 in.] from edges, holes, inside corners, etc., of
should, therefore, be replaced when damaged. a specimen unless validity of calibration for such a measure-
7.2.1.1 Nonmagnetic foils may be used to standardize mag- ment has been demonstrated (see 7.5).
netic thickness gages for measurement of nonmagnetic coat- 8.3.3 Curvature EffectsIf the instrument has been cali-
ings. Nonconductive plastic foils can be used to standardize brated with a specimen of similar curvature, measurement and
eddy-current instruments for measurement of nonconductive calibration should normally be made with the same probe
coatings. orientation.
7.2.1.2 Resilient foils should not be used if there is possi- 8.3.4 Number of Readings:
bility that the instrument probe will cause a change in thickness 8.3.4.1 Because of normal instrument variability, it is nec-
reading. Use of two or more foils on top of each other should essary to make several readings at each position. Local
be avoided unless flexibility of thin foils is required for a variations in coating thickness may also require that a number
curved surface. of measurements be made in any given area; this applies
7.2.2 Coated reference standards consist of coatings of particularly to a rough surface.
known thickness permanently bonded to the substrate material. 8.3.4.2 Instruments of the attractive force type are sensitive
7.3 Thicknesses of reference standards should bracket and to vibrations, and readings that are obviously erroneous should
be as close as possible to the coating thickness being measured. be rejected.
7.4 For magnetic instruments, reference standards should 8.3.5 Direction of Mechanical WorkingIf the direction of
have the same magnetic properties as the coated specimen. mechanical working has a pronounced effect on the reading,
7.5 For eddy-current instruments, the reference standard make the measurement on the specimen with the probe in the
should have the same electrical and magnetic properties as same orientation as that used during calibration. If this is
those of coated specimen being measured (see 5.4). impossible, make four measurements in various orientations by
7.6 To determine standardization validity, a reading on a rotating the probe in increments of 90.
bare specimen identical in magnetic and electrical properties to 8.3.6 Residual MagnetismWhen residual magnetism is
that of the test specimen substrate is recommended. present in the base metal, when using two-pole instruments
7.7 If the coating process is changed, the standardization employing a stationary magnetic field make measurements in
may no longer be valid, especially for magnetic coatings and two orientations differing by 180. With single-pole instru-
eddy-current gages (see 5.4). ments employing a stationalry magnetic field, it may be
7.8 In some cases, calibration of instruments with two-pole necessary to demagnetize the specimen to get valid results, and
probes should be checked with the poles rotated 0, 90, 180, and this may also be advisable with two-pole instruments.
270 (see 5.8 and 5.9). 8.3.7 Cleaning of SurfaceForeign materials such as dirt,
7.9 The substrate thickness for examination/measurement grease, and corrosion products should be removed by cleaning
and standardization should be the same if the depth of
penetration referred to in 5.3 is not exceeded. Very often it is 10
Coated standards suitable for many applications for the practice may be
possible to back up the substrates of standard and examination purchased from the Office of Standard reference materials, National Institute for
specimens with sufficient thickness of the same material (to Standards and Technology (NIST), Gaithersburg, MD 20899.

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without removing any coating material. Areas on specimens surface, the readings obtained vary substantially with the angle
having visible contamination that are difficult to remove such of inclination, it is probable that the probe is worn and needs to
as flux, acid spots, dross, and oxide, should be avoided in be replaced. If a magnetic instrument is to be used in a
making measurements. horizontal or upside-down position, calibrate it for that posi-
8.3.8 Lead CoatingsThe magnet of an instrument of the tion.
attractive force type may stick to lead and lead alloy coatings.
Apply a very thin film of oil to improve the reproducibility of 9. Report
readings and correct the measurement for the thickness of the 9.1 An examination report should contain the following
oil film. Excess oil shall be wiped off so that the surface is information:
virtually dry. The correction may be determined by measuring 9.1.1 Date and name of operator.
the coating thickness of a nonsticking coating of appropriate 9.1.2 Instrument and probe identification.
thickness with and without the oil film and taking the differ- 9.1.3 Identification of components and indication whether
ence between the two measurements. Do not use this procedure the examination was on a new component, component from
with other coatings. service, or refurbished component.
8.3.9 TechniquesThe readings obtained may depend on 9.1.4 Material(s) of the coating(s) and substrate.
the operator technique. For example, the pressure applied to a 9.1.5 Type of instrument calibration and/or standardization.
probe, or the rate of applying a balancing force to a magnet, 9.1.6 Frequency(ies) used.
will vary from one individual to another. Reduce or minimize 9.1.7 Examination procedure identification.
such effects either by having the instrument calibrated by the 9.1.8 Results of examinations.
same operator who will make the measurement or by using
constant pressure probes. In appropriate cases when a constant 10. Precision and Bias
pressure probe is not being used, the use of a measuring stand 10.1 The instrument, its calibration, and its operation shall
is strongly recommended. be such that the coating thickness can be determined within
8.3.10 Position of ProbeIn general, place the instrument 610 % of its true thickness or to within 62.5 m, or 60.0001,
probe perpendicular to the specimen surface at the point of whichever is the greater. (See exceptions in Appendix X2.)
measurement. For some instruments of the attractive force
type, this is essential. With some instruments, however, it is 11. Keywords
desirable to tilt the probe slightly and select the angle of 11.1 coating thickness; eddy current probes; magnetic field;
inclination giving the minimum reading. If, on a smooth nondestructive testing

APPENDIXES

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. ASTM STANDARDS COVERING MAGNETIC AND EDDY CURRENT THICKNESS GAGES

There are several other ASTM standards covering other

methods of measuring coating thickness. Some are listed in
Section 2, others are listed in the Index to ASTM Standards.

X2. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

X2.1 Some coatings are specified by weight per unit area the zinc and the steel substrate. Usually an accuracy of better
instead of thickness. Typical examples are shown below: than 615 % can be obtained with magnetic gages.
Coating Metal Customary Unit Equivalent Thickness
X2.3 National Institute for Standards and Technology
Zinc 305 g/m2 [1 oz/ft2] 0.043 mm [0.0017 in. or 1.7 mils]
Tin 11.0 g/m2[1 lb/base box] 0.0015 mm [0.00006 in.] (NIST) Certified Standards should not be removed from the
card on which they are mounted; they should be used on a
X2.2 The measurement accuracy for hot-dip zinc coatings nonmagnetic work surface.
is limited by surface profile and formation of an alloy between

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