Designation: B244 − 09 (Reapproved 2014) Endorsed by American

Electroplaters’ Society
Endorsed by National
Association of Metal Finishers

Standard Test Method for

Measurement of Thickness of Anodic Coatings on
Aluminum and of Other Nonconductive Coatings on
Nonmagnetic Basis Metals with Eddy-Current Instruments1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B244; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
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This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope 3.1.1 accuracy, n—the measure of the magnitude of error

1.1 This test method covers the use of eddy-current instru- between the result of a measurement and the true thickness of
ments for the nondestructive measurement of the thickness of the item being measured.
a nonconductive coating on a nonmagnetic basis metal. It is 3.1.2 adjustment, n—the physical act of aligning a instru-
intended to supplement manufacturers’ instructions for the ment’s thickness readings to match those of a known thickness
operation of the instruments and is not intended to replace sample (removal of bias), in order to improve the accuracy of
them. the instrument on a specific surface or within a specific portion
1.2 This test method is particularly useful for measuring the of its measurement range. An adjustment will affect the
thickness of an anodic coating on aluminum alloys. Chemical outcome of subsequent readings.
conversion coatings are too thin to be measured by this test 3.1.3 calibration, n—the high-level, controlled and docu-
method. mented process of obtaining measurements on traceable cali-
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the bration standards over the full operating range of the
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information instrument, then making the necessary instrument adjustments
only. (as required) to correct any out-of-tolerance conditions.
3.1.3.1 Discussion—Calibration of coating thickness instru-
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
ments is performed by the equipment manufacturer, an autho-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
rized agent, or by an authorized, trained calibration laboratory
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
in a controlled environment using a documented process. The
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
outcome of the calibration process is to restore/realign the
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
instrument to meet/exceed the manufacturer’s stated accuracy.
2. Referenced Documents 3.1.4 reference standard, n—a specimen of known thickness
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 used to verify the accuracy of a coating thickness measuring
B499 Test Method for Measurement of Coating Thicknesses instrument.
by the Magnetic Method: Nonmagnetic Coatings on 3.1.5 verification of accuracy, n—obtaining measurements
Magnetic Basis Metals on a reference standard prior to instrument use for the purpose
3. Terminology of determining the ability of the coating thickness instrument to
produce reliable values, compared to the combined instrument
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
manufacturer’s stated accuracy and the stated accuracy of the
1
reference standard.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B08 on Metallic
and Inorganic Coatings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B08.10 on
Test Methods. 4. Summary of Test Method
Current edition approved May 1, 2014. Published May 2014. Originally
approved in 1949. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as B244 – 09. DOI: 4.1 Instruments complying with this test method measure
10.1520/B0244-09R14.
2
coating thickness by the use of eddy currents. A probe is placed
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
directly on the coated surface in a perpendicular position and
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on electronic circuitry is used to convert a reference signal into a
the ASTM website. coating thickness measurement.

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 B244 − 09 (2014)
4.2 The instrument probe coil is energized by alternating substrate. Resilient foils should be avoided if possible. Foils
current that induces eddy currents in the metal substrate. The are subject to indentation and should, therefore, be replaced
eddy currents in turn create a secondary magnetic field within frequently.
the substrate. The characteristics of this secondary field are 7.4.2 Coated Standards—These calibration standards con-
dependent upon the distance between the probe and the basis sist of nonconductive coatings of known, uniform thickness
metal. This distance (gap) is measured by the instrument probe permanently bonded to the substrate material.
and shown on the instrument display as the thickness (microns 7.4.3 The coating thickness of the standards used shall
or mils) of the intervening coating. bracket the user’s highest and lowest coating thickness mea-
surement requirement. Standards suitable for many applica-
5. Significance and Use tions of the test method are commercially available and may be
5.1 The thickness of a coating is often critical to its used provided the certified values are traceable to a National
performance. This eddy-current method is nondestructive and Metrology Institution.
is suitable for measuring the thickness of anodic coatings on 7.5 The basis metal thickness for the test and the calibration
aluminum, as well as the thickness of most nonconductive adjustment shall be the same if the critical thickness, defined in
coatings on nonmagnetic basis metals. 8.3, is not exceeded. When possible, back up the basis metal of
5.2 This test method requires that the conductivity of the the standard or of the test specimen with a sufficient thickness
substrate be the same in the reference standard used for of similar material to make the readings independent of the
calibration adjustment and in the coated article to be measured. basis metal thickness. A way to determine if the basis metal
thickness exceeds the critical thickness is to make measure-
6. Apparatus ments before and after backing up the basis metal with similar
metal at least 3 mm (120 mils) thick. If there is no difference
6.1 Coating Thickness Instrument , based on eddy current between the readings, the critical thickness is exceeded.
principles, commercially available, suitable to measure coating
thickness accurately. 7.6 If the test specimen is soft and thin, it is subject to
indentation by the probe. Because of this, and despite the use
6.2 Coating Thickness Standards , with assigned values of special probes or fixtures, measurements on such specimens
traceable to a National Metrology Institution. They may be are sometimes impossible to make.
coated aluminum plates, or may be foils or shims of flat,
non-metallic sheet (typically polyester). 7.7 If the curvature of the test specimen to be measured is
such as to preclude calibration adjustment on a flat surface, the
curvature of the coated standard or of the substrate on which
7. Calibration and Standardization
the foil is placed shall be the same as that of the test specimen.
7.1 Calibration of coating thickness instruments is per-
formed by the equipment manufacturer, an authorized agent, or 8. Factors Affecting the Measuring Accuracy
by an authorized, trained calibration laboratory in a controlled 8.1 Inherent in the test method is a measuring uncertainty
environment using a documented process. A Certificate of that, for thin coatings, is constant and independent of the
Calibration showing traceability to a National Metrology coating thickness, and, for a single measurement, not less than
Institution can be issued. There is no standard time interval for 0.5 µm (0.02 mil); for thicknesses greater than about 25 µm (1
re-calibration, nor is one absolutely required, but a calibration mil), this uncertainty is proportional to the coating thickness.
interval can be established based on experience and the work 8.2 Electrical Properties of the Basis Metal—Eddy-current
environment. A one-year calibration interval is a typical measurements are affected by the electrical conductivity of the
frequency suggested by many instrument manufacturers. basis metal, which itself is often affected by heat treatments.
7.2 Before use, each instrument’s calibration accuracy shall 8.3 Basis-Metal Thickness—For each measurement, there is
be verified in accordance with the instructions of the a critical thickness of the basis metal above which the
manufacturer, employing suitable thickness standards and, if measurements will not be affected by an increase in that
necessary, any deficiencies found shall be corrected. thickness. Its value should be determined experimentally, if not
7.3 During use, calibration accuracy shall be verified at supplied by the manufacturer of the measuring instrument,
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frequent intervals, at least once a day. Attention shall be given since it depends on both the measuring frequency of the probe
to the factors listed in Section 8 and to the procedures system and the electrical conductivity of the basis metal.
described in Section 9. 8.3.1 General Rule—For a given measuring frequency, the
7.4 Coating thickness standards of known thickness are higher the conductivity of the basis metal, the smaller its
available either as shims or foils or as coated specimens. critical thickness. For a given basis metal, the higher the
7.4.1 Foils: measuring frequency, the smaller the critical thickness of the
7.4.1.1 Foils used for accuracy verification and adjustment basis metal.
of eddy-current instruments are generally made of plastic. 8.4 Edge Effect—This test method is sensitive to abrupt
They are advantageous for adjustments on curved surfaces, and changes in the surface contour of the test specimen. Therefore,
are more readily available than coated standards. measurements made too near an edge or inside corner will not
7.4.1.2 To prevent measurement errors, it is necessary to be valid unless the instrument is specifically adjusted for such
ensure that intimate contact is established between foil and a measurement.

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 B244 − 09 (2014)
8.5 Curvature—Measurements are affected by the curvature 9.4 Observe the following precautions:
of the test specimen. The influence of curvature varies consid- 9.4.1 Basis Metal Thickness—Check whether the basis
erably with the make and type of instrument, but always metal thickness exceeds the critical thickness. If not, either use
becomes more pronounced as the radius of curvature de- the back-up method in 7.5, or make sure that the calibration
creases. adjustment has been made on a reference standard having the
8.6 Surface Roughness: same thickness and electrical properties as the test specimen.
8.6.1 1 Measurements are influenced by the surface topog- 9.4.2 Edge Effects—Do not make readings close to an edge,
raphy of the substrate and the coating, and a rough surface will hole, inside corner, etc., of a specimen, unless the validity of
give individual instrument readings that will vary from point to the calibration adjustment for such a measurement has been
point. In this case, it is necessary to make many readings at demonstrated.
different positions to obtain an average value that is represen- 9.4.3 Curvature—Do not make readings on a curved surface
tative of the mean coating thickness. If the basis metal is rough of a specimen unless the validity of the calibration adjustment
it may also be necessary to check, and adjust if necessary, the for such a measurement has been demonstrated.
zero of the instrument at several positions on a sample of the 9.4.4 Number of Readings—Because of normal instrument
uncoated rough substrate. If the roughness of the substrate variability, it is necessary to make several readings at each
surface is small, relative to the coating thickness, its effect will position. Local variations in coating thickness may also require
probably be negligible. that a number of measurements be made in any given area; this
8.6.2 If the basis metal is rough it may also be necessary to applies particularly to a rough surface (see 8.9).
check, and adjust if necessary, the zero of the instrument at 9.4.5 Surface Cleanliness—Before making measurements,
several positions on a sample of the uncoated rough substrate. clean any foreign matter such as dirt, grease, and corrosion
If the roughness of the substrate surface is small, relative to the products from the surface without removing any coating
coating thickness, its effect will probably be negligible. material.

8.7 Foreign Particles—The probes of eddy-current instru- 10. Accuracy

ments must make physical contact with the test surface and are, 10.1 The instrument, its calibration, and its operation shall
therefore, sensitive to foreign material that prevents intimate be such that the coating thickness can be determined within
contact between the probe and the coating surface. Both the 10 % or 1 µm, whichever is greater, of the true thickness.
test surface and instrument probe should be kept free of foreign
material. 11. Report
8.8 Pressure—The pressure with which the probe is applied 11.1 The report shall include the following information:
to the test specimen affects the instrument readings, and 11.1.1 Type of instrument used including manufacturer,
should, therefore, be kept constant. model number, principle of operation, and date of calibration,
11.1.2 Size and description of test specimen,
8.9 Number of Readings—The precision of the measure- 11.1.3 Whether special jigs were used,
ments can be improved by increasing the number of readings in 11.1.4 Type of coating thickness standard and/or reference
accordance with statistical principles. standard and the method used for accuracy verification and any
calibration adjustment
9. Procedure 11.1.5 The number of measurements taken and the value of
9.1 Operate each instrument in accordance with the instruc- each measurement,
tions of the manufacturer. Give appropriate attention to the 11.1.6 Operator identification, and

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factors listed in Section 8. 11.1.7 Date.
9.2 Verify the accuracy of the instrument at the test site each NOTE 1—Although, theoretically, this test method can be used for
time the instrument is put into service and at frequent intervals measuring nonconductive coatings on a magnetic basis metal, its use for
during use to assure proper performance. coatings below 25 µm (1 mil) is not recommended, and the magnetic
method outlined in Test Method B499 shall be used.
9.3 Many instruments can be adjusted in order to improve
their accuracy on a specific surface or within a specific portion 12. Precision and Bias
of its measurement range. The effects of properties of the 12.1 The precision of this test method is being determined.
substrate (composition, shape, roughness, edge effects, electri-
cal properties) and coating (composition, mass, surface 13. Keywords
roughness), as well as ambient and surface temperatures, may 13.1 coating thickness; coatings; eddy current; nonconduc-
require adjustments to be made to the instrument. Follow the tive coatings; thickness; thickness testing; nondestructive
manufacturer’s instructions. thickness; anodic coatings

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 B244 − 09 (2014)
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