NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.

Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information

Designation: D7091 − 21

Standard Practice for

Nondestructive Measurement of Dry Film Thickness of
Nonmagnetic Coatings Applied to Ferrous Metals and
Nonmagnetic, Nonconductive Coatings Applied to Non-
Ferrous Metals1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7091; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope minimum and the maximum coating thickness for each layer,
1.1 This practice describes the use of magnetic and eddy and for the total coating system.
current gages for dry film thickness measurement. This prac- 1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
tice is intended to supplement the manufacturers’ instructions standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are
for the manual operation of the gages and is not intended to provided for information only and are not considered standard.
replace them. It includes definitions of key terms, reference
documents, the significance and use of the practice, the 1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
advantages and limitations of coating thickness gages, and a safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
description of test specimens. It describes the methods and responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
recommended frequency for verifying the accuracy of gages priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
and for adjusting the equipment and lists the reporting recom- mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
mendations. 1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
1.2 These procedures are not applicable to coatings that will dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
be readily deformed under the load of the measuring gages/ ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
probes, as the gage probe must be placed directly on the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
coating surface to obtain a reading. Provisions for measuring mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
on soft or tacky coatings are described in 5.7. Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.3 Coating thickness can be measured using a variety of
2. Referenced Documents
gages. These gages are categorized as “magnetic pull-off” and
“electronic.” They use a sensing probe or magnet to measure 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
the gap (distance) between the base metal and the probe. This D609 Practice for Preparation of Cold-Rolled Steel Panels
measured distance is displayed as coating thickness by the for Testing Paint, Varnish, Conversion Coatings, and
gages. Related Coating Products
1.4 Coating thickness can vary widely across a surface. As D823 Practices for Producing Films of Uniform Thickness
a result, obtaining single-point measurements may not accu- of Paint, Coatings and Related Products on Test Panels
rately represent the actual coating system thickness. SSPC-PA D1730 Practices for Preparation of Aluminum and
2 prescribes a frequency of coating thickness measurement Aluminum-Alloy Surfaces for Painting
based on the size of the area coated. A frequency of measure- 2.2 SSPC Standard:3
ment for coated steel beams (girders) and coated test panels is SSPC-PA 2 Procedure for Determining Conformance to Dry
also provided in the appendices to SSPC-PA 2. The governing Coating Thickness Requirements
specification is responsible for providing the user with the

1 2
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Subcommittee D01.23 on Physical Properties of Applied Paint Films. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved June 1, 2021. Published June 2021. Originally the ASTM website.
3
approved in 2005. Last previous edition approved in 2020 as D7091 – 20. DOI: Available from Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC), 800 Trumbull Dr.,
10.1520/D7091-21. Pittsburgh, PA 15205, http://www.sspc.org.

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

&RS\ULJKWE\$670,QW O DOOULJKWVUHVHUYHG 6DW6HS*07

1
'RZQORDGHGSULQWHGE\
5XEHQ&XHQR $OXWHF SXUVXDQWWR/LFHQVH$JUHHPHQW1RIXUWKHUUHSURGXFWLRQVDXWKRUL]HG
 D7091 − 21
2.3 ISO Standard:4 3.1.6 coating thickness standard, n—coated or plated metal
ISO 19840 Paints and varnishes—corrosion protection of plates, or uncoated shims of flat sheet, with assigned values
steel structures by protective paint systems— traceable to a National Metrology Institution.
Measurement of, and acceptance criteria for, the thickness 3.1.6.1 Discussion—In the case of the eddy current
of dry films on rough surfaces principle, the coating and shim material must be non-metallic,
whereas in the case of the magnetic induction and the Hall-
3. Terminology effect methods the material must be nonmagnetic.
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: 3.1.7 compensation value, n—generating a verifiable value,
3.1.1 accuracy, n—the measure of the magnitude of error which is deducted from a measured value read from the gage,
between the result of a measurement and the true thickness of to correct for any surface conditions (that is, base metal effect).
the item being measured. 3.1.8 dry film thickness, n—the thickness of a coating (or
3.1.1.1 Discussion—An accuracy statement predicts the coating layers) as measured from the surface of the substrate.
ability of a coating thickness gage to measure the true thickness 3.1.8.1 Discussion—If the surface of the substrate is
of a coating to be measured. Accuracy statements provide the roughened, the dry film thickness is considered the thickness of
performance capability across the full functional measurement the coating or coating layers above the peaks of the surface
range of the gage. Accuracy statements frequently include a profile.
fixed portion that remains constant across the measurement
range, plus a variable portion that is related to the measurement 3.1.9 ferrous, n—containing iron.
result for a particular thickness. 3.1.9.1 Discussion—Describes a magnetic material such as
carbon steel. That material may also be known as ferromag-
3.1.2 adjustment (optimization), n—the physical act of netic.
aligning a gage’s thickness readings to match those of a known
thickness sample (removal of bias), in order to improve the 3.1.10 gage (gauge), n—an instrument for measuring
accuracy of the gage on a specific surface or within a specific quantity, or an instrument for testing.
portion of its measurement range. 3.1.10.1 Discussion—In this practice, the term “gage” refers
3.1.2.1 Discussion—An adjustment will affect the outcome to an instrument for quantifying coating thickness.
of subsequent readings. 3.1.11 manufacturer’s specifications, n—a statement or set
of statements that describes the performance characteristics of
3.1.3 base metal reading (BMR), n—a measurement ob-
the gage under a given set of conditions.
tained on the uncoated substrate using a coating thickness
gage. 3.1.11.1 Discussion—Manufacturer’s specifications typi-
cally include the range of measurement, accuracy statement,
3.1.3.1 Discussion—The BMR is the determined effect of
operating temperature range, power source, dimensions and
substrate roughness on a coating thickness gage that is caused
weight, and conformance to industry standards.
by the manufacturing process (for example, castings) or
surface profile (roughness)-producing operations (for example, 3.1.12 measurement (reading), n—the value obtained when
power tool cleaning, abrasive blast cleaning, etc.). Non- placing the probe of a thickness gage in contact with a surface.
compensation for the base metal effect can result in an 3.1.13 micrometer (micron), n—one one-thousandth of a
overstatement of the true thickness of the coating. millimeter [0.001 mm]; 25.4 microns = 1 mil.
3.1.4 calibration, n—the high-level, controlled and docu- 3.1.14 mil, n—a U.S. term referring to the imperial unit of
mented process of obtaining measurements on traceable cali- measure of one one-thousandth of an inch [0.001 in.] referred
bration standards over the full operating range of the gage, then to elsewhere in the world as “one thou;” 1 mil = 25.4 microns.
making the necessary gage adjustments (as required) to correct
3.1.15 nonconductive, n—a material that is unable to con-
any out-of-tolerance conditions.
duct electricity.
3.1.4.1 Discussion—Calibration of coating thickness gages
is performed by the equipment manufacturer, their authorized 3.1.16 non-ferrous metal, n—a nonmagnetic metal or metal
agent, or by an accredited calibration laboratory in a controlled alloy (for example, copper, aluminum or brass).
environment using a documented process. The outcome of the 3.1.17 reference sample, n—a coated or uncoated metal
calibration process is to restore/realign the gage to meet/exceed specimen of the same material and geometry as the specific
the manufacturer’s stated accuracy. measuring application used to adjust and/or verify the accuracy
3.1.5 certification, n—documentation of the state of condi- of a coating thickness measuring gage for a specific project.
tion of the gage, which can (but not required by definition) be 3.1.17.1 Discussion—A coated reference sample may or
accompanied by corrective action (such as adjustment or may not have thickness values traceable to a National Metrol-
calibration, or both, or the replacement of components) neces- ogy Institution. However, the reference sample should be
sary to correct any out-of-tolerance conditions. marked with the stated value and the degree of accuracy. The
coating thickness of the sample should be close to the user’s
coating thickness measurement requirement.
4
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 3.1.18 shims (foils), n—strips of flat sheet, with the thick-
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org. ness stated or referenced in some form, which can be used to

&RS\ULJKWE\$670,QW O DOOULJKWVUHVHUYHG 6DW6HS*07

2
'RZQORDGHGSULQWHGE\
5XEHQ&XHQR $OXWHF SXUVXDQWWR/LFHQVH$JUHHPHQW1RIXUWKHUUHSURGXFWLRQVDXWKRUL]HG
 D7091 − 21
adjust a Type 2 coating thickness gage in the intended range of information for the adjustment and use of these gages, nor-
use over the surface of the representative substrate material. mally in the form of operating instructions. The user of this
3.1.18.1 Discussion—Other uses with Type 2 gages include: equipment must be knowledgeable in the proper operation of
placement over soft coatings to obtain thickness measurements these devices, including methods for verifying the accuracy of
without the gage probe depressing the coating film, and the equipment prior to, during and after use as well as
verification of gage operation. measurement procedures.
3.1.19 substrate, n—the base material, the type of surface,
5. Principles, Advantages, and Limitations of Gages
or the component that is being coated.
5.1 Type 1 magnetic pull-off gages employ an attraction
NOTE 1—This practice addresses only metal substrates. principle and a static (non-time varying) magnetic field. These
3.1.20 surface profile, n—surface texture generated during mechanical instruments measure the force required to pull a
the manufacturing process (for example, casting), or the permanent magnet from a coated ferrous metal substrate. The
peak-to-valley depth generated by some power tools and by magnetic force of attraction to the steel substrate beneath the
abrasive blast cleaning operations. coating is opposed by a spring or coil. Tension is applied to the
3.1.21 Type 1 (pull-off) gage, n—a magnetic pull-off instru- spring/coil until the magnetic attraction to the steel is over-
ment that measures the dry film thickness of nonmagnetic come. The gage must be placed directly on the coated surface
coatings over a ferrous metal base. to obtain a measurement. The force holding the permanent
3.1.21.1 Discussion—For Type 1 gages, a probe containing magnet to the ferrous base is inversely proportional to the
a permanent magnet is brought into direct contact with the thickness of the coating layer(s) between the magnet and the
coated surface. The force necessary to pull the magnet from the ferrous substrate. For example, a thin coating applied to a
surface is measured and interpreted as the coating thickness ferrous substrate will require greater spring tension to pull the
value on a scale or display on the gage. Less force is required magnet off than will a thicker coating, since the magnet is
to remove the magnet from a thick coating. The scale is closer to the ferrous substrate with the thinner coating. This
nonlinear. inverse relationship is reflected on the nonlinear gage scale.
Most Type 1 magnetic pull-off gages do not require a power
3.1.22 Type 2 (electronic) gage, n—an electronic instrument
source (for example, batteries). The manufacturer’s stated
that uses electronic circuitry and (but not limited to) the
accuracy is typically 5 to 10 % of the reading.
magnetic induction, Hall-effect or eddy current principles, or a
combination of a magnetic and eddy current principles, to 5.2 Type 1 magnetic pull-off gages are susceptible to
convert a reference signal into a coating thickness reading. vibrations, which may cause the magnet to release from the
3.1.22.1 Discussion—The probe of a Type 2 gage remains coated substrate prematurely, yielding a false high value. The
on the surface during the measurement process. manually operated gages may be susceptible to human error
caused by inadvertently turning the dial wheel past the point at
3.1.23 verification of accuracy, n—obtaining measurements
which the magnet pulls from the surface, yielding a false low
on coating thickness standards, comprising of at least one
measurement. Type 1 gages should not be used on soft or tacky
thickness value close to the expected coating thickness, prior to
coatings, as the magnet may adhere to the coating causing false
gage use for the purpose of determining the ability of the
low measurements, or coating materials may dry on the magnet
coating thickness gage to produce thickness results within the
causing false high measurements. The exposed magnet may
gage manufacturer’s stated accuracy.
attract metal filings, which can contaminate the magnet and
cause false high measurements. Type 1 gages cannot be used to
4. Significance and Use measure the thickness of coatings applied to non-ferrous metal
4.1 This practice describes three operational steps necessary substrates. The manufacturer’s specifications will contain a
to ensure accurate coating thickness measurement: calibration, temperature operating range. Use of the gage outside of this
verification and adjustment of coating thickness measuring range may generate false coating thickness measurements and
gages, as well as proper methods for obtaining coating thick- may damage the instrument.
ness measurements on both ferrous and non-ferrous metal 5.3 Type 2 gages are instruments that employ a measuring
substrates. probe and the magnetic induction, Hall-effect or eddy current
4.2 Many specifications for commercial and industrial coat- measurement principle in conjunction with electronic micro-
ings projects stipulate a minimum and a maximum dry film processors to produce a coating thickness measurement. The
thickness for each layer in a coating system. Additionally, most gage probe must be placed directly (in a perpendicular posi-
manufacturers of high performance coatings will warranty tion) on the coated surface to obtain a measurement.
coating systems based upon, in part, achieving the proper 5.3.1 For gages measuring on ferrous substrates, the mag-
thickness of each layer and the total coating system. Even if a netic induction or Hall-effect principles are used to measure a
project specification is not provided, the coating manufactur- change in magnetic field strength within their probes to
er’s recommendations published on product data sheets can produce a coating thickness measurement. These gages deter-
become the governing document(s). Equipment manufacturers mine the effect on the magnetic field generated by the probe
produce nondestructive coating thickness testing gages that are due to the proximity of the substrate.
used to measure the cumulative or individual thickness of the 5.3.2 For gages measuring on non-ferrous metals, the gage
coating layers, after they are dry. The manufacturers provide probe coil is energized by alternating current that induces eddy

&RS\ULJKWE\$670,QW O DOOULJKWVUHVHUYHG 6DW6HS*07

3
'RZQORDGHGSULQWHGE\
5XEHQ&XHQR $OXWHF SXUVXDQWWR/LFHQVH$JUHHPHQW1RIXUWKHUUHSURGXFWLRQVDXWKRUL]HG
 D7091 − 21
currents in the metal substrate. The eddy currents in turn create may generate false coating thickness measurements and may
a secondary magnetic field within the substrate. The character- damage the instrument.
istics of this secondary field are dependent upon the distance 5.8 Coating thickness measurement accuracy can also be
between the probe and the basis metal. This distance (gap) is affected by, but is not limited to, the factors listed below.
measured by the probe and shown on the gage display as the Consult the instrument manufacturer for details on the specific
thickness (microns or mils) of the intervening coating. Note effects of these factors and how they are addressed by the
that gages/probes for measuring coating thickness on non- instrument.
ferrous metals should not be used to measure coating thickness 5.8.1 Curvature—The influence of curvature varies consid-
on ferrous surfaces, even though a reading may be displayed. erably with the make and type of instrument but often becomes
5.4 Type 2 gages are available with integral or separate more pronounced as the radius of curvature decreases.
(wired or wireless) probes, and they can be used to measure 5.8.2 Foreign Particles—Instruments of all types must
coating thickness on ferrous or non-ferrous metal substrates, or make physical contact with the test surface and are, therefore,
both, depending on the probes supported by the particular gage sensitive to foreign material that prevents intimate contact
platform. The thickness of the coating is displayed digitally. In between probe and coating surface. Both the test surface and
general, access to tight areas is easier with Type 2 gages, instrument probe should be kept free of foreign material.
especially those equipped with separate or remote probes. Type 5.8.3 Stray Magnetic Fields—Strong stray magnetic fields,
2 gages are available with memory, measurement batching, such as are produced by various types of electrical equipment,
statistical analysis packages and data download/print-out. The can seriously interfere with the operation of instruments based
manufacturer’s stated accuracy is typically 1 to 3 % of the on magnetic principles.
reading. 5.8.4 Metal-filled Coatings—Instruments may produce erro-
neous results depending on the type and amount of metal in the
5.5 Instruments using either a magnetic or eddy current coating film.
principle measure total film thickness only. In multi-layer 5.8.5 Electrical Properties of the Basis Metal—Eddy cur-
coating systems the thickness of each layer must be measured rent measurements are affected by the electrical conductivity of
after it is applied. Even then, the thickness of the measured the base metal, which itself is often affected by heat treatments.
layer is the cumulative thickness of that layer and all layers Instruments and probes are available that compensate for base
beneath it, down to the base metal. material influence thus automatically avoiding such errors.
5.5.1 Some instruments employ both principles and may be 5.8.6 Pressure—The pressure with which the probe is ap-
capable of measuring the individual thickness of two layers plied to the test specimen affects the instrument readings and
such as paint over zinc (duplex coating) on steel. should therefore be kept constant.
5.6 Most electronic coating thickness measuring gages can 6. Test Specimen
be verified for accuracy using coating thickness standards.
6.1 The test specimen can be the coated structure or
Gages that cannot be adjusted by the user should be returned to
component/part on which the thickness is to be evaluated, or
the manufacturer or their authorized agent for calibration if the can be test panels of similar surface profile, shape, thickness,
readings obtained on the coating thickness standards are composition and magnetic properties on which it is desired to
outside of the combined accuracy of the standard and the measure the coating thickness.
manufacturer’s stated gage accuracy. NOTE 2—Applicable test panel description and surface preparation
5.6.1 Gage operation should be verified on a prepared, methods are given in Practices D609 and D1730.
uncoated substrate having the same composition, shape and NOTE 3—Coatings should be applied in accordance with Practices D823
or as agreed upon between the contracting parties.
surface profile to which the coating will be applied to, for the NOTE 4—Test panels may be fabricated from thin gage materials and
intended range of use. If necessary, the gage should be adjusted special consideration for gage adjustment may be required.
as described in 7.4.
7. Frequency and Methods for Verifying the Accuracy
5.7 Type 2 gages should not be used directly on soft or tacky and for Adjusting a Coating Thickness Gage
coatings, unless expressly designed for this application, as the
pressure on the probe can indent the coating yielding false low 7.1 Three operational steps are necessary to ensure accurate
measurements, or coating materials may contaminate the probe coating thickness measurement: calibration, verification of
yielding false high measurements. A shim of known thickness accuracy, and adjustment.
can be placed on top of the soft/tacky coating film and a 7.2 Calibration—Calibration of coating thickness gages is
measurement of the coating thickness obtained by subtracting performed by the equipment manufacturer, their authorized
the shim thickness from the total measurement of the shim and agent, or by an accredited calibration laboratory in a controlled
the coating. Note that some Type 2 gages can be programmed environment using a documented process. A Certificate of
to automatically deduct the shim thickness (known as “zero Calibration showing traceability to a National Metrology
offset”). Type 2 gages may be sensitive (to some degree) to Institute can be issued. There is no standard time interval for
substrate effects including, but not limited to edges, corners re-calibration, nor is one absolutely required, but a calibration
and holes in the substrate, as well as substrate thickness. The interval can be established based on experience and the work
manufacturer’s specifications will contain a temperature oper- environment. A one-year calibration interval is a typical
ating range. Use of the gage or the probe outside of this range frequency suggested by many gage manufacturers.

&RS\ULJKWE\$670,QW O DOOULJKWVUHVHUYHG 6DW6HS*07

4
'RZQORDGHGSULQWHGE\
5XEHQ&XHQR $OXWHF SXUVXDQWWR/LFHQVH$JUHHPHQW1RIXUWKHUUHSURGXFWLRQVDXWKRUL]HG
 D7091 − 21
7.3 Verification of Accuracy—Before use, each instrument’s 7.4.1 The user should never adjust Type 1 coating thickness
calibration accuracy shall be verified by the user in accordance gages.
with the instructions of the manufacturer, employing suitable 7.4.2 Most Type 2 gages can be adjusted using either a
coating thickness standards and, if necessary, any deficiencies one-point or a two-point procedure.
found shall be corrected. The gage should be verified for 7.4.2.1 Adjustment of Type 2 Gages Using a One-Point
accuracy in the intended range of use. Also, the probe should Procedure—A one-point adjustment involves fixing the instru-
be examined for cleanliness before verifying the accuracy and ment’s calibration curve at one point after taking several
before obtaining coating thickness measurements. readings on a single coating thickness standard or reference
7.3.1 If the gage readings obtained during verification are sample. Adjusting to zero on an uncoated sample of the test
outside the combined accuracy of the coating thickness stan- specimen is the simplest form of a one-point adjustment. If the
dard and the manufacturer’s stated gage accuracy, the gage user elects to perform a one-point adjustment procedure to a
should be returned to the manufacturer or their authorized known thickness, a reference sample representing the target
agent for repair and calibration. range of gage use should be selected and a measurement taken.
No adjustment is necessary if the value displayed by the gage
7.3.2 For example, if the gage accuracy is 65 % and the
is within the combined accuracy of the reference sample and
standards accuracy is 65 %, then the combined accuracy of the
the manufacturer’s stated gage accuracy (see 7.3.2). If the gage
gage and the standard will be 67 % as given by the sum of the
reading is outside of the combined accuracy of reference
squares formula:
sample and the manufacturer’s stated gage accuracy, then the
=5 2 15 2 5 7.071 or approximately 7 % (1) user should carefully follow the gage manufacturer’s instruc-
tions for proper adjustment, as the actual step-by-step proce-
7.3.2.1 For the gage to be in agreement with the standard, dures vary widely.
the average thickness measured by the gage must be within 7.4.2.2 Adjustment of Type 2 Gages Using a Two-Point
67 % of the standard’s thickness. If the average thickness Procedure—A two-point adjustment fixes the instrument’s
measured on a 254 µm [10 mil] standard is between 236 µm calibration curve at two known thicknesses. Coated reference
[9.3 mils] and 272 µm [10.7 mils], the gage is properly samples or shims placed over the uncoated substrate or over an
adjusted. The minimum value of 236 µm is calculated as 254 uncoated reference sample may be used. The two thicknesses
µm minus 7 % of 254 µm [9.3 mils is 10 mils minus 7 % of 10 selected must be on either side of the expected coating
mils]; the maximum of 272 µm is 254 µm plus 7 % of 254 µm thickness. The user should carefully follow the gage manufac-
[10.7 mils is 10 mils plus 7 % of 10 mils]. Otherwise the turer’s instructions for performing a two-point adjustment, as
accuracy of the gage is suspect. the actual step-by-step procedures vary widely.
7.3.3 Unless explicitly permitted by the gage manufacturer, NOTE 5—ISO 19840 describes the use of a profile correction value
shims of plastic or of non-magnetic metals which are accept- when access to the uncoated substrate is not available.
able for verifying the accuracy of Type 2 (electronic) gages are 8. Frequency for Measurement of Coating Thickness
not used for verifying the accuracy of Type 1 (pull-off) gages.
8.1 Thickness is determined by placing the probe of the
7.3.4 Since Type 1 gages are verified for accuracy using
instrument onto the surface of the coated metal material and
smooth-surfaced standards (or using a smooth zero plate), a
obtaining the thickness measurement in accordance with the
compensation value may be required if the substrate to be
manufacturer’s instructions.
coated is different from the standard (such as, but not limited
to, curvature or composition) or roughened from the manufac- 8.2 The thickness of a coating or a coating system can vary
turing process (for example, casting) or from abrasive blast from area to area on a structure or part. Accordingly, it is
cleaning. This is known as a Base Metal Reading or BMR. The recommended that a number of measurements be obtained and
BMR is the effect of substrate (for example, surface profile) on the arithmetic mean calculated to determine the high, low, and
a coating thickness gage. The user obtains a minimum of ten average coating thickness in a given area. SSPC-PA 2 pre-
(10) readings on the prepared, uncoated substrate. The arith- scribes a frequency of coating thickness measurement based on
metic mean of these values becomes the Base Metal Reading. the size of the area coated.
The BMR is deducted from the coating thickness values in 8.3 For small parts or components, the number of coating
order to report the thickness of the coating layer(s) over the thickness measurements is typically based on the criticality of
surface profile. the application, and should be as agreed upon between the
7.4 Adjustment—Many instruments can be adjusted by the purchaser and seller.
user in order to improve their accuracy on a specific surface or 8.4 For mass quantities of manufactured products, the
within a specific portion of its measurement range. In most frequency of coating thickness measurement is dictated by the
instances it should only be necessary to check zero on the volume produced and should be based on statistical process
uncoated substrate and begin measuring. However the effects control (SPC) calculations for sample size selection.
of properties of the substrate (composition, magnetic
properties, shape, surface profile, edge effects) and coating 9. Report
(composition, mass, surface texture), as well as ambient and 9.1 The following items should be reported:
surface temperatures, may require adjustments to be made to 9.1.1 Type of instrument used including manufacturer,
the instrument. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. model number, serial number, and date of calibration,

&RS\ULJKWE\$670,QW O DOOULJKWVUHVHUYHG 6DW6HS*07

5
'RZQORDGHGSULQWHGE\
5XEHQ&XHQR $OXWHF SXUVXDQWWR/LFHQVH$JUHHPHQW1RIXUWKHUUHSURGXFWLRQVDXWKRUL]HG
 D7091 − 21
9.1.2 Type of coating thickness standard or reference 9.1.7 Date of the inspection.
standard, or both, together with the method used for accuracy
verification or any adjustment, or both, 10. Keywords
9.1.3 Size and description of test specimen,
10.1 coatings; coating thickness; dry film thickness; eddy
9.1.4 Base Metal Reading (if appropriate),
current thickness gages; magnetic gages; magnetic method;
9.1.5 The value of each measurement (if appropriate),
nondestructive thickness; paint thickness; thickness testing
9.1.6 Operator identification, and

APPENDIXES

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. PRECAUTIONS REGARDING VERIFICATION OF GAGE ACCURACY

X1.1 When selecting shims to verify the accuracy of Type 2 X1.3 Independent of what standard is employed, they
coating thickness gages, it is necessary to be aware of should be periodically verified to ensure the assigned value is
additional characteristics that can affect the measured values. correct. Even coated metal plates can wear or be damaged to an
These factors include, but are not limited to: extent that gage readings are affected.
X1.1.1 Permanent creases in the shim due to folding, X1.4 When verifying the accuracy of magnetic gages on
X1.1.2 Air entrapment between the shim and substrate, coated steel standards it is important to be aware of the effect
X1.1.3 Distortion due to environmental conditions, such as of the coating on some types of magnetic gages. For best
temperature, and accuracy when measuring with magnetic induction principle
gages, consider the following:
X1.1.4 Shim thickness inconsistency (due to the pressure of
the probe tip) that may be a permanent “dimple” in the shim. X1.4.1 Verify gage accuracy on metal plated (conductive
coating) standards when measuring conductive coatings (for
X1.2 Even with these factors, in many applications, verifi- example, chrome and zinc); verify gage accuracy on epoxy
cation of gage accuracy using shims directly on the sample to coated (non-conductive) standards when measuring non-
be measured can be more appropriate than using plated or conductive coatings (for example, paint).
coated standards. Some gage manufacturers produce certified X1.4.2 Gages that use the Hall-effect principle are not
shims. affected by the conductive nature of the coating.

X2. USE OF INSTRUMENTATION WITH SCANNING CAPABILITY

X2.1 Some Type 2 gages are capable of scanning. These ments capable of scanning. For example; if a probe can take
gages continuously take measurements while the probe is in 120 readings per minute while it is in contact with the
contact with the coating until the probe is lifted clear. Often, coating/substrate, then a scan length of 1 m (3 ft) at a rate of
gages using this methodology will display statistics such as the 0.3 m ⁄s (1 ft ⁄s), a scan of 3 s duration, will result in six
average, minimum, and maximum coating thickness measure- readings, from which the average is calculated.
ment in the scanned area.
X2.3 SSPC-PA 2, Appendix 10 describes a protocol for
X2.2 Consideration of the scan rate and scan length needs to obtaining a greater population of coating thickness measure-
be made when determining an inspection method using instru- ments using Type 2 gages with scanning capability.

ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or [email protected] (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
(www.astm.org). Permission rights to photocopy the standard may also be secured from the Copyright Clearance Center, 222
Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, Tel: (978) 646-2600; http://www.copyright.com/

&RS\ULJKWE\$670,QW O DOOULJKWVUHVHUYHG 6DW6HS*07

6
'RZQORDGHGSULQWHGE\
5XEHQ&XHQR $OXWHF SXUVXDQWWR/LFHQVH$JUHHPHQW1RIXUWKHUUHSURGXFWLRQVDXWKRUL]HG