AS 233 I . I .

3-2001 (Reconfirmed) 2017-04-07

STANDARDS AUSTRALIA

RECONFIRMATION
OF
AS 2331.r.3-2001
Methods of test for metallic and related coatings
Method 1.3: Local thickness tests-Magnetic method

RECONFIRMATION NOTICE

Technical Committee MT-009 has reviewed the content of this publication and in
accordance with Standards Australia procedures for reconfirmation, it has been
determined that the publication is still valid and does not require change.

Certain documents referenced in the publication may have been amended since the
original date of publication. Users are advised to ensure that they are using the latest
versions of such documents as appropriate, unless advised otherwise in this
Reconfirmation Notice.

Approved for reconfirmation in accordance with Standards Australia procedures for

reconfirmation on 20 March 2017 .

The following are represented on Technical Committee MT-009:

Australasian Institute of Surface Finishing
Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Australian Industry Group
Australian Steel Institute
Bureau of Steel Manufacturers of Australia
Galvanizers Association of Australia
Galvanizing Association of New Zealand
New Zealand Metal Roofing Manufacturers
I.IOTES
 AS 2331.r.3-200r
Reconfirmed 2017

Australian Standard"
o
N
Methods of test for metallic and related coatings
(.,
g,
I
Method 1.3: Local thickness tests-Magnetic
i,o
method

PREFACE
This Standard has been prepared by the Joint Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand
Committee MT-009, Metal Finishing, to supersede AS 2331.1.3-1980. It is the result of a
consensus among representatives on the Joint Committee to produce it as an Australian
Standard. The objective of this revision is to upgrade the requirements so that they closely
align with ISO 2178:1982, Non-magnetic coatings on magnetic substrates-Measurement of
c o ating thi c kne s s- Magne tic m ethod.

The term 'informative' has been used in this Standard to define the application of the
appendix to which it applies. An 'informative' appendix is only for information and
guidance.

METHOD

I SCOPE
This Standard specifies the method of using coating thickness instruments of the magnetic
type for non-destructive measurements of the thickness of non-magnetic coatings (including
vitreous and porcelain enamel coatings) on magnetic basis metals.
The method is applicable only for measurements on reasonably flat specimens. In the case
of nickel coatings on non-magnetic substrates, the preferred method is that specified in
AS 2331.1.4 or in ISO 2361.
NOTE: Factors relating to measuring accuracy are given in Appendix A.

2 REFERENCEDDOCUMENTS
The following documents are referred to in this Standard:

AS
2331 Methods of test for metallic and related coatings
2331.1.1 Method 1.1: Local thickness tests-Micrographic examination of cross-
sections
233t.1.4 Method 1.4: Local thickness tests-Magnetic induction and eddy current
methods
ISO
2064 Metallic and other inorganic coatings-Definitions and conventions
concerning the measurement of thickness
2361 Electrodeposited nickel coatings on magnetic and non-magnetic substrates-
Measurement of coating thickness-Magnetic method

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Australia
AS 2331.1.3-2001 2

3 DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Standard, the definitions in ISO 2064, and that below apply.
3.1 Reference area
The area within which a specified number of single measurements is required to be made.

4 PRINCIPLE
Coating thickness instruments of the magnetic type measure either the magnetic attraction
between a permanent magnet and the basis metal, as influenced by ihe presence of the
coating, or the reluctance of a magnetic flux path passing through the coating and the basis
metal.

5 CALIBRATION OF INSTRUMENTS
5.1 General
Before use, each instrument shall be calibrated in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions using suitable calibration standards or by eomparing magnetie thiekness
measurements made on a selection of the test specimens with thickness measurements made
by the method specified in the Standard for the particular coating concerned. For
instruments which cannot be calibrated, the deviation from the nominal value shall be
determined by comparison with calibration standards and shall be taken into consideration
for all measurements.
DLrring nse, the calibration of the instrument shall be checked at frequent intervals.
Appropriate attention shall be given to the procedures specified in Clause 6.
NOTE,: Factors affecting the measuring accuracy are described in Appendix A.

5.2 Calibration standards

5.2.1 General
Calibration standards of uniform thickness are available either as shims or foils, or as
coated standards.
5.2.2 Calibration foils
Because of the difficulty of ensuring adequate contact. foils are not generally recommended
for the calibration of instruments using the magnetic attraction principle, but they are
suitable for use in some circumstances provided that necessary precautions are taken. They
can normally be used for the calibration of other types of instruments.
NOTES:
I In this Clause the word 'foil' is used to imply a non-magnetic metallic or non-metallic foil or
shim.
2 Foils are advantageous for calibration on curved surfaces and are more readily available than
coated standards.
3 To prevent measurement errors, it is necessary to ensure that intimate contact is established
between foil and basis metal. Resilient foils should be avoided, if possible.
4 Calibration foils are subject to indentation and therefore need to be replaced frequently.
5.2.3 Coated standards
Coated standards shall consist of appropriate coatings bonded to a substrate which shall
have relevant material properties similar to those of the test piece. The coating shall have an
equipment response similar to that of the coating under test and shall have a known uniform
thickness.
@ Standards Australia www.standards.com.au
 3 AS 2331.1.3-2001

5.3 Verification
The surface roughness and magnetic properties of the basis metal of the calibration
standards shall be similar to those of the test specimen. To confirm their suitability, a
comparison of the readings obtained from the basis metal of the uncoated calibration
standard and that of the uncoated test specimen is recommended.
In some cases, the calibration of the instrument needs to be checked by rotating the probe
through increments of 90".
NOTE: The effects of changing the orientation of the probe are discussed in Clause 6.ll and
Appendix A, Paragraph A15.
The thickness of the basis metal of the test specimen and of the calibration standard shall be
the same, if the critical thickness is not exceeded.
NOTE: Critical thickness is defined in Appendix A, Paragraph A4.
It is often possible to back up the basis metal of the calibration standard or of the test
specimen with a sufficient thickness of similar metal to make the readings independent of
the basis metal thickness.
If the curvature of the coating to be measured is such as to preclude calibration on a flat
surface, the curvature of the coated standard, or of the substrate on which the calibration
foil is placed, shall be the same as that of the test specimen.

6 PROCEDURE

6,1 General
Each instrument shall be operated in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
NOTE: Factors affecting the measuring accuracy are described in Appendix A.
The calibration of the instrument (see Clause 5) shall be checked at the test site, each time
the instrument is put into service, and at frequent intervals during use, to ensure proper
performance.
The requirements and precautions given in Clauses 6.2 to 6.1 I shall be observed.
6.2 Basis metal thickness
A check shall be carried out to determine whether the basis metal thickness exceeds the
critical thickness. If it does not, either use the back-up method described in Clause 5.3 or
ensure that the calibration has been made on a calibration standard having the same
thickness and magnetic properties as the test specimen.

6.3 Edge effects

Measurements shall not be made in the proximity of a discontinuity, such as an edge, hole
or inside corner of a test specimen, unless the validity of the calibration for such
measurements has been demonstrated.

6.4 Curvature
Measurements on a curved surface of a test specimen shall not be made, unless the validity
of the calibration for such measurements has been demonstrated.

6.5 Number of readings

Because of normal instrument variability, several readings shall be taken in each measuring
area. If local variations in coating thickness occur, a number of measurements shall also be
made in the reference area; this applies particularly if the surface is rough.
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 AS 2331.I.3-2001 4

Instruments of the attractive force type are sensitive to vibrations, which may cause
crroneous results.

6.6 Direction of mechanical working

If +l^^ l:-^^+:^- *^^L^-:^^l --.^..l-:,.^ 1^^- r------r -r.--i gOt rt r.
tl trrv utluuLlurl ur
^f llllttJllallludl wul KlllB llas a pIUIIUUItUeU Clf Otl tfl9 fga(llng,
measurements on test specimens shall be made with the probe in the same orientation as
that used during calibration. If
this is impossible, make four measurements in the same
measuring area by rotating the probe through increments of 90".

6'l Dasid"ol nornafica

If residual magnetism is present in the basis metal, and a two-pole instrument employing a
stationary magnetic field is used, measurements shall be made in two orientations differing
by 180".
it may be neeessary to clema-gnetize the test specrmen to obtain valid results.

6.8 Surfacecleanliness
Test pieces shaii be thoroughiy cieaneci before testing. The cleaning methoci empioyeci shaii
depend on the nature of the surface and the contaminants, and shall not include the use of
any abrasives or solvents that may attack the surface ofthe test pieee.
Care shall be taken to ensure that test pieces are not reconiaminated by excessive or
eareless handling after cleaning.

6"9 Lead coatings

If using instruments of the attractive force type, lead coatings may stick to the magnet. Care
is required with the application of oil films as some types of magnetic gauges can be
affected. Cil shall not be used on coatings other than lead.

6.10 Techniques
The results obtained may depend on the technique of the operator. For example, the
pressure applied to a probe, or the rate of applying a balancing force to a magnet, will vary
from one individual to another. Such effects can be reduced or miniurized either by having
the instrument calibrated by the same operator who will make the measurement, or by using
constant pressure probes. In appropriate cases, when a constant pressure probe is not being
used, the use of a mcasuring stand is strongly recommended.

6.11 Positioning of the probe

'T.L^
rllL :-^+-,,-^-+
rrrJLlulllEtlt --^L-
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-L^,,11 L^ ..l^^^l
pgtpgiluluulat .-tu .l-lilg test surlauc
u\r plautru --^-..-^.-l:---I-.- c- -
att ,ttne polnI ol
measurement. For some instruments of the attractive force type, this is essential. For some
other instruments, however, it may be desirable to tilt the probe slightly and to select the
angle of inclination giving the minimum reading. If the results obtained on a smooth surface
vary substantially with the angle of the inclination, it is probable that the probe is worn and
needs to be replaced.

If an instrument of the attractive force type is to be used in a horizontal or upside-down

position, it shall be calibrated separately for that position if the measuring system is not
supported at the centre ofgravity.

O Standards Australia www. standards.com. au

 5 AS 2331.1.3-2001

7 ACCURACY REQUIREMENT
The calibration and operation of the instrument shall be such that the coating thickness can
be determined to within l0o/o of its true thickness or to within 1.5 pm, whichever is the
greater (see Clause 5). The method is capable of better accuracy.

8 REPORT
The test report shall include the following information:
(a) Reference to this Australian Standard, i.e. AS 2331.1.3.
(b) Identification of the test specimen.
(c) Identification ofthe coating or product tested.
(d) The location on the coated item at which the test was made.
(e) The measured thickness, in micrometres, at each point and the length of section over
which measurements were distributed.
(f) The local thickness, i.e. the arithmetic mean of the measured thickness values.
(g) The reference area, in square centimetres, and its location.
(h) Any deviation from the method specified.
(i) Any factor thaL may have influenced the result.
0) Identification of the instrument used.
(k) The report number and date.
(l) The name of the testing authority.

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 AS 2331.1.3-200r 6

APPENDIX A
FACTORS AFFECTING THE MEASURING ACCURACY
(lnformative)

A1 GENERAL
The factors given in Clauses A2 to Al4 may affect the accuracy of measurements of coating
thickness.
NOTE: For the purpose of this Standard, the measuring uncer'tainty is defined as the uncertainty
obiaineci witir an instrurnent tirat is correctiy caiibrateci anci useci.

A2 COATING THICKNESS
The precision of a measuremcnt changcs with coating thickness depending orr fhe
instrument design. For thin coatings, the precision is constant and independent of the
thickness. For thick coatings, the precision is an approximately constant fraction of the
thickness.

,{3 MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF THE BASIS METAL

Thickness measurements by the magnetic method are affected by variations in the magnetic
properties of the basis metal. For practical purposes, magnetic variations in low carbon
steels can be considered to be insignificant. To avoid the influences of several, or iocalized,
heat treatments and cold working, the instrument should be calibrated using a calibration
standard having a basis metal with the same properties as those of the test specimen or,
preferably, and if available, with a sample of the part to be tested before application of the
coating.

A4 BASIS METAL THICKNESS

For each instrument, there is a critical thickness of basis metal above which measurements
will not be affected by an increase in thickness of the basis metal. Since the critical
thickness is dependent on the instrument probe and the nature of the basis metal, its value
should be determined experimentally, unless it is specified by the manufacturer.

A5 EDGE EFFECTS
The magnetic method is sensitive to abrupt changes in surface contour of the test specimen.
Therefore, measurements made too near an edge or inside corner will not be valid unless the
instrument is specifically calibrated for such measurements. The effeet may extend up to
about 20 mm from the discontinuity, depending on the instrument.

A6 CURVATURE
Measurements are affected by the curvature of the test specimen. The influence of curvature
varies considerably with the make and type of instrument, but always becomes more
pronounced as the radius ofcurvature decreases.
Instruments with two-pole probes may also produce different readings if the poles are
aligned in planes parallel or perpendicular to the axis of a cylindrical surface. A similar
effect can occur with a single-pole probe if the tip is unevenly worn.
Measurements made on curved test specimens may not, therefore, be valid unless the
instrument is specifically calibrated for such measurements.

@ Standards Australia www.standards.com.au

 7 AS 2331.1.3-2001

A7 SURFACE ROUGHNESS
Surface roughness affects the accuracy of thickness measurements and, to compensate, it is
necessary to take additional measurements on different areas of the coating to achieve a
reasonable result. It is preferable to check the zero of the instrument by testing uncoated
basis metal. If necessary, the coating can be stripped with a solution that does not attack the
basis metal. If the range of a series of measurements, made within the same reference area
on a rough surface, substantially exceeds the inherent repeatability of the instrument, the
number of measurements required should be increased to at least five.

A8 DIRECTION OF MECHANICAL WORKING OF THE BASIS METAL

Measurements made by an instrument having a two-pole probe or an unevenly worn single-
pole probe may be influenced by the direction in which the magnetic basis metal has been
subjected to mechanical working (such as rolling), the reading changing with the orientation
ofthe probe on the surface.

A9 RESIDUAL MAGNETISM
Residual magnetism in the basis metal affects measurements made by instruments which
employ a stationary magnetic field. Its influence on measurements made by reluctance
instruments employing an alternating magnetic field is much smaller (see Clause 6.7).

AlO MAGNETIC FIELDS

Strong magnetic fields, such as those produced by various types of electrical equipment,
can seriously interfere with the operation of instruments which employ a stationary
magnetic field (see Clause 6.7).

AlI FOREIGN PARTICLES

It is important that the probes make physical contact with the test surface because these
instruments are sensitive to foreign material that prevents intimate contact between probe
and coating surface. The probe tip should be checked to ensure it is clean.

AI2THE PRESENCE OF AN IRON-RICH LAYER IN VITREOUS OR PORCELAIN

ENAMELS
The presence of an iron-rich layer that forms between the enamel coating and a ferrous
substrate, on furnacing, can interfere with the measurement of enamel thickness and result
in lowthickness values. Micrographic examination (see AS 2331.1.1) should be performed
periodically to check the result ofthis test.

A13 CONDUCTIVITY OF COATING

Some magnetic instruments work at frequencies between 200 Hz and 2000 Hz. At these
frequencies, eddy currents produced in thick, highly conductive coatings may interfere with
the reading.

AI4 PROBE PRESSURE

It is important that the poles of the test probe be applied at a constant but sufficiently high
pressure, such that no deformation of the coating occurs, even if the coating material is soft.
Alternatively, soft coatings may be covered with foils, and the thickness of the foils
subtracted from the test results. Such considerations are also necessary if measuring the
thickness of phosphato coatings.

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 AS 2331.1.3-2001 8

A15 PROBE ORIENTATTON

The readings of instruments using the magnetic attraction principie may be affected by the
orientation of the magnet in relation to the field of gravity of the earth. Thus, the operation
ur
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ail
^,^ l,-.-L,-- ,-- ---L
rIlsLIulllellt - t
proDe ln a norlzonlal or upsloe-Oown posltlon may requlre a dttterent
caiibration, or may be ineft'ective.

O Standards Australia www.standards. com. au

NOTES
This Australian Standard was prepared by Committec MT-009, Metal Finishing. It was approved on behalf of the Council of Standarcls
Australia on 1 4 May 200 I and published on I 9 June 200 I .

The lollowing interests are represented on Committee MT-009

Australasian Institute of Metal Finishing
Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Australian Illdustry Group
Depai-rnletil of Delenuc (Ausiralia)
Galvanizers Association of Australia
Institute of Materials Engineering Australasia Limited
Powder Coaters Association
Royal Australian Chemical Institute
Sncietv nf Arlnmnfiva Fnoineerc - Arrctrqlocio
Telstra Corporatiol Linl ited

Additional interests:
Capral Aluminium
Metallurgical consultants
Technical publishers

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Originated as part of AS Kl 73.2-197 I

Previous edition AS 2331 . L3-1980.
Second edition 200 L

This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 99373.

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Published by Standards Australia lnternational Ltd
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