Standardization News

A proposed ASTM International standard describes a way of measuring organic coating film thickness without destroying the coating itself. ASTM’s committee on paint and related coatings, materials, and applications (D01) is developing the proposed standard (WK68904).

“In many industries, the thickness of coating layer applied is both important and difficult to measure accurately,” says ASTM International member Eddie Baron, director of research and development, Beckers. “This proposed standard attempts to provide an accurate way to measure this thickness.”

According to Baron, manufacturers, laboratories, and industrial consumers that are looking to measure film will find the proposed standard, which uses ruggedized optical interference, to be useful. The method described in the standard can be used during coating applications or in a laboratory setting.

ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards. Baron notes that organizations interested in further testing the new technology described in the proposed standard are welcome to join the subcommittee.