There are a variety of international standards that describe and apply to the taking of different types of measurements. These standards aim to standardise and set-out the techniques for undertaking such measurements, ensuring a consistent approach internationally and comparability.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is the key international body publishing standards. National bodies often adopt these standards and publish them in their countries. In the UK the national body is is the British Standards Institution (BSI) and in the USA it is the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

What standards apply to coating thickness measurement?

ISO 2178 – Non-magnetic coatings on magnetic substrates — Measurement of coating thickness — Magnetic method

ISO 2360 – Non-conductive coatings on nonmagnetic electrically conductive base metals — Measurement of coating thickness — Amplitude-sensitive eddy-current method

Our FN Z, FN Evo, FN Ext, and FN Max coating thickness gauges follow both of these standards. They can also be used in accordance with the following standard:

ISO 19840 – Paints and varnishes. Corrosion protection of steel structures by protective paint systems. Measurement of, and acceptance criteria for, the thickness of dry films on rough surfaces.

What standards apply to gloss measurement?

ISO 2813 – Paints and varnishes — Determination of gloss value at 20 degrees, 60 degrees and 85 degrees

ASTM D523 – Standard Test Method for Specular Gloss

ASTM D2457 – Standard Test Method for Specular Gloss of Plastic Films and Solid Plastics

Our GM1 gloss meter and GM2 gloss meter follow these standards. Our GM2 gloss meter can also be used to calculate a haze index in accordance with:

ASTM D4039 – Standard Test Method for Reflection Haze of High-Gloss Surfaces