ASTM D6132-97 - 10.7.1997
 
1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the use of ultrasonic film thickness gages to measure accurately and nondestructively the dry film thickness of organic coatings applied over a substrate of dissimilar material. Measurements may be made on field structures, on commercially manufactured products, or on laboratory test specimens. These types of gages can accurately measure the dry film thickness of organic coating on concrete substrates. This test method should be proven for other substrates such as wood, hardbord, plastic, and glass prior to specifying this procedure for use.

1.2 This test method is not applicable to coatings that will be readily deformable under load of the measuring instrument as the instrument probe is placed directly on the coating surface to take a reading.

1.3 The effective range of instruments using the principel of ultrasonics is limited by gage design. A thickness range of 0.5 to 275 mils (10 um to 7 mm) has been demonstrated.

1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standar. The SI units given in parentheses are for information only.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

 
2. Referenced Documents

D823-18(2022)

Standard Practices for Producing Films of Uniform Thickness of Paint, Coatings and Related Products on Test Panels

D1005-95(2024)

Standard Test Method for Measurement of Dry-Film Thickness of Organic Coatings Using Micrometers

PA 9

Measurement of Dry Organic Coating Thickness on Cementitious Substrates Using Ultrasonic Gages

B46.1

Surface Texture (Surface Roughness, Waviness, and Lay)

PA 2

Procedure for Determining Conformance to Dry Coating Thickness Requirements

E691-23

Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

E177-26a

Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods (Includes all amendments and changes 5/14/2026).

D4138-07a(2022)

Standard Practices for Measurement of Dry Film Thickness of Protective Coating Systems by Destructive, Cross-Sectioning Means (Includes all amendments and changes 7/1/2022).