For measuring paint film thickness, adhesion and hardness of paints and coatings on metallic and non-metallic substrates.
The surface is subjected to a cross-hatch or indentation test according to relevant standards, and is evaluated under a 60° light.

Determination of paint film thickness
With the illumination turned on, the microscope displays a micron scale with 100 graduations 2000 microns long.
Estimate the coating thickness, depending on the cutting angle of the cutting tool, align the zero scale with the beginning of the scratch, and calculate according to the scale.
The scratches are not straight, and to improve the accuracy of multiple scratched sections, it is necessary to measure and calculate the average value, and to determine the thickness of each layer if each coat has a different color.
Marked according to DIN ISO ASTM
Use a suitable cutting tool to create a grid pattern on the paint film and cut the substrate.
According to the DIN ISO method, brush the scribed area five times in a diagonal direction with a bristle brush.
For the ASTM method, apply tape to the scribed area and then remove the tape.
The meshed area was then evaluated with a microscope.
Buckholz indentation hardness
Tested according to DIN 53153 in combination with indentation knife and associated load weight.
The load weight is installed on the top of the instrument, the indentation knife is selected to be placed on the surface of the paint film, lifted after 30 seconds, and the indentation length is measured through a microscope.
GB/T 13452.2-2008 Paints and varnishes - Determination of film thickness
ISO 2409, 2815
ASTM D 3359
DIN 50986, 53153
cutting tool | use | Cutter specification | Measuring range |
number 1 | Measuring film thickness | 45°Cut Angle | 0-2000μm |
number 2 | Measuring film thickness | 26.6°Cut Angle | 0-1000μm |
number 3 | Measuring film thickness | 5.7°cut angle | 0-200μm |
No 4 | cross cut test | 1mm spacing | 0-60μm |
Number 5 | cross cut test | 2mm spacing | 60-120μm |
number 6 | Indentation test | 15mm radius | Level 125-59 |