This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: D4417 14

Standard Test Methods for

Field Measurement of Surface Profile of Blast Cleaned
Steel1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4417; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon () indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope 2.2 SSPC Standard:3

1.1 These test methods cover the description of techniques SSPC PA 17 Procedure for Determining Conformance to
for measuring the profile of abrasive blast cleaned surfaces in Steel Profile/Surface Roughness/Peak Count Require-
the laboratory, field, or in the fabricating shop. There are ments
additional techniques suitable for laboratory use not covered by 3. Summary of Test Method
these test methods.
3.1 The methods are:
1.2 Method B may also be appropriate to the measurement 3.1.1 Method AThe blasted surface is visually compared
of profile produced by using power tools. to standards prepared with various surface profile depths and
1.3 SSPC standard SSPC PA 17 provides additional guid- the range determined.
ance for determining conformance with surface profile require- 3.1.2 Method BThe depth of profile is measured using a
ments. fine pointed probe at a number of locations and the arithmetic
mean of the maximum peak-to-valley distances is determined.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the 3.1.3 Method CA composite plastic tape is impressed into
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information the blast cleaned surface forming a reverse image of the profile,
only. and the maximum peak to valley distance measured with
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the thickness gage specifically designed for use with the replica
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the tape method.
responsibility of whoever uses this standard to consult and
establish appropriate safety and health practices and deter- 4. Significance and Use
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 4.1 The height of surface profile has been shown to be a
factor in the performance of various coatings applied to steel.
2. Referenced Documents For this reason, surface profile should be measured prior to
coating application to ensure that it meets that specified. The
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 instruments described are readily portable and sufficiently
D7127 Test Method for Measurement of Surface Roughness sturdy for use in the field.
of Abrasive Blast Cleaned Metal Surfaces Using a Por-
table Stylus Instrument NOTE 1Optical microscope methods serve as a referee method for
surface profile measurement methods A and B. Profile depth designations
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in are based on the concept of mean maximum profile (h max); this value is
ASTM Test Methods determined by averaging a given number (usually 20) of the highest peak
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to to lowest valley measurements made in the field of view of a standard
Determine the Precision of a Test Method measuring microscope. This is done because of evidence that coatings
performance in any one small area is primarily influenced by the highest
surface features in that area and not by the average roughness.4

1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on
5. Apparatus
Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and are the direct 5.1 Method AA profile comparator consisting of a number
responsibility of Subcommittee D01.46 on Industrial Protective Coatings.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2014. Published March 2014. Originally
of areas (each approximately one square inch in size), usually
approved in 1984. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as D4417 11. DOI:
3
10.1520/D4417-14. Available from Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC), 40 24th St., 6th Floor,
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Pittsburgh, PA 15222-4656, http://www.sspc.org.
4
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM John D. Keane, Joseph A. Bruno, Jr., Raymond E. F. Weaver, Surface Profile
Standards volume information, refer to the standards Document Summary page on for Anti-Corrosion Paints, Oct. 25, 1976, Steel Structures Painting Council, 4400
the ASTM website. Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Mar 14 08:03:31 EDT 2017
1
Downloaded/printed by
Universidad De Chile (Universidad De Chile) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 D4417 14

1) The tape consists of a compressible foam coated onto an incompressible polyester substrate.
2) In use, the tape is compressed (burnished) against the roughened surface to be measured.
3) After burnishing, the foam retains an impression of the surface.
4) Subsequent measurement of the replicas thickness, minus that of the substrate, yields surface roughness.
FIG. 1 Illustration of Replica Tape Principle of Measurement

side by side, with a different profile or anchor pattern depth. 7. Procedure

Each area is marked giving the nominal profile depth in mils or 7.1 Method A:
micrometres. Typical comparator surfaces are prepared with 7.1.1 Select the comparator standard appropriate for the
steel shot, steel grit, or sand or other nonmetallic abrasive, abrasive used for blast cleaning.
since the appearance of the profile created by these abrasives 7.1.2 Place the comparator standard directly on the surface
may differ. The comparator areas are used with or without to be measured and compare the roughness of the prepared
magnification of 5 to 10 power. surface with the roughness on the comparator segments. This
5.2 Method BA depth micrometer fitted with a pointed can be done with the unaided eye, under 5 to 10 power
probe. The probe is typically machined at a 60 included angle magnification, or by touch. When using magnification, the
with a nominal radius of 50 m and exerting a minimum force magnifier should be brought into intimate contact with the
of 75 g. The base of the instrument rests on the tops of the standard, and the depth of focus must be sufficient for the
peaks of the surface profile while the spring loaded tip projects standard and surface to be in focus simultaneously.
into the valleys. 7.1.3 Select the comparator segment that most closely
5.3 Method CA replica tape5 containing a compressible approximates the roughness of the surface being evaluated or,
foam attached to a flexible, incompressible plastic substrate of if necessary, the two segments to which it is intermediate.
uniform thickness. A burnishing tool, having a spherical 7.1.4 Evaluate the roughness at a sufficient number of
rounded end approximately 8 mm (0.3 in.) in diameter, is used locations to characterize the surface as specified or agreed upon
to impress the foam face of the tape into the surface to be between the interested parties. Report the range of results from
measured, to create a reverse replica. The thickness of the all locations as the surface profile.
reverse replica is then measured using a thickness gage 7.2 Method B:
specifically designed for use with this replica tape. This 7.2.1 Prior to use verify that the gage reads zero by placing
sequence of steps is illustrated in Fig. 1. it on a piece of plate float glass. Hold the gage by its base and
5.4 Thickness gages suitable for use in this application have press firmly against the glass. Adjust the instrument to zero if
plane parallel circular contact surfaces with the top contact necessary.
surfaces with the top contact surface that touches the incom- 7.2.2 To take readings, hold the gage firmly against the
pressible polyester side having a diameter of 6.3 mm (0.25 in.), prepared substrate. Do not drag the instrument across the
a closing force of 100 grams-force 615 g and an accuracy of surface between readings, or the spring-loaded tip may become
at least 65 m (0.2 mils). rounded leading to false readings.
7.2.3 Measure the profile at a sufficient number of locations
6. Test Specimens to characterize the surface, as specified or agreed upon between
6.1 Use any metal surface that, after blast cleaning, is free of the interested parties. At each location make ten readings and
loose surface interference material, dirt, dust, and abrasive record the maximum value. Then determine the mean for all
residue. the location maximum values and report it as the profile
measurement of the surface.
5
The sole source of supply of suitable replica tape, Press-O-Film, known to the 7.3 Method C:
committee at this time is Testex, 8 Fox Lane, Newark, DE 19711. If you are aware
7.3.1 Confirm that the target profile is within the primary
of alternative suppliers, please proved this information to ASTM International
Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the profile measurement range for replica tape of 20 to 115 m.
responsible technical committee,1 which you may attend. Grades (thicknesses) of tape permit measurement outside this

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Mar 14 08:03:31 EDT 2017
2
Downloaded/printed by
Universidad De Chile (Universidad De Chile) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 D4417 14
range, but these additional grades should only be used to check TABLE 1 Profile Measurement Statistics
measurements near the ends of the primary range. Replica Tape
Reproducibility
7.3.2 Follow manufacturer instructions to obtain the first (of Average Replica Standard Deviation
two) profile readings. Coded Surface Tape Profile (mils)
ID Number (mils) SR
7.3.3 The average of two readings is a profile measure-
102 1.29 0.12
ment. Manufacturer recommendations provide guidance on 114 2.65 0.23
whether these two readings should both be obtained with the 124 2.79 0.18
same tape grade or two different grades. 121 3.75 0.15
119 4.22 0.18

8. Report
8.1 Report the range and the appropriate average (mean or
mode) of the determinations, the number of locations these coefficients, the following criteria should be used for
measured, and the approximate total area covered. judging, at the 95 % confidence level, the acceptability of
results:
9. Precision and Bias 9.2.2.1 RepeatabilityTwo results, each the mean of four
replicates, obtained by the same operator should be considered
9.1 Test Method A: suspect if they differ by more than 54 %.
9.1.1 ApplicabilityBased on measurements of profiles on 9.2.2.2 ReproducibilityTwo results, each the mean of four
surfaces of 8 steel panels, each blast cleaned with 1 of 8 replicates, obtained by operators in different laboratories
different abrasives to a white metal degree of cleaning, having should be considered suspect if they differ by more than 79 %.
known ratings of profile height ranging from 37 m (1.5 mils)
to 135 m (5.4 mils), the correlation coefficient for Test 9.3 Method C:
Method A was found to be 0.75 and the coefficient of 9.3.1 The precision of Test Method C is based on a
determination was found to be 0.54. intralaboratory study conducted in 2011. Eleven laboratories
participated in this study, analyzing materials representing five
9.1.2 PrecisionIn an interlaboratory study of Test Method different property types. Each test result reported represents
A in which 2 operators each running 2 tests on separate days in an individual determination and the participating labs reported
each of 6 laboratories tested 8 surfaces with a broad range of three replicate test results for each material type. Practice E691
profile characteristics and levels, the intralaboratory coefficient was followed for the design and analysis of the data; the details
of variation was found to be 20 % with 141 df and the are given in ASTM Research Report: RR:D01-1177.6 Values in
interlaboratory coefficient was found to be 19 % with 40 df, Table 1 are taken from the foregoing report.
after rejecting 3 results for one time because the range between 9.3.2 The reproducibility standard deviation (SR) Docu-
repeats differed significantly from all other ranges. Based on mented in Table 1 for each of five levels of profile, is key to
these coefficients, the following criteria should be used for assessing whether a given measurement is statistically different
judging, at the 95 % confidence level, the acceptability of from either an upper or lower profile limit established in
results: advance by the interested parties.
9.1.2.1 RepeatabilityTwo results, each the mean of four 9.3.3 The term reproducibility standard deviation is used
replicates, obtained by the same operator should be considered as specified in Practice E177.
suspect if they differ by more than 56 %. 9.3.4 A measured profile that is within either limit of a
9.1.2.2 ReproducibilityTwo results, each the mean of four pre-specified range by an amount equal to SR has a 68 %
replicates, obtained by operators in different laboratories probability of satisfying specification. A profile within 1.5 SR
should be considered suspect if they differ by more than 54 %. of a specified limit has a 86 % probability of satisfying
9.2 Test Method B: specification and a profile within 2.0 SR of a specified limit has
a 95 % probability of satisfying the specification.
9.2.1 ApplicabilityBased on measurements of profiles on
9.3.5 The precision statement was determined through sta-
surfaces of 8 steel panels, each blast cleaned with 1 of 8
tistical examination of 160 test results, reported by eleven
different abrasives to a white metal degree of cleaning, having
laboratories, on five surfaces of differing profile covering the
known ratings of profile height ranging from 37 m (1.5 mils)
approximate profile range of 30 to 110 m (1.2 to 4.4 mils).
to 135 m (5.4 mils), the correlation coefficient for Test
The five surfaces bore the internal control code numbers 102,
Method B was found to be 0.99 and the coefficient of
114, 124, 124, and 119.
determination was found to be 0.93.
9.2.2 PrecisionIn an interlaboratory study of Test Method 9.4 BiasAt the time of this study, there was no generally
B in which 2 operators, each running 2 tests on separate days, accepted reference method suitable for determining the bias for
in each of 5 laboratories tested 8 surfaces with a broad range of this test method, therefore no formal statement regarding bias
profile characteristics and levels, the intralaboratory coefficient is being made.
of variation was found to be 19 % with 113 df and the
interlaboratory coefficient was found to be 28 % with 32 df, 6
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
after rejecting 3 results for one time because the range between be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D01-1177. Contact ASTM Customer
repeats differed significantly from all other ranges. Based on Service at service@astm.org.

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Mar 14 08:03:31 EDT 2017
3
Downloaded/printed by
Universidad De Chile (Universidad De Chile) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 D4417 14
TABLE 2 Comparison of Test Methods with Test Method D7127
Electronic Stylus Profile Measurements for Bias Estimation
Test Method
Replica Tape D7127
Reproduc- Average Rerpoduc-
ibility Test Method ibility
Average Standard D7127 Standard
Coded Sur- Replica Deviation Determined Deviation
face Tape Profile (mils) Profile Rt (mils)
ID Number (mils) SR (mils) SR
102 1.29 0.12 1.18 0.076
114 2.65 0.23 2.50 0.210
124 2.79 0.18 2.91 0.286
121 3.75 0.15 4.06 0.345
119 4.22 0.18 4.52 0.356

9.4.1 Nevertheless, testing in support of Test Method D7127

relied on measurements of the same roughness test panels used
to determine precision for method C of this standard. Com-
parison of data obtained using these two procedures gives a
measure of relative method bias. Table 2 presents these data.
9.4.2 Fig. 2 is a plot of replica tape-determined profile
against the Portable-Stylus-Instrument-determined parameter
Rt. A least-square straight line fitted to profiles for the five
surfaces measured using both methods has a slope of 0.9.
NOTE 2The test methods measure different values and the qualitative
Comparison method (horizontal axis) is that referenced in Test Method D7127,
rating on which the applicability was determined also measures a different describing use of electronic stylus surface roughness testers. Grit blasted panels
value. The mode is determined with the comparator of Test Method A. The were measured using both method and plotted against one another. Each plotted
height of a single valley below a plane at the level of the highest points x-value and horizontal error bar was deduced from 99 electronic stylus
surrounding peaks is measured with the fine pointed probe of Test Method measurements (Test Method D7127). Each points y-value and vertical error bar
B. The distance from the bottoms of many of the deepest valleys to the was deduced from 33 replica tape measurements (Test Methods D4417).
tops of the highest peaks (maximum profiles) are measured with the FIG. 2 Illustration of Replica Tape Surface Roughness Precision
composite plastic of Test Method C. The height of a single peak above an and Bias
adjacent valley below is measured with a microscope for the qualitative
rating that is compared with each of the methods in correlation calcula- 10. Keywords
tions. Because the results for the microscope and for the fine pointed probe
are measurements to an individual valley, the readings range over much 10.1 abrasive; abrasive blast cleaning; anchor pattern; sur-
broader limits than the results of the tape or the comparator. face profile; surface roughness

ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or service@astm.org (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
(www.astm.org). Permission rights to photocopy the standard may also be secured from the Copyright Clearance Center, 222
Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, Tel: (978) 646-2600; http://www.copyright.com/

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Mar 14 08:03:31 EDT 2017
4
Downloaded/printed by
Universidad De Chile (Universidad De Chile) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.