Designation: A1030/A1030M − 11

Standard Practice for

Measuring Flatness Characteristics of Steel Sheet Products1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A1030/A1030M; 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.

1. Scope* A924/A924M Specification for General Requirements for

1.1 Flatness is a significant quality characteristic of steel Steel Sheet, Metallic-Coated by the Hot-Dip Process
sheet products. Sheet flatness is affected by mill process factors 3. Significance and Use
plus the grade, thickness and width of the material supplied. It
is the purpose of this practice to define the different flatness 3.1 The definitions and procedures for measuring flatness
characteristics and to describe the method(s) most commonly characteristics of steel sheet products are provided so that
used to measure particular characteristics. The methods de- purchasers and suppliers have common definitions and mea-
scribed are designed and intended to be used in mill situations suring procedures for flatness characteristics. The intention of
and environments. these definitions and measuring methods is not to provide a
dimensional specification for flatness characteristics, but rather
1.2 The substrate shall conform to all the requirements of common procedure(s) for quantifying flatness anomalies. For
the appropriate specifications as follows: Specifications A568/ determining compliance with flatness specifications, references
A568M or A924/A924M. are provided to appropriate ASTM standards.
1.3 Quantitative limits are not addressed and are established
in the general requirements, or individual product specifica- 4. Interferences
tions, or both; or when applicable, as agreed to between 4.1 Measurement of flatness often has been subjective, at
supplier and user. best. Successful measurement of various flatness anomalies on
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units quantitative terms requires recognition of several factors that
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in can interfere with accurate measurements.
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each 4.1.1 Flat surfaces are required. Measurement of several
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining anomalies requires laying of the sample, or a coil area, on a
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance recognized flat surface. In most cases, laying the sample, or a
with the standard. coil area, on a floor will produce satisfactory results, as long as
the floor is recognized as being flat. The flatness of coil areas
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
is also measured on the flat tables of coil processing lines, with
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
the strip tension released. If the measuring surface is not
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
recognized as being flat, a machined flat surface is recom-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
mended.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.1.2 Stepblock gauges or tapered gauges should be
2. Referenced Documents checked regularly with a calibrated hand micrometer. Wear or
dirt build up will affect accuracy.
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
4.1.3 The flat tables of shape gauges capable of measuring
A568/A568M Specification for Steel, Sheet, Carbon, Struc-
flatness characteristics must be clean and the sensors must be
tural, and High-Strength, Low-Alloy, Hot-Rolled and
in good condition.
Cold-Rolled, General Requirements for
4.1.4 The sheet sample must be damage free.

1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A05 on Metallic- 5. Apparatus
Coated Iron and Steel Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee 5.1 Appropriate tools to measure flatness anomalies are
A05.07 on Methods of Testing.
Current edition approved May 1, 2011. Published May 2011. Originally described along with drawings as indicated.
approved in 2003. Last previous edition approved in 2005 as A1030/A1030M - 05. 5.1.1 Flat Surfaces—Accurate measurements of flatness
DOI: 10.1520/A1030_A1030M-11.
2
anomalies require a flat surface, machined flat preferred.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
5.1.2 Machined Stepblock Gauge—See Fig. 1. Typically
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on steps are in 1⁄16 in. [1 mm] increments.
the ASTM website. 5.1.3 Tapered Gauge—See Fig. 2.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

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 A1030/A1030M − 11

NOTE 1—Stepblock gauge for all thicknesses and sizes of cut sheets.
NOTE 2—Dimensions given are approximate overall dimensions.
FIG. 1 Flatness Stepblock Gauge

NOTE 1—Tapered gauge for all thicknesses and sizes of cut sheets.
FIG. 2 Flatness Tapered Gauge

5.1.4 Standard Ruler or Tape Measure. 6.1.3.3 If the I-Unit and % Steepness values are supplied
5.1.5 Hand Micrometer. directly using a shape gauge; determine if the results are within
5.1.6 Lightweight Straightedge—Rigid, but light enough not the maximum specified values.
to affect the test result. 6.2 Ridge Buckle, Quarter Buckle, Center Buckle (see Fig.
6. Procedure 4):
6.2.1 Definition—Buckles are continuous deviations from a
6.1 Wavy Edge (see Fig. 3):
recognized flat surface, having a height (H) and a measurable
6.1.1 Definition—A series of rolling direction edge devia-
cycle (L), and usually occur in narrow width areas parallel to
tions or undulations of the sheet from a recognized flat surface,
the rolling direction other than at the sheet edges.
having a height (H) and a measurable cycle length (L).
6.2.2 Measuring Methods:
6.1.2 Measuring Methods:
6.1.2.1 With a sheet sample, or coil area, of at least 4 ft [1.2 6.2.2.1 With a sheet sample, or coil area, of at least 4 ft [1.2
m] in length by coil width on a recognized flat surface, measure m] by coil width resting on a recognized flat surface, place a
the height (H) at the peak point of each wave from the lightweight straightedge on the highest portion of a buckle and
recognized flat surface with a ruler, tape measure, tapered on the highest portion of the next repeating buckle. Measure
gauge, or stepblock gauge. Also measure the cycle length (L) the height (H) between the straightedge and a strip using a
from peak to peak of each wave with a ruler or tape measure. ruler, tape measure, tapered gauge, or stepblock gauge. Mea-
6.1.3 Permissible Variations sure the cycle length (L) from peak to peak of each buckle with
6.1.3.1 The height (H) of the highest peak measured in a ruler or tape measure.
accordance with 6.1.2.1 shall comply with applicable limits, 6.2.2.2 In the case of a sheet sample, it is permissible to
such as found in the tables on flatness tolerances of Specifica- shear through the centerline of the flatness anomaly and
tions A568/A568M or A924/A924M. Note that the referenced measure as an edge wave (see 6.1.2.1) using a ruler, tape
tables apply to cut sheet that has received adequate flattening. measure, tapered gauge, or stepblock gauge.
While the wavy edge height result from a coil area still 6.2.3 Permissible Variations
attached to a coil is a reasonable indication of flatness, it is not 6.2.3.1 The height (H) of the highest peak measured in
bound by the limits of the referenced tables. accordance with 6.2.2.1 or 6.2.2.2 shall comply with applicable
6.1.3.2 As stated in the section on flatness tolerances of limits, such as found in the tables on flatness tolerances of
Specifications A568/A568M or A924/A924M, I-Unit and % Specifications A568/A568M or A924/A924M. Note that the
Steepness rejection limits are subject to agreement between referenced tables apply to cut sheet that has received adequate
producer and purchaser. Using the procedures of Appendix X1, flattening. While the buckle height result from a coil area still
and the readings from 6.1.2.1, determine the I-Unit and % attached to a coil is a reasonable indication of flatness, it is not
Steepness values, first using the distance between the two bound by the limits of the referenced tables.
highest peaks, and second using the distance between two 6.2.3.2 As stated in the section on flatness tolerances of
adjacent peaks. The highest I-Unit and % Steepness values Specifications A568/A568M or A924/A924M, I-Unit and %
obtained from these two situations shall be used to determine Steepness rejection limits are subject to agreement between
if the specification has been met. producer and purchaser. Using the procedures of Appendix X1,

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 A1030/A1030M − 11

FIG. 3 Wavy Edge

FIG. 4 Ridge Buckle, Quarter Buckle, Center Buckle

and the readings from 6.2.2.1 or 6.2.2.2, determine the I-Unit measure as an edge wave (see 6.1.2.1) using a ruler, tape
and % Steepness values, first using the distance between the measure, tapered gauge, or stepblock gauge.
two highest peaks, and second using the distance between two 6.3.3 Permissible Variations
adjacent peaks. The highest I-Unit and % Steepness values 6.3.3.1 The height (H) of the highest peak measured in
obtained from these two situations shall be used to determine accordance with 6.3.2.1 or 6.3.2.2 shall comply with applicable
if the specification has been met. limits, such as found in the tables on flatness tolerances of
6.2.3.3 If the I-Unit and % Steepness values are supplied Specifications A568/A568M and A924/A924M. Note that the
directly using a shape gauge; determine if the results are within referenced tables apply to cut sheet that has received adequate
the maximum specified values. flattening. While the buckle height result from a coil area still
6.3 Full Center (see Fig. 5): attached to a coil is a reasonable indication of flatness, it is not
6.3.1 Definition—Any overall deviation of a sheet from a bound by the limits of the referenced tables.
recognized flat surface, having a height (H) and a measurable 6.3.3.2 As stated in the section on flatness tolerances of
cycle (L), and occurring over a major portion of the sheet width Specifications A568/A568M or A924/A924M, I-Unit and %
parallel to the rolling direction other than at the sheet edges. Steepness rejection limits are subject to agreement between
6.3.2 Measuring Methods: producer and purchaser. Using the procedures of Appendix X1,
6.3.2.1 With a sheet sample, or a coil area, of at least 4 ft and the readings from 6.3.2.1 or 6.3.2.2, determine the I-Unit
[1.2 m] by coil width resting on a recognized flat surface, place and % Steepness values, first using the distance between the
a lightweight straightedge on the highest portion of a full center two highest peaks, and second using the distance between two
region and on the highest portion of the next repeating region adjacent peaks. The highest I-Unit and % Steepness values
of full center. Measure the height (H) between the straightedge obtained from these two situations shall be used to determine
and the strip using a ruler, tape measure, tapered gauge, or if the specification has been met.
stepblock gauge. Measure the cycle length (L) from peak to 6.3.3.3 If the I-Unit and % Steepness values are supplied
peak of a full center region with a ruler or tape measure. directly using a shape gauge; determine if the results are within
6.3.2.2 In the case of a sheet sample, it is permissible to the maximum specified values.
shear through the centerline of the flatness anomaly and 6.4 Coil Set and Reverse Coil Set (see Fig. 6):

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 A1030/A1030M − 11

FIG. 5 Full Center

FIG. 6 Coil Set and Reverse Coil Set

6.4.1 Definition—A bow condition in the sheet, parallel with set) curves upward, opposite to the curvature of the upper
the rolling direction, as measured from a recognized flat outside lap of an overwound coil.
surface. Coil set (also known as positive coil set) curves 6.4.2 Measuring Methods:
downward in the same direction as the upper outside lap of an 6.4.2.1 For coil set, place a sheet sample of approximately 4
overwound coil. Reverse coil set (also known as negative coil ft [1.2 m] by coil width on a recognized flat surface. Measure

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 A1030/A1030M − 11

FIG. 7 Crossbow and Reverse Crossbow

the highest rise (H) of the sheet edges from the flat surface. Use the center portion of the sheet. The degree of cross bow is
a ruler accurate to 1⁄16 in. [1 mm]. determined in a horizontal position on a recognized flat
6.4.2.2 For reverse coil set, place an adequately leveled surface.
sheet sample of approximately 4 ft [1.2 m] by coil width on a 6.5.2 Measuring Methods:
recognized flat surface. Measure the highest rise (H) of the cut 6.5.2.1 For crossbow, place a sheet sample, or coil area, of
end(s) of the sheet from the flat surface. Use a ruler accurate to approximately 4 ft [1.2 m] by coil width on a recognized flat
1⁄16 in. [1 mm]. surface. Measure the highest rise (H) of the center of the sheet
6.4.3 Permissible Variations from the flat surface. Use a ruler accurate to 1⁄16 in. [1 mm].
6.4.3.1 The height (H) of the highest deviation measured in 6.5.2.2 For reverse crossbow, place an adequately leveled
accordance with 6.4.2.1 or 6.4.2.2 shall comply with applicable sheet sample, or coil area, of approximately 4 ft [1.2 m] by coil
limits, such as found in the tables on flatness tolerances of width on a recognized flat surface. Measure the highest rise (H)
Specifications A568/A568M or A924/A924M, or a value of the edges of the sheet from the flat surface. Use a ruler
agreed upon between the producer and purchaser. accurate to 1⁄16 in. [1 mm] or a lightweight straightedge as
6.5 Crossbow and Reverse Crossbow (see Fig. 7): required.
6.5.1 Definition—A bow condition in the sheet, perpendicu- 6.5.3 Permissible Variations
lar to the rolling direction as measured from a recognized flat 6.5.3.1 The height (H) of the highest deviation measured in
surface. Crossbow (also known as positive crossbow) curves accordance with 6.5.2.1 or 6.5.2.2 shall comply with applicable
downward, with the center portion of the sheet raised a limits, such as found in the tables on flatness tolerances of
measurable amount (H) above the sheet edges. Reverse cross- Specifications A568/A568M or A924/A924M, or a value
bow (also known as negative crossbow) curves upward, with agreed upon between the producer and purchaser.
the edges of the sheet raised a measurable amount (H) above 6.6 Camber (see Fig. 8):

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 A1030/A1030M − 11

FIG. 8 Camber

6.6.1 Definition—The greatest deviation of a coil edge from 7. I-Unit Calculation

a straight line. The measurement is taken on the concave side 7.1 This calculation assumes that flatness irregularities most
and is the perpendicular distance from a straight line to the closely conform to sinusoidal waveforms and uses the flatness
point of maximum deviation (A). wavelength and height for the calculation. An alternate ap-
6.6.2 Measuring Methods: proach is to use I-Unit or % Steepness as a measure of the
6.6.2.1 Lay a sample of at least 20 ft [6 m] next to severity of flatness anomalies. Refer to Appendix X1 for a
recognized straightedge. The perpendicular distance (A) is complete discussion of I-Units.
measured using a ruler accurate to 1⁄16 in. [1 mm]. 7.2 Steel sheet processing units such as temper mills are
6.6.2.2 Cut two 20 ft [6 m] consecutive sections from the sometimes equipped with sensor rolls and detection systems
master coil. Butt together the sections lengthwise with the that directly measure flatness in terms of I-Units. These devices
same edges together. At a 10 ft [3 m] distance from the end, are an acceptable method of measuring flatness. While the
measure the distance between the two edges. Divide this operation of such devices is beyond the scope of this practice,
measurement in half to determine the actual camber (A). the information they supply can be compared with the results
6.6.3 Permissible Variations obtained using this practice. I-Unit values obtained from such
6.6.3.1 The maximum deviation (A) measured in accor- in-line measuring devices will not necessarily agree with those
dance with 6.6.2.1 or 6.6.2.2 shall comply with applicable obtained using this practice.
limits of the table on camber tolerances of Specifications
A568/A568M or A924/A924M, or a value agreed upon be- 8. Keywords
tween the producer and purchaser. 8.1 flatness; steel sheet; steel sheet—metallic-coated

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. ALTERNATIVE METHODS FOR EXPRESSING FLATNESS

X1.1 Introduction and Definitions : H

steepness index 5 (X1.1)
X1.1.1 In addition to the conventional expression of flat- L
ness, the “maximum deviation from a horizontal flat surface,”
at least two other flatness parameters have been developed and
are in use for characterizing sheet with longitudinal waves or
% steepness 5 S 5 S D
H
L
3 100 (X1.2)

buckles. These are Steepness Index and Flatness Index (or X1.1.3 I-Units—Making a series of lengthwise cuts to the
I-Unit), which are illustrated using the example in Fig. X1.1. sample in Fig. X1.1 (a) relaxes elastic stresses present in the
X1.1.2 Steepness Index—Fig. X1.1 (a) shows a representa- sheet and results in narrow strips of differing lengths, as shown
tion of a sheet sample exhibiting edge waves of height H and in Fig. X1.1 (b). Using the length of the shortest strip as a
interval L. The steepness index value for this sample is defined reference ( Lref), the I-unit value (I) for an individual strip is
as follows: defined as follows:

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 A1030/A1030M − 11

I5 S D
DL
L ref
3 105 (X1.3)
X1.2.1 While the strip is on an inspection table, find the
locations on the strip that are not lying flat on the table. If no
flatness deviation can be found, that portion of the coil
where:
(head/middle/tail) can be described as flat (that is, zero I-unit or
DL = difference between the length of a given strip and the zero % steepness).
reference strip.
X1.2.2 If the coil is not totally flat, the height of the
X1.1.4 For the special case of waves/buckles that are deviation must be determined and recorded. If the coil has edge
perfectly sinusoidal in character, the following relationship waves, a step gauge (incremented in intervals of 1⁄16 or 1⁄32 in.
applies: [1 or 0.5 mm]) can be inserted under a wave to determine the
height. If the coil exhibits flatness deviation in the center of the
I F S DS D G
p
2
H
L
2
3 105 (X1.4) strip, a lightweight straightedge can be placed on the highest
portion of the buckle and on the highest portion of the next
repeating buckle. The height can then be determined by
or inserting a step gauge between the straightedge and the strip.
I 5 24.7S 2 (X1.5) X1.2.3 Along with the height, the wave period or wave
interval must also be determined. The wave interval can be
X1.1.4.1 Fig. X1.2 provides I-unit values based on the obtained by using a standard tape measure or straightedge to
sinusoidal approximation for wave heights up to 1⁄2 in. [10 mm] measure the distance between the highest point of one flatness
(increments of 1⁄32 in. [0.5 mm]) and intervals between 10 and deviation to the highest point of the next repeating flatness
40 in. [250 and 1000 mm] (increments of 1 in. [25 mm]). deviation.
Mathematical relationships between the three representations X1.2.4 After determining the height and wave interval,
of flatness described here are given in Table X1.1; these either the I-unit or % steepness value can be obtained. To
relationships can be used to convert between I-unit, % steep- determine the I-unit flatness, locate the appropriate height and
ness, and wave height values (see examples in Table X1.1). wave interval in Fig. X1.2 and read the I-unit value at the
intersection of the two measurements. To determine % steep-
X1.2 Flatness Evaluation Example and Determination of ness, divide the height by the wave interval and multiply the
I-Unit or % Steepness Value: result by 100.

FIG. X1.1 Representation of Sheet Sample with Edge Waves (a) and Strips of Differing Length Which Result from Making Longitudinal
Cuts Along the Sample (b)

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 A1030/A1030M − 11

FIG. X1.2 Unit Conversion Chart

TABLE X1.1 Flatness Conversion FactorsA,B

I-Unit Height % Steepness
I-Unit 1
2L 2
I 1025 I 1021
p œ pœ

Height, H, peak to peak 1 ⁄

(100&#10 H)

S D
Hp
2L
2
105

% Steepness, S 2.5 (p S)2 ⁄

(LS) 100 1

A
L = wave interval as defined in Fig. X1.1 (a).
B
Examples:
(1) Assume % steepness is given as 1.5 and the corresponding I-unit value is desired. From Table Table X1.1, I = 2.5(p S)2 = 2.5[(3.14)(1.5)]2 = 55.5.
(2) Assume an I-unit value of 25 is given and the corresponding % steepness is desired. From Table X1.1, S = 2/p (I × 10 -1)1⁄2 = 2/3.14(25×10 -1)1⁄2 = 1.0.

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 A1030/A1030M − 11
SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee A05 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue,
A1030/A1030M - 05, that may impact the use of this standard. (May 1, 2011)

(1) Deleted subsection 5.1.7 and Appendix X2 on Automated

Shape Gauges.

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