Standard Test Method for Film Hardness by Pencil Test

SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for rapid, inexpensive determination of the film hardness of an organic coating on a substrate in terms of drawing leads or pencil leads of known hardness.  
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, 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.

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Historical
Publication Date
09-Mar-2000
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ASTM D3363-00 - Standard Test Method for Film Hardness by Pencil Test
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:D3363–00
Standard Test Method for
Film Hardness by Pencil Test
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 3363; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4.2 This test method is especially useful in developmental
work and in production control testing in a single laboratory. It
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for rapid, inexpen-
should be recognized that the results obtained may vary
sive determination of the film hardness of an organic coating
between different laboratories when different pencils as well as
on a substrate in terms of drawing leads or pencil leads of
panels are used. Every effort should be made to standardize the
known hardness.
hardness of the lead used and the technique followed.
1.2 This test method is similar in content (but not techni-
4.3 If this test method is used as a basis for purchase
cally equivalent) to ISO 15184.
agreement, maximum precision will be achieved if a given set
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
of referee pencils be agreed upon between the purchaser and
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
the seller.
only.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5. Apparatus
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5.1 A set of calibrated drawing leads (preferred) or equiva-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
lent calibrated wood pencils meeting the following scale of
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
hardness:
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
6B25B24B23B22B2B2HB2F2H22H23H24H25H26H
2. Referenced Documents
Softer Harder
(1)
2.1 Other Standards:
ISO 15184, Determination of film hardness by pencil test.
The difference between two adjacent leads shall be consid-
ered one unit of hardness.
3. Summary of Test Method
5.2 Mechanical Lead Holder, for drawing leads if used.
3.1 A coated panel is placed on a firm horizontal surface.
5.3 Mechanical Sharpener, draftsman-type, is helpful for
The pencil is held firmly against the film at a 45° angle (point
trimming wood pencils if used.
away from the operator) and pushed away from the operator in
5.4 Abrasive Paper, grit No. 400.
a6.5-mm( ⁄4-in.)stroke.Theprocessisstartedwiththehardest
6. Test Specimens and Conditions
pencil and continued down the scale of hardness to either of
two end points: one, the pencil that will not cut into or gouge
6.1 Apply the surface coating by appropriate means to a
the film (pencil hardness), or two, the pencil that will not
smooth rigid substrate and cure properly, or use representative
scratch the film (scratch hardness).
panels cut from coated stock. The panels used, the curing
conditions, and the age of the coating prior to the test shall be
4. Significance and Use
within the limits agreed upon between the purchaser and the
4.1 Pencil hardness measurements have been used by the
seller.
coatings industry for many years to determine the hardness of
6.2 The film thickness of the coating shall be as specified or
clear and pigmented organic coating films. This test method
as agreed upon between the purchaser and the seller.
has also been used to determine the cure of these coatings,
6.3 Conduct the test at 23 6 2°C (73.5 6 3.5°F) and 50 6
especially when forced dried using heat.
5 % relative humidity.
7. Procedure
This method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-1 on Paint and
7.1 For wood pencils, remove approximately 5 to 6 mm ( ⁄16
Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.23 on Physical Properties of Applied Paint Films. to ⁄4 in.) of wood from the point of each pencil using a
Current edition approved March 10, 2000. Published May 2000. Originally
draftsman-type mechanical sharpener, being careful to leave an
published as D 3363 – 74. Last previous edition D 3363 – 92a.
undisturbed, unmarked, smooth cylinder of lead. Holding the
Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 W 42nd St., 13th
pencil holder (when using drawing leads) at an angle of 90° to
Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D3363
the abrasive paper, rub the lead against the paper main
...

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