SSPC-PA 16

September 25, 2012

SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings

Method for Evaluating Scribe Undercutting on

Coated Steel Test Panels Following Corrosion Testing

1. Scope rust staining on the surface of the coating when making the
measurements.
1.1 This standard allows the user to determine average
undercutting values on coated steel test panels scribed in 3.2 PROCEDURE 2: Destructive method for final measure-
accordance with Section 6 of ASTM D 1654. The standard ments. This procedure is suitable for evaluating coatings at the
includes requirements for data collection, analysis, and completion of testing. This is the default measurement for final
reporting. measurements unless Procedure 1 is specified. Undercutting
is measured after removing the coating along the scribe by
1.2 This standard is applicable for evaluation of most scraping or chiseling with a suitable instrument to completely
types of protective coatings for use on steel. This standard expose the corroded area. Measure exposed areas of corrosion
is not applicable to evaluation of thermal sprayed metals and along the scribe. Disregard corrosion products or rust staining
ceramic coatings, hot-dip and electro-coated metal coatings, on the surface of the coating when making the measurements.
and tapes.
4. Data Collection Procedures
2. Referenced Standards
4.1 AVERAGE DISTANCE OF UNDERCUTTING
2.1 The latest issue, revision, or amendment of the refer- CORROSION: Measure the distance of undercutting corro-
enced standards in effect on the date of invitation to bid shall sion along both the right side and the left side of each scribe,
govern, unless otherwise specified. starting from the edge of the scribe. Take nine measurements
on each side of each scribe at locations spaced at 10 mm inter-
2.2 If there is a conflict between the requirements of any vals, disregarding the ends of the scribe line, such that a total
of the cited reference standards and this standard, the require- of 18 data points (nine to the right of the scribe and nine to the
ments of this standard shall prevail. left) are obtained for each scribe. Measured values shall be
in whole millimeters unless otherwise specified. Measurement
2.3 ASTM INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS:1 may be either direct using a ruled device, or indirect using cali-
pers and a ruler.
D 1654 Standard Test Method for Evalua-
tion of Painted or Coated Specimens 4.2 AREA OF UNDERCUTTING CORROSION: Unless
Subjected to Corrosive Environments otherwise specified, measure the total area of undercutting
D 7087 Standard Test Method for An Imaging corrosion along the entire length of each scribe to the nearest
Technique to Measure Rust Creepage whole millimeter. To determine the area manually, overlay
at Scribe on Coated Test Panels each scribe with a transparent grid (ruled in millimeters) and
Subjected to Corrosive Environments estimate the total area of undercutting corrosion to the nearest
square millimeter. Alternatively, use digital imaging in accor-
3. Undercutting Evaluation Procedures dance with ASTM D 7087 to directly or indirectly (using a trace
of each area) measure the area of undercutting at each scribe.
Two procedures for measuring undercutting are allowed
by this method. Data analysis and reporting requirements are 5. Data Analysis and Reporting
identical for each procedure.
5.1 UNDERCUTTING CORROSION DISTANCE PARAM-
3.1 PROCEDURE 1: Nondestructive method for interim ETER: Data points acquired according to the procedures in
measurements only. Undercutting is determined by measuring Section 4.1 are analyzed. Compute the mean (average), Xd
areas of rust creepage or missing, disbonding, or lifted coating and the standard deviation, 2Sd of the data. Compute the
along the scribe. Defects at the scribe having the appearance scribe undercutting distance parameter D, as the mean plus
of a “blister” are also considered indicative of undercutting two standard deviations (D = Xd + 2Sd). Report the number
when using this standard. Disregard corrosion products or of data points, the value of each data point, mean undercut-
1
ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. For
ting distance, standard deviation, and undercutting distance
referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM parameter.
Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards volume infor-
mation, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.

1
SSPC-PA 16
September 25, 2012

5.2 UNDERCUTTING CORROSION AREA PARAM-

ETER: Data points are acquired as described in Section
4.2 and analyzed. Compute the mean (average), Xa and
the standard deviation, 2Sa of the data. Compute the scribe
undercutting area parameter A, as the mean plus two standard
deviations (A = Xa + 2Sa ). Report the number of data points,
the value of each data point, mean undercutting area, standard
deviation, and undercutting area parameter.

6. Disclaimer

6.1 While every precaution is taken to ensure that all

information furnished in SSPC standards and specifications is
as accurate, complete, and useful as possible, SSPC cannot
assume responsibility nor incur any obligation resulting from
the use of any materials, coatings, or methods specified herein,
or of the specification or standard itself.

6.2 This standard does not attempt to address prob-

lems concerning safety associated with its use. The user of
this standard, as well as the user of all products or practices
described herein, is responsible for instituting appropriate
health and safety practices and for ensuring compliance with
all governmental regulations.

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