ASTM D3359

Introducing ASTM D3359 – Industrial Physics

ASTM D3359 is a global ASTM international standard method to follow when using a tape test to measure the adhesive properties of materials.

Primarily used in the coating industry, ASTM D3359 is a qualitative tape test that evaluates the adhesiveness of film coatings to metallic substrates. This ASTM standard is achieved by applying and detaching tape over incisions made in a film. This determines whether the adhesion of a coating to a substrate is adequate for its intended application.

Also known as the ‘cross hatch test’, ASTM D3359 is a helpful tape test when you want to evaluate the impact on a coating’s adhesion when subjected to salt spray or UV testing, accelerated aging or is immersed in different liquids.

Due to the macroscopic (visible to the unassisted eye) nature of this ASTM international method you can regulate the complete coating procedure, all the way from surface preparation, through to curing. But these methods don’t distinguish between higher levels of adhesion for which more sophisticated tape test methods of measurement are required.

The ASTM D3359 tape testing process

There’s two distinct ASTM D3359 test methods you can follow when tape testing to ASTM D3359 standards: method A (X-cut method) and method B (cross-cut method).

A hard metal template is prescribed for both methods to ensure straight incisions of the correct angle at the intersection..

ASTM D3359 test method A

Method A is usually the best option when you are field testing.

An “X” is cut through the film. Next, a prescribed, pressure-sensitive tape is applied over the cut and is then removed. The adhesion of the tape test is evaluated on a zero to five scale.

ASTM D3359 test method B

Method B is usually the best option when you’re in a laboratory setting.

A transverse lattice pattern – with either six or eleven incisions in each orientation – is devised through the film. A standard pressure-sensitive adhesive tape is applied over it – then it’s removed. Again, the adhesion of the tape test is calculated on a zero to five scale.

ASTM D3359 testing equipment

So, how can Industrial Physics improve your ASTM D3359 testing?

A high quality device that tests the adhesion of dry coats of paint on their substrate by cutting through their coating a number of times.

Two series of parallel cuts, cross angled to each other, obtains a pattern of 25 or 100 similar squares. The ruled area is evaluated using a table chart after a short treatment with a stiff brush, or adhesive tape for hard substrates.

This robust, precision engineered instrument is fully adjustable, while the cutter is guided by two ball bearings for reproducible results. It’s suitable to measure coatings up to 250 µm thick.

Click here to find out more.

TQC cross cut adhesion test knives

We make a wide range of cross cut adhesion knives in a variety of sizes. There are models available for different coating thicknesses and substrates, according to different standards – including ASTM D3359.

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Your global test and measurement partner for ASTM D3359