1.1 This test method covers the radial sectioning technique 2,3,4 for measurement of the thickness of thin surface layers, made by a wide variety of processes, on metals, alloys, carbides, and oxides.

1.2 This test method is applicable to measurement of a wide variety of surface layer types where the interface between the layer and substrate is discernible by natural color or reflectivity differences or by means of color or reflectivity differences due to etching or staining.

1.3 This test method does not pertain to layer thickness measurements made by analysis of compositional variations.

1.4 This test method deals only with the recommended test method and nothing in it should be construed as defining or establishing limits of acceptability for any coating method.

1.5 The measurement values stated are in the metric system, as defined in Standard E380.

1.6 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems 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. For specific precautionary statements, see Section 7.