ASTM D3363, “Standard Test Method for Film Hardness by Pencil Test,” has just been released as a new 2005 Reapproved in 2011 (e2) Edition and is now available from Document Center Inc. The technical content of the 2005 Edition has not changed, but the Figure 2 and Section 7 were editorially corrected (the e2 designation).
Pencil hardness measurements have been used by the coatings industry for many years to determine the hardness of clear and pigmented organic coating films. This test method has also been used to determine the cure of these coatings, especially when forced dried using heat.
ASTM D3363-05(2011)e2 is especially useful in developmental work and in production control testing in a single laboratory. It should be recognized that the results obtained may vary between different laboratories when different pencils as well as panels are used. Every effort should be made to standardize the hardness of the lead used and the technique followed.
The changes provide the user with a clearer picture of how the lead is to be positioned when using a mechanical pencil. Additionally, duplicated material in Section 7 has been removed.
All current ASTM standards and many obsolete revisions are available from Document Center Inc. You can use the Document Center website, www.document-center.com, or contact us by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com). Many of our customers appreciate having us as a resource to review new information on particular standards prior to making the purchasing decision.