UNE-EN ISO 1463-2021 PDF

Full title and description

STB UNE-EN ISO 1463-2021 — Metallic and oxide coatings — Measurement of coating thickness — Microscopical method. This standard specifies a microscopical (cross‑section) technique for measuring the local thickness of metallic coatings, oxide layers and porcelain or vitreous enamel coatings by optical microscopy of prepared cross‑sections.

Abstract

ISO/EN/UNE ISO 1463:2021 describes the preparation of specimens (mounting, cutting, polishing), the microscopical examination of cross‑sections and the procedures for determination and reporting of coating thickness values (local measurements) for metallic and oxide coatings and vitreous enamel. The method is destructive (requires cross‑section) and is intended for local thickness measurement where profilometric or non‑destructive techniques are not appropriate or where cross‑section detail is required for interpretation.

General information

• Status: Active / Vigente.
• Publication date: 3 November 2021 (UNE/EN adoption date commonly listed as 2021‑11‑03; ISO edition published in 2021).
• Publisher: AENOR (UNE edition, national adoption); original international document published by ISO (ISO/TC 107).
• ICS / categories: 25.220.20 (Surface treatment), 25.220.40 (Metallic coatings).
• Edition / version: 2021 edition (current revision of the ISO 1463 series; listed as the 4th edition in bibliographic records).
• Number of pages: 21 pages (UNE/EN ISO published text: 21 pages).

Scope

This document specifies a microscopical method for the measurement of the local thickness of metallic coatings, oxide layers and porcelain or vitreous enamel coatings by examination of cross‑sections with an optical microscope. It covers specimen preparation (cutting, mounting and polishing), selection of measurement locations on the cross section, calibration and magnification considerations, measurement procedures and presentation of results. The method is intended for laboratory and quality‑control use when a cross‑section (destructive) measurement is acceptable or required for microstructural interpretation.

Key topics and requirements

• Specimen preparation: cutting, mounting (resin), grinding and polishing to reveal coating/substrate cross‑section without introducing artifacts.
• Microscopy: optical microscope use, recommended magnifications, calibration of measurement scale and verification of microscope optics.
• Measurement procedure: selection of representative locations, number of local measurements, measuring from coating surface to substrate interface, and handling of multilayer or porous coatings.
• Reporting: required information in test reports (method identification, specimen preparation, microscope calibration, measurement locations, statistical treatment and measurement uncertainty considerations).
• Applicability and limitations: intended for local thickness determination; destructive technique; not intended as a replacement for non‑destructive profilometric or coulometric methods where those are specified.

Typical use and users

Used by metallurgical and coating laboratories, quality‑control departments in coating and plating industries, research institutions, inspection bodies and corrosion testing laboratories. Typical applications include verification of electroplated or conversion coatings, enamel/coating thickness checks on components, failure analysis and research where microstructural context is needed alongside thickness data.

Related standards

Related and complementary documents include earlier versions of ISO 1463 (withdrawn/superseded editions), the identical EN ISO 1463:2021 text (European adoption), and other ISO standards and test methods for coating measurement and surface treatment (e.g., profilometric and non‑destructive thickness measurement methods). The 2021 edition supersedes the previous UNE/EN/ISO 1463:2005/2003 family documents.

Keywords

coating thickness; microscopical method; cross‑section; metallic coatings; oxide layers; vitreous enamel; optical microscopy; specimen preparation; AENOR; ISO 1463.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: It is ISO 1463:2021 adopted as UNE‑EN ISO 1463:2021 — a standardized microscopical (cross‑section) method for measuring the local thickness of metallic and oxide coatings and vitreous enamel coatings.

Q: What does it cover?

A: The standard covers specimen cutting, mounting, polishing, microscopical examination, measurement procedures, calibration and reporting requirements for local (cross‑section) coating‑thickness determinations. It is a destructive method that provides local thickness values and microstructural context.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Coating and plating manufacturers, independent testing and inspection laboratories, corrosion/control engineers, research labs and quality assurance teams that need accurate local thickness measurements and microstructural information.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2021 edition is the current published revision and replaces earlier editions (the 2003/2005 family of documents). National adoptions (UNE/EN) list the 2021 text as active/vigente and note that it supersedes the previous UNE‑EN ISO 1463:2005.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the body of ISO/TC 107 work on metallic and inorganic coatings and sits alongside other measurement methods (profilometric, non‑destructive techniques and test methods) referenced in the surface‑treatment/coatings family of standards.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Coating thickness, cross‑section, microscopical method, metallic coatings, oxide layers, enamel, optical microscopy, specimen preparation.