Coating Thickness Measurements

Measuring Coating Thickness Using a Microscope

1. This SOP discusses how to accurately measure the thickness of a coating applied to a substrate using a microscope. This process was originally devised to measure the thickness of various coating systems on the heads of screws.

Safety

1. Use caution when using microscope, do not use excess force when attempting to move stage or switch between different magnitudes.

Procedure

1. Situate the sample to be measured onto the stage.
2. Select a sufficient magnitude of zoom.
3. Bring the sample into focus.
4. Make sure the monitor is attached and powered on.
5. Move the stage until the area of focus is visible on the monitor.
6. Right click on the monitor screen and select "Parallel Lines".
7. Draw a set of parallel lines on either side of the area desired to be measured.
8. A perpendicular line with length will be generated.

Extras

1. Be careful not to bump the microscope while taking measurements as it can lead to lines drawn on monitor becoming unaligned with sample.
2. If you desire to save the measurements it is possible to take a screen shot on the monitor
   • Must have SD card inserted
   • Use the screen capture available at the edge of the monitor screen
   • Note image number