This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what

changes have been made to the previous version. Because

it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.

Designation: D4417 − 19 D4417 − 20

Standard Test Methods for

Field Measurement of Surface Profile of Blast Cleaned
Steel1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4417; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope
1.1 These test methods cover the description of techniques for measuring the profile of abrasive blast cleaned surfaces in the
field. field, shop, and laboratory. There are other techniques suitable for laboratory use not covered by these test methods.
1.2 Method B may also be appropriate to the measurement of profile produced by using power tools.
NOTE 1—The Method B procedure in this standard was developed for use on flat surfaces. Depending on the radius of the surface, the results could
have greater variability with lower values and averages.
1.3 SSPC standard SSPC-PA 17 provides additional guidance for determining conformance with surface profile requirements.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility

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of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
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established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

2. Referenced Documents Document Preview

2.1 ASTM Standards:2
ASTM D4417-20
D7127 Test Method for Measurement of Surface Roughness of Abrasive Blast Cleaned Metal Surfaces Using a Portable Stylus
Instrument
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/c87f3762-e7fd-4329-aa42-2ed82bb71f6e/astm-d4417-20
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
2.2 SSPC Standard:3
SSPC-PA 17 Procedure for Determining Conformance to Steel Profile/Surface Roughness/Peak Count Requirements
2.3 ASME Standard:4
ASME B46.1-2002 Surface Texture, Surface Roughness Waviness and Lay
2.4 ISO Standards:5
ISO 4287: 1997 Geometrical Product Specifications (GPS)—Surface Texture: Profile Method—Terms, Definitions, and Surface
Parameters

1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and are the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.46 on Industrial Protective Coatings.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2019Aug. 1, 2020. Published December 2019August 2020. Originally approved in 1984. Last previous edition approved in 20142019
as D4417 – 14.D4417 – 19. DOI: 10.1520/D4417-19.10.1520/D4417-20.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
3
Available from Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC), 800 Trumbull Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15205, http://www.sspc.org.
4
Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ASME International Headquarters, Two Park Ave., New York, NY 10016-5990, http://
www.asme.org.
5
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO Central Secretariat, BIBC II, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, Geneva,
Switzerland, http://www.iso.org.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 D4417 − 20
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 deadband, n—that distance above and below the mean line that a continuous stylus trace line must cross in both directions
(up and down) to count as a single peak.
3.1.2 evaluation length, n—a sequence of five consecutive stylus sampling lengths.
3.1.3 H, n—the average of the maximum peak-to-valley height distances obtained by measuring the thickness of replica tape.

3.1.3.1 Discussion—

HL is the thickness measurement adjusted for tape non-linearity.

3.1.4 Pd (peak density), n—the number of peaks per unit area obtained from burnished replica tape.
3.1.5 peak, n—a high point in a surface profile.
3.1.6 Rpc (peak count), n—the number of peak/valley pairs, per unit of length, extending outside a “deadband” centered on the
mean line of a stylus trace.

3.1.6.1 Discussion—

For the purpose of Rpc, a peak is defined relative to an upper and lower height threshold. This is a single number (peak count
threshold) and is the distance from a lower threshold to an upper threshold centered on the mean line of the profile.
3.1.7 Rt, n—the vertical distance between the highest peak and the lowest valley within any given stylus evaluation length.

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3.1.8 sampling length, n—the nominal distance parallel to the surface within which surface parameters are determined.
3.1.9 surface profile, n—the height of the major peaks relative to the major valleys.

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3.1.10 traversing length, n—seven sampling lengths comprising the evaluation length and the stylus pre-travel and post-travel
segments.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The methods are:
Document Preview
4.1.1 Method A—The abrasive cleaned surface is compared to commercial replicas of various surface profile depths prepared
by different blast media and the range determined. The ASTM
geometryD4417-20
of the specific abrasive cleaned surface can also be observed. This
does not apply when combinations of blast media, such as shot and grit, are used.
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4.1.2 Method B—The depth of profile relative to the peaks is measured using a fine-pointed probe at a number of locations and
the average of the maximum peak-to-valley distances (or alternatively, the average peak-to-valley distances) is determined.
4.1.3 Method C—A composite plastic tape is impressed into the blast cleaned surface forming a reverse image of the profile.
The average maximum peak-to-valley distance can be measured using a suitable thickness gage. The average of these distances
can be determined from a group of measurements. Specially designed optical readers can also determine the peak density from the
tape replica.
4.1.4 Method D—A trace measurement is taken by a portable stylus surface roughness instrument to obtain maximum
peak-to-valley distance. The average of these distances is determined from a group of five traces. These devices can also determine
peak count information.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The height of surface profile has been shown to be a factor in the performance of various coatings applied to steel. For this
reason, surface profile should be measured prior to coating application to ensure conformance of a prepared surface to profile
requirements specified by the manufacturer of a protective coating or the coating job specification. The instruments described are
readily portable and sufficiently sturdy for use in the field.
NOTE 2—Methods C and D include determination of the peak count (number of profile peaks in a specified distance or unit area). The peak count/peak
density has been shown to be a factor in the performance of various coatings applied to steel. According to research performed by Roper, Weaver and
Brandon6, an increase in peak count can improve the adhesion of some coatings to the prepared steel, as well as provide greater resistance to corrosion
undercutting once the coating becomes damaged in service.
NOTE 3—Optical microscope methods serve as a referee method for surface profile measurement methods A and B. Profile depth designations are based
on the concept of mean maximum profile (h max); this value is determined by averaging a given number (usually 20) of the highest peak to lowest valley
measurements made in the field of view of a standard measuring microscope. This is done because of evidence that coating performance in any one small

6
The Effect of Peak Count or Surface Roughness on Coating Performance, JPCL Vol. 22, No. 6, pp 52-64.

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 D4417 − 20
area is primarily influenced by the highest surface features in that area and not by the average roughness.7

6. Apparatus
6.1 Method A—A profile comparator consisting of a number of areas (each approximately one square inch in size), usually side
by side, with a different profile or anchor pattern depth. Each area is marked giving the nominal profile depth in mils or
micrometres. Typical comparator surfaces are prepared with steel shot, steel grit, or sand or other nonmetallic abrasive, since the
appearance of the profile created by these abrasives may differ. The comparator areas are used with or without magnification of
5 to 10 power.
6.2 Method B—A depth micrometer fitted with a pointed probe. The probe is typically machined at a 60° included angle with
a nominal radius of 50 µm and exerting a minimum force of 75 g. The base of the instrument rests on the tops of the peaks of the
surface profile while the spring loaded tip projects into the valleys.
6.3 Method C—A replica tape8 containing a compressible foam attached to a flexible, incompressible plastic substrate of
uniform thickness. A burnishing tool, having a spherical rounded end approximately 8 mm (0.3 in.) in diameter, is used to impress
the foam face of the tape into the surface to be measured, to create a reverse replica. The thickness of the reverse replica is then
measured using a thickness gage specifically designed for use with this replica tape. This sequence of steps is illustrated in Fig.
1.
6.3.1 Thickness gages suitable for use in this application have plane parallel circular contact surfaces with the top contact
surface that touches the incompressible polyester side having a diameter of 6.3 mm (0.25 in.), a closing force of 100 grams-force
615 g and an accuracy of at least 65 µm (0.2 mils).
6.3.2 Peak density Pd is extracted from burnished replica tape with an instrument that counts bright spots on a photograph taken
by a digital image sensor (camera).
6.4 Method D—An apparatus consisting of a portable skidded or non-skidded electronic surface roughness measurement
instrument (“tester”) capable of measuring Rt in compliance with ISO 4287 and Rpc in compliance with ASME B46.1. The

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apparatus should have a vertical range of at least 300 µm (12 mil) and permit a sampling length of 2.5 mm (0.1 in.) and an
evaluation length of 12.5 mm (0.5 in.) (Laboratory(laboratory experience suggests this vertical range is a practical requirement to
meet the provisions of 6.4.1).
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6.4.1 The apparatus should include a stylus with a tip radius of 5 µm (0.2 mil), and permit recording of Rt in the range 10 to
150 µm (0.4 to 6 mil) and Rpc up to 180/cm (450/in.).

Document Preview
6.4.2 Surface deviations are sensed by the stylus and converted to electrical signals within the device. Internal processing
converts these signals into standard surface characterization parameters, which are then displayed or printed.

ASTM D4417-20
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1) The tape consists of a compressible foam coated onto an incompressible polyester substrate.
2) In use, the tape is compressed (“burnished”) against the roughened surface to be measured.
3) After burnishing, the foam retains an impression of the surface.
4) Subsequent measurement of the replica’s thickness, minus that of the substrate, yields surface roughness.
FIG. 1 Illustration of Replica Tape Principle of Measurement

7
John D. Keane, Joseph A. Bruno, Jr., Raymond E. F. Weaver, “Surface Profile for Anti-Corrosion Paints,” Oct. 25, 1976, Steel Structures Painting Council, 4400 Fifth
Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
8
The sole source of supply of suitable replica tape, Press-O-Film, known to the committee at this time is Testex, 8 Fox Lane, Newark, DE 19711. If you are aware of
alternative suppliers, please proved this information to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible
technical committee,1 which you may attend.

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 D4417 − 20
7. Calibration and Standardization
7.1 Method A:
7.1.1 Comparators require careful handling and if any surface wear is detected the comparator should be discarded.
7.2 Method B:
7.2.1 Before use, each instrument’s accuracy shall be verified by the user in accordance with the instructions of the
manufacturer, employing suitable standards and, if necessary, any deficiencies found shall be corrected.
7.3 Method C:
7.3.1 Before use, each replica tape micrometer’s accuracy shall be verified by the user in accordance with the instructions of
the manufacturer, employing suitable standards and, if necessary, any deficiencies found shall be corrected.
7.4 Method D:
7.4.1 Precision reproductions of standard surface profiles such as those used by the manufacturer of the equipment, or described
in their operational literature, may be used as calibration standards for the apparatus.
8. Preparation of Apparatus
8.1 Method A:
8.1.1 Select the comparator standard appropriate for the abrasive used for blast cleaning.
8.2 Method B:
8.2.1 Prior to use verify that the gage reads zero by placing it on a piece of plate float glass. Hold the gage by its base and press
firmly against the glass. Adjust the instrument to zero if necessary.
8.3 Method C:
8.3.1 Confirm that the target profile is within the primary profile measurement range for replica tape of 20 to 115 µm. Grades
(thicknesses) of tape permit measurement outside this range, but these additional grades should only be used to check

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measurements near the ends of the primary range.
8.4 Method D:

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8.4.1 Set the apparatus to display the chosen parameters in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions.
8.4.2 The evaluation length should be set to five sampling lengths. The sampling length and evaluation length should be set to
2.5 mm (0.1 in.) and 12.5 mm (0.5 in.), respectively.
Document Preview
8.4.3 The traversing length of the apparatus should be set to include pre-travel and post-travel segments, usually equal to one
sampling length at the beginning and one sampling length at the evaluation length. These portions of a traverse are discarded by
the instrument in its calculation of surface parameters.
8.4.4 The low frequency (“long wavelength” or “cutoff”) filter should be set to “Gaussian” or “Gaussian 50 %.” In general, the
ASTM D4417-20
default setting will be compliant.
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/c87f3762-e7fd-4329-aa42-2ed82bb71f6e/astm-d4417-20
8.4.5 If the apparatus has a high frequency (“short wavelength” or “Ls”) filter, it should be set to “off.”
8.4.6 The apparatus should be adjusted (if necessary) to a deadband width (C1 = –C2) in the range 0.5 to 2.0 µm (20 to 80 µin.).
The choice of deadband for profiles as large as those discussed in this standard will have little effect on the measurements. In
general, the default setting will be compliant.
8.4.7 The accuracy of the apparatus should be checked regularly using a calibration block available from the equipment
manufacturer using their written procedure and at their recommended interval.
9. Preparation of the Sample
9.1 Use any metal surface that, after blast cleaning, is free of loose surface interference material, dirt, dust, and abrasive residue.
9.2 Select an area of the surface to be tested that is visibly free from obvious defects such as scratches, deep marks, or other
construction or corrosion defects.
9.3 Using a stiff nylon bristle brush, remove any dust or abrasive particles from the surface in the selected sample evaluation
area.
10. Procedure
10.1 There are four methods to measure the surface profile of the blast-cleaned steel.
NOTE 4—SSPC standard SSPC-PA 17 describes a procedure for determining the number of locations to characterize the surface and for determining
compliance with specified profile range.
10.2 Method A:
10.2.1 Place the comparator directly on the surface to be measured and compare the roughness of the prepared surface with the
roughness on the comparator segments. This can be done with the unaided eye, under 5 to 10 power magnification, or by touch.
When using magnification, the magnifier should be brought into intimate contact with the replica, and the depth of focus must be
sufficient for the standard and surface to be in focus simultaneously.

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 D4417 − 20
10.2.2 Select the comparator segment that most closely approximates the roughness of the surface being evaluated or, if
necessary, the two segments to which it is intermediate.
10.2.3 Evaluate the roughness at a sufficient number of locations to characterize the surface as specified or agreed upon between
the interested parties. Report the range of results from all locations as the surface profile.
10.3 Method B:
10.3.1 To take readings, hold the gage firmly against the prepared substrate. Do not drag the instrument across the surface
between readings, or the spring-loaded tip may become rounded leading to false readings.
10.3.2 Measure the profile at a sufficient number of locations to characterize the surface, as specified or agreed upon between
the interested parties. Discard any unusually high instrument readings that cannot be repeated in an area.
10.3.2.1 At each location make ten readings and record the maximum value. Then determine the average for all the location
maximum values and report it as the profile height of the surface.
10.3.2.2 An alternate method is to make ten readings at each location and determine the average. Then determine the average
for all the locations and report it as the profile height of the surface.
NOTE 5—The ‘average of the location maximums’ procedure in 10.3.2.1 has been shown to produce results that correlate well with methods A, C, and
D in this standard, based on theory and experimental data. The alternate ‘average of the averages’ procedure in 10.3.2.2 has been shown to provide lower
results than the other methods in this standard, but reduces the impact of outliers that the operator may fail to discard.
10.4 Method C:
10.4.1 Follow manufacturer instructions to obtain the first (of two) profile height readings (H) and, optionally, the first (of two)
peak density (Pd) readings.
10.4.2 The average of two “readings” is a “profile measurement.” Manufacturer recommendations provide guidance on whether
these two readings should both be obtained with the same tape grade or two different grades.
10.5 Method D:
10.5.1 Obtain an initial trace measurement (2 parameters), then four additional trace measurements taken in the compass

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directions from the original measurement and about 3 cm (1 in.) away for a total of 5 traces, avoiding obvious surface defects.
10.5.2 If the stylus is prevented from making a complete trace due to a physical interference, such as a deep scratch on the
surface, move the apparatus to a close adjacent area away from the obvious defect and repeat the trace.
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10.5.3 Record the 10 parameters resulting from these five traces (2 parameters per trace).
10.5.4 Calculate the five measurement average for each of the two parameters (Rt and Rpc).

11. Report Document Preview

11.1 At a minimum, the report should contain the following items:
11.1.1 Type of instrument used including manufacturer, model number, serial number, and date of calibration.
11.1.2 Report the number of locations measured, and ASTM D4417-20total area covered.
the approximate
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11.1.3 For Method A, for each location, the surface profile is determined by comparing the abrasive cleaned surface between
two replica plates.
11.1.4 For Method B, the average of the maximum values at each location, or if the alternate method is used, the average of
10 readings at each location and a notation that the alternate method was used.
11.1.5 For Method C, the average of each pair of replica tape readings (H or HL) and, optionally, Pd, at each location.
11.1.6 For Method D, the sampling length, evaluation length, and the values of the five trace measurements for each of the
parameters measured (Rt and Rpc) and their averages, for each location. Note whether a skidded or non-skidded instrument is used.

12. Precision and Bias

12.1 Test Method A:
12.1.1 Applicability—Based on measurements of profiles on surfaces of eight steel panels, each blast cleaned with one of eight
different abrasives to a white metal degree of cleaning, having known ratings of profile height ranging from 37 µm (1.5 mils) to
135 µm (5.4 mils), the correlation coefficient for Test Method A was found to be 0.75 and the coefficient of determination was found
to be 0.54.
12.1.2 Precision—In an interlaboratory study of Test Method A in which two operators each running two tests on separate days
in each of six laboratories tested eight surfaces with a broad range of profile characteristics and levels, the intralaboratory
coefficient of variation was found to be 20 % with 141 df and the interlaboratory coefficient was found to be 19 % with 40 df, after
rejecting three results for one time because the range between repeats differed significantly from all other ranges. Based on these
coefficients, the following criteria should be used for judging, at the 95 % confidence level, the acceptability of results:
12.1.2.1 Repeatability—Two results, each the mean of four replicates, obtained by the same operator should be considered
suspect if they differ by more than 56 %.
12.1.2.2 Reproducibility—Two results, each the mean of four replicates, obtained by operators in different laboratories should
be considered suspect if they differ by more than 54 %.
12.2 Test Method B: