Complies with International Standards
ISO 8503-1 ASTM D 4417-A
ISO 8503-2
Surface Comparator
A precision Nickel Comparator Plate that conforms to Easy to use, place the Comparator against an area of the test
International Standard ISO 8503 and ASTM D4417 for grit and surface. Compare in turn the four sectors of the Comparator
shot-blast surface roughness comparison measurement. against the test surface using the x10 Illuminated Magnifier,
placed so that the test surface is viewed simultaneously with a
When steel has been blast-cleaned, the surface consists of segment of the Comparator. The nearest profile to the
random irregularities with peaks and valleys that are not easily Comparator determines the grade.
characterised. Experts have recommended that the profile
should be identified as dimpled (shot-blast) or angular The different grades are defined as follows: Fine-grade
(grit-blast), and that they should be graded as Fine, Medium profiles equal to segment 1 and up to but excluding segment
or Coarse with each grade being defined by limits specified in 2; Medium-grade profiles equal to segment 2 and up to but
ISO 8503. These characteristics are considered to give excluding segment 3; and Coarse-grade profiles equal to
sufficient distinguishing features for most painting segment 3 and up to but excluding segment 4.
requirements.
Supplied in a Protective Wallet.
Surface Comparator Specifications
Part No Model Type Section Profiles Metric Section Profiles Imperial Conformance
Cert Part No
R2006 Grit 25µm, 60µm, 100µm, 150µm 1mils, 2.4mils, 4mils, 6mils NRC01
R2007 Shot 25µm, 40µm, 70µm, 100µm 1mils, 1.6mils, 2.8mils, 4mils NRC01
RA001 x10 Illuminated Magnifier (for viewing the Surface Comparator)
Coating Thickness Gloss Porosity Adhesion Surface Roughness Surface Cleanliness Climatic Conditions Electrostatic Inspectors Accessories
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Operation
Evaluation
Select the appropriate surface profile reference comparator.
The Grit Comparator is for comparing profiles after
blast-cleaning with grit abrasives, and the Shot Comparator is
for comparing profiles after blast-cleaning with shot abrasives.
Place the selected Comparator against an area of the test
surface. Compare in turn the test surface with the four
sectors of the Comparator. This can be done with the unaided
eye, using the x10 Illuminated Magnifier or by touch.
The Comparator should be placed so that the test surface is
viewed simultaneously with a segment of the comparator.
Assess the profiles on the comparator that are nearest to the
profile of the test surface and determine its grade from the
following:
Fine-grade profiles equal to segment 1 and up to but
excluding segment 2.
Medium-grade profiles equal to segment 2 and up to but
excluding segment 3.
Coarse-grade profiles equal to segment 3 and up to but
excluding segment 4.
If any profile is assessed as below the lower limit for the Fine
grading, assess this grading as Finer than Fine. If any profile
is assessed as greater than the upper limit for the Coarse
grading, assess this grading as Coarser than Coarse.
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